M2S3

## Hushed Beginnings

The Kolyanovich Manor, in the village of Barovia.

“
*Next case, who the bloody hell is Strahd von Zarovich?*
”
— Lautrec.
**Hushed Beginnings** was the 3rd session of the Strahdborne campaign. The session covered the characters' introduction to Ismark and Irina Kolyanovich, and the beginning of a conspiracy to defy the ruler of Barovia.

## Summary

The party listens to Ismark's proposal, in truth a diversion to mislead Strahd and his agents. Ismark invites the party to his manor, ostensibly to finalize their accord. Upon leaving the Blood of the Vine tavern, they encounter a mysterious merchant peddling "dream pastries," and have an encounter with the slow owner of the town's trader, after which Arbrek fixes the party's gear.

The company meets Irina, Ismark's sister, and have dinner at their manor. Ismark reveals that his prior proposal was a diversion to mislead Strahd and his agents. The real plan is to transport Irina to the town of Vallaki. The Kolyanovichs hope that the larger population, as well as a rumored "resistance" forming against Strahd's rule, will provide them with safety there.

The siblings tell the party that Strahd has visited them twice. The second visit led to their father's death. Before leaving, they request their help in burying their late father. As the party travels to the church, they see the spires of Castle Ravenloft for the first time, and Aellun spots a swarm of bats flying in their direction.

Within the church, the party encounters Father Donavich, the local priest. Donavich has gone mad trying to rescue his son, Doru, from vampirism. Doru participated in the uprising against Castle Ravenloft, and is now a vampire spawn as a result of its failure.

Donavich hopes that Arbrek can conduct a ritual to save his son. However, when a blood-starved Doru attacks them, the party has no choice but to use violence against the vampire spawn. Lo-thak renders Donavich unconscious, and, after a long and arduous struggle, Gromash and Ismark deal the final blows to Doru, laying him low.

As the party begins collecting itself following the difficult struggle, Aellun ascends to obtain sacramental items to prevent Doru from reforming. It is there that, surprisingly, he meets the vampire Strahd von Zarovich, who wishes to pay his respects to the late Burgomaster.

## Quests

### New

* **A Belated Burial (Everyone):** Bury the late Burgomaster of Barovia.
* **Dreams and Shadows (Everyone):** Investigate the mysterious pastry seller of Barovia.

### Ongoing

* **A Dangerous Journey (Everyone):** Listen to Ismark's proposal. Escort Ismark and Ireeena in their journey to Vallaki.
* **Hopeless Gestures (Everyone):** Investigate the source of the mysterious sobbing in Barovia village.
* **The Deck of Fate (Everyone):** Find Madam Eva's people. Find Madam Eva and obtain a reading of the future.

## Reflections

* **Aellun:** "Aaahhh... going to need a few days' rest and plenty of red meat to make up from this, not that I think I'm going to get much of either here... That couldn't have gone much worse. Not that I'd have done any different if I had known. If any of us has to fall now it should be the one who's lived out their life, to give the others the chance to do the same. Lautrec did Old Donavich a kindness, however the two might see it. No father should ever have to bury their child, at least that's one horror I've been spared. Granted, it doesn't seem like there was anything left of him, just a voracious pit of hunger. If this is what a vampire spawn is like, how powerful is the master? He who watches all yet leaves people too scared to leave their homes, takes what he wants even if it means tearing families to shreds... Strahd. It all keeps coming back to you. I dearly hope I'm wrong, that this is some misplaced child of yours who fell to curse and not the man I knew. I would not have called you a benevolent man in the best of times, but you stood for what you believed in, not this... hedon, this *tyrant*, who brings about the terror of the very Imperium you stood against and resisted. Then again, if the son is any indication, who knows if anything of the original person would survive the vampirification. To become a shell of oneself, it is a fate worse than death... I'm getting nowhere with this. Best not to think of what might have happened, and just look at what's in front of me. The boy has been laid to rest, and I'll see his spirit through. The answers to what is or what might have been will come as I move further, it's not like they're going to seek me out."
* Lautrec: "Well, now we know who the bloody hell Strahd von Zarovitch is - a bloody creep and a predator, that's who! You'd think a man of his wealth and position would have no problem finding lady friends, but what does this sod do? Break into his subjects' houses, prey on the women, and slaughter the menfolk when they dare try to stop him. Monster. Irina said she couldn't remember what happened, but I've known a fair number of victims who just try to blot out what happened. If she really can't remember and Strahd used magic on her - there's a special place in the deepest pits of Hell for those who force their control over others. Don't know how taking Irina to Vallaki will keep her safe, Strahd seems to have a very long reach, and Ysmark won't be safe either when Strahd comes looking for Irina and finds her gone. Seriously, is everyone in this sodding country a psychopath or a madman? That shopkeeper was seriously going to risk his life against six armed foes for a few coins, and that damn priest thinks trying to blackjack a man fighting a vampire is a good idea. At least the Vistani and the Kolyanovich siblings are normal. What next, Strahd inviting us to tea?"

## Appendix

Strahdborne Sessions
**Chapter 1: The Gates of Barovia**
 Session 1 · Session 2 · **Session 3** · Session 4 · Session 5 · Session 6

 **Chapter 2: The Fall of Vallaki**
 Session 7 · Session 8 · Session 9 · Session 10 · Session 11 · Session 12 · Session 13 · Session 14 · Session 15 · Session 16 · Session 17 · Session 18 · Session 19 ·

 **Chapter 3: The Muster at Krezk**
 Session 20 · Session 21 · Session 22 · Session 23 · Session 24 · Session 25 · Session 26 · Session 27 ·