Session 48

General Summary

Chitinous Expanse

As the party was descended upon by a strange multi-legged creature, they each split up and began flying through the expanse (though Idris remained on the carpet). Strange beams shot out of the legs of this creature, and Nova found herself unable to heal upon taking taking as it stared into her. However, multiple well-placed shots by Ahrieya (with encouragement from Gio) managed to take it down without much issue.
Moving towards the head of this massive insectoid creature, the party found a circle of runes for some kind of spell or ritual. Ahrieya moved to investigate, getting brief flashes of Barovia with Dark Moon and Strahd apparently working aside one another. Though, the images took a toll on her, and Ahrieya found herself stunned for some time. Idris, giving a wide berth when walking past Ahrieya, looked out beyond the head and found a portal. It was discerned that the runes are maintaining the portal, and upon sending Viggo into the portal, found that Orin Rua was on the opposite side. A brief discussion was had before the party moved into the portal.

Duel with Dark Moon

When the party arrived, many took hidden positions as Ariadne approached. Orin Rua turned from his attempt to force open a portal to address his 'daughter,' hoping that she arrived to help him. Orin told her that she was meant for much more than this, and that Barovia always needs a Darklord and Dark Power to maintain control, and was hoping to do so with Ariadne should Strahd not prove to be enough. Ariadne continued to refuse, and as Gio noted one of the shadows moving towards Ariadne, Ahrieya took a shot at him, kicking off the fight.
Giant moon-like structures began to shine and glow as beams of deathly light shot between them. Idris carved a burning wall behind the fey as Nova and Gio ran before him. The many spidery limbs of Orin began to pierce and poison the duo as Ariadne and Ahrieya tried to pepper him down from a distance, Idris making sure that everyone kept themselves brave and alive. As a massive whistle rang throughout the battlefield, the party's will was shaken, but thanks to Idris' maddening tunes, managed to keep themselves away from a fate much worse than fear.
Nova and Gio were on their last legs, poison riddling their body as Idris took to the front lines to draw his attention. As Gio fought, he was suddenly overtaken by a burning pain as he vomitted radient light and passed out. As he awoke, he found himself in a void as 'Dennis' spoke to him, losing hope and embracing despair. Gio spoke to him, providing some encouragement before emploring him to help. As the entity turned to hand Gio his blade, the man came to conciousness as the once inert hilt was now ignited in holy flame. As he ran towards Orin, Gio carved a massive wound into the creature as Ariadne felt the warmth of her mother one final time, helping her sunder the fey creature's form as he dissipated into moonlight.

Memories Left Behind

Taking a brief moment to rest, the party swear they could see Barovia far below the platform they found themselves on. Moving through the portal opened by Ariadne's pendent, the group found themselves in a quaint little home. Moving towards the pool, Ariadne was given a message by her mother, hoping for a good future ahead of her and to find warmth and company in the friends she might surround herself with. As the image faded, it embraced Ariadne one final time before leaving behind the pendent that Dark Moon had taken from her.
Looking around the abode, Ahrieya found a bedroom and study with tomes discussing fey lineage, Barovia, among other things. Gio found a nice kitchen with three sets of silverware and china, and Ariadne found an untouched nursery, the crib baring her name.
After taking a moment, the party began to dive into the pool in the home. Upon waking, they found themselves outside the pool of Krezk. Idris quickly checked in on Sena, finding that she felt an overwhelming sense of disgust. Asking Coryphian to help, Idris was given a brief vision. Looking through someone's vision, staring into a mirror, the individual saw no reflection.
At that moment, Sir Biggles returned from his journey, and upon being dismissed, gave Idris a message; an invitation to a wedding within a tenday, between Strahd and Ireena.

Report Date

10 Dec 2023