The Curse of Strahd - S2 - Farewell Bran

General Summary

Having arrived in the Village of Barovia, the party recovered from a fierce battle with some Zombies. Outside, the sound of inconsolable crying drifted through the streets. Dalo boldly stepped out of the house, accurately worked out its source and reported back. The party joined him in the street and proceed to the East. Many other houses were boarded up, others had heavy drapes covering windows with occasional glimpses of candlelight seen through gaps. Gariont, sneaked up to one such abode and could hear muffled voices. He called the party over, picked the lock and the door was burst open by Bran. Inside were 4 people. Two children and 2 adults. They cowered in fear. The adult female stepped forward and demanded an explanation, but was grappled and silenced by Gariont. An interrogation ensued, with some rations being given out to the emaciated children and a gold coin then rejected by the adults. The party learned little, but got a glimpse into the difficult living conditions endured by much of the local populace. The party pressed onwards, aided by magical dancing lights from JimJam. At the village square The Blood of the Vine Tavern was discovered alongside Bildrath’s Mercantile. But first, the crying had to stop! The source was quickly discovered to be Mad Mary's Townhouse. Every entrance to the building was used (including the destroyed upstairs window). Mad Mary was barely consolable. She responded well to Dalo's soft tones and proudly showed the party her paintings of Gertruda, her escaped 18 year old daughter. The party said they would find her if they could. Mary found some comfort and the cries reduced to a whimper. At the Blood of the Vine Tavern, the local townsfolk were all drinking red wine and sitting almost silently. JimJam cast a Detect Magic spell and was able to determine that something wasn't right about many of the tavern denizens. The drinks were confirmed to be Wine, not blood and on that basis the party proceeded to an individual sitting alone at the bar. Drinks were ordered from the almost entirely unresponsive barkeep. Some of the other the locals were engaged in conversation, but met with wide, blank stares. The lonely individual turned out to be Ismark Kolyanovich. He informed the party that his siter Ireena Kolyana was not actually unwell and that the handwriting was certainly not that of his "late" father. Ismark Kolyanovich was happy to lead the party to the Burgomaster’s Mansion . On the way out of the tavern, Gariont caught the eye of one of three brightly dressed females sat at a table. Her and her companions were dressed very differently from the rest of the locals and were adorned with gems. At the mansion, Ireena Kolyana also confirmed that the letter was a fake. The party learned how the mansion had been besieged every night by the forces of evil and that another visit was expected "when the night is darkest". The party decided to stay and help. Everyone took up positions and waited tensely. 1 hour later, 4 huge dire wolves burst into the space and in the ensuing battle, Bran was killed outright. The party witnessed him being torn limb from limb. Ismark Kolyanovich took some hits from the wolves but was able to shake it off without much issue. Gariont ended the battle barely standing. Dalo was attacked, but Andar came to his rescue and prevented the strike. JimJam and Dalo wore down the wolves with a combination of fire and primal savagery. Ireena Kolyana and Ismark Kolyanovich were impressed and felt grateful that these adventurers were willing to put their life on the line. They shared maps of barovia as well as of the wider region. The party learned that the mist kills any who enter and that only those who are "called" by Strahd himself are allowed to enter Barovia. Ismark Kolyanovich is desperate for his sister to leave this vile place. He knows somewhere Ireena Kolyana can be safer, but she will not now leave until her father is given the death rites he deserves. The party agreed to bring his body to the Church in the morning. There is some concern that Bran may also rise from the dead if the proper rites are not performed.