Session 020 - 2025-08-11

Session Report

Off-Screen Level Up

While waiting for Izek, the party reached level 5.

Confronting Izek (Continued)

Since Alfbern attacked Izek from hiding, the players were given two options for handling initiative:

They chose the latter.

Izek was already immobilized by webbing and ended up last in the initiative order. The party quickly disabled him further: Klildar grappled his monstrous hand, while John disarmed him, taking his battle axe.

During interrogation, the party pressed Izek about his obsession with Ireena. When they mentioned her likeness and revealed she had arrived in town with them, Izek was visibly shocked. He confessed he didn’t know her personally—he had only been dreaming about her for months.

Izek attempted multiple escapes, including breaking Klildar’s grapple and hurling a fireball at the shelves (which he missed).

When asked about Strahd, Izek vehemently denied allegiance. In fact, he initially suspected the party of working with Strahd but eventually believed their denial.

Meanwhile, Alfbern—still wild-shaped as a Giant Spider—kept biting Izek’s monstrous arm, which further antagonized him.

Ultimately, Izek agreed to leave the toy store peacefully and allowed John to keep the doll. Still, it was clear: he is a dangerous psychopath, and the party has not made a friend.

Blue Water Inn

Back at the inn, the party found Ireena and the children in the common room, listening to Rictavio tell stories.

Ireena expressed a desire to take the children to the church, as they had now been in Vallaki for three nights and she was growing restless. The group agreed they would escort them in the morning. John accompanied her and the children upstairs, while the others stayed behind to confront Rictavio, convinced he was the tarokka-foretold ally.

Upstairs, John showed Ireena the doll and explained what had happened at the toy store. She had no recollections that could clarify the mystery but promised to share anything that came to light.

Meanwhile, the others approached Rictavio. After some cautious conversation—especially once they mentioned Madame Eva’s tarokka reading—he asked them to follow him to his chambers.

Once inside, Rictavio removed his flamboyant hat, dispelling his half-elf guise and revealing himself as an older but still fit human. He introduced himself as Rudolph van Richten, a renowned vampire hunter.

He explained he had come to Barovia a few months prior to hunt Strahd, having pursued rumors of the vampire lord for years. Though he didn’t reveal much of his plan, he admitted to researching Strahd’s allies.

Session End

The session closed with the group reuniting with John. Rictavio, once more in disguise, left with a bundle of snacks. The party planned to escort Ireena and the children to the church the following morning.

Party

Setup