5/11/21 Session 15 - "Strahd Limozeen"

After discovering that the Shurch of St. Andral has been desecrated by the blood of it's own priest, the party regroups and attempts to venture out to investigate. Before doing so they are stopped by town guards and a man with a monstrous arm by the name of Izek. Izek demands our adventurer’s weapons and tells them that they are suspects in the murders that took place int he church. After some levelheaded reasoning and negotiations, the party keeps their weapons and freedom and take a visit to the Burgermasters home.
Upon reaching the mansion, the party ventures to the second floor where they congregate in a room with Baron Valokovich and his 2 enormous guard dogs. The baron accuses them of bringing evil upon the town and forces them to take responsibility for the murders. Without letting a word in edgewise to defend themselves, the Baron demands wine as penance and to fuel his next town festival. Even after hearing of the plight of the Wizards of Wine Winery the Baron seems completely unfazed and demands the party fix the issue and return with wine. The party discerns that the Baron wants to find a scapegoat for the murders and to get more wine ASAP, they seem to fit the bill perfectly to rectify both issues.
The party leaves the Burgermasters Mansion and heads over to the Blue Water Inn to speak with Urwin regarding his family and the issues surrounding the winery. Before speaking with him the party yet again encounters the Bard staying at the inn, Rictavio. He buys some meat and wine and heads into town. Urwin seems mildly amused by his family’s plight, he doesn't know much but just assumed something bad would happen eventually. He doesn't have much to go on but points the party toward Argynvost Holt to see if the rumors of a gem there may be what they're looking for.
Our adventurers agree to begin their search there but need to inform Ezmerelda of their decision. They leave town after being accosted by guards yet again who seem to not want to let them leave to fix the problem the baron asked them to fix...

The party approaches the woods where Ezmerelda said she would be, but it appears as if she's nowhere to be found. They venture into the woods to try to find her but are instead greeted by wolves. The party fends them off after a short battle and re-emerge on the road still missing Ezmerelda. They begin making their way toward Agynvost Holt, but not before encountering yet another familiar face.
Rahadin appears on the road in front of them driving a carriage. He informs them they have missed their dinner with Strahd and asks yet again for the party to come to Castle Ravenloft to dine with his master. The party speaks about how confused they were last time but Rahadin seems unfazed and tells them to get in the carriage... Seemingly unable to refuse the party gets in heads east to Castle Ravenloft.