Session 18 : Gates of Ravenloft

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I am the Ancient. I am the Land. My beginnings are lost in the darkness of the past. I was the warrior, I was good and just. I thundered across the land like the wrath of a just god, but the war years and the killing years wore down my soul as the wind wears stone into sand.

All goodness slipped from my life. I found my youth and strength gone, and all I had left was death. My army settled in the valley, renamed for my father as we took power over the people in the name of a just god, but with none of a god’s grace or justice.

I called for my family, long unseated from their ancient thrones, and brought them here to settle in the castle father and I built for them. Ravenloft.

 

- War & Peace, Tome of Strahd


It is uncertain why Strahd invited our band of heroes to his home, Ravenloft, the imposing castle overlooked all of Barovia. What was certain was that they had no choice - for Ireena, their companion, had been taken there and Destiny received strange visions from her tail beckoning her to the castle. The young Tabaxi foresaw that there she will come into possession a box of great import, a mystery requiring solving and a destiny to be fulfilled.


So they diverted from the plan to visit Krezk, retraced their steps to Vallaki and onwards to the hill that sat Ravenloft. Along the way they pieced together as much as they could of Strahd, preparing, as futile as it might be to outsmart the ancient vampire.


When I brought my father’s armies to this land, among them was a bright cleric of the Morninglord named Andral. His sermons inspired the troops and boosted their morale as well as their faith... He was a kind soul, often advising me to temper my wrath and show mercy toward our enemies. In him I found a trusted confidant and advisor.

... When I felled the mighty silver dragon Argynvost and slaughtered his entire order of loyal knights, he was profoundly silent. Shortly thereafter, he too abandoned me. I hear he has settled in the developing hamlet named Vallaki.


- War, Tome of Strahd

They learned that St. Andralos, the idol of Hoskgak, was once a trusted advisor of Strahd. Our heroes knew little of what happened to this holy man, only that he became dismayed with Strahd's brutality and eventually died by Strahd's hand.

With the forbidden lore of the temple on Mount Ghakis, I have become an unpredictable foe indeed. 

They learned that Strahd obtained some mystery powers from a temple atop Mount Ghakis, a distant mountain south of Vallaki. Perhaps this is where Strahd was made a vampire. One day, our heroes might have to venture there to learn the secrets within.

From the families brought to the valley, one spirit shone above all others. A rare beauty, who was called “perfection,” “joy,” and “treasure.” Her name was Tatyana... She had to understand the pact I made for her. I pursued her. Finally, in despair, she flung herself from the walls of Ravenloft, and I watched everything I ever wanted fall from my grasp forever.

...No trace of her was ever found. Not even I know her final fate.

- Love, Tome of Strahd

Most importantly, they learned that the woman whom Strahd loved refused him and jumped off the walls of Ravenloft, but her both was never found. Destiny's tail seemed to indicate that Ireena, Strahd's current love interest of Strahd, is a descendent of Tatyana.

They learned much more, but will it be enough? Will they be able to tell the story they have yet to learn?

They stood at the gates of Ravenloft, a castle of intimidating scale. Faint mist hover in the air, the night is closing in. The castle door swings open.

Destiny looked at Serenity and Hoskgak nervously.

"I guess we go in then!"


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