Shadows Over St. Markovia

Characters:

• Oogway: A serene and wise turtle Wizard Bladesinger who wields magic and blade with precision.
• Olfin Darning: A Hexblood Paladin navigating the balance of light and shadow through their oath.
• Liren: A fierce Dragonborn Barbarian loyal to their companions and protective in battle.
• Gumbo: A pragmatic Half-Orc Rogue with a knack for stealth and unexpected solutions.
• Aera shan Ravanór: A cunning Wood-elf Rogue adept at stealth and navigating complex situations.
• Veyren: A skilled Druid drawn into the party’s journey after the loss of their sibling, Shabasta.
• Malron Lichtstrahl: A Reborn Cleric of Lathander with a connection to spirits and the undead.

Summary:

The party embarks on a journey to St. Markovia Abbey, seeking Esmerelda’s aid in their quest. As they ascend the treacherous mountain road, the air grows colder, hinting at the dangers ahead. Upon arrival, they encounter the strange Belview family—mutated and deranged by the Abbot’s twisted experiments. Strahd’s influence over the holy site becomes apparent as the party unravels the Abbot’s misguided plan to create a companion for Strahd. The séance with Esmerelda reveals dark truths, leading the adventurers toward Castle Ravenloft and the werewolf-infested cave at Lake Baratok.

Key Locations:

St. Markovia Abbey: A once-sacred site now twisted by dark experiments, overlooking the valley from its perch in the mountains.

Esmerelda’s Wagon: Hidden near the abbey, holding supplies, clues, and unexpected visitors.

Lake Baratok Cave: Home to werewolves and the kidnapped Ilia, a place of danger and urgency.

Encounters:

• Social Encounter – The Belviews: The party meets Otto, Zygfrek, and Cloven—grotesque mutations shaped by the Abbot’s misguided attempts to cure ailments.
• Combat & Strategy – Werewolf Den: Information gathered suggests the need for a careful approach to infiltrate the cave and rescue Ilia.
• Mystical Encounter – Séance with Esmerelda: Spirits of the abbey whisper secrets, revealing a silver statuette in Castle Ravenloft that could cure the Abbot.

Loot:

• Necklace of Flowers: Gift from Marzena to a sibling in the East Wing, carried by Malron.
• Magical Rapier & Hand-Axe: Weapons placed near Esmerelda during the séance.
• Holy Symbol Disc: Sun-engraved artifact, possibly linked to the Morning Lord.

Notable NPCs:

• Esmerelda: A skilled monster hunter seeking answers about the Abbot’s growing madness.
• The Abbot: An angelic being tainted by Strahd, believing Vasilica can break the land’s curse.
• Kiril Vonstrranovich (Black Terror): The ruthless leader of the werewolf pack, empowered by Baba Lasaga.
• Bianca: A conflicted werewolf with ties to Kiril, revealing insights into the pack.

Plot Points:

• Esmerelda plans to infiltrate the werewolf den within twelve hours to rescue Ilia.
• The Abbot believes Strahd lacks love, crafting Vasilica as his salvation.
• The spirits hint at a silver statuette in Castle Ravenloft, capable of curing the Abbot’s corruption.
• Syrus Bellview may hold the key to rewards if rescued from Ravenloft.

Session Highlights:

• “May her light cure all ail“—the eerie saying tied to the Abbey.
• The unsettling sight of the flesh golem and its silent gaze.
• Malron’s promise to deliver the flower necklace, a rare moment of kindness amidst the madness.
• Esmerelda’s harrowing past—her lost leg and vendetta against Kiril.
• Bianca’s confession—werewolf loyalty torn between love and survival.