Death House Letters

Death House featured a number of texts and clues. The party found a) the deed to Durst Manor, b) the deed to "Old Bonegrinder", and c) the Durst family will. Along with these documents, they found:

## Letter from Strahd to the Dursts

*My most pathetic servant,*

I am not a messiah sent to you by the Dark Powers of this land. I have not come to lead you on a path to immortality. However many souls you have bled on your hidden altar, however many visitors you have tortured in your dungeon, know that you are not the ones who brought me to this beautiful land. You are but worms writhing in my earth.

You say that you are cursed, your fortunes spent. You abandoned love for madness, took solace in the bosom of another woman, and sired a bastard son. Cursed by darkness? Of that I have no doubt. Save you from your wretchedness? I think not. I much prefer you as you are.

Your dread lord and master,

Strahd von Zarovich

## Letter from Elisabeta to a fellow Cult-Member

*My Dear Mrs. Petrovna,*

Your advice on dealing with the unwanted fiend in my home is very good advice indeed. Tonight's ceremony will proceed as planned when the moon is at its highest peak - without, of course, the attendance of Mr. Durst. I must agree with you that, yes, with such an innocent sacrifice our proceedings may have better results. Although, "innocent" is not quite the term I would use.

My Thanks,

Mrs. Elisabeta Durst

## Letters from Gustav to Gertha

*Gertha my dear,*

I am glad you’re not upset with me. Elisabeta disapproves, but does not suspect. This is only temporary.

Yours,

Gustav

*Dear Gertha,*

Walter is a wonderful name. Tell me what you need and I will send it.

Yours,

Gustav

*My dearest Gertha,*

Packages should be arriving today with everything you will need for the boy. He will be well-cared for. I can promise you that. And you will return to us soon. The room off of your quarters will be suitable for him, I'm sure.

Yours,

Gustav

*My darling Gertha,*

Does Walter like the puppy? A dog raised with a baby makes an excellent companion. If feeding him becomes difficult, please let me know.

I will visit soon. I simply have to find a good reason to visit the village.

Yours,

Gustav

*My Lovely Gertha,*

I am sorry to hear about your chill. I’ve left money with old Bildrath to pay for what you need. It isn’t unusual to provide for your staff. He won’t ask, and if he does, tell him it comes out of your wages. There should be plenty for both you and the boy. Elisabeta does not seem to suspect anything. She has just commissioned a portrait painter as a treat. If she was angry, she would not wish a portrait to be painted.

Yours,

Gustav

*Darling Gertha,*

I hope your health has improved. Did the money for the boy arrive safely? I can usually trust Frederika to deliver things safely and discreetly, but I’ve never sent her with more than a letter. I will be down to the village to visit soon. We’re simply too swamped with guests right now, one after the other. Hardly a day goes by that Elisabeta doesn’t invite in a stranger. Our duty to hospitality keeps us busy.

With the rain, you will want to send your letter by foot. There is a Vistani boy I trust to deliver it properly. Seek him out at Blood on the Vine.

Yours,

Gustav

*Dear Gertha,*

I’m glad to hear the things arrived safely. I hope he likes the rattle. It was Thornbolt’s, and before that, mine. I hope to send more toys and things soon. With winter on the way, he will need warm clothes if he is to stay with your mother. But perhaps that will not be necessary. You will need to return soon to avoid suspicion. And Thorn and Rosavalda miss you so. Your next letter should be addressed to Rose, not to me. Elisabeta wants to know who could be writing to me so often, and I cannot be seen at the wishing stone again this week.

Yours,

Gustav

*My Dearest Gertha,*

How fares the boy? I think of him often. To think that I have never even laid eyes on him. Elisabeta seems to know nothing. But I cannot be certain. If another week passes with no suspicion, perhaps I can visit. Write to me of the boy again soon.

Yours,

Gustav.

*My Dearest Gertha,*

Elisabeta knows. She has no proof, but she knows. And I can hide nothing from her. You know that. Gertha, my dear, you must not give her proof. She will not take action without it. She will not risk the shame of being exposed without a good reason.

Yours,

Gustav