Adventurers of Ravenloft chronicle

Castlefield. Stayed at the inn. In the morning, meet Bildrath. Head to Anklheg cave. Also discover mushroom cave. Later meet Morgan. Head to mayors house and find out about Ireena. Noises in the nights. Vivid dreams for the pie-eaters.

Madam Eva gives card readings.

Chats with Morgan. Bera gets more pies. Find stone circle behind windmill. Head to Vallaki. Find out about Festival of the Rising Sun. Meet the Baron. Head to Lake Zarovich. Narrowly kill a toad monster. A warning letter from Strahd arrives. At night Zailith dreams of training.

Shasti reads the book (first time). Find out about Danika’s crow serets. Go back with Shasti to check out the Blinsky drawings/ doll. Investigate Henricks shop. Oh look, vampires. Shasti ate the bone. Melchior retreives remaining bone (possibly not knowing one is missing). Find out Viktor’s been doing magic. Beras reads the book (second time)

Shasti joins the party at the Winery. Save gems and Davien and family who head to Valaki. Success.    Head to Krezk. Discover werewolf tracks on route. On arrival get given some more info aboout the pack and local events. Dench's helmet proving to be a problem.

On waking camp has footsteps leading to argonvostholt? The party makes deals with Minala. Elsewhere Rowan is researching in the library. The party heads back to Krezk.

Head to Yester hill. Find a body on an alter. Then meet Imani. Find out about the Huntress. Then make absolutely horrific camp attempts. Discovered at the second camp by Druids. Third camp party manages to remain hidden.

Irenna is learning to be a healer under the tutelage of Father Petrovich. Learn of problems at orphanage and more people being accused of being spies.    Head to orphanage. Deal with previously ignored problems.

Party agrees to seek the werwolves. Goes in search, finds Skennis’ Cabin. Learn about the pack - Kiriel left for a while and returned with two direwolves (loyal to him). Imeel would have challenged him, but he has left the pack and headed south (about four months ago).Werewolves are in a kind of war with the worgs.    Camp at the cabin.

A monk invites the party to come and meet with the Abbott. Rahadin is also there. Refused a deal.   Gain access to the werewolf den. Granted permission to be there for one night. Find the Morrigan alter and Ylva and Vilkas. Dench and Bera pray/ show respect. Rowan gains the Coin from Ylva.   Werewolf test/ transformation. Kuriel steps forward and announces Lars’ mission was successful. They’ve found the den. A day for new members to find their feet. The next night they will hunt. Some will remain, but most will come with him to end this.   Dench scrys on Imeel. Same view.

Party leaves Alex's, heads into town. Waves to Morgan. Checks on the Church. People seem suspicious of the group in Castlefield. Head South toward Vistani camp.    Party are invited to see Madam Eva. Dench/ Bera/ Shasti get new card readings.    Dance in prep for Ascension night with the Vistani. Zailith great at it. Dench scrys on Casius. Eva basically tells Zailith her time is coming to an end.

Morning at the windmill - there is a camp set up at the Barrow. Strahd and his cohorts have been waiting. Strahd came to investigate an incident/disturbance last night, and stayed to offer condolences to the party. Strahd asks what happened, and the party explains. Strahd says in a week Castlefield will be a mess.   Rowan and Strahd have a private conversation.    Esther mentions a mirror that Morgan had. When Strahd returns he mentions the loot from the hags is not pleasant, and one item in particular, a gilded hand mirror, that he wants to keep away from people. Rowan and Zailith head back to the windmill to fetch it with much reluctance. Rowan uses the mirror and tells Zailith Strahd wants the Agent of Asmodeus. Zailith then returns the mirror to Strahd and the vampires leave.    The party regroup and Rowasn reveals Strahd wants, within 5 days, one of the following: *To know who is in the tower - Rowan said an old man of no import. *To know who the agent of Asmodeus is in Barovia - Rowan said he didn’t know an active agent of Asmodeus. *Rowan to bring Tatiana to him.   The party go-over what they have taken from the Hags. Bera destroys the headdress.    After, the party go and check out the nearby Stone Circle.  Desecrated. The party unveil a series of runes in a pttern but without the necessary tools cannot cleanse it.    Back at the windmill, a final search reveals a jar of "what goes into pies" and an antidote. The party head up and head to Vallaki. Varis reveals how he came to be in the area.    Upon arrival in Vallaki, posters for the Festival of the Friendly Neighbour are up. Catch up with events in toewn (more people are being accused of treachery, more executions). Meet with Ireena. Hand over Alex's letter. At the church, Zailith feels a prickle he did not feel previously. Petrovich knows the holy bones are missing. Zailith explains what happened with the bones, and uses it to try and convince Petrovich that, when the time comes, the party may call on his aid.   Further meetings with the Baron/ Viktor. Viktor reveals the undead cat. He probably also made the toad monster.    Zailith spars with Ireena.    Visit with Blinsky. Zailith sets up a side hustle.    Back at the Inn on the eve party decide to keep watch. Rowan and Zailith with check out where people have been rumoured to be sneaking over the wall. Rowan polymorphs Zailith into an owl. As he'd perched near the Wachter house something attacks him. An imp. Because polymorph is lost they head back.    In the mean time Shasti catches Varis going through her bag. Some camp disagreements followed by some camp discussions ensue. A sort-of truce is formed. The party keep watch over night.

Party heads North to the previously consecrated Fane. Werewolves spot them on route. Wolves do not believe the Fane has been consecrated, so follow the party. Once there the Fane looks as it did - however, this is an illusion crafted by Crow.    The party gain access, the werewolves likely think they were killed in the efforts. Crow is here alone, admits Shepherd has went to Krezyk. Crow also admits to watching the party progress. Rowan in turn tells Crow of what Strahd wants, that he's covered for them once but can't continue to do so. He needs to give Strahd something in order to get to his brother.    Crow also confesses that Shepherd is looking for a shrine or temple from before Castle Ravenloft. Way into the castle. Also, Shepherd carries a Hag curse - it's why he can't work with anyone. Crow is Sorrowsword (Zailith asks more about this) and Rowan's Feathers can be used to cast a Sending to Crow.    As party ready to leave Crow tells Zailith he can see a Hags curse on him. No one realised.    Back to the tower to pick up Varis. Shasti reads the book (Fifth time).   Take watch over night. Shasti attunes to the scythe.

16th continued   The party entire is reunited at the abbey. Bera catches the party up with where she's been. She's caught Sherpherd up and done research in the abbey, both on hag curses and hag children.    Party meet with Abbott and discuss the curse. He suggests it may be Asmodeus waking. He offers to probe and Zailith allows it. This seems to anger the thing inside him, and is not potentially very awake - Zailith is advised to find out what it is there for. Abbot has managed to decifer the hag curse though:   The hag curse interferes with how Zailith’s body heals. As it advances, healing magic/items will get less effective, then non-effective, then it could actually hurt him in the long run.   Rowan asks where the locations are where the veil is thinnest between Barovia and Avernus. There is a gate beneath Castle Ravenloft. There may be another in the mountains (maybe south).   Party leaves Krezk mid-morning. Bera catches a LOT of fish. Head to Luna Lake. Bera goes for a swim, catches more fish. They move on in seach of the Fane.    Seeker Fane - In the centre is a pool. A stone projects into the pool from the land. The stones around the circle have carvings on them; abstract, swirling shapes. The water is clear and filled with human bones. Party find a dead druid, Varis takes the staff to examine outside of the circle. Shasti gets mad.    After some discussion Rowan suggests they don't cleanse the fane yet, maybe seek mountain folk first. Move up the path a little to make camp.   At camp Rowan reveals the sending stone.    Night is otherwise peacefil. Storms ahead.

Party heads further south. Gets colder. Storms ahead. Avoid a trap at the lake. The storm becomes too bad to really continue. Party are attacked by Fey storm creatures. It goes very badly. Near TPK. By some miracle the party makes it to a cave to wait for the storm to pass. The party takes a short rest.   The party tries to read the book - everyone fails. Decide to spend the night in the cave. Bera manages to somewhat secure their shelter and find enough wood to keep everyone alive.   During watches the noises of a large bird are heard, there's movement outside. No one engages. Rowan uses the token. Travels to Feywild. Meets Queen Mab. Discovers something of the 'Child of Winter' talk. Will not take his place in the Winter court until he has done something to aid his friends and Barovia. Returns.

Shasti has a great night, not with the party.  No one is shocked.   Sigrid tells them they won't remember the place when they leave. The village is protected. Privately, Zailith asks Anlaf how long he has before the thing in him is awakened:   She says she can’t tell him when it will happen, but it will happen soon. At a time of stress or pressure. It will need a catalyst, something to force the issue, but it won’t be long. The waking won’t kill him, she thinks, but after…? Anlaf says it's his companions who should prepare. It won’t kill Zailith, but it will be them to deal with it. Could push Zailith’s consciousness aside for a time.   Bera asks about the changelings - outside of the obvious answer of Death, Minala may be the one who can resolve it. Or try the Abbot.    Varis remains with mountainfolk for a while.    Party is escorted down the mountan. Camp again at previous site. Zailith reads the book.    Party check out their previously un-experimented with items they've acquired. (One sending stone, spinning top, eye in jar).   Shasti also speaks with the Scythe - named Twister (they/them). Find out their abilities and introduces Twister to the group. No one is thrilled by this but she attuned so making friends seems the wisest option.    Party keep watch through the night. Bera puts on the necklace she found previously (doesn't tell anyone). Rowan recieves a message “be close to a road and the coachman will find you.” Reveals this on waking.

The previous evening passes without incident. In the morning Rowan informs the Prince that the task was completed. Rahadin informs them to pass it to Arrigal, then come to the castle for their reward. They choose to delay this and deal with the Minala problem. They go to her domain on the pretence of offering a deal for the bones. Minala offers to take three days of service from Varis and in return she will show them where the bones lie. As Minala is only projecting herself, they cannot attack her and therefore must take a deal in order to get near her.   They are invited into Minala's domain on the pretence of coming to an arrangement. All but Rowan would struggle to recall the route, it takes hours. There are dangerous creatures around, but with Minala they seem safe. She takes them to a beautiful garden, or it appears to be. Only Rowan can see through this - it is broken, a swamp, and the garden is full of statues, but Rowan sees they are figures made of woven branches. Poking out are the black feathers of ravens.   They reach another arch. There are many, many statues.   Minala claims she will not stop the prince, but there are things she could offer to those who try. Essentially, she reveals that she supported the Prince to get protection from the Roshana. If the Prince is defeated, she could have control of the Valley. The party could regain their freedoms, but the valley would be hers. Part of this is that the cleansing of the fanes would cease.   Zailith actually talks a good talk, and convinces her that if the party retrieve the bones it will proive they have the stregnth to take on Strahd. She suggests that if they find them and retrieve them they can keep them.

Intention is to go to the fidatov manor, by way of the Vistani camp. At the camp: Zulmira apologises but couldn’t replicate the pie cure potion from the remains. Rowan asks about the potions Zailith left with her. Pearly white - Potion of Frost Giant Strength Almost clear - Potion of Gaseous Form Blue - unknown Orange with yellow flecks - keep you safe from harm (Potion of Invulnerability [resistance to all forms of damage]) Black with sparkles - Love Potion (lasts for a few hours) Red with streaks of silver - Some sort of cure all, such as disease   He gives her the flowers needed to create a flying potion.   Zulmira tells the party of Yns Caetir, an old Elvish city, south of the Vistani Vamp. A lot of Elves still live there.   The party seeks out Arrigal who tells them Fidatov built Castle Ravenloft . Some sort of gathering at the manor and one man’s bitterness caused everyone to die. A disappointed suitor, supposedly.     The area of the manor is full off illusion magic. The party hesitantly enter. Varis and Bera masquerade ad guests, the rest go under Theris’ invisibility. Whilst inside Varis and Bera talk to guests, discover that some newer people to the valley have a friend -Anastasia - who has been staying at the castle. Zailith finds a note that confirms that Lady Fidatov is in danger. Between them, and over the course of the evening, the party each finds enough information to piece together that the Manor is cursed, that Dimitri is to blame.   While there, the party finds several items of note: *Some information about the castle's defences *A pouch with coloured pebbles and something akin to instructions *That there is an Avernus gate below the castle *That something resides in the maze *A disguised key for the tomb to the Avernus Gate   As day shifts to night the curse kicks in. The guests of the party are all becoming undead, all but one man who stands out as smug. A fight ensues, Marelina is revealed as a spirit. She gives a hefty dose of psychic damage and flees to the maze; those still conscious revive those who aren't. The smug looking man is revealed as Dimitri who made a deal with Morgan and caused the curse. A small touch of torture from Varis and he tells them about the crests, which they retrieve. They enter the maze cautiously but encounter the Deathhound anyway. It attacks.   Dantalion is revealed. He saves Zailith, but in doing so is revealed. A brief back and forth, time is of the essence, and Dantalion is transferred to Bera’s wolf toy. Zailith has no awareness of what happened.   With only minor difficulty, they navigate the maze. Bera speaks to the spirit of Lady Fidatov. Informs her of everything. She wants Dimitri. The party retrieve him for her. She kills him. Bera tries to explain everything. Some comfort is taken in this, and the place begins to melt away. The party quickly retreat. However, Zailith returns to loot the crypt as much as he can before it disappears. He finds the amulet and some gold and returns to camp.   The party reunite and talk through events.

Minala’s body hasn’t changed overnight. Leave the greenhouse. Accidentally engage and awaken more scarecrows. Through a series of terrible events, terrible rolls, and an entirely avoidable fight the scarecrows that were activated are eventually killed. The party has taken heavy damage. The red birds are still around. The party burns Minala’s body, which releases acrid smoke and causes damage. Half the day is gone.   They explore Berez, there are more red birds in the area, and when they enter the only buildings still semi-standing they are plunged into memories of the past. In the Church Zailith and Varis see it being set on fire, people trapped inside. In the Town Hall memory Bera meets Mirell, a previous reincarnation of Irene, who loves her version of Strahd but who the townspeople decide must die. Bera flees rather than going through with this.   Behind the Church, Shasta and Rowan find a magically preserved monument with the words Know that you are avenged my lover and return to me swiftly.   Rowan receives a party summons from Strahd.   They continue to explore the area and follow the red birds and find a locked pen with what sounds like goats inside. Rowan speaks to the goats and they realise that the goats are the mountain folk and they are used to fuel Minala’s magic. They disable the alarm atop the stockade and free the goats. Through difficult magic, and the help of Twister, Shasti and Rowan convert one of the goats back to his true form - Ulric. They don’t have the magic to do the rest and fear to try.   Now with an additional party of goats they continue to move toward Minala’s tower. The tower is protected, and attacks those that try to enter. There is a stain on the door, but unsure what the stain is Rowan retracts to a safe distance while a truly traumatic series of events take place. Zailith scales the tower and attacks the trap door at the top, it takes some damage but his presence on the tower causes lightning strikes. Shasti attacks the back door with a chaos bolt which ignites the whole tower, downing Zailith. As he has stopped responding Rowan shifts to giant eagle, takes Bera who gets a rope round Zailith, getting him off the tower. Bera then misty steps, takes high fall damage, and downs herself on the floor. Between Varis and Shasti, the downed people are healed.   Rowan points out this is clearly a puzzle stop attacking the tower. Bera realises the blood is needed. Ulric donates blood and it is enough to open the door.   They start at the basement, work their way upwards. The basement is a place where the way to the feyrealm is thin. The ground floor holds many cages. The first floor has a plant that Zailith calls Rowan to come and look at. The plant attacks Zailith, and while fire damages it it also causes it to release a perfume. The plant takes damage from the party, but eventually swallows Zailith. Rowan resorts to blight, which causes heavy damage and nearly kills Zailith. They explore the now-cleared area. Shasti eats a bloodied red feather.   The second floor is a living area. In it a goat has been hanged so that it’s blood drops on a wax figure of Minala. Rowan frees and heals the goat, though it remains unconscious.   Many other items of significance are found in this room. Rowan finds spell components. Bera finds contracts and a weaver fane diagram. Of most significance, the party find Minala enacted the contract with Strand to protect her child.   The party decide to burn the wax figure, but do it outside. In doing so, the red birds attack but are taken down one by one. When the figure is destroyed, the final bird dies too.   The party then split. Theris, Varis, Rowan and the goats remain art the tower. The other’s seek out the Hag.   At the Hag, Bera learns of Minala’s child and befriends the Hag Jenny. The party trade their secrets for what is revealed to be the Spindle and Distaff. Shasti also trades her hair for information on Minala’s child which is revealed to be Madam Eva   The party reunite at the tower. Bera fails to read the book, Shasti succeeds.   Rest in the tower.

PART 1   Zailith, Bera and Varis go to see Gidna. Zailith asks for fortitude or wisdom from the Moradin, so he may help and protect those he cares for and swears to help. Between the three of them, they pay for Zailith’s bracers to be made.   Bera reveals the truth of Blinky’s death to Gidna, and gives her his letters, for which she is very grateful. Bera implores Gidna to help people who are willing to fight if she can. Gidna agrees. Will make sure that, when the time comes, she will supply weapons to all in Krezk.   At the lodging house, Rowan and Shasta talk about her changes. He shares his concerns about the fact she seems quite trusting of Dantalion. She maintains she wants to visit the abbot - she wants to heal, so they head to the abbey.   Zailith, Varis, Bera, Theris, and Dantalion go to visit Tamreg and his shop of curiosities. They tell him Minala is dead, seems likely he will go there now despite the warnings against it. Bera picks up a sleeping potion. Zailith picks up a bag of ash. They leave.   At the abbey, Shasti asks about her brother. A monk reveals that there was a badly hurt man who’d been under the care of the Professor, an alchemist and potion maker.   The abbot makes time to see Rowan and Shasti. He takes them to see the Tatiana copy. Through Message with Shasti he reveals that she is a perfect copy and will be ready when needed. She is his offering to this place. Out loud, Shasti enquires about the Professor. He may return in a few days. He will try and arrange a meeting in future for the two.   Rowan asks about the new priest in Castlefield. The Abbott said he was curious, too. Strahd drew someone in from outside, but this priest seems unhappy about her new position. Priest is called Sanni Ithilrien. Has been in the valley since the 17th of Cuersaar. Castlefield is getting worse, and it’s not helped with her unease at being here.   Shasti then asks for advice, reveals her new changes. The abbott understands that doing things for the greater good may seem questionable to some. He sees her as an ally now. Rowan asks about the werewolves; they’ve withdrawn, he hopes to use Strand’s captives but the Prince isn’t keen on sharing. The Abbott reveals he is due to see the Prince soon, so Shasti and Rowan leave.   Everyone reconvenes and heads to Minala’s domain. Rowan tries again to reach Arctic Tor and fails. As they head to Minala’s tower, Rowan flies to Valaki as a giant Eagle to get goat blood should they need it to open the tower. He speaks to Danika, who tells him that Ulric and the goats left with (a copycat) Rowan yesterday.   Rowan returns to the group, tells them that it’s likely that someone from the castle has taken the goats and is using them to lead them to the Mountain folk. The party debate but decide to keep going to the tower. They get there, it’s still open, and Rowan tries a third time to reach Arctic Tor and fails again. It is clear that Theris knows something and is keeping secrets. Bera snaps and turns on him.   Rowan leaves the party, and Zailith follows. With some words of encouragement and a touch of tough love, Zailith encourages him to return to the group. Meanwhile, Shasti has cut off her braids and that Varis has looked in Kara’s pack and is clearly emotional. Rowan and Bera read the letter he shows them.   Short rest.

Part 1     Rowan used the Dream spell during the night in an attempt to contact Ulric. Rowan explains that the woman he’s with is likely Anastasia, and that he cannot lead her to mountain village and tells him then paladins are near. Ulric understands what is being asked.   In the morning, Melnus and Dantalion are introduced. The party discuss the benefits of going to Arrigal’s camp. Dantalion offers to Scry for free and in doing so sees Arrigal pacing up and down in a restless form of anxiety. The camp is quiet compared to normal. There is a contingent with Rahadin, Renata, and Volenta - with thralls. The trio are dressed formally, how Strahd prefers people to be dressed. Could mean Strahd is there.   The party decides to split. Zailith will run to Krezk alone to get his items from Gidna. Rowan leads the rest of the party from the swamp. Once clear he finds some rowanwood and spends some time crafting a new staff. It is now very close to the meeting time. Rowan decides to Wildshape into a bird and meet Rahadin, while the others go fetch Irena and bring her to the camp, knowing full well this is not going to happen. It’s a story for Strahd.   Zailith and Dantalion: The pair spot an ambush on route and decide to take the longer road, they spot a figure and give chase as it attempts to flee. Zailith gives Dantalion permission for possession when he is attacked and, when he comes back to himself, is aware there will be a cost. At Krezk, a guard mentions no one has arrived from Vallaki today. He heads straight to Gidna and receives his new bracers. He uses pass without a trace to return, mostly avoiding any more encounters.   Rowan: Rowan travels to the camp as a giant eagle, but approaches on foot. He is spotted and Arrigal approaches. Rowan tells him he is alone as he is the fastest and the others are on route but he came ahead so as not to be late. Arrigal says it’s too late, Rahadin left for Vallaki a couple of hours ago. Rowan asks what their business was, but Arrigal doesn’t know anything other than it involved the party. Their absence was…regrettable. Arrigal was told to watch for the party’s arrival, keep them here and let Rahadin know. Rowan being alone, however, changes things. Rowan persuades Arrigal to let him go, and Arrigal warns the road is being watched. Arrigal looks a bit confused with himself. Rowan returns to giant eagle form checks in on Vallaki. Buildings look shut up, and it looks like a lot of people headed for the church – but no sign of violence. Lots of disruption followed by quiet. People on the walls look terrified, but not thralls.   Rowan finds the rest of the party on the road. He updates them on Arrigal and they discuss options, Vallaki feels like a trap. Zailith is late returning. Rowan scries on Petrovitch and sees that there’s a lot of people in the church, many are praying while others are sitting in groups. There’s a lot of fearful expressions but there’s also a sense of calm. There’s no sign of Irena.   With no sign of Zailith the party make the decision to go to the seeker fane in the hope that Zailith will follow. Bera leaves a note formed of pebbles with Mischief on the road for him.   They decide to take a boat over the lake. To do so Bera and Melnus sneak up and manage to successfully work together to steal two small fishing boats, with Rowan keeping watch and moving between the parties in magpie form. Varis and Shasti are aware of movement in the trees and point it out when Rowan comes to collect them. He leads them to the boats, though Varis lacks stealth. As a group, they head onto the water.   Meanwhile, Zailith has found the note. He chooses to skirt Vallaki and go towards the lake. In doing so, he sees the rest of the party on boats and uses his water running ability to catch up. With some mixed abilities, the party reunites and manages to get across the lake. Zailith has clearly been in some sort of fight. They inform each other of the day so far.   The party get to the fane and after a brief investigation, with not much gleaned, they begin. Varis, Theris, Melnus and Bera take positions at compass points. Rowan activates the rite with Shasta as sacrifice.   During the rite, Theris, Varis, Melnus and Bera face four rounds of different environmental effects as the ritual takes place. Their role is to protect the ritualists, who have a small level of protection granted by the rite, but must be otherwise allowed to complete the ritual. This protection from the party comes through various means; first from cold, a storm, poisonous air, insects, darkness. In addition, the mental effects take its toll. Paranoia and fear is rife and it becomes difficult to focus on the task. Theris turns on Varis and Varis is briefly downed, saved by Bera. All of this transpires while the ritualists are at work in the fane.

Part 3   The ritual ends, and the attacks on the fane stop. The party are reunited and take the time for a short rest. Rowan only tells the party that they must go to the Amber Temple first, the tools needed are there, and then to face Strahd. This pleases Dantalion. Dantalion is asked to scry on Irena, but it fails. Rowan uses Commune with Nature and detects powerful undead near Vallaki. Reluctant to abandon Irena, the party form a loose plan to check in on the town.   Rowan Wild Shapes in order to scout Vallaki, while the rest of the party cross the lake on stolen boats. In Vallaki, the northern gates are closed. There is a person-shaped creature on Lady Wachta’s house, but Rowan steers clear. There is a sense of fear and confusion in town, but the Church’s doors are open. He heads to the Inn, which is open and busy. It appears vampires were in town, but have gone, some people were taken, and there is some talk that the Baron is a coward. Unable to get close enough to hear more, and shooed away, Rowan retreats back to the party.   Meanwhile, the party are taking the boats across the lake to West. They struggle somewhat, but they make it across and meet Rowan. He reports his findings, and they head towards the Stone Tower. Zailith notes the road is being watched, so they stay off it. Bera sends Mischief to scout, and one of the figures grabs him and kills him, which makes them suspicious. The party use a combination of flying and stealth and Zailith attacks first. They dispatch two thralls, but it appears one may have got away. They move forward to the tower, knowing their location has likely been discovered. In doing so they discover more thralls on the tower.   The party manage to destroy the two thralls before they escape, and Bera manages to unlock the tower before the shadows form on the causeway. Upon inspection, there are bodies (unfamilliar people, likely hunters) in the tower and the inside has been ransacked. The party, deeply paranoid, separate the heads from the bodies and throw them in the lake. Dantalion shows Zailith how to make the area safe from scrying. Rowan takes some time to cast Divination, and asks what they can expect in the morning. He see’s Melchior’s smirking face. Much debate ensues, as the party finally decide that this is not a safe place to stay. Using various flying methods the party decide to head North to the Huntress fane, where they left Crow.   At the fane, there is evidence there’s been people in the area. Rowan knocks on the stone, and Crow opens it. The party see that he appears extremely drained, but eventually they enter the underground area and Varis pulls the stone back over to cover it. Rowan introduces him to the new members of the party, though Dantalion stays invisible.   Crow knows the fanes are reconnected, and expected trouble tonight as a result. The Huntress has punished the werewolves and the survivors have fled north. Shepherd has headed East to speak to Eva. The party update Crow on their own successes. Crow is slightly odd; something about Varis as Lord Commander makes him afraid, and something about Argonvosthold seems to make him sad? But he is clearly in pain when Varis embraces him.   Each side shares what they know of the Amber Temple. Varis and Theris start sniping at each other as the party discusses the possibility of leaving the mists and returning with help. Zailith stops them.   Rowan shows Crow the book, explains it, and offers it to the party to read. Zailith tried and fails, Varis succeeds. [Reading of the Tome]   After the book is read and shared, the party settles down for the night.   During the first watch, Rowan notices that Crow appears to be overstressed and unwell. He speaks to him, and discovers that Crow is suffering the consequences of not using the power he was granted as intended. Rowan promises to aid him as he can.   Second watch, Zailith. Dantalion explains the Church of Ioun decided to work with the Obsidian Throne because they remember the bindings that originally trapped Khiriad. Depending on the situation, it may be the solution.   Third watch, Theris doesn’t notice anything.   Fourth watch, Varis and Theris continue to be petty.

Meeting with Strand, Anastasia and Escher. The party tell him that Minala was turning on him, therefore they had little option but to defeat her as she had revealed her plans to them. Zailith gives him the dragon orb as proof. Accepts it does show she was keeping secrets. Zailith also gives the bracelet. He’s not happy, and Rowan (due to divination) knows the only way out of this is to make a new deal. Strahd wants the party to bring Irena to the castle. The bracelet is for her.   In an attempt to buy time, Zailith asks if they could have longer in order to help the mountain folk first. Clearly Strahd did not know these people existed, and plans to investigate. Strahd expects the Queen the day after tomorrow (27th).   Strahd gives the party their reward for retrieving the bracelet - +1 Adamantine armour. Varis takes the armour and as they leave he gives Rowan a note suggesting Theris has fiendish qualities.   As they leave they round on Zailith, blaming him for putting the mountain folk at risk. This is catalyst that causes Rowan to realise he must take up his position in the Winter Court.   Theris confesses what he got up to in the night, and reveals a pair of silver rings. Gives one to Rowan. They allow the two to communicate telepathically.   Dantalion reveals the extent of the chaos they caused in the night. Much conversation occurs, but the party return to Argonvost. Once there, Varis replaces the casket of bones on the plinth and a beacon lights. This beacon can be seen throughout the valley and will bring hope to many people.   The revenants are all heading to the chapel. The party follows. Varis thanked for the restoration. Vladimir offers Varis his great sword. The remnants are to walk the Plain of Ash tonight, but Vladimir and Godfrey stay and offer their support. Varis sends them to help. The mountain folk.   Vladimir then reveals his amulet, hands it to Shasti, who takes it eagerly. As the amulet, the Dawn’s Blessing, sits in her hand, Shasti transforms. Two great, weathered wings form on Shasti’s back but they last only a few seconds before changing. The feathers drop off, leaving skeletal, tattered, and hideous wings in their place. Shasti’s eyes turn a glaring red. She faints. Her actions have corrupted her.   Much discussion breaks out, but Varis takes Dawn’s Blessing for now. The party head to Krezk. Rowan, Bera and Varis go to the abbey. Zailith takes Shasti to the lodging house.   The party at the abbey ask the abbott what they can do about Danatalion. He offers a few possible solutions, but stresses they should find out why he’s here.   They return to the lodging house and Shasti wakes, unaware of what had happened. The party inform her. And she reveals she desecrated the Chapel. Overwhelmed, she tries to tap into radiant consumption and can’t. She asks to be left alone.   Downstairs in the tap room is a lot livelier than usual. Everyone seems a lot happier. Much conversation is had, Bera spends some time socialising. Finds out the giant wolf has been sacrificed at a fane up north. Possible sightings of the Huntress.   Zailith heads to bed. Dantalion uses this opportunity to speak with Shasti. He offers her his services, but mostly she refutes him and accepts the consequences of her decisions.   Dantalion returns to Zailith and, sensing his unhappiness about things, offers him a beautifully presented contract.   Now alone, Shasti uses the opportunity to read Strahd’s tome.   A little time passes and Rowan heads up too. Varis and Bera stay to enjoy the party.   Rowan attempts to use the Coin to reach Arctic Tor. Nothing happens. He messages Crow, who reveals the Huntress is active.