Session 5 ... In the Lair of a Monster & Burying the Dead

Our need for a Healing Kit to tend to Tobias' wound lead us to having to deal with an amoral merchant named Bildrath. Thus we found ourselves tracking a creature along the river outside of the village ...
 
Standing in a dank dark cave, ambushed by a monstrous insect and surrounded by its foul spawn erupting from putrid sacks, I admit to feeling a pang of uncertainty.
 
I was foolish to doubt the potency of my new friends. With Kig and Griff joining me in charging the creature, we succeeded in facing the challenge! The damage dealt by both sides was punishing, however we had the potent healing prayers of Tobias on our side. As the caustic bug started the thrum with ominous intent friend Vegar arrived in a timely fashion, a proverbial strike from the shadows finished the foe off. Leaving us battered and acid-burned.
 
Catching our breath and spending some time searching the lair, we recovered the goods sought by Bildrath, along with some valuable looking items.

• Bildrath's Backpacks


• Javelin


• Incendiary Flask


• Silvered Shortsword


• Flask of Acid


• Claw

 

Short Rest

 
Upon leaving the cave, and the area around the river, we are stopped by Periwinkle, nephew and muscle of Bildrath. We briefly expect some sort of conflict, but instead the burly youth seeks only another pie! We quiz Periwinkle on the lay of the land. his answers are simple and childlike, however he does warn us to stay away from anything marked with a RED X.
 
Our journey back to Bildrath's Mercantile is uneventful, and despite the crooks best intentions, Bildrath honours the deal. We have the Healers' Kit so badly needed by Tobias. We also manage to outfit ourselves with some basic items. Special Stock

 
Our business with Bildrath finished, we make our way to the Blood of the Vine Tavern for some much needed drinks!
 
Like everything else in this blasted land, the tavern is dark and dingy. Only a mighty thirst would have me normally drinking in a place like this.
 
While taking our ease we are approached by a young man who had been sitting alone. This is Ismark Kolyanovich, acting Burgomaster for Barovia. He greets us sadly, welcoming us to misery, suffering, and death.
 

We are all prisoners to the Mist.

— Ismark Kolyanovich

 
When asked if anyone has even challenged the lord of the land, Strahd von Zarovich, Ismark tells us of a group of adventurers who had tried to lead a revolt a year previous. Those involved were either killed or never seen again. Mist Touched

 
Ismark has replaced his father, who died recently. It was his father who sent the message seeking help that we found on the ruined body in the woods. His father remains unburied, the family is shunned by the community as his sister Iryena has caught the attention of the Vampire Strahd. Iryena

 
Ismark has taken special interest in Griff. He looks familiar to him, and the name Brandybuck is one he has heard before.
 
We follow the young Burgomaster through the village to his home. The house has seen recent attention. claws marks are visible on the walls, and a path has been worn around the perimeter. The windows are boarded up and the door is secured. After Ismark knocks on the door a striking young woman, armoured and wearing a scarf around her neck, admits us. This is Iryena. She welcomes us to her home, apologising for the disrepair. She warms once I compliment her on how the place looks, given the state of things.
 
Tobias tends to his wound. I offer to assist, and once again offer my apologies. The cleric is remarkably fatalistic, seeing the grievous injury as karma. Once his wound is tended he kneels in prayer over the decomposing body of Ismark's father. Offering the soul of Kolyan up to his god Ilmater, Tobias is troubled. Unknown to us he goes through some internal conflict. Tobias' internal prayer

 
Standing watch within the manse passes without incident, with the exception of Griff. The baker-turned-fighter lies in a deep sleep, and Kig cannot rouse him.
 

Long Rest

 
With the morning comes the burial. In line with the tradition of the land, the late Burgomaster is carried shanks mare through the village. Iryena said farewell to her father at the house, placing a memento in the coffin. Arriving at the Church of the Morninglord we are greeted by Father Donovich. The priest is a worn and beaten looking man. The church is decrepit and dirty, and while it seems to be a place of worship for a good god, the haunting screams of "Father, help me! I'm starving!!" drags the sanctum down into the dirt and mire with the rest of the village. Tobias joins the priest in the service, once more offering a prayer to Ilmater, I am struck once more by the fervour with which he address his god.
 
With the conclusion of the rites of burial an regal looking carriage arrives, driven by an elegant elf. Tall, pale skinned, and with a duellists grace he makes my hackles rise! I wanted nothing more than to set my spear and skill against him!! Rahadan he calls himself, and when he looks at me I hear echoes of a thousand voices screaming and begging for mercy. I stay my challenge, for now. He has been sent by the Vampire Count with a letter for Iryena. He is tasked to bear her to his lord, and he is here to signal his intent. As he departs I give him a duellists bow, a subtle promise of the future.
 
Ismark is distraught, and he tasks us with bringing his sister to safety. Two options are suggested:

• St Andral's Chapel in Velakki


• The village of Kresk, a walled town