M2S22

Echoes of Defiance was the 22nd session of the Strahdborne campaign. In this session, the party arrived at the seemingly safe haven of Krezk, meeting the local leaders and resistance against Strahd.
== Summary ==
=== Arrival at Krezk ===
Upon reaching Krezk, the party is met with a cautious reception. The city's vigilant guards present them with two blades, a test to ensure they're untouched by monstrous blood - vampyr, wolfen, or ghoulish. Only an even, unhealing cut inflicted by steel and silver would certify them as ordinary men.
As they enter, they're welcomed by Dmitri Krezkov, the burgomaster, along with Korell and Drunvold. Korell, a seasoned member of a reformed Owlguard, earned his captain's rank in the aftermath of Strahd's defeat. Drunvold is the sole survivor of a disastrous Dwarven expedition into Barovia.
The burgomaster informs the party that Rudolph van Richten, legendary vampire hunter, has already been through and left notice of the party's impending arrival. Thus, they are welcome in the burgomaster's own house. The rescued orphans, meanwhile, are accommodated in the nearby guest house.
Krezk is an entirely insulated town, with its small populace supported by farms and fields within the stout walls of the village. Above the town, the Abbey of Saint Markovia stands watch, the relics of the saint supposedly protecting the town from Strahd's machinations.
=== The Reformed Owlguard ===
After dinner, Korell, a younger half-elf and Owlguard captain since Strahd's downfall, presents Aellun with a package that Corinthus, leader of the Owlguard, had prepared for Aellun many decades prior, in case Aellun should appear while Corinthus was off in one of his many reconnaisance missions -- or if he were to fall in battle.
Within is a letter addressed to Aellun: in it Corinthus somberly recounts the passage of three hundred years since they last stood together. He paints a sad picture of Barovia, now languishing under the cruel rule of Strahd, a former liberator now turned into a tyrant. Despite the gloom that pervades Barovia, Corinthus speaks of hope and resistance embodied in the small yet steadfast company of the Owlguard, who, united by defiance, still remains as a beacon of hope amidst despair, despite their many misfortunes and reduced number.
The dust-covered package also contains the badge of an Owlguard captain -- a clear invitation from Corinthus for Aellun to take up his former role -- as well as a mysterious key.
=== The Ruined Expedition ===
Next, the Burgomaster tells the party of the tale of a Stavian party of warriors, led by Tzuld Whitehelm. As the second son of Drannor Whitehelm, Snow King, he was not the first choice of successor for the old dwarf. Tzuld hoped that, by defeating the legendary Strahd, he could further strengthen his ambitions. However, the horrors of Barovia soon turned his warriors insane, and they turned upon each other. By the time Strahd arrived in force, he easily dispatched the half-mad dwarves.
Drunvold, the middling, previously too ashamed to speak of the sad story, now musters his strength to speak. He tells of how he was found in the wood by Corinthus, and led to Krezk to forge steel for the Krezk militia. The Krezk militia and Owlguard joined with the Mad Mage in the fight against Strahd some years back, though they were forced into a rout at Ravenloft, returning to Krezk to lick their wounds. Regardless, Drunvold is hopeful that a chance for a rematch will not be too far off in the future.
Even if Stavendelft and Mzundelft are currently at war, Drunvold is hopeful that, after joining forces with Arbrek and escaping Barovia, the tale of Dwarven unity will compel both proud kingdoms to enter the negotiating table. As such, he presents a Horn of the Stavian Slayers to Arbrek, with the capacity to summon the spirits of the treacherously murdered slayers in Yzeron's party to re-enter the fray.
=== The Mother of Evil ===
Finally, Krezkov informs Lo-thak that van Richten left a solitary package for him. In it, Richten delivers useful information -- that he sensed Lo-thak's sylvan connections, but decided against mentioning them aloud for the sake of secrecy. Richten theorizes that Lo-thak's personal connection to Barovia may be the witch Baba Lysaga, responsible for the ecologic ruin of the realm, as well as the plant blights that infest it. He also confers a manual that can improve Lo-thak's spellcasting, surmising destiny in Lo-thak's relationship with Razortooth.
=== The Abbey ===
The following morning, the party observes Korell training the Krezk militia -- some 40 men -- from a distance. Korell seems to focus on defensive tactics, since the infantry's main job would be to pin down the enemy force while more mobile forces acted as a hammer to the anvil. Clearly, Owlguard tactics.
The party heads up to the Abbey to meet the Abbot and learn more of the supposed protection Saint Markovia's relics yet bestow upon Krezk. As they arrive, though, they recognize Madam Eva's prophecy represented on the gardens' scarecrows, leading to the discovery of the Tome of Strahd... the evil tyrant's personal diary, behind a stout lock that Aellun opens with the key Corinthus left for him.
Wait a second... did Corinthus know that Aellun and his friends would arrive in Barovia, destiny heavy on their shoulders? But... how could he possibly know that?
== Quests ==
=== New ===
=== Ongoing ===
* Treasures of Yore (Everyone): Recover the other two gems of the Wizard of Wines.
* Under New Management (Everyone): Investigate the coven of hags at Old Bonegrinder mill.
=== The Deck of Fate ===
* The Symbol of Hope (Everyone): Claim the holy symbol by finding the tomb of a great wizard with a famous staff. Possibly located in Castle Ravenloft. 
* The Shadow of Barovia (Everyone): Defeat Strahd. Optional: Suplex Strahd.
* The Moon (Aellun): Find the place filled with bones, for the clues you seek lie there.
* The Headsman (Gromash): Find the fortress within the fortress, which contains the treasure you seek.
* The Phantom (Lo-thak): Find the location of the one who gave birth to evil, for she is the key to your goals. Could this be Baba Lysaga, tormentor of the wilds of Barovia and resident of Berez?
* The Balance (Thalia): Discover the whereabouts of Lautrec and Gascarde.
=== Completed ===
* The Fount of Knowledge (Everyone): Discover the source of knowledge below the guardian of a garden. The Tome of Strahd has been acquired!
* The Survivors (Everyone): Escort Zuleika and the werewolf children prisoners to safety in Krezk.
== Quotes ==
== Reflections ==
*Character name: Reflection.
== Appendix ==