Session 3

The Heroes decide to ignore Strahd's invitation for the time being, fearing it is a trap. They instead leave for Vallaki together with Ismark and Ireena.

On the road, they meet a hunter and invite him to share their fire. But when night falls, and the moon shines full, the man transforms into a werewolf, and attacks! With only a single silvered weapon, the Heroes try to hold the monster as best they can, while Thancred blasts him with his spells. Once the creature is defeated, the Heroes cut its head and burn the remains.

The following evening, they chance upon a Vistani caravan. They acquire some information from the wanderers, most importantly about a certain Madame Eva, a fortune-teller located not too far from Castle Ravenloft, that could help them escape Barovia.

Vallaki - click to enlarge

The day after, they arrive in Vallaki, where they meet with the local priest. The prelate offers Ireena and Ismark asylum, but also asks for a favor in return. The sacred bones of a martyr have been stolen from the crypt of the church, and he asks the Heroes to retrieve them.

A short investigation points them to the home of a coffin-maker, but their search proves inconclusive. They do not find the bones, but in the storage area of the house they find several crates hiding a half-dozen vampire spawns! When the creatures attack them, Anomander runs for his life, while Ulfgard heroically holds the line to retrieve a wounded Thancred. Once they also realize that the odds are against them, they flee the scene. Luckily, the vampires do not pursue.