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Message: <blockquote data-quote="not-so-newguy" data-source="post: 9643417" data-attributes="member: 6786140">Thanks![HR][/HR]SESSION PREPIt looks like we'll only be playing with 4 PCs. I gave the players the option to wait for Smugly to come back from vacation, but they voted to play. Btw Moss is taking a class, so I think he'll be back in May.Things are grim. Roos, Skarther, and Thalion are near zero hp and have spent a significant amount of their powers. Yor, who missed last session, will be coming into this session fresh as a bridegroom.Recap of a recap: The Gang was here to rescue Stephania and Claudiu, members of the Martikov Clan. Strahd, who had been tailing them on his Night-Mare, messaged them that they had 3 minutes and 42 seconds before "all hell uprooted itself." Yester Hill was crowned by a crumbling curtain wall and a vegetive Effigy of Strahd stood within its walls. The Gang rushed to the top of the hill pell-mell with Roos and Skarther hitching a ride on Thalion's horse. Smugly and Darsha (NPC companion) followed behind.Thalion's horse reached the top of the hill first and stumbled upon a Blood Druid who was interrogating Stephania. An obviously magical spear plunged in the heart of the Effigy called out to Thalion. The Gang had two goals, knock out the Blood Druid and get the Spear asap. The Blood Druid nearly killed three PCs but they came out victorious and Thalion had the Spear. Also, someone acquired the Gem Macguffin from the dead Blood Druid. They have 23 rounds until hell uproots itself.What's ahead: Below them on the south side of the hill is a stand of trees where the cultists (druids and berserkers) are working themselves up into an ecstatic frenzy. In the center of the stand of trees is the Gulthias Tree with Claudiu bound to it. Dozens of needle-like thorns pierce his skin and hold him in place. He is obviously weakened and in pain.The Gulthias Tree will eventually provide life to the Effigy if the ceremony is completed. They are awaiting the arrival of Strahd, who is now flying low on the north side of the hill. He will make his grand appearance flying over the cultists when there are 12 rounds left. The cultist will cheer for 2 rounds then they begin the ceremony. The 60 second ceremony will siphon Claudiu's health and soul into the Effigy.A couple of options<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Taking on the cultists and Gulthias Tree is suicide as far as I can tell</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">They have a chance of defeating the Effigy (named Wintersplinter), if it's animated. It will be weakened (half max HP) because they retrieved the Spear.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">IMO: Best tactic would be to buff/support Yor. Yor stays in close while the others use ranged attacks.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">The Effigy regenerates 20hp/round until the ceremony is completed. When it breaks free from the Gulthias Tree's connecting roots, then its regeneration ability ceases.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Safest of all is to retreat back to the Winery with Stephania.</li> </ul>Unintended Consequences of playing it safe:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Stephania will suffer long term madness if her son Claudiu is sacrificed.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">The Druids will pass out and be incapacitated if the ceremony is completed.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">The Berserkers will be conscious but weakened suffering disadvantage on attacks. They won't pursue beyond yester hill.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Wintersplinter wanders aimlessly.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">It will eventually die within the walls of Vallaki where 12 civilians and 8 guardsmen will be killed. Parts of the southern wall and several buildings will be destroyed</li> </ul>Blood Druid Faction:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Led by Baba Lysaga</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Worship Strahd as a god.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Lost their ability to shapeshift and believe that the were-ravens (Martikov Clan) can give them this power back.</li> </ul>Strahd:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Baba Lysaga called him here to be a figurehead for the Druids' ceremony.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Strahd's presence is not necessary for the ceremony, but it makes for great PR.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">He knew that the PCs left Vallaki because Lady Wachter's spy. He also heard reports from Baba Lysaga that some heroes were disrupting her plans at the Wizard of Wines.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">He decided to trail the PCs to learn about them.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">He will not interfere and avoids conversation, stating that he'll talk when they dine at Castle Ravenloft.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">When Yester Hill/Wintersplinter gets resolved, then he will send the dinner invite.</li> </ul>Vallaki Politics:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Lady Wachter has taken control of Vallaki. The Baron and Baroness are dead.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Victor fled to Village Barovia.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">The abandoned Baron's Mansion has been plundered, except the attic which was protected by a Glyph of Warding placed by Victor.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Captain Korga is now loyal to Lady Wachter.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">If/when PCs return to Vallaki, then an encounter will trigger when the PCs visit the Church of St Andral. Lady Wachter arrives with 6 guardsmen and several cultist spellcasters demanding the Bones of St Andral.</li> </ul>Ireena and Hope Mechanic:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">This number represents Ireena's belief that she will be safe from Strahd. If it drops to zero, then she will give up hope and willingly go to Strahd believing that it is the best thing to do for the sake of everyone.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Hope Score when the Gang left Vallaki: 16</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">-1 for the chaos of Lady Wachter Coup</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Current Score: 15</li> </ul>Potential adjustments:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">-1 if Wintersplinter attacks Vallaki</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">-2 if Lady Wachter takes the Bones of St Andrals or if Ireena is forced to flee the church.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">+2 if the Gang discovers the Hallowed Pool in Krezk.</li> </ul></blockquote>

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