Session 019 - 2025-07-29

Session Report

After discovering the book bearing Strahd’s insignia, Alfbern and Jon were joined by Linus and Klildar. Linus cast Detect Magic on the book but found no aura. However, a faint glow of abjuration magic emanated from a door in the eastern wall. Jon secured the book while the rest of the group approached the door to examine it.

The door had a wooden sign hanging from the handle that read ALL IS NOT WELL, with a massive skull engraved on the panel. Linus noticed a small set of runes scribed at the base of the skull but couldn’t identify their meaning. More disturbingly, he heard the faint voice of a man reading a teleportation spell aloud — though it was badly pronounced.

The group decided to proceed with caution. While the rest stayed behind some heavy furniture in the attic, Linus used Mage Hand to open the door from a distance. This triggered a massive discharge of electricity. Klildar stepped into the room, followed by Alvorada.

Inside, they found a bizarre and unsettling scene. Seven skeletal cats lounged in the room, paying them no mind — as cats will do. In one corner, three small children of varying heights stood silently, their backs turned to the room. A desk and a few shelves contained scattered parchments, bones, and books. Other than that, the room appeared empty... at first.

After a minute, a young man appeared in the corner, seemingly squeezed into the wall, holding his breath. The Invisibility spell he had cast had just expired. Linus quickly recognized what had happened.

Following a bit of tense conversation, the group learned the man was Victor Vallakovich, the baron’s son. He expressed a strong hatred for his father and mocked the “All Is Well” motto. He confessed he wasn’t a real wizard, but had been teaching himself magic from an old spellbook he’d found in the baron’s library. Though he knew a few cantrips and 1st-level spells, he had been focusing his efforts on making a Teleportation Circle work — without success.

Alfbern took the opportunity to teach him the Message cantrip and asked whether Victor would be willing to spy on his father and report back. Victor readily agreed, eager to be of help to the group.

They then turned their attention to the newly discovered book. Victor didn’t recognize it but immediately noted the insignia on the cover. He had no idea how the book ended up in that room. The book turned out to be Strahd's Journal. Though difficult to read, the legible passage told a tragic story and mentioned a sword made of sunlight, apparently one of Strahd’s only known weaknesses.

With their business in the attic concluded, the party escaped the mansion through a window. Linus cast Feather Fall to ensure a safe landing.

Investigating Blinsky Toys

On the ground, the party proceeded to Blinsky Toys, following the tarokka clue that mentioned an entertaining man with a monkey. Upon arrival, the corpulent toy maker invited them into the shop, where they took note of several unsettling toys. One doll in particular caught their attention — it looked remarkably like Ireena.

After an intense line of questioning, the terrified toy maker revealed that he had no idea who the doll was meant to resemble. He simply followed the specific instructions of Izek, the baron’s enforcer. Izek never paid for the dolls and regularly threatened to burn the shop down if Blinsky refused to comply. He had been demanding these dolls for some time.

Confronting Izek

The party resolved to confront Izek. Jon noted that Strahd seemed to have a particular interest in Ireena and suspected a connection between her and Tatyana, the woman mentioned in Strahd’s journal. They decided to wait in the shop for Izek to appear and collect the latest doll.

Izek arrived early in the evening. He looked mildly surprised to see anyone else in the store, which matched Blinsky’s earlier comment — no one in town had purchased anything in ages. He grabbed the doll and turned to leave, ignoring the group.

Jon blocked the exit and asked to have a word with him. Izek refused and shoved him aside. At that moment, Alfbern, who had wild-shaped into a giant spider and was hiding in the rafters, launched a web in an attempt to restrain him for questioning.

And that’s where the session ended. 🕷️

Party

Setup