The party returns to Vallaki to rest and pick up some items before their trek to Castle Ravenloft.
As they near Castle Ravenloft, an unmanned carriage arrives to take them to the castle. They enter through the back of the castle to find a room with three figures, an ominous altar and a black mace.
Full write-up
Upon their return to Vallaki, the adventurers return to the Church of Saint Andral to meet Father Lucian and Ireena. At Lucian’s urging, they recount their adventures and rest for the night.
In the early morning, Hadrioul communes with his patron Goddess Mystra. She answers his questions as follows: firstly, it is possible to remove the dark gift/curse upon Eiric, Hadrioul and Revali, secondly, that no power in Vallaki is able to do so and finally, that she may have the power to do so.
The party prepares for their journey to Castle Ravenloft. Lucian provides potions of healing, three scrolls of remove curse, a scroll of greater restoration and a diamond. In addition, he warns them to not trust Strahd and to be wary of his charms. Strahd is vulnerable to daylight, fire and holy water. Surprisingly, there is no mention of garlic. Hadrioul buys armor from the blacksmith’s shop while Maulduk donates funds to assist Honu in the purchase of another diamond.
Under the dark gloomy skies, the adventurers head out to Castle Ravenloft. As they approach the castle, they see a carriage pulled by black steeds. The carriage door opens to reveal that there is no driver or passengers. Despite their misgivings, they enter the passenger compartment. The black steeds pull the carriage up to the drawbridge of Castle Ravenloft. As they cross the bridge, the wooden planks give way beneath Honu. Revali, Esmeralda and Hadrioul (with Maulduk) help pull him out.
After crossing the drawbridge, the party hurries to explore the courtyard. They investigate the right side of a courtyard and encounter a portcullis. Maulduk uses his might strength to raise the portcullis to allow the party to pass through. They peer through one of the windows in the back to see a chapel. Maulduk breaks the glass and the party enter. Within the room is a sinister altar. Silvery moonlight falls upon a skeletal figure hunched upon the altar. There is a mace upon the floor in front of the figure. There are also two bodies slumped in chairs on the balcony above.
Hadriou inspects the mace and discovers that it is enchanted. He picks up the mace.
The party stands in the moonlit chapel wondering what awaits them…
