Curse of Strahd Session 7: Where Trust Goes To Die

The session begins with the party splitting up in Vallaki. Stoick remains at the Blue Water Inn, where he meets the owner, Erwin Martikov. Erwin expresses a cautious interest in the party's intentions and hints at the lack of control many feel in Barovia, establishing a safe but wary rapport with the blind monk. Meanwhile, Steinman is led into the depths of the Wachter estate by Lady Fiona Wachter. He is introduced to her husband, Nikolai, who is suffering from a magically advanced version of the Gnawing Plague linked to lycanthropy. Nikolai reveals he has an anonymous benefactor interested in Steinman's 'work' and suggests a potential collaborator in the town of Kresk. Riordan and Vesper visit the Arasek Stockyard to acquire supplies. Using his military background, Riordan convinces Gunther Arasek to mark secret supply caches and hideouts on a newly purchased map of the valley. Back at the inn, Erwin Martikov approaches the gathered party members with a request: investigate the Wizard of Wines winery to the southwest. The winery, run by his father Davian, has missed its last two shipments, threatening the inn's supply. The party accepts the quest, planning to depart the following morning. As evening falls, a tipsy Ismark returns to the inn with news that Ireena will be staying at the Burgomaster's mansion under the protection of a formidable enforcer named Izek Strazni. Chaya, deeply concerned about Ismark's drinking and Ireena's safety, insists on walking him home. In a tense alleyway confrontation, she challenges Ismark's feelings of inadequacy and his reliance on alcohol to cope with his father's legacy. After a moment of vulnerability where Ismark admits he feels like a disappointment, Chaya uses Lesser Restoration to sober him up. The session concludes at the Burgomaster's mansion, where Chaya meets the intimidating Izek Strazni. Despite her misgivings and a poor read on the scarred bodyguard, she leaves Ismark and Ireena at the mansion for the night. Steinman chooses to stay overnight at the Wachterhaus, settling into a guest room while being warned by Lady Wachter not to mind the strange noises that occur after dark.