Abbey of Saint Markovia

* 1F + Exterior
* 2F + Cellar

The **Abbey of Saint Markovia** is a location in the city of Krezk in Barovia, within the *Forgotten Realms Campaign* of Nat19. It is run by The Abbot, who tends to the often unusual needs of those who come to him.

## History

There are rumors that the Abbot who currently presides over the Abbey of Saint Markovia came to Krezk around 100 years ago, though it is unclear if this is true.

## Role in Plot

The Abbey was one of a few locations of interest for the Curse of Strahd Party during their mission to find a safe place for Ireena Kolyana to hide from Strahd von Zarovich. However, upon speaking with Alessa Krezkova and learning of the screams that come from it every night, they realized it might not be nearly as safe as they had heard.

After the party cured Alessa's illness and destroyed the black mass that spilled forth from her, Graiar spotted Griff on a distant rooftop, recalling the poisonous black mist that had plagued Alessa and taking off towards the Abbey. The party then moved to confront him there, but he was nowhere to be found. Instead, they met the Abbot and asked him questions about the nature and whereabouts of Griff, as well as questions about his flesh golem.

While searching the Abbey for Griff, they met his wife Aera, who, after the party defeated several Shades that had been prepared by Griff, provided Hadrick an invitation to dine at Castle Ravenloft, courtesy of Griff on behalf of Strahd. As Jolyne helped Aera walk outside, Hadrick pulled Graiar aside to discuss the invitation before telling the other members of the party. During this private conversation, a Vistani woman named Ezmerelda appeared before them. She made clear her opposition to Strahd and her people's servitude to him, and offered to help them out should they too oppose Strahd. Their conversation soon ended, and Hadrick and Graiar reunited with the party and returned down the mountain.

During the party's several-day stop in Krezk, Graiar decided to venture up to the Abbey, and not wanting to go alone, requested Devin to join him. Upon arriving, the two visited Aera in her sickbed, where she and Graiar discussed their people, as well as their respective lives. Upon learning that Griff would likely return to the Abbey in a few hours, Graiar and Devin descended the mountain to alert the rest of their party that they would be at the Abbey for a while, and to rush up there if they did not return after a certain amount of time. They then returned to the Abbey, where Graiar finally met with Griff, and they discussed the party's objective of fighting Strahd. Graiar would later return on his own to ask Aera about the garnet ring Ashley had received from Griff.

After defeating Strahd von Zarovich, Graiar, Jolyne, and Kasimir returned to the Abbey with Griff and Patrina Velikovna's corpses in tow, in order to make use of the deal they had made with the Abbot for three resurrections. The Abbot, now bearing celestial wings due to Strahd's demise, agreed and returned them both to life. Patrina came back rather quickly, but Griff did not return until Aera was brought to his side. After the resurrections were complete, Graiar spoke with Aera and Griff about the nature of their relationship, before the group departed for Krezk.

## Notable People

 **Zygfrek Belview** | NPC | A quiet mongrelfolk who guards the entrance to the Abbey.