Druids at the Winery

## Summary

The party is reveled as heroes for saving the people of the church but Talice is a little overwhelmed from meeting with Strahd for the first time. The protection returning was a slow process but it had returned. The party returned to the inn with Talice feeling like she is being watched. Edmund and Warwick notice how uncomfortable she is while Sorin sees someone watching them briefly.

They arrive at the inn to find that Salem had made a complete recovery and was reading a spellbook intently. Edmund goes through a window with the innkeeper very confused. Warwick and Talice argue about the battle in the church with Rictavio in the middle. It's resolved so the party talks with each other. Warwick talks to Krik about the sun/phoenix star and why changelings are feared while Talice looks to getting an animal companion from Rictavio. He is willing to give her one but she has to hurt Strahd whatever that means.

Edmund asks Rictavio for advice on the needleblights. He learns that they move slowly, they come in great numbers and they can't go through doors. They have a plan to use fireworks as a distraction so they go looking for the Burgomaster. Along the way they find the same guy spying on them again so Krik tosses Warwick who lands on the spy. He's supposed to keep a watchful eye on all strangers. It turns out his boss works for Strahd so Warwick bribes him with 2 gold to report that they were dreaming all day.

Salem rejoins the group as the group is looking for the Burgomaster's mansion. He leads them to the mansion past some easy to see signs. Talice knocks on the door and a maid calls for the Burgomaster. He's delighted to see them and invites them in. He begins smoking a cigar which Warwick does but Krik and Sorin don't light thiers. He gets three guards to join them on the pretense that they're patrolling the area.

Warwick finally opens the wagon to reveal a saber-tooth tiger inside. Warwick wants to take it but Edmund intimidatingly says no. Warwick submits but undoes the trap. The party meets the guards at the edge of town and stops by a tent in some trees nearby to purchase potions. They also learn that the daughter of the chief of the encampment has been taken so they promise to look into it. After the purchases are done, Krik assists with tasking roles to specific individuals.

The plan starts off well and Warwick picks the lock into the winery. Talice closes the door and leaves two guards to protect the door with a bunch of wine barrels. The party heads upstairs with Edmund mimicking Warwick's stealthy movements. Warwick spots one of the druids and tries to knock her out. He fails but manages to keep her quiet as Krik ties her up. An interrogation reveals that Strahd told them to come there. Talice wants her to call off the needleblights peacefully but Warwick kills her. Krik understands but Sorin and Talice are appalled. Salem holds onto the staff she was carrying for later.

After some exploring, Warwick finds another emerald, 11 gold pieces and 95 copper pieces. They find another druid and two stick blights on the other side. Warwick takes out one easily but Sorin spots another druid trying to sneak up on him. When one dies, they focus their attention on the other one but Warwick near death manages to kill it.

After some healing, the group explores the upper floor and then head to the cellar. They kill the last druid and find a magical white flower on it. The party heads upstairs to find a flock of crows tearing apart all the needleblights outside.

## Notable Events

* Keyframe couldn't make it to this session
* Talice reveals to want an animal companion
* The party take on the druids at the Wizard's Winery with some help from the Burgomaster's men