12 - 6/21 : What Can Change the Nature of a Man?
From the battlements of Argynvostholt, the group began to investigate the various routes down into the mysterious manor. On the roof was a large, unlit beacon of some unknown sort, and a the cemetery could be seen in the courtyard. From the parapet could be seen many distant landmarks, including the scorched remains of the Windmill that the hags had dwelt. Vallaki could be seen back to the north, still smoking from the night of terror that had claimed so many lives of the small town. Lastly an Abbey rested on a snowy mountainside to the west.
After some deliberation, the group descended down the newel staircase into the eastern part of Argynvostholt. A chapel to the Sun Goddess Solanus, though still a ruin was in better condition than the rest of the structure. Also kneeling before the altar were three undead. Not simply mindless zombies, the trio wore armor of knights and spoke with conviction to the group. They demanded the party leave, as they were sworn to Vladimir that none were welcome in their sacred halls.
While Wixley and the others were initially hostile to the undead, Judge revealed a surprising understanding to the plight these men faced. He talked them down, and managed to convince the Silver Knights to allow the group to talk to their leader.
Vladamir, still clad in iconic full-plate of his knightly order and bearing a gigantic sword, sat alone on a large stone throne. He stood upon the party entering his domain, and gave one final warning to begone and not interfere with the orders duty.
Judge began by appealing to his faith, pronouncing that Muir and Solanus were often allied against the forces of evil, and he wished to join forces to put a stop to Morrigans wickedness. Vladamir decried this plan, for he felt that this was Morrigans prison, her personal hell! She had taken from him everything, his faith, the master he served, his love, his order. He saw it as his purpose to contain the vampire within this realm so that she may not escape, for death is too good for her. And he vowed put a stop to any who would release her from her torment.
Judge countered, that he was not the only one to bear the sins of the past! The party looked to their comrade, a defeated sigh betrayed the burden carried upon his shoulders. Judge began, that while he now was here on a mission to put down the evil infested these realms, in a past life he was known as Hanfred Vel.
The famous paladin of Muir was well-known for his deeds throughout the realm, but claimed that the failures of his past had set in motion the evil that now plagued Barovia. Hanfred had sought out an artifact of great power to cure the one he loved, but the Ioun Orbs power of creation itself was more than any mortal was capable of harnessing. It unleashed devastation on the Newmont capital and plunged the entire city into the Nine Hells.
In disgrace he resigned himself to a remote Abbey, sealing the artifact away from all those who would seek out its immense power. But fate was not so kind, for history often repeats itself. His son Gilean had come to claim the power for himself, for his daughter had too fallen ill from the Vel Family Curse. But heroes had sought him out, and during the climatic fight Morrigan stole the artifact for herself! Hanfred could not find peace in the afterlife with all that had transpired, and The Muse granted him a chance at absolution. He was allowed to return, his soul inhabiting the armored form familiar to the group, and took the name Judge.
After this revelation, the knights hatred subsided. While he was unwilling to aid the party in their quest, he commanded his knights not inhibit them either. When asked about Dantas prophecy, he regretfully informed the group that no such artifact would be found in this halls, and only one such fortress was to be found in the lands of Barovia: Ravenloft.
The group briefly explored the halls of Argynvostholt before solemnly departing, the rain and wind only adding to the weight of the events that had transpired. Ireena did her best to comfort Judge, but as the group trudged on began to notice a sudden change in the surroundings. The rain quickly let up, the sounds of the forest died down, the wind seemed to come to a standstill and the moonlight dimmed. The group prepared their weapons, but a sudden flickering of firelight ignited from the trail. Three large tables, complete with full-course meals, chairs and illuminated by beautifully stacked fires sat in the table. The host sat at the head, and beckoned the party join her for dinner.
Wixley saw an opportunity, it was futile to fight Morrigan when she clearly possessed more power than they could handle. Perhaps they could accept her invitation, go to Ravenloft and use the opportunity to get the artifact Danta spoke of? Morrigan spoke, saying it futile to resist her, that would it not be best to accept her gracious hospitality? To not fight against one who could easily destroy them, but to serve her?
Judge could not stand idly by as the vampire once against commanded his fealty, and retaliated! Morrigan tossed the table aside, and battle begun. Once again the combat prowess of Morrigan was more than a match for our heroes, but the increased experience fighting her minions began to shine through as they began to land some successful blows. Morrigan grabbed the Ismark and plunged her fangs into the nobles neck, rendering him unconscious. She tried to take flight, but Judge grabbed Morrigan as she tried to leave. Morrigan summoned hellhounds to protect her retreat, and managed to escape with the noble into the night. Her words echoed back from the darkness, "You know where to find him."
Once again beaten by the vile vampire, the party fought off the remaining hellhounds. Ireena sobbed for her brother, and Judge cursed the name Morrigan, but the journey was not yet over.
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