9/14/21 Session 31 - "The One Where They Find A Guy In A Place Who Does Stuff"

Our adventurers collect themselves after finding a note from Rahadin. They discern that he believes both Balasar Norixius and Marc Alt have perished in their most recent foray into combat. Luckily for our heroes he is mistaken; Balasar Norixius seems no worse for wear, however Marc Alt seems to now be covered in a thick, oily fur. When questioned about his appearance Marc Alt deflects the questions and ignores the awful truth that he has somehow physically changed after having died.
Weary, the group plots its next move and decides they've got much information to share with Van Richten and Ezmerelda. They head back to the tower to rest and plan. Again, they are followed closely by something just inside the tree line but are in no condition to be confronting anyone or anything. Upon reaching the tower Van Richten seems shocked to see Marc Alt in such a foul state. He pokes, prods and stabs him with sharp silvered instruments to verify whether he is a werewolf or not. The tests seem inconclusive as he is not able to obviously discern what has become of Marc.
The party reveals to Rudolph that they had entered Argynvostholt, encountered wraiths and specters, learned of Argynvosts stolen skull and the anger driving the wraiths to linger for revenge and had battled vampire spawn outside of the hold. They also reveal the weapon they had found in the hold and show Van Richten the hilt. Adrid speaks the activation phrase, "Praise the sun" and a blade made of pure sunlight springs forth from the hilt, Van Richten it taken aback as a flurry of thoughts race through his mind.
He immediately informs the party that he must leave to find a friend who may be useful. He believes that their time is now short and they must start preparing for a confrontation with Strahd von Zarovich, no place will truly be safe much longer. He leaves the party to their own devices for the time being and informs them that he will return as soon as possible.
Without much direction, the adventurers are unable to make a decision to go anywhere or do anything of particular use. They decide to stay near the tower and await Van Richten’s return. Fredriech Carlston takes a swim in the cold waters of the lake to no ill effect. Lilithus and Adrid discuss their past and connections, while not much has changed they do agree that they are likely brother and sister.
The party rests and after some time Van Richten returns. He rounds them all up and marches the group North to what appears to be a mausoleum of sorts. Inside they find a man who appears to have lost his memory. He doesn’t know who he is, how he got here or where he even is. Lilithus is able to assist by casting a restoration spell. Light and lucidity return to the man’s eyes. The party inquires if he remembers anything, does he have a name?
He simply replies, "I am Mordenkianen."