M2S23

## The Madhouse

The party explores the Abbey of Saint Markovia's northern wing, a madhouse for curse-afflicted humanoids.

## Party Experience

### XP Gained

**+2000** (Milestone, Exploration, Social)

## Continuity

### Next session

Session 24

“
*"It's a good thing the dead tell no tales!".*
”
— Aellun finally tests the Sun Blade in battle.
**The Madhouse** was the 23rd session of the Strahdborne campaign. In this session, the party explored the northern wing of the Abbey of Saint Markovia.

## Summary

The party circles the northern wing of the Abbey. As Aellun picks the lock, he and Arbrek are greeted by an overpowering stench emanating from the inside. With Razortooth's help, they discern that the wing is inhabited by dozens of accursed prisoners. With bat-like and wolf-like curse, it seems they are a horrid blend of beast, vampyr, and man.

The unfortunate prisoners are guarded by a hulking flesh golem, which torments the prisoners and keeps them in line.

The party circles around the courtyard and infiltrates the curtain wall proyecting the inner Abbey. Aellun and Arbrek discover a failed attempt to lift the curse from one of the beasts. Arbrek, a cleric of the divines, is able to use his power to lift the curse afflicting one of the sorry souls. However, there are many more yet that need attention.

The party continues exploring the northern wing, this time ascending to the second floor. There, they discover the ruins of a former hospital. As they explore its rooms, they are ambushed by a handful of shadows -- the souls of those who died on the operating table -- but they are able to fend off the attack with ease.

In the final room, the party meets a strange raven by the name of Orrin who appears to be a watchman of the Keepers of the Feather. The quizzical bird agrees to become Aellun's pet, and the party leaves the northern wing intent on continuing their exploration of the inscrutale Abbey.

## Quests

### Ongoing

* **Watchful Eye (Everyone):** Investigate the Abbey of Saint Markovia.
* **Treasures of Yore (Everyone):** Recover the other two gems of the Wizard of Wines.
* **Under New Management (Everyone):** Investigate the coven of hags at Old Bonegrinder mill.

### The Deck of Fate

* **The Symbol of Hope (Everyone):** Claim the holy symbol by finding the tomb of a great wizard with a famous staff. Possibly located in Castle Ravenloft.
* **The Shadow of Barovia (Everyone):** Defeat Strahd. Optional: Suplex Strahd.
* **The Moon (Aellun):** Find the place filled with bones, for the clues you seek lie there.
* **The Headsman (Gromash):** Find the fortress within the fortress, which contains the treasure you seek.
* **The Phantom (Lo-thak):** Find the location of the one who gave birth to evil, for she is the key to your goals. Could this be Baba Lysaga, tormentor of the wilds of Barovia and resident of Berez?
* **The Balance (Thalia):** Discover the whereabouts of Lautrec and Gascarde.

## 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 ·