Session 26

General Summary

The Pleasant Evening

As the party returned remained in the burgomaster's home in Krezk, the party took it easy during the upcoming evening. Ariadne and Ahrieya journeyed to the northern part of the town in order to check out the pool and statue that was there. A quick examination and identification revealed that the pool was blessed, and the statue was of the Morning Lord himself. Interesting, the Morning Lord doesn't come off as a shirtless dude. Satisfied, the pair returned to the burgomaster's home.
Idris talked with Sena, asking if he could learn some of their new songs. With the instruments they had, Sena broke out into sound, albeit a bit profane as the band isn't used to playing around children as Gio cupped his kids' ears. Around this time, Ahrieya and Ariadne returned, and a magical field around the home was erected in order to prevent the transmission from sound to the other townsfolk.
Gio Jr. then approached Nova, asking if she wanted to play hide and seek. Nova agreed only if Gio Jr. would be it. Gio asked Nova not to hurt his kid as Nova booked it inside to hide. After an uncomfortably long period of time and with a little help from his dad, Gio Jr. approached the cupboard that Nova was hiding in, only to be jump scared into fainting. A confused and worried Gio entered the kitchen to tend to his son.
Ariadne and Ahrieya took the rest of the evening to transcribe "Summon Steve" into Ahrieya's grimoire. Some time later, Sin and Don would approach Ahrieya, asking to fly after Sin took a moment to convince Don it was a great idea. The two took to the skies as Nova once again hid in a cupboard waiting for Idris to come in to cook nachos. Jump scaring him again, the gnome scurried off cackling to herself. As Idris' paranoia grew with each tiny footstep within the home, he snapped and yelled only to find Lucia peering from outside the kitchen.
At some point during the evening, Ahrieya and Idris played window tag by opening and closing various windows in the house. Ahrieya, looking out of one of the windows, could see a figure floating in the air quite far away. The figure got closer and closer until it began to downpour outside, and the figure was just outside Ahrieya's barrier. Although, it seemed that it was not raining around the figure, now figures on a flaming ebony steed. Ariadne went out to talk with the figure, now clearly viable as Strahd and his chamberlain Rahadin. Its time, gather your friends.

The Choice

Gio quickly talked with Isis as Idris warned his band that they needed to deal with the dick in the castle. Going outside, Strahd beckoned the party to follow, making idle smalltalk on the way. After some time, the group was brought to a clearing in the woods. Strahd and Rahadin both dismounted and approached the group. Do you remember what we had discussed the last time we met? How long ago was that? I should have slain you the first time she fell, though I stayed my hand. Now, though, a lesson needs to be taught. Ariadne had chosen who in the party was going to die. Through tears, making an impossible choice, Ariadne named Ahrieya to be to one to perish.
Strahd approached Ahrieya, taunting her on how her 'friends' weighed the value of her life. Idris spoke up. What do you think Ireena will do when she discovers you killed one of her friends? This is the happiest shes been. Perhaps its time to try something different. Have you tried ACTUALLY flirting with her? Strahd seemed angered by this. You could not possibly understand. I've tried everything. This time, it will work. This time is different.
Ahrieya spoke up. It wont work, she will never be with you, and you will never be the man that Sergei was. Visibly frustrated, he turned to Ariadne and handed her a wand. Speak the name of the person you wish to kill, look them in the eye, and it shall be done. Gio asked Sergei to do something, and in doing so caused Gio to vomit this radiant light once more. Taking a moment to compose herself, Ariadne pointed to wand at Ahrieya, apologizing, and spoke her name. Though, nothing happened. Trying again, nothing happened again. Strahd approached and grabbed the wand. Do you think I would give something like that to you? Ariadne retorted, do you really think that little of me? Apparently yes. As Strahd turned to mount his steed, he spoke to Rahadin. Make it quick.

The Fire Fades

In a moment, Rahadin flung his hands to the side as thin wires or filaments could be seen drifting through the air. A choker around his neck glowed brighting as familiar, hulking figures began to form out of formless shadow. Each one seemed familiar to Nova. As the fight ensued, Ahrieya quickly found herself the target of many attacks. Idris, panicked, asked Coryphian for help and in frustration, the entity directed Idris' attention, as his eyes burned yellowy orange, towards a strange, looming shadow that drifted over Rahadin's shoulders. 
With some concentrated efforts, the large, pale skinned entity fell and began to writhe. Believing it wasn't yet dead, Gio positioned himself for the worst until the entity seemed to be reabsorbed into Rahadin's amulet. Ahrieya soon fell, with Rahadin lacerating her corpse. Idris fell soon after, and Ariadne after that. Gio and Nova found themselves in the same impossible position as Ariadne before; do they abandon their companions to die and survive themselves, or do they try to pull them out and make a clean getaway. The decision making was cut short as the bloated, puss ridden behemoth knocked Gio unconscious. Nova began to flee, but quickly heard an angry voice in her head. "They're dying! Are you going to let them die again? Like a coward? FIGHT!"
Nova turned and ran towards Rahadin, her body boiling, turning red hot as her skin split open revealing many small and distinct mouths with razor sharp teeth hungering for anything near it. Nova flailed her axe at Rahadin, the dusk elf now less confident than before. In a swift set of blows, Nova cleaved off Rahadin's lower jaw before he seemed to fade from reality, and his hulking behemoths as well.
Ariadne stood atop a glowing pool, the stars and moon bright in the sky. Asking for help, a voice responded, but not her mother's. I can help you, dear daughter. I will not let you die.
Ahrieya found herself in shadows once again. Vaund appeared before her, a sorrowful look on her face. Will the darkness take me? Can I stay with you at least? She responded, you may stay. It is alright now. The two embraced, Ahrieya sobbing into the three armed entity.
Nova sat there and ran to Gio. Stabilizing him, she then ran over and looked towards Idris. His life seemed to have just faded. Checking in on Ariadne and Ahrieya, both were no longer breathing. Believing everyone was now dead, the gnome tucked herself away and began to quietly cry before Gio came to consciousness. The two realized that they need to get out and get back to Krezk, everything happened so quickly.
On their way to Krezk, however, they were being trailed by wolves. Eventually, the wolves revealed themselves to be werewolves, and told the group to come with them. If the party has what they want, then they will be unspoiled. Reluctantly, the two followed, carrying their dead with them...

Report Date

07 Mar 2023