Session 2: Into the Basement

Still trapped inside the Death House, our doomed heroes make a bargain with ghost children and discover the heart of the house.
Leaving the master bedroom, the players explored the remaining rooms of the third floor. Horace got too close to a particularly violent broom, but it was reduced to splinters by ranged volleys from Cedric and Sylvar. With Horace pulling bits of ancient straw from his mustache, the party explored the remaining room and uncovered an ungodly nursery. The crib was set in the center of the room, surrounded by concentric runes and fleshy tumors. The runes were identified as dark magic of a transmutation variety. Fearing the possibility of something unpleasant in the bed, the group was unwilling to explore the remaining room and headed to the secret room in the library.
The secret room contained a long dead adventurer, some treasure, and a letter from someone named Strahd von Zarovich. (See Loot drops and lore drops, respectively) The party then headed back upstairs to explore the one remaining room and uncovered a staircase that was not there before. It led to the attic where the players met the ghosts of Rosavalda and Thornboldt. They had been locked in their room while alive and now their spirits are bound to this house. Rose agreed to reveal the way to the basement on the condition that the party took her and her brothers bones out of this house and lay them to rest. With the bargain struck, the party descended into the basement with Rose riding along in Cedric’s body.
Once inside the basement, Cedric, (having identified Sylvar holding the Vial of Mist after reading “the story of Cedric Arhet”) obliquely asked for a vial. But Sylvar has been a thief for some time, and had their bluff ready and waiting. Poor Cedric was left gaslit and Vial-less, but was still able to connect with the Weave to shroud Sylvar in shadows. With an invisible scout, the party explored the dungeon like basement. They came across a sleeping area/storage room for the cult. Horace knew exactly where lowlifes and scoundrels would hide valuables, and picked the place clean. (See loot drops)
Following the increasing sound of chanting, Sylvar failed to see a trap and fell into a spike pit. Thanks to their sacrifice, Horace and Cedric were able to jump across un-injured. Deeper into the basement, the party discovered a reliquary with thirteen occult trinkets and took certain objects for themselves. (See Loot Drops) Our heroes took a short rest, bandaging their wounds before heading into a large chamber with a sacrificial altar.
Recalling the words of Elizabeth Durst, the party realized that no offering would sate the beast's hunger. The only way forward.. is through the Beast.

Loot Drops: (Prices are taken from PHB, and may vary depending on situation)

• 1 Heavy Crossbow (50 gp)
• 1 Light Crossbow (25 gp)
• 1 Hand Crossbow (75 gp)
• 60 Crossbow Bolts (6 of which are silver) (3 gp for bolts, 10 gp per silvered bolt=63 gp)
• 1 Silvered Shortsword (110 gp)
• Spell Scroll of Bless, Protection from poison, and Spiritual Weapon (1 of each) (Magic item, cost unclear)
• 3 Blank Leatherbound Books (25 gp each)
• Deed to Barovian Manor
• Deed to the Durst Mill
• Durst Will
• Mummified Goblin hand
• Shrunken Halfling Head
• Ghoulskin Cloak
• Wooden Mummy figurine
• Bag of Guano
• 11 gp 60 sp in a pouch of human skin
• 3 moss agates (10 gp each)
• Black leather eyepatch with a carnelian (50 gp)
• Ivory Hairbrush with Silver bristles (25 gp)

Lore Drops:

My most pathetic servant,
I am not a messiah sent to you by the Dark Powers of this land. I have not come to lead you on a path to immortality. However many souls you have bled on your hidden altar, however many visitors you have tortured in your dungeon, know that you are not the one who brought me to this beautiful land. You are but a worm writhing in my earth. You say that you are cursed, your fortune spent. Your husband took solace in the bosom of another woman, sired a bastard son, and drove you to abandon love for madness. Cursed by darkness? Of that I have no doubt. Save you from your wretchedness? I think not. I much prefer you as you are.
Your dread lord and master, Strahd von Zarovich

Name of "The Beast" is Walter.