DnD Adventure Log Act 3: Stop Winter Splinter

Characters:

Oogway: A serene and wise turtle Wizard Bladesinger who wields magic and blade with precision.
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:

As the party journeys through the forest, Strahd emerges from the shadows atop his fiery steed, adorned in impressive armor. He takes an interest in Muriel’s hairline, hinting at some deeper curiosity about her origins. Strahd expresses excitement about Winter Splinter and offers to escort the party to Yester Hill, presenting a wager—if the party succeeds, they should meet him at the western base of the wall for a gift and a secret.

Strahd reveals that Winter Splinter is a giant twig blight. When Veyren asks why some individuals can move freely within his domain, Strahd explains that Madam Eva provides him with information, allowing certain people to pass unchallenged. He also mentions Rajadin, a servant of his.

Arriving at Yester Hill, the party witnesses lightning striking the boulder-ringed summit. At the hill’s peak stands a 50-foot statue of a cloaked man with fangs, surrounded by two rings of stones and a chanting circle of thirteen druids. Thorny vines encase the druids, with mist swirling above. Four axe-wielding figures stand further out, along with a figure the party suspects to be Ludmila—a bride of Strahd.

Hovering ten feet above the ground, Strahd observes the ritual, holding a small object in his hands. Ludmila notices the party and teleports within range. Strahd, intrigued, casually toys with a pawn chess piece. Ludmila reacts coldly upon seeing it, displeased that Strahd is playing a game with her. He then vanishes into the ethereal plane.

Ludmila openly expresses disdain for Volenta and warns the party that she will not be nearly as easy to defeat. She reveals that a raven among the party who had attacked Castle Ravenloft was a were-raven capable of regenerating all damage except silver and necrotic. Ludmila had planned to vivisect the creature.

Muriel trembles at this revelation, suspecting one of Damien’s sons—her lover—may have been that were-raven. Ludmila further explains that Baba Lasaga aided her in taking control of the winery. The party learns that Baba Lasaga resides in Berez.

Faced with the decision of whether to engage Ludmila or bypass her to disrupt the ritual, the party opts for the latter, unwilling to further provoke Strahd. Their focus remains on stopping the druids and preventing Winter Splinter’s summoning.

Key Locations:

Yester Hill: The ritual site where druids attempt to summon Winter Splinter.
Forest: Where Strahd first appears and converses with the party.

Encounters:

Social: Negotiating Strahd’s wager and learning about Winter Splinter.
Social/Combat: The confrontation with Ludmila and revelations about the were-raven.
Strategic: Deciding to bypass Ludmila and focus on disrupting the druids’ ritual.

Loot:

(None yet discovered in this session.)

Notable NPCs:

Strahd: Oversees the events at Yester Hill and vanishes into the ethereal plane.
Ludmila: A bride of Strahd who threatens the party and seeks to vivisect the were-raven.
Muriel: Shaken by the revelation regarding Damien’s son.
Baba Lasaga: Mentioned as an ally of Ludmila in taking over the winery.

Plot Points:

Winter Splinter is a giant twig blight prepared for summoning.
Strahd’s wager offers a reward and a secret if the party succeeds.
Ludmila hints at tensions within Strahd’s circle, specifically regarding Volenta.
The were-raven that fought at Castle Ravenloft regenerates except against silver or necrotic attacks.
The party chooses to avoid conflict with Ludmila and directly disrupt the ritual.

Session Highlights:

Strahd’s cryptic conversation and his ominous departure.
Ludmila’s unsettling threats and hidden motivations.
Muriel’s personal connection to the were-raven revelation.
The party’s strategic decision to bypass Ludmila and focus on stopping the druids.