Session 1: A Foggy Abduction

General Summary

Before Barovia

We were introduced to our three protagonists; Sylvar Ralozana, an eladrin thief (rogue), Horace Fymplbraut, a halfling acrobat (monk), and Cedric Arhet, a human chef (boring). They were transported from the circus in Ankh-Zlord to a bleak new plane after a stolen Vial of Mist reacted violently to Cedric, giving him strange magic powers while also abducting our doomed heroes. After leveling some rather pointed accusations at the terrified Cedric, Sylvar and Horace followed him inside the only landmark not shrouded in mist, an imposing grand manor. After entering the main hall, the doors slammed shut trapping the group inside the house for the foreseeable future. There was a portrait of a family, with a plaque reading "Mr. Gustav and Mrs. Elisabeth Durst, with their two children, Rosavalda and Thornboldt. But more immediately taking focus was the bloody letters that began appearing on the wall.

Beneath this dwelling lurks a beast Who hungers for a bloody feast. He sleeps until the midnight chime Then wakes to feed his dark design. If morsels seek to flee their doom, Then bring toward his secret room A gift to soothe his savage mood But mind the servants of his brood.

Exploring the first floor of the house, the three unfortunate souls discovered many things that didn't make sense. A succulent feast ready to be eaten with no evidence of someone to eat it, stuffed wolves that seemed to move when you took your eyes off them, and a knife that buried itself in a wall with malicous intent. There was an invitation to the celebration of the one year anniversary of the Durst Mill at the Durst Residence, addressed to Lovina Watcher and dated 348. As the party continued to move through the house, it became apparent that Mr. Durst had been unfaithful to Mrs. Durst. After being attacked by an animated suit of armor, the party made their way into the master bedroom, where they found a scroll as well as an amber shard (key to the secret room). The scroll next to said amber shard read... 
"Drasha, I have selected you as the Beast's custodian in my absence. Should the Beast grow unruly or show signs of agitation while I am away, I have left this amber shard to weaken it and soothe it's fury.  SHould the need arise, present the shard and speak the Beast's name to quiet its tantrums-but be sure to begone from the house before it awakens at midnight. So long as the Beast draws breath, it-not you- is the heart of this house, and no meal shall ever sate it's appetite. Should you linger in its domain, it will mean doom for you all. Elisabeth"
We left off there, at 8:20 PM, with 4 hours and 40 mins till midnight. (Dice clock 6:5:0)

Report Date

13 Sep 2023