3/9/21 Session 6 - "Proper Burial"

Our heroes proceed with carrying the coffin of the towns deceased Burgermaster to the church to the north. There they come upon another clawed and burn structure much like the Burgermasters residence, probably not a coincidence. Upon entering the party hears monstrous screaming and wailing from beneath the floorboards, someone or something seems trapped down there. Ismark and Ireena introduce the group to Father Donovich, the priest who oversees the church. Ismark Kolyanovich explains that he’s very tired and is changed as of late since his son was taken and had been “Changed”. During this time the Church of Lathander (Light Domain) became shunned by the townsfolk after a strange wizard in black robes came to town and attempted to lead a revolt against Strahd. This revolt did not go well… Father Donovich’s son Doru was part of this revolt, and since his “return” over a year ago, he appears to have been turned into a vampire thrall and now resides in the basement.
Before getting overly involved in this issue with Father Donovich, the party asks to help finish the Burgermasters burial. The proceeded to assist with digging the grave and putting the man to rest. Once finished they return to the church and speak with Ismark. He has yet another request: Take his sister Ireena Kolyanovich away from here, West to either the small town of Krezk or the more fortified town of Vallaki. Before the group can debate the merits of if or where to take her, a pale elf on a dark horse rides up to the church. Ireena seems exceptionally irritated and begins to lash out at the elf asking what he’s doing there. We learn that he is Rahadin, one of Strahd’s lieutenants, and he has come to “pay his respects”. This seems like more of a warning and less of anything to with paying any respects. He sends the party a welcome message from Strahd who has been watching them since they’ve arrived. He thanks them for taking care of the “Cult” issue in the Durst house. Rahadin rides off without further incident. The party understands why Rahadin would come as an intimidation tactic, but it also gives them clues that there are spies or other magical means by which Strahd is keeping tabs on them. They return to the topic at hand and debate the merits of moving Ireena. While debating they find that Vallaki is more heavily fortified, but that there is a Church of “St. Markovia” in Krezk which may be a better option. Upon questioning her willingness, Ireena implores that she wants to leave at her brothers’ behest to help keep his mind off her well being while he assumes the duties of the Burgermaster. The party agrees but has another task is still lingering: What to do with Father Donovich’s son?
The group confronts him gently, asking about his reasoning and attempting to persuade him to allow them to help him in dispatching. He seems to think that there is a cure for vampirism… Which there isn’t as far as anyone knows. While confronting him, Fredriech Carlston recounts a story from his past wherein his mother was killed, his father was turned to a vampire and it was necessary to dispatch and bury them both. This has weighed heavily on Fredriech and he hopes sharing his sorrows will compel Father Donovich to do the right thing. Eventually the Father relents and give the party permission to take care of his son, but he will not join them as he can not be party to killing what remains of his son. The adventurers venture down into the basement and discover Doru). Fredriech disguised himself as Father Donovich and Grinfiddeus Nobbles acts as his voice. They attempt to confuse the vampire thrall and gain the upper hand by lulling the creature to lower his defenses. Unfortunately, it appears as if he can’t control his bloodlust and attacks the party. The party struggles with the creature if only because every attack seems to do much less damage than they expect. It takes some time, but they eventually dispatch the son with only minor injuries. They return upstairs to report back to Father Donovich on Doru.