Session 07: Something Wicked

General Summary

At the Wachterhaus

In the Grip of Madness

• The party is led by Fiona to Stella's room where they see a sorry sight...
• A young woman in a soiled nightgown with matted hair running around on all fours.
• The bedroom was bare of everything except a full chamber pot, rotten food and an iron-framed bed fitted with leather straps.
• It becomes clear that Stella is afflicted with some form of madness, that is possible to treat but is magically above the party's paygrade (Maise and Madame H deduce that casting Greater Restoration on Stella would cure her).
• Maise was wary to use the charm she gained in Waterdeep and waste charges.
• They decide to come back once they are better versed in magic.

Till Death Do Them Apart...?

• After promising Lady Fiona they will return with more powerful magic, Maisie clocks that she's hiding something.
• Upon some prodding and vague threats, its revealed that she has been keeping the corpse of her late husband in their marital bed and preserving him with a Gentle Repose spell.
• She has no wish to resurrect him but still wants to keep him close, it seems.

A Formal Invite

• Following that lovely development, a noble named Vasili von Holtz (who was connected to the bone theft) is let in by a maid and delivers a letter from Strahd von Zarovich to the party.
• He seems friendly but some members of the party were unnerved by him.

My friends,   Know that it is I who have brought you to this land, my home, and know that I alone can release you from it. I bid you dine at my castle so that we can meet in civilized surroundings. Your passage here will be a safe one. I await your arrival.  

Your host, Strahd von Zarovich

An Unassuming Night

The Fall of Izek

• Following the eventful day, the gang takes a walk around the town, seeing everything set up for tomorrow's festival.
• They feel like they're being watched.
• Then, Izek Stranzi confronts them at the Town Square, accompanied by a few goons/cronies/henchmen; seemingly determined to get his hands on Ireena.
• But its fine because you all flattened him and his friends like pancakes!
• So what to do with the bodies? You make it seem like an act of devil worship!
• You all dismembered everyone, drew a pentagram with their blood and put Izek at the center; problem solved!

Questions for the Ravens

• After committing an act of self defense, y'all go back to the Inn and talk to Danika!
• She seems relived that Izek is gone and will totally be the party's alibi.
• She confirms several things Kasimir told the party;
• There is a haunted, abandoned manor that appears to be a stronghold for undead that are not aligned with Strahd.
• There is an order of druids who worship Strahd as they believe he has control over nature.
• These druids have been giving the Keepers of the Feather trouble for a while.
• There was a village to the south of Vallaki that was flooded generations ago; it's extremely dangerous and there are members of KoF watching over it.
• The Amber Temple is real but not much is known about it because no none that has sought it out has returned and is assumed dead.
• She informs the party that the Festival will start first thing in the morning and non-attendance will be punished.
• Her and Urwin will do their best to support the party but as they will be there with the children, their priority is to protect them.

Session ended at 1am 18/9/735; 17th of Sintavr, 735