Session 38

Running from the Roc

As the Roc of Mount Ghakis is distracted by Mordenkainen, the group makes their getaway. Bardolf is able to grab up the chariot and drag it across the bridge, losing only the wooden horse. Pelanil dismisses the green flames at the gate, and the group is able to get away without the Roc following them.

On the way to The Winery, Mordenkainen drunkenly tells the party he was able to secure the broom from a hag selling pies.

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Rest at the Winery

The party preps for their final battle with Strahd at The Winery with The Martikovs. They stay there for 5 days along with The Martikovs, Blinsky, Mordenkainen, Escher, and Rictavio. The characters do the following:

Anakir

Anakir and Escher have a long discussion about Escher's going back to Castle Ravenloft. Escher knew that the wolves on the bridge were sent for him, but was adamant that he wanted to join the party for the final battle. After much discussion, Anakir convinces him that he should stay back at The Winery for both his sake and the sake of the party (Strahd may compel Escher to attack his friends).

Elora

Elora goes for long walks spanning entire days. She thinks about her brother, Izek, and practices her psychic blades.

Shalooti

Shalooti writes a song about Strahd that includes untrue rumors about the land's king.

Bardolf

Bardolf creates magical items for many of the party members:

  • shalooti: pipes of the sewers: enemy rats it automatically charms them
  • elora: gauntlets of ogre power
  • anakir: slippers of spider climbing
  • bardolf: winged boots, gloves of missile snaring

Pelanil

Pelanil created enchanted stones for each of the party members and told them they would work when the time is right.

He also took the time to read the Tome of Understanding and planted the now re-aligned Goodthias Staff near the Gulthias tree at Yester Hill in hopes of breeding a Goodthias Tree.

Finally, Pelanil sent out messages to all their allies throughout Barovia using Sending. Included in the each of the messages was Shalooti's song. He sent the message to the following people:

After each of his preparations, Pelanil cast Augury. He continue to receive Woes until he sent out Shalooti's song at which point he received a Weal and Woe.

Plan of Attack

After their five days of preparation, the party gathered in the dining room of The Wizard of Wines to discuss their plan for getting into Castle Ravenloft and killing Strahd. The scene was both merry and somber as the party drank and celebrated as well as reflected during what might be their last night alive.

Elora had a moment of reflection and asked if the party really wanted to go through with this, as there is a strong chance they may all die. Davian echoed her concern, and Mordenkainen shared that he had once already failed an attack on Strahd. Pelanil gave an uplifting and encouraging speech to the group.

They planned the following:

  • Get into the castle through the servants' entrance
  • Head straight for the Heart of Sorrow
    • With conversation between Escher and the Mad Mage, the party felt like they knew where it was in the castle
  • Clear the castle as best they can
  • Find and fight Strahd
  • Rictavio will stay behind as he is cursed by Vistani that everyone he loves shall die
    • this is why he believes Ezmerelda died
    • if he accompanies the party, he's confident they will also die
  • Escher will stay behind as Strahd may turn him on the party
  • Mordenkainen will join
Table Of Contents
Session 38
Running from the Roc
Rest at the Winery
Anakir
Elora
Shalooti
Bardolf
Pelanil
Plan of Attack