Session 37

• Amber Temple reminders:

  • Extreme Cold
  • Darkvision limited to only 20 feet
  • Neferon attacks as soon as they walk down the stairs
  • Exethanter meets them inside the safe area
• Exethanter of course knows how to deal with the Dark Powers since he trapped them all in amber centuries ago

  • "Of course, Strahd is not who you're looking to defeat"
• Escher can tell the party about the heart of sorrow

  • He knows that there is something deep in the castle that prevents Strahd from getting hurt
  • He's heard Strahd mention it before to Rahadin

• Wolves will be waiting at the bridge
  • the Roc of Mount Ghakis will fly in and carry off Ezmerelda
• Mad Mage should come to the rescue, drunk off his ass
• Plz kill Ezmerelda and definitely Escher
  • Escher CAN NOT go back to the castle with the party or he'll lead them directly to Strahd
  • or he can turn on the party if he doesn't die here
  • have the wolves target Escher because of betrayal

• The drawbridge is up, but there is a mechanical way to move it on the other side
  • maybe it magically lowers itself as if Strahd knows they're there
• They may be able to explore for a while, but they could get in trouble and be met by one of the brides

Tell the party to set expectations:

• this will be a hard fight
• there is a world where this campaign ends with them all dying
• it may not be a super rewarding ending
  • but I think it could still be good story telling
• Of course, I want them to win
  • but I won't go easy on them as Strahd

"While your escapades in my realm have been entertaining, I'm afraid I can no longer allow your crimes to go unpunished. I, Count Strahd von Zarovich, son of King Barov von Zarovich, sentence you to death." Strahd gently places his wine glass on the end table beside his chair. Then, head held high and never breaking eye contact, he rises. With a quick, steady hand, he draws his sword. "Shall we begin?" Roll initiative.