9/28/21 Session 32 - "Shit Gets Real"

The man before the party is indeed Mordenkainen. The powerful mage has been lost in Barovia for over a year after losing a battle with Strahd von Zarovich and using powerful magics to wipe his mind and prevent his secrets from falling into the dreadlords hands.
Things seems spotty in his memory right now, he knows he's missing his hat, staff and spell book, and without these items he isn't truly able to assist the adventurers with their fight. While the party is holding their introductions and comes to terms with how this really is, Grinfiddeus Nobbles seems to be in absolute awe of who they have found, he truly can't believe it. Before much more can be said, Mordenkainen casts a spell and an invisible portal leading to a mansion appears. Once inside the party sees that there are servants, tables full of food from their home and numerous rooms to sleep and rest. The newly recovered Mordenkainen asks that the party allow him to rest and they can ask more questions in the morning.
Our heroes do indeed take the opportunity to rest and collect themselves. While discussing their journey so far, Fredriech Carlston still seems to think that Ireena Kolyanovich is the key to all of this. He asks Adrid to give the Sun Sword they had found to Ireena Kolyanovich, but much to his dismay nothing happens while wielding the blade. Dejected, Fredriech Carlston heads to his room after attempting to accost one of the spectral servants for "services".
Upon waking in the morning Mordenkainen appears and seems refreshed, however he is still not fully collected. It may take some time before he is himself again. The party shows him several of the items they have collected on their journeys and tells the mage many of their tales and encounters with Strahd von Zarovich. They speak about death and how a distant power seems to be drawing a few of the party members back to the land of the living after perishing in battle. They each point to Marc as an example of odd things that have happened, but Mordenkainen does not seem to have a concrete answer for who or what is responsible. He continues by inspecting and identifying several of the items the party has to clear up exactly what they are and how to use them. The group asks abouts specific people and places and is eventually given a few clues about where they may next head.
The Amber Temple to the South is where an ancient magic resides that may be of use, but the path may be yet too dangerous for the party to travel.
The sunken and destroyed town of Berez is a spot long forgotten now mostly a swamp, but Mordenkainen had heard tales of someone or something claiming to be the mother of Strahd von Zarovich residing in the ruins.
With new direction the party makes ready to leave asking Mordenkainen to watch over Ireena Kolyanovich. He accepts and offers safe haven should they return. Van Richten and Ezmerelda also prepare to leave to make preparations for the oncoming battle, he seems to think they have much to do.
Eventually the adventurers notice that Fredriech Carlston has been missing from the entire conversation. The man appears shortly thereafter, emerging from his room drunk, naked and covered in gruesome looking scars. In hushed tones they discuss but eventually whisk him away to get dressed and leave toward Berez.
On the road South the party is greeted by a familiar black horse drawn carriage blocking the fork in the road. The dreadlord has requested their presence. Seeing no other option, the party sends word back to Mordenkainen’s spectral mansion using Muriel the Raven. They get in and are whisked away to Castle Ravenloft. Inside they expect to be disarmed, but are instead brought directly to the throne room where Strahd von Zarovich sits awaiting them, next to him appears to be a wolf wearing the collar of their old friend Lancelot. His demeanor seems changed, he is much less pleasant than their previous encounters. He curtly asks for the Sun Blade in return for the prisoner he holds (assumed to be Ismark Kolyanovich).
Adrid responds that he holds much more than one prisoner, the entire land of Barovia is hostage under his rule. Relinquishing the blade for one life would not be enough. The entire party seems to agree. Disgusted with the response, Strahd von Zarovich informs them of the mistake they have made and dismisses them from his presence without another word. They are whisked just as quicky from the throne room back to the carriage and deposited where they were picked up on the road to Berez.
The party now understand the weight of the decision they have made, this is all or nothing: They will defeat Strahd von Zarovich and free Barovia… Or die trying.
While traveling on the road to Berez Grinfiddeus Nobbles and Adrid confront Fredriech Carlston about the ghastly looking scars covering his body. He brushes it off, but they aren't able to let it go. Lilithus chimes in that the scars are much like those done when performing an autopsy on a corpse. Fredriech Carlston continues to deny what they are and play it down, but there is a look on his face of confusion and concern, like his mind is being torn somehow. Before pushing him too far, they drop the subject and quietly continue their walk to the ruins of Berez, their adventure continuing to become more dire, and more strange, moment by moment.