Adventure Log
Session Recaps
Every session the party has played, most recent first.
The Two Lord Velmonts
In the hidden basement of Velmont's house, Faerah, Wisp, and Roark battled the stone golem, shattering the four gems projecting the anti-magic field. Wisp got word to Redgrave: they had found a second Lord Caldris Velmont, chained beneath his own home. At the Athenaeum, Redgrave and Professor Gousse put their Velmont to the test, asking him to enchant a ring — he made excuse after excuse, and when Redgrave attempted a Geas, the spell slid off him entirely. The impostor stormed out: a doppelganger. Professor Gousse opened a portal, and Redgrave joined the fight just as the golem's blows broke the real Velmont's chains. The councilman tried to teleport away — Wisp counterspelled — then fled on foot, only for Wisp to Dimension Door himself and Faerah into his path and take him captive. After several more foiled escapes, Velmont relented: the Silent Ascendency had captured him and set up the magical-item smuggling operation, and just days ago the cult had grown excited, sharply increasing the flow of smuggled items — why, he couldn't say. He directed the party to papers and reagents that could reverse the Feeblemind trap branded on him; alongside them, they found a dagger of unknown power. Faerah returned to the institute to fetch Professor Gousse — and found the doppelganger wearing his face. Nyxia's detect magic exposed the impostor, but it slipped away into a crowd wearing a new form. That night at the Boar's Head tavern, the party gathered with the real Professor Gousse, Mistress Lyssandra Veil, and a squad of guards, and laid their plan: every member of the Umbral Athenaeum would be required to cast magic, to flush the doppelganger out.
Unmasking Lord Velmont
Back in Bruokdon, the party interrogated their captive, Tavish Ironwood, the thief leader taken in the warehouse raid. Tavish gave up the name of his backer — Lord Caldris Velmont, a council member of the Umbral Aethenaeum — and a darker truth about the thefts: the stolen enchanted items weren't simply being fenced for coin, but drained, their magic siphoned away for power. Who was behind that siphoning, he never got to say. The moment the secret was out, a hidden Feeblemind brand seared onto Tavish's back triggered, shattering his mind before he could say more. Determined to expose Velmont, the party laid a plan: Professor Gousse and Redgrave would meet with the councilman to keep him occupied while the others searched his home. Wisp, Roark, Yevelda, and Faerah broke into Velmont's house, overcoming a gauntlet of magical traps and alarms to uncover a hidden room in the basement — where Velmont himself sat waiting for them.
The Warehouse Raid
Acting on the note recovered from the smugglers' hideout, Faerah had slipped away to scout the warehouse from the air, and the Covenant laid their plans. When the raid came, they struck from two directions at once: Wisp and Faerah flew to the warehouse's upper level to hunt down the leader, while the rest of the party broke through the front doors. Inside waited a hardened crew — blackguards, master thieves, an assassin, and a lumbering flesh golem — and the fight was fierce. The leader, Tavish Ironwood, tried to flee the closing net, but Faerah ran him down and took him hostage. Seeing their master cornered and certain to talk, one of his own bodyguards turned on him, trying to cut Tavish down before he could be taken alive. The party cut through the last of the resistance and hauled Tavish away in chains. Among the crates they found the smugglers' haul — boxes upon boxes of minor magical items — and kept a few choice pieces for themselves.
Secrets of the Silent Ascendency
Deep in research at the Umbral Aethenaeum, the party combed the library for anything tied to Vecna. The pages fought them — words slipping away as they read — but two names surfaced again and again before vanishing: the Silent Ascendency and the Eternal Watch. Little more than the names would reveal itself. Professor Gousse agreed to let the party use the Well of Many Worlds for their coming journey into the planes of existence. Among their finds were several spell scrolls and a few curious magic items: the Jaded Necklace, an Amulet of Dragonkin, and a Necklace of Adaptation.
The Freeing of Martin Thricefold
In the kidnappers' headquarters the party finished off their foes, taking several prisoner and freeing the captive old man at last — Martin Thricefold, who revealed himself a follower of the same deity Roark's father served. Within the hideout they also came upon an alchemist's lab, abandoned by its owner. They brought Martin back to the safety of Redgrave's house and delivered the prisoners to the Umbral Aethenaeum. Returning to their research, the party scoured the library for any reference to Vecna — but each time they drew near, the words would vanish from the page before their eyes.
Into the Kidnappers' Den
Hurled through the corrupted teleport circle, the Midnight Covenant found themselves inside the kidnappers' own hideout. They fought their way through the main body of the enemy — a mix of assassins, thieves, and spellcasters — and pressed deeper into the complex, searching room after room and disarming the traps strung throughout. The trail led at last to an underground river port, where the captured old man was being held aboard a waiting boat. As battle broke out against his captors, one of the enemy conjured a wall of ice, cutting the party off from Redgrave and their quarry. Undaunted, Redgrave worked his magic upon the very boat, raising it into a towering giant of timber and hull — and set the old man safe inside it to weather the fight. Among the hideout they uncovered notes revealing the group's purpose: they were smuggling enchanted objects stolen from the Umbral Aethenaeum and moving them across the city.
The Vanishing Scholar
Professor Gousse had sensed a great pulse of energy released from Barovia — to him, a strange new land — and pressed the party with questions. They answered every one, telling him of Vecna, and in return Gousse granted them access to the Umbral Aethenaeum. Led to the section that might hold what they sought, they found only a blank wall where the shelves should be. Wisp dispelled the illusion, revealing a cloaked old man poring over the books — the same old man Roark had heard might know the whereabouts of his father. Before they could speak with him, guards arrived and hauled the man away. Moments later a second group of guards appeared, and the party realized the first had been imposters. Giving chase, they followed the kidnappers into a teleportation circle within the Academy — but the corrupted circle flung them instead into the kidnappers' own headquarters.
The Big City
The party arrived in the bustling city of Bruokdon — Redgrave's old hometown. A guard named Chaz escorted them to the register office, where they formally registered their company as the Midnight Covenant. Redgrave reconnected with the Artisan Guild and the Watchers over the Fallen, of which he was already a member, and settled back into a house in the city. At the Golden Hammer, a smithy run by his old friend the goliath Arnoth, the party outfitted themselves with an array of enchanted gear. Their true purpose in Bruokdon, however, was to seek out Professor Gousse — a council member at the Umbral Aethenaeum, the city's magical school — in hopes its vast library might hold answers about Vecna.
The Forgotten Man of Thornmere
Emerging from the forests of Barovia, the party stepped into a new land: Greenfall. They came upon the small town of Thornmere and soon realized something was deeply wrong — the town's children knew of the party's exploits in Barovia and intimate details about each of them they had no way of knowing. They also found Eamon Morcant, a man who had lived in Thornmere his whole life yet was shunned as a stranger, the villagers somehow made to forget him entirely. Investigating Eamon's home, the party uncovered a magical rune buried beneath it. Breaking the rune restored the villagers' memories, and Redgrave cured the children of the strange magic clinging to them.
Farewell to Barovia
With Strahd destroyed, the fog that had bound Barovia for centuries at last lifted. The party gathered their allies to look to the future. Rictavio and Ezmerelda chose to remain behind, hunting the monsters that still lurked so the villages could finally know peace. Emil returned to his den to reclaim leadership of his werewolves, vowing to be no threat to the people of Barovia. Urwin took a seat on the Vallaki council, pledging to help the town prosper. Seluvis and Marin also elected to stay and help rebuild. Their work in Barovia complete, the Midnight Covenant prepared to move on — closing the book on the horrors of Barovia.
The Fall of Strahd
Invited as guests, the Midnight Covenant took their places among the wedding party as Strahd von Zarovich prepared to wed Ireena. During the ceremony they struck. After a brief and vicious clash the vampire dissolved into mist and fled into the crypts below Castle Ravenloft. The party gave chase, running him to ground in the tomb of his own brother. There Redgrave raised the Amulet of Ravenkind — its light froze Strahd in place, and Redgrave drove a wooden stake through his heart. Even then the vampire would not die; he became mist once more and streamed back to his coffin to heal. Fighting through the horrors that guarded his resting place, the party tore open the coffin and struck the final blow. As Strahd died, a tiny portal bloomed before his chest and drew his soul into the dark. The castle began to collapse, and the Covenant fled through crumbling halls — Rictavio fighting at their side to the end, and Emil, the werewolf they had freed, carrying Ezmerelda to safety. As they escaped into the light, a great beam of purple energy erupted from distant Mount Ghakis, where the Amber Temple lies. A booming voice thanked them: they had delivered the final piece it needed to break free of its prison. It promised ruin and destruction upon the world, and gave its name — Vecna. With Ravenloft in ruin behind them and Strahd destroyed, the party turned to Vallaki, arresting Fiona Wachter and her sons Nikolai and Karl for turning the town to Strahd's cause, and raised a council of elders to guide Vallaki toward peace.
Into the Lion's Den
Party teleports to Castle Ravenloft and tries to sneak in but is caught and brought to the main chamber with the rest of the guests. Breaks up Strahd's wedding
Preparing for the End
With Strahd holding Ireena captive and intent on making her his bride, the party spent their remaining time preparing for the wedding that would become their battlefield. They armed themselves with enchanted broaches that shift color to pass silent signals, and counted their hidden allies — Rictavio, Ezmerelda Davenir, and the Abbot — each expected to turn on Strahd once the ceremony began. Seluvis, Marin, and Faerah visited Blinsky's toy shop, coming away with a Music Box of Mind Shielding, a Cackling Skull Bomb, and a Jack-in-the-Dark. In prayer, Faerah received a cryptic charge from Eilistraee: to seek out "the heart that could grant a boon for the final battle" — a mystery that would not be answered until they walked the halls of Castle Ravenloft.
Second Gem Found
With the second gem recovered and Yester Hill behind them, the party turned to planning their next move against Strahd. Much of the day was spent in council — weighing what they had learned, taking stock of their allies and resources, and deciding how and where to make their stand.
Yester Hill Ritual
With the captured druid broken by Seluvis's interrogation, the party stormed the crown of Yester Hill and shattered the dark druids' ritual before it could be completed. In the fighting the druids called up the Gulthias Avatar, a towering horror of blighted wood, and the party cut it down among the standing stones. As Faerah approached the Gulthias Tree its vines seized her and began dragging her in — but she called on Eilistraee, and a shaft of moonlight lanced down, driving the vines back. At the tree's base they recovered the second of the Wizard of Wines' stolen gems, along with the Yester Hill Axe and the Gulthias Staff.
The Siege on the Winery
The party fortifies themselves in the winery while the leader of the dark druids has their tree blights surround the winery. When the group refuses to come out the cultists and the creatures attack. The party fights through waves of enemies and ends up capturing the leader and interrogates him. He reveals their plans for a ritual on top of Yester Hill.
Trip to the Winery
The party goes to the Wizard of Wines and finds the Martikov family hold up in a small cottage away from the winery beaten and bruised. They agree to clear out the dark druids that have taken over the winery. When they arrive tons of twig blights and needle blights come out of the ground surrounding the winery. There are also several dark druids that fight against the party. As the party fights a flickering portal appears in the field and a wizard appears and immediately joins the fight. After a short scuffle the party clears out the winery and barricades the winery doors.
Shopping Day
The party spends the day in the town shopping for supplies, suspecting that this may be their last chance. They buy multiple potions and Yevelda buys a hand axe with thorns along the handle. Faerah helps a tailor shop keeper prove that one of his rivals is stealing his designs and in return he gives her a pair of winged boots.
The Calm before the Storm
The party discusses their next move. They have a long discussion on how to handle Strahd. Some want reconciliation for him and others want to find a way to reunite Strahd and Sergei together. They decide to use the teleportation gem to teleport them to Krezk and travel south to the Wizard of Wines to find the other gems, hoping that they'd give them an edge. When they arrive at Krezk they arrive at the Abbey of Saint Markovia and meet the Abbot who has a plan to placate Strahd by providing him the "perfect" bride. In the Abbey they also meet several Mongelfolk along with Clovin who live there.
Secret Allies
The party begins to make their way to Vallaki to plan their next move. Having arrived at Vallaki they find that they are no longer welcome. Though with the help of their old friend Urwin, who turns out is a wereraven a part of a secret organization fighting against Strahd in the shadows.
Thieves in the Bog
Under the cover of night, the party executed their daring plan to infiltrate Baba Lysaga’s creeping hut, its twisted branches looming like a dark sentinel in the murky swamps of Berez. With Redgrave’s silence spell masking their approach, they disarmed the magical alarms guarding the treehouse, slipping inside undetected. As they scoured the mystical hut, they discovered a strange crystal, pulsing with dark energy, appearing to be the very heart of the magical tree. Yet another mystery lay in the ethereal chest, unreachable by their mortal hands. Seizing what they could, they fled north, eager to return to the safety of their home base in the wizard’s tower. However, when they arrived, a scene of devastation awaited them. The tower, once a sanctuary, now lay in smoking ruin, its stones scattered like the aftermath of some great force. Among the debris, an envelope, once ornate, pinned to a fallen stone, contained a chilling message—an invitation to Strahd’s wedding. The groom: Strahd von Zarovich. The bride: Tatiana. In the party’s absence, Strahd had taken Tatiana, and now, with the looming wedding, the stakes were higher than ever. The final battle with the vampire lord felt closer than ever, his sinister hand already in motion.
Ghostly Past
After descending the perilous cliffs of Mount Ghakis, the party delved deeper into the dark past of Barovia through the Tome of Strahd. The first chapter revealed Strahd’s ominous journey to the Amber Temple, where he forged a pact with a malevolent entity, though the full extent of his corruption had yet to unfold. But it was the second chapter that struck a deeper chord—the wedding of Sergei and Tatiana, a day meant for joy, shattered by mercenary violence. As Sergei lay wounded, Strahd seized the moment, killing his brother and offering himself to Tatiana. His monstrous transformation began before her eyes, and in terror, Tatiana fled, falling to her death from the heights of Castle Ravenloft. The weight of this tragedy hung over the party as they arrived in the haunted ruins of Berez. There, amidst the fog and decay, they witnessed ghostly figures reliving the grim fate of Marina, who had fallen under Strahd’s thrall. Desperate to save her from becoming yet another victim of the vampire’s curse, the Burgomaster and the priest took her life, an act that enraged Strahd. In his fury, he summoned a devastating tidal wave that swept Berez into ruin, leaving it a desolate swamp. Now, the echoes of past sins and the specter of Strahd’s vengeance loomed larger than ever, a grim reminder of the power they faced.
Crossing the Bridge
In the frozen ruins of Tsolenka Pass, the party took shelter in the crumbling battlements, the howling winds of Mount Ghakis and thick snowfall surrounding them. With the desolate fortress abandoned, Redgrave seized the quiet moment to decode the second chapter of the Tome of Strahd. As the group gathered around, they read Strahd's chilling dedication to Barovia, his land, newly conquered yet cursed by his own ambitions. The weight of the ancient vampire’s words lingered in the cold air, as the dawn’s faint light struggled to pierce the storm. The next day, their journey led them across a perilous bridge spanning a great chasm, but a monstrous bird descended from the peaks, seeking to make them its prey. Desperation drove them to cast the body of a dead Vistani to distract the creature, but its hunger could not be sated. In a vicious clash, Redgrave summoned a swirling vortex of snow, ensnaring the beast, while Seluvis, standing fearlessly in its midst, shattered its talon with his magical fists. Cawing in agony, the bird retreated, leaving the party victorious but shaken. With the mountain looming above and the Luna River far below, they chose a bold plan—using magic to leap from the cliffs, gently floating toward the river, and the next stage of their treacherous journey through Barovia.
Escape the Darkness
The party, realizing the dire situation, decides that their best course of action is to repair the arcane prison holding the dark entity. Redgrave and Seluvis take on the task of fixing the mechanism, but as they work, the entity inside the amber prison begins to radiate harmful magic through the mechanism, attempting to hinder their progress. Meanwhile, Marin feels an inexplicable pull toward the prison. As she touches the mechanism, she is suddenly given a vision of the dark entity within, revealing that it is her patron. During this vision, she engages in a secret conversation with the entity, deepening the mystery of her connection to it. Once the prison is finally repaired, the portal above it closes. However, the party quickly realizes that Marin is in a trance, seemingly entranced by her encounter with the entity. They manage to break her out of it, but Yevelda, suspicious of Marin's immunity to the temple's malevolent effects, confronts her. Yevelda demands answers about Marin's connection to the entity inside the prison and why she seems unaffected by the temple's dark magic. Marin, however, remains tight-lipped, offering little information. The party, wary but needing to move on, sets the matter aside for the time being. Continuing their exploration of the temple, the party encounters several amber doors, each locked by an arcane riddle. They carefully solve each riddle, revealing amber stones behind the doors, each containing a dark entity or force. Exercising extreme caution, the party avoids getting too close to these ominous stones. Despite their careful approach, they are suddenly struck by another wave of intense pain as more of their life force is drained away. The sense of dread intensifies as they realize that if they don't find a way out soon, the temple will be their tomb. In one of the last rooms they explore, the party encounters a forgetful lich named Exethanter. During their conversation with him, they discover that he is a student of the dark secrets stored within the temple and that Strahd himself had once visited this place. Desperate to escape, the party asks Exethanter if he knows of a way out. To their surprise, he reveals that they've always had a means of escape. Exethanter points them to Victor's teleportation notes and the teleportation gem in their possession. Armed with this knowledge, the party quickly uses the teleportation gem, escaping the temple's clutches and reappearing at the Tsolenka Pass, breathing a collective sigh of relief.
Temple of Darkness
The party bravely decides to delve into the Amber Temple, despite the ominous atmosphere that surrounds it. As they approach the front door, an overwhelming wave of evil washes over them, forcing everyone except Marin to their knees. Once they recover from this harrowing experience, they step into the temple, only to be greeted by a deep, suffocating darkness. The silence within the temple is almost deafening, and the desolation is palpable. They soon come across a towering statue of a dark magic caster, its face concealed by an impenetrable shroud of magical darkness. As they venture further into the temple, the party encounters two wildling men and a fierce wildling woman riding a large dire wolf. The wildlings are consumed by a blind rage and immediately attack the party with murderous intent. However, in a brief moment of lucidity, the woman seems to recognize Yevelda and calls her "Helga." The party manages to kill the two men and knock the woman unconscious. They learn her name is Karina and that there are more of her kind at Yester Hill. Additionally, the dire wolf forms a tentative bond with the party, offering them a glimmer of hope in the dark temple. Their victory is short-lived as the party, except Marin, is suddenly struck by a violent seizure. It feels as though their very life essence is being drained from their bodies, causing their ears and eyes to bleed. As they struggle to regain control, the full realization of the temple's malevolence dawns on them. Desperate to escape, they attempt to flee, only to discover that the exit has mysteriously vanished. With no other choice, the party is forced to go deeper into the temple. Eventually, they come upon the source of the overwhelming evil: an imprisoned lich, encased in a massive block of amber and suspended above a damaged arcane mechanism. The mechanism, malfunctioning, has opened a portal above the amber, through which Karina's soul is drawn and consumed by the lich. The party witnesses in horror as the lich feeds on her essence, its power growing even stronger.
Straight to the Tip
The party deliberated on whether to stay in the ruins of Berez, contemplating the possibility that it might hold an artifact Madam Eva had mentioned in her reading. Ultimately, they decided to continue to Mount Ghakis to find the Fiend's Chili, essential for curing Seluvis's lycanthropy. After crossing the Luna River, they arrived at the foot of Mount Ghakis. During the night, they heard a loud creaking of wood. Investigating the noise, they discovered a large tree that seemed to have appeared out of nowhere, with an old house nestled in its branches. They were soon visited by Baba Lysaga, an old witch. When the party informed her that Strahd was expecting them for dinner, she offered to feed them and teleport them directly to his castle. Despite their hesitance, the party accepted her hospitality—everyone except Yevelda, who insulted Baba Lysaga with her attitude. In response, Baba Lysaga transformed Yevelda into a goat. Redgrave quickly reassured Baba Lysaga with a lie, saying that Strahd would be insulted if Yevelda wasn't with them and that they needed to collect their things before going through the portal. Convinced, Baba Lysaga reverted Yevelda back to her original form. Seizing the opportunity, the party quickly retreated up Mount Ghakis. After a challenging climb, they arrived at the peak and found a Fiend's Chili. Seluvis successfully created the potion and cured his lycanthropy. In the midst of their search for the chili, they stumbled upon a massive, ominous temple carved into the side of the mountain, its presence foreboding and mysterious.
Secrets long Dead
Redgrave discovered the diary of Godfrey Gwilym, a significant find as it unveiled the identity of the man he used to be. Meanwhile, the party faced a somber moment upon learning that Savid had been killed by a ghost during their absence. To uncover the circumstances of his death, Marin cast Speak With Dead on Savid and asked several questions. They learned that a ghost had killed him while he was searching for a lost Vistani girl. Savid also revealed that the Vistani could leave Barovia due to a special ability granted by Strahd and mentioned a legend about a dark power imprisoning Strahd in Barovia. The party debated whether to bring Savid's remains with them in their Bag of Holding and ultimately decided to take him along. Their exploration continued as they found Redgrave's, or rather Godfrey Gwilym's, grave. Marin dug up the grave and found a silver dragon made from silver wire. Upon touching the silver dragon, Redgrave experienced a vivid flashback of a close friend named Emeric. The vision revealed that Emeric had left to investigate a danger, which turned out to be Eludrax, the being responsible for Redgrave's creation. Godfrey had followed his friend, leading to an eventual battle with Eludrax. Their journey took a tense turn when Strahd intercepted the party, grappling Seluvis and threatening to kill him while demanding to know Ireena Kolyana's whereabouts. The party managed to feign ignorance regarding Ireena's location, avoiding immediate conflict with Strahd. Continuing south, they arrived in the ruined town of Berez. Here, they encountered the ghosts of long-dead villagers who seemed oblivious to the living. The party met the Burgomaster Ulrich, the only one aware of their presence. Ulrich warned them of the dangers in Berez, particularly cautioning them about a witch who resided there.
Dark Castle in the Storm
As the rain began to pour and the party caught sight of a looming castle in the distance, they pressed onward, eventually arriving at Argynvostholt. The ancient castle stood shrouded in mist and mystery, beckoning them to explore its darkened halls. Inside, Redgrave's mind was haunted by fragmented memories of a past life—a life spent as a member of the Order of the Silver Dragon, now fleeting and elusive. Their exploration led them to Savid, a troubled soul searching for a missing Vistani girl and hiding from the relentless undead that plagued Argynvostholt's halls. Guided by the ethereal presence of Argynvost, manifesting as a spectral fire in the form of a dragon, the party received a solemn plea: to redeem the fallen knights of the Order and relight the beacon atop the high tower, restoring the Order's noble ideals to Barovia. Discovering the mournful revenants known as the Mournful Three, the party faced a tense confrontation. Through Redgrave's earnest diplomacy, they managed to convince one of the revenants that they sought peace, easing the immediate tension. Their path then led them to Vladimir Horngaard, another revenant who guarded the castle. Vladimir sternly informed them of Strahd Von Zarovich's unending suffering, implying a deeper understanding of the curse that bound Barovia. To earn passage and gain Vladimir's trust, the party agreed to undergo a trial. They boldly walked through a wall of fire, demonstrating their resolve and commitment to their mission in the land tormented by darkness.
The Seige of the Werewolves
As the night fell and tension mounted, the party fortified their tower, fashioning makeshift bear traps from furniture and meticulously coating half of them with wolfsbane—a crucial deterrent against the approaching werewolves. In the eerie stillness, the first signs of the impending assault manifested as werewolves launched their attack. Some werewolves scaled the tower walls, seeking entry from above, while others relentlessly pounded on the front door, using Ezmerelda Davenir's wagon as a makeshift battering ram. In a desperate move, Seluvis Felo'melorn detonated the wagon, causing havoc among the werewolves gathered there and buying the defenders precious moments. Despite their efforts, the werewolves eventually breached the front door, pouring into the tower with ferocity. Seluvis, Faerah Duskrane, and Izek Strazni held their ground on the top floor, engaging werewolves descending from the ceiling in a fierce battle to protect their position. Tragically, amidst the chaos, Seluvis was bitten by a werewolf, and despite Redgrave's immediate attempt to use Remove Curse, the curse of lycanthropy persisted. Realizing the gravity of Seluvis's condition, the party understood that a more complex cure was necessary—combining wolfsbane, the heart of the werewolf that bit him, and the elusive Fiends Chilli. This rare ingredient could be found on the slopes of Mt. Ghakis, knowledge possessed by Ezmerelda Davenir. In the midst of the skirmish, Yevelda Ovak delivered a decisive blow, dealing the killing strike to Kiril Stoyanovich, the leader of the assaulting werewolves. With this victory came a brief respite, but the looming challenge of curing Seluvis and fortifying against future threats weighed heavily on the party's minds as the night wore on.
Secrets of the Tower
Using the powerful wand discovered in the tower, the party meticulously restored the structure to its former grandeur. As they continued to harness its growing potency, a mysterious door materialized on a previously barren wall. Venturing through, they were transported to a grim dimension where the air was thick with decay and the ground strewn with bones. Here, they confronted Khazan, the tower's former owner driven mad by his relentless attempts to escape, transforming into a grotesque beast with formidable claws and elongated limbs. In a fierce battle, the party prevailed over Khazan, freeing him from his nightmarish existence and returning to the safety of the tower. Marin, guided by whispered offers from her dark patron, made a pact to animate the preserved head they had discovered earlier. Through this grisly communion, they learned the head belonged to Yan, a Vistani slain by a traveler known as Rictavio. Meanwhile, Faerah Duskrane was contacted by Eilistraee through her pendant, beseeching her to become a champion in the struggle to liberate the oppressed souls of Barovia. With newfound powers, alliances, and daunting challenges ahead, the party stood ready to confront the pervasive darkness that gripped the land, their resolve strengthened by each revelation and encounter.
The History of Strahd
Flipping through the Tome of Strahd, the party was unexpectedly drawn into a vivid memory set within the serene castle courtyard of Castle Ravenloft. There, they encountered a young Strahd von Zarovich engaged in wooden swordplay with Rahadin, the stern chamberlain. They learned of Strahd's familial pressures and upcoming sibling, gaining insight into the early years of the dark lord's life. Returning to the tower, they found a newly appeared magical wand and a chest containing the preserved head of Yan, a Vistani who met his end at the hands of the traveler Rictavio. Marin, guided by mysterious whispers, accepted the power to communicate with Yan, unveiling details of his tragic demise and his identity. Decoding the Tome's second chapter, the party found themselves thrust into a harrowing battle for Strahd against the village of Zmei, defended by stalwart members of the Order of the Silver Dragon. This conflict stirred buried memories in Redgrave, suggesting a possible connection to this noble order. Back in the tower, Redgrave experimented with the wand's surprising ability to manipulate and repair the structure itself. Their explorations were interrupted by Ezmerelda, a fierce monster hunter seeking her mentor, Rudolph van Richten. Tensions escalated when Kiril Stoyanovich, leader of werewolves, arrived, demanding Ezmerelda's surrender after a failed assassination attempt on Strahd. The party stood firm, refusing to yield Ezmerelda to the werewolves, setting the stage for a tense standoff at the tower, with the outcome hanging in precarious balance.
Sanctuary
Following meticulous preparations and acquisitions, including Boots of Striding and Springing from Urwin Martikov, Assassin's Blood purchased by Marin, and generous gifts of Elven Chain and Cloak of Elvenkind from Szoldar Szoldarovich and Yevgeni Krushkin, the party stocked up on healing potions and equipment. Gadof Blinsky's enhancements to Nyxia with Docent qualities and the provision of Eyes of Minute Seeing further bolstered their resources. With a wagon and draft horses secured, the adventurers embarked on their journey to escort Ireena to Krezk. After traveling through the mist-shrouded lands of Barovia, they arrived at a foreboding tower standing solitary on a small island amidst a murky lake. The tower, enveloped in creeping vegetation and showing signs of decay, harbored a surprise—a colorful wagon filled with monster hunting gear, abandoned by its elusive owner. The tower's entrance posed a challenge with a magical lock that demanded a unique dance to unlock, a puzzle swiftly solved by Seluvis. Inside, they encountered four golems operating an ancient elevator that led to the top floor. There, amidst evidence of recent habitation, they discovered the coveted Tome of Strahd. This pivotal artifact promised crucial insights into their nemesis and the dark history of Barovia, propelling them deeper into their quest with newfound determination and purpose.
Deal with the Devil
In their investigation of Fiona Watcher's sinister activities, the party stumbled upon a hidden cellar beneath her house, adorned with deceptive occult paraphernalia. Triggering a trap that summoned skeletal warriors, they valiantly fought and overcame the undead guardians. Their confrontation with Fiona herself followed, revealing her ambitions to seize leadership in Vallaki, citing her belief that the town needed a new direction away from the faltering Vallakovich rule. Fiona unabashedly confessed her allegiance to Strahd, presenting the party with a moral dilemma: oppose her and risk further chaos, or reluctantly accept her as a ruler to maintain some semblance of order. After much deliberation, the adventurers reluctantly decided to allow Fiona to ascend to power, judging it as the lesser evil compared to the alternative turmoil that could ensue. With heavy hearts and a sense of impending doom, the party prepared to depart Vallaki, uncertain of what the future held and whether they would ever return to confront the consequences of their decision. As they ventured forth, the shadow of Strahd's influence loomed large over Vallaki, leaving behind a town grappling with new leadership and the unsettling knowledge of who truly held sway over its fate.
Finding Victor
In their pursuit of Victor Vallakovich, the party uncovered evidence suggesting he had utilized a teleportation sigil to visit Gertruda. Following this lead, they activated the teleportation circle, intending to reach the Village of Barovia. Conversations with Mad Mary and Ismark Kolyanovich there confirmed Gertruda's disappearance, deepening their resolve to find her. Attempting to return to Vallaki via the teleportation circle, they unexpectedly found themselves transported to the dreaded Castle Ravenloft, Strahd's imposing fortress. Inside, they unexpectedly encountered Victor Vallakovich, adding an unexpected twist to their quest. Determined to understand the intricacies of the teleportation system, the party deciphered its workings and successfully redirected it, finally arriving at the Coffin Maker's Shop in Vallaki. Now reunited with Victor and poised to confront the mysteries surrounding Gertruda's disappearance and the deeper secrets of Barovia, the adventurers must navigate the perilous paths ahead, knowing that Castle Ravenloft looms ominously in the backdrop of their adventures.
The Mob of Vallaki
In the aftermath of Strahd's brutal attack on Vallaki, the party emerged as crucial defenders, restoring order and aiding in the cleanup at St. Andral's Church. However, their efforts were overshadowed by the sudden disappearance of Baron Vargas Vallakovich and his family, who were found holed up in their mansion under heavy guard, sparking outrage among the villagers left vulnerable during the assault. As tensions mounted, a quiet but seething mob formed, fueled by resentment and led by the charismatic and manipulative Fiona Wachter. The mob's fury escalated overnight, culminating in a brazen attempt to execute the Baron and his wife in the town square come morning. Amidst this chaos, Yevelda Ovak's unexpected flirtation with Izek Strazni added an unpredictable element to the volatile situation. The party intervened just in time, preventing the execution and whisking the Baron and his wife to safety. However, amidst the turmoil, the whereabouts of Victor, the Baron's necromancer son, remained unknown, raising concerns about his safety and potential influence in the unfolding crisis gripping Vallaki.
Meeting Strahd
The party attended the much-anticipated Festival of the Blazing Sun, a cornerstone of Baron Vargas's attempts to foster cheer and defiance against Strahd. However, as the festival unfolded, a torrential downpour thwarted the Baron's plans, rendering the grand bonfire unlit. Amid the chaos, a guard's ill-timed laughter at the Baron's misfortune led to his immediate arrest. Yevelda, ever the stalwart protector of justice, stood up for the guard and found herself arrested as well, further straining relations with the Baron. As tensions simmered, the congregation gathered for a sermon by Father Lucian. Unbeknownst to them, the sacred bones of St. Andral were once again stolen. Seizing the moment of vulnerability, Strahd himself appeared at the church's doorstep, leading a horde of vampire spawn in a brutal assault on the unsuspecting villagers. Chaos erupted as Strahd and his minions wreaked havoc. In a desperate bid to save the town, Faerah intercepted the stolen bones, bravely returning them to their rightful place. The relics' restored power surged through the church, casting Strahd and his dark brood out and granting the beleaguered townsfolk a brief but crucial reprieve from the vampire lord's wrath.
Making Friends with the Necromancer
The adventurers found themselves guests at the opulent home of Baron Vargas, whose grandiose demeanor quickly became apparent. Over dinner, the Baron expounded on his belief that his village festivals, meant to instill collective happiness, would somehow free Vallaki from Strahd's dark grip. Amidst this optimistic but delusional discourse, the Baron made a surprising proposition: he suggested that Ireena marry his son, Victor, as a means to strengthen alliances and perhaps shield her from Strahd. Victor, clearly displeased with his father's plans, stormed off to his room in the attic. Concerned and curious, the party followed to speak with him. In Victor's secluded space, they uncovered his secret: he was a self-taught necromancer, delving into forbidden arcane arts. Rather than condemning him, the adventurers found common ground and befriended Victor, recognizing the potential of his unorthodox skills. This unexpected alliance with the Baron's rebellious son hinted at new and powerful avenues to explore in their ongoing struggle against Strahd's malevolent influence.
Best Weapon against Vampires are Old Men
Determined to restore the sanctity of St. Andral's Church, the party sought out Milivoj at his home and, through a mix of persuasion and determination, convinced him to reveal the whereabouts of the stolen bones. Their investigation led them to the Coffin Maker's Shop, where they confronted Henrik van der Voort. With a combination of intimidation and force, they compelled Henrik to confess that Strahd von Zarovich had ordered him to steal the sacred relics. Their confrontation was violently interrupted by an attack from a group of vampire spawn. A fierce battle ensued, with Yevelda Ovak demonstrating her raw strength by hurling Henrik at one of the vampires, breaking his leg in the process. In the chaos, one spawn attempted to escape with the bones, but the party swiftly thwarted the attempt. Victorious, they returned the bones to Father Lucian, restoring the church's protective power against Barovia's encroaching evil. Their success did not go unnoticed. That evening, the party received an unexpected invitation to dine with Baron Vargas and his family, offering a rare opportunity for respite and perhaps new alliances. Yet, the shadows of intrigue and danger in Vallaki suggest that this dinner may hold more than just food and conversation.
Never Trust a Hunter
On their arduous journey to Vallaki, the party encountered a hunter named Stefan, who kindly offered to guide them the rest of the way. However, this act of goodwill quickly turned treacherous when Stefan revealed his true nature as a werewolf, signaling a pack to ambush the unsuspecting adventurers. A fierce battle ensued, with the party fighting valiantly and slaying several of the ferocious beasts, including the deceptive Stefan. They managed to capture and bind one remaining werewolf to a tree, leaving a grim reminder of the dangers lurking in the shadows of Barovia. Arriving in Vallaki, the party escorted Ireena to the sanctuary of St. Andral's Church, where they were warmly greeted by Father Lucian. Amidst their respite, Father Lucian confided in the adventurers, revealing a grave misfortune: the sacred bones of St. Andral had been stolen from the crypt beneath the church. These holy relics had protected the church from the pervasive evil of Barovia, and their absence left the sanctuary vulnerable. With this new quest laid before them, the party now faces the daunting task of recovering the stolen bones to restore the church's protective power, even as the dark influence of Strahd looms ever closer.
Knowing the Road
Continuing their harrowing journey, the party arrived at Tser Pool, where they encountered an eclectic mix of Vistani. Magda, a large woman, offered mysterious potions, while the eccentric Alek enthralled them with wild tales. Sergei, a craftsman of unsettling dolls, piqued their curiosity. Before delving further, the adventurers respectfully laid the bones of the tragic children to rest beneath a willow tree by the pool, a moment of somber peace in their otherwise perilous quest. Their path led them to the enigmatic Madam Eva, a seer with unnerving knowledge of their backgrounds. Through a mystical tarot reading, she provided cryptic yet invaluable guidance for their quest. She spoke of a wizard's tower on a lake, hinting at ancient knowledge vital to understanding their enemy. A powerful holy symbol awaited in a dead village drowned by a river. The sword of sunlight, a weapon of vengeance, lay hidden amidst treasure beyond amber doors. She foretold of an ally—a man with a monkey, more than he seemed. Lastly, she revealed that their ultimate foe, a creature of darkness, haunted the tomb of a man he envied above all. With Madam Eva’s cryptic prophecies in mind, the adventurers now have a clearer direction, but the shadows of Barovia grow darker, and the stakes ever higher as they inch closer to their fated confrontation with Strahd.
The Look of Desperation
In a dramatic showdown within the Death House, the party clashed with the vengeful ghosts of Carl and Elisabeth, the previous owners, amidst a room filled with poisonous smoke. Yevelda Ovak found herself possessed by Elisabeth, but Redgrave's divine power expelled the spirit, sending Elisabeth fleeing. Desperation set in as the walls seemed to close in, leading Yevelda to break through a bricked-up window. Amidst the chaos, Carl effectively kills Marin, but Seluvis Felo'melorn and Yevelda managed to escape with her lifeless body through the shattered window. Marin's consciousness drifting through a lightless void hears whispers, promising renewed life if she accepts the entity's power. Shortly after Marin is revived, but somehow forever changed. As the party fled, Carl's enraged screeches echoed behind them as the window mysteriously healed and sealed up. Seeking respite, they made their way to a local store where Marin purchased a dagger, then found refuge in a tavern. While Marin rested, Ismark Kolyanovich approached Redgrave and Faerah Duskrane with a plea for help in escorting his sister, Ireena Kolyana, to Vallaki. The party gathered and ventured to the Burgomaster’s mansion, where Ireena revealed her dire situation: Strahd Von Zarovich sought her and had already bitten her twice. However, she insisted on burying her adoptive father before leaving. At the church, the party met the distraught Father Donovich and heard unsettling screams from the basement, which Donovich nervously attributed to his son. Though the burial was set for sundown, the party's urgency convinced Ireena to depart early, setting the stage for their perilous journey to Vallaki.
Secrets in the Dark
The party delved deeper into the chilling basement of the Death House, uncovering a macabre history of the cultists who once revered the dark lord, Strahd Von Zarovich. Seluvis Felo'melorn, drawn to a statue of Strahd, boldly took a glowing orb from its grip, while Marin collected several ominous trinkets. Their exploration led them to a grand, foreboding chamber clearly designed for sacrificial rituals. As they investigated, Yevelda Ovak inadvertently triggered the wrathful spirits of the cultists by leaning on the blood-stained altar, inciting a ghostly chant of "One must die." Faced with the echoing demands of the dead, the party decided to retreat, but their departure summoned a nightmarish Gibbering Mouther and a horde of zombies. Now, trapped in the bowels of the Death House with monstrosities closing in, the adventurers must fight for their lives, the stakes higher than ever as the shadows of Barovia tighten their grip around them.
Welcome to Barovia
In the latest chapter of our tale, the party found themselves ensnared by a sinister, mystical fog, forcing them together and leading them to the eerie Village of Barovia. There, the mournful cries of a small boy, Thorn, and his sister Rose guided them to the ominous Death House. The children, pleading for the rescue of their infant brother Walter, set the adventurers on a perilous path. Upon entering the house, the doors slammed shut, trapping them inside. Desperate, the party used fiery magic to blast their way out, only to resolve to re-enter in a determined bid to save Walter. Inside, they faced numerous horrors, including an encounter with an enchanted suit of armor. Yevelda Ovak, ever vigilant, scoured under every rug for hidden secrets. Their search led them to the attic where they discovered the tragic remains of Thorn and Rose, who had been imprisoned there. With the children's bones, the party sought to lay their spirits to rest. Guided by the ghost of Rose, they uncovered a hidden passage leading to the basement. There, amid the eerie stillness, they discovered the crypts of the house’s former inhabitants, setting the stage for the next haunting revelation in their dark journey. The weight of their mission and the secrets of the Death House loomed heavily, promising more peril and mystery ahead.
Campaign Preparation
Went over theme of campaign and characters.