Chapters 23-26

The party, on edge after the conflict that unfolded, fought over the trifled trinkets left behind by Baba Lysaga, while retrieving the gem that had been stolen. They wasted so much time that when they eventually discovered the **scroll of revivify**, it was too late for Menowin. Unsure of what to do with Menowin’s body or whether or not trying to bring him back was the right thing to do. They temporarily kept his body near Van Richten’s tower and attempted to commune with his spirit, availing no useful information. In this process, they discovered that the body of **Tess had disappeared**. The party decided that the best course of action was to complete the Abbot’s request and infiltrate Vallaki to get him the wedding dress and use the reward to resurrect Menowin.

They decided on the direct approach and went straight through the west entrance after seeing the gate mostly deserted. It was here they met a new companion going by the name of **Aurelia**, an artificer who has been living in Barovia the last twelve years. Upon deciding to join them, they made their way to the town square, where they were quickly ambushed by the cult, led by Lady Wachter’s two son’s, **Nikolai and Karl Wachter**. After a tough battle, they slayed the two men and began a retreat out of the town. They were quickly becoming outmatched and surrounded by cultists, if not for Nebrix's newly gifted Eldritch steed and Aurelia’s caravan, they may have fallen. However, just as they were approaching the gate out of town, a swarm of bats flew down in front of Ismark, taking the form of his Sister Ireena. **She had clearly been turned by Strahd.** Ismark, who was taken off guard by her appearance, began to plead with her, but as he did, she plunged her hand deep within his chest sending black magic through his body. She then tossed him aside and flew away once more.

After a panicked regroup, the party managed to use the scroll of revivify just in time to save Ismark. However he was left in a dire condition. Without time to take a breath, they quickly realized they had been surrounded by Vistani, with Madam Eva leading the charge. She demanded to know why Menowin was dead and why they’d left him in such a horrid place. A heated argument followed between Marsden and Eva, both accusing the other of failing Menowin, leading to a stalemate and retreat of the Vistani. The party took Ismark deep into the forest, at first heading toward a different Vistani encampment on the advice of Aurelia who had business dealings with them. However they diverted their destination back to Krezk upon greater discussion of the plans ahead. It was during these discussions that a weakened Ismark apologized to Nebrix for sending him out to his death with that letter all those weeks ago.

On the journey back to Krezk, the party passed by the funeral of Menowin, a roaring celebration of life around a bonfire. Pallas decided to head in and pay his respects before moving on, unwilling to go alone, Aurelia accompanied him. What followed was a respectable end to the life of a troubled Vistani, who was laid to rest on the edge of a small lake. Just before leaving the funeral, Pallas was stopped by the Vistani called **Ratka**, who had known Menowin since childhood. He told Pallas that many **Vistani had come to question their allegiance to Strahd** after learning how he toyed with Menowin and orchestrated his death. He said he’d continue to try and convince other Vistani, but it would take time before there were enough of them to fight back.