Session 4: Durst Manor Part 3
General Summary
Session 4 saw the party facing their toughest challenges yet as they ventured deeper into the cursed Durst manor. The session began with the party locked in a life-or-death struggle against the ghouls who ambushed them at the end of the previous session. Though the fight was brutal and pushed them to their limits, the adventurers managed to defeat the undead cultists. It was a close call, and their near defeat prompted the group to seek shelter for much-needed rest.
The party barricaded themselves in a room featuring a shrine to Strahd, hoping for respite. However, their rest was short-lived. Upon awakening, Dameion noticed an orb clutched in the hand of a statue at the shrine. Driven by curiosity, he took the orb, but this action triggered an immediate response—a group of living shadows rose from the walls and attacked. Dameion attempted to set the statue on fire, believing it might stop the shadows, but this only enraged them further.
In a moment of quick thinking, Dorian used his magic to blind the statue, which caused the shadows to lose their connection to the idol, drifting aimlessly until they dissipated. With this danger averted, the party continued their exploration, moving into the deepest part of the basement.
There, they encountered the monster Walter had become—a grotesque flesh mound that pulsated with malevolent energy. As they battled the creature, they realized that Walter’s true form was that of a will-o'-wisp, trapped within the mound and unable to escape. After a fierce fight, the party succeeded in destroying the flesh mound and freeing Walter’s soul from its twisted prison.
Their victory, however, was cut short as the vengeful ghost of Elisabeth appeared, trying to bring the manor down on top of them. Racing against time, the party fled through the collapsing halls. On their way out, they encountered Gustav’s ghost, but they managed to convince him to let them pass, explaining that they had freed the spirits of his children.
As they escaped the crumbling manor, they were met by the spirit of Klara, who thanked them for their deeds. In gratitude, she presented the party with a magical dagger named Dawn’s Redemption as a reward for their bravery.
The party barricaded themselves in a room featuring a shrine to Strahd, hoping for respite. However, their rest was short-lived. Upon awakening, Dameion noticed an orb clutched in the hand of a statue at the shrine. Driven by curiosity, he took the orb, but this action triggered an immediate response—a group of living shadows rose from the walls and attacked. Dameion attempted to set the statue on fire, believing it might stop the shadows, but this only enraged them further.
In a moment of quick thinking, Dorian used his magic to blind the statue, which caused the shadows to lose their connection to the idol, drifting aimlessly until they dissipated. With this danger averted, the party continued their exploration, moving into the deepest part of the basement.
There, they encountered the monster Walter had become—a grotesque flesh mound that pulsated with malevolent energy. As they battled the creature, they realized that Walter’s true form was that of a will-o'-wisp, trapped within the mound and unable to escape. After a fierce fight, the party succeeded in destroying the flesh mound and freeing Walter’s soul from its twisted prison.
Their victory, however, was cut short as the vengeful ghost of Elisabeth appeared, trying to bring the manor down on top of them. Racing against time, the party fled through the collapsing halls. On their way out, they encountered Gustav’s ghost, but they managed to convince him to let them pass, explaining that they had freed the spirits of his children.
As they escaped the crumbling manor, they were met by the spirit of Klara, who thanked them for their deeds. In gratitude, she presented the party with a magical dagger named Dawn’s Redemption as a reward for their bravery.
Report Date
24 May 2025