Session 9: A Offer you Can’t Refuse
General Summary
The party continued their preparations in the town square of Barovia for the impending battle against the undead. Bob the Skull returned with news: Gertruda had reached the gates of Castle Ravenloft and was unwilling to return. Hader instructed Bob to bring her back by any means necessary, provided it caused no lasting harm. Bob agreed and set off toward the castle.
Hader then proceeded to the barricades to deliver the Firewine bottles, intended to be used as makeshift Molotov cocktails. While there, he encountered an enigmatic old man who refused to give his name. The stranger handed Hader a tome titled "Van Richten's Guide to Vampires," asking him to pass it along to Dameion. Hader accepted the book, later realizing he couldn't recall any details about the old man's appearance.
Meanwhile, Saphira and Dameion visited Bildrath’s Mercantile once more. Saphira traded food for clothing, preparing for the night ahead.
Out on the streets, Dorian met an old woman distributing meat pies. Her unsettling demeanor—marked by one open eye and odd mannerisms—put Dorian on edge, but he accepted a pie nonetheless. After taking a bite, he felt an inexplicable surge of well-being. The woman, who introduced herself as Lysaga, mentioned she was adept at solving problems and could be found at the windmill if he ever needed assistance.
With their tasks completed, the party reconvened at the inn, where the townsfolk were sharing a final drink before the battle. Bob returned, having brought Gertruda back through some form of body possession. Gertruda was irate, proclaiming her allegiance to Strahd and refusing to return to her abusive mother. Saphira, however, managed to calm her down, persuading Gertruda to stay—at least for the night.
During this time, Hader handed the mysterious book to Dameion, who immediately delved into its pages. Upon reading a passage about vampires lacking reflections in silver mirrors, Dameion noticed for the first time that Saphira cast no reflection. He kept the observation to himself.
Hader was then approached by Ireena, who expressed her gratitude for his help with the mob earlier. She offered to buy him a drink, which he graciously accepted. Hader introduced Ireena to the rest of the party. Upon seeing Dorian, Ireena recognized him, mentioning that she had met his sister a few months prior. Alarmed, Dorian demanded to know his sister's whereabouts, but Ireena had no further information. Frustrated, Dorian stormed off, followed by Saphira. The two shared a candid conversation about Dorian's past and his growing concern over his missing sister.
As the sun set, darkness enveloped the village, and the undead began their assault on the barricades. The party stood alongside the townspeople, valiantly defending against the horde of zombies. Amidst the chaos, they discovered that the undead were being led by one of Strahd's brides—Volenta. She engaged Saphira directly, wielding a massive hammer.
Seeing Saphira in peril, Hader succumbed to his lycanthropic nature and transformed into a werewolf. He and Dorian rushed to aid Saphira, but Volenta's strength was overwhelming; she easily swatted them aside. Summoning her divine power, Saphira struck Volenta with a potent smite. Just as Volenta prepared to retaliate, she paused, receiving a telepathic message from Strahd himself.
Volenta reluctantly ceased her attack, conveying Strahd's invitation for the party to dine at Castle Ravenloft. She assured them that the Rite of Hospitality would be observed, guaranteeing their safe passage to and from the castle. The dinner was scheduled for three days hence, and in return, Strahd would halt the attacks on the village.
With the battle over, the undead retreated, and a tense calm settled over Barovia. The party gathered to contemplate the weight of Strahd's invitation, aware that accepting could bring them closer to their goals—or deeper into danger.
Report Date
25 Oct 2024
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