The Oath, the Spy, and the Silver Moon

Characters:

• Aera shan Ravanór – Wood-elf Rogue
• Zorpheus – Bard
• Malron Lichtstrahl – Reborn Cleric of Lathander
• Gumbo – Half-Orc Rogue
• Oogway – Turtle Wizard Bladesinger
• Olfin Darning – Hexblood Paladin
• Liren – Dragonborn Barbarian

Summary:

The party infiltrates the fourth floor of Argynvostholt, where Horngaard guards a gargoyle statue. Aera recites the knight’s oath, awakening the statue, which proclaims:

“When the dragon dreams its dream within its rightful tomb, the light of Argynvost will beam and rid this land of gloom.”

This prophecy suggests that retrieving Argynvost’s skull from Castle Ravenloft could help weaken Strahd’s hold on Barovia. The party avoids combat and retreats peacefully, resting before heading to Vallaki for supplies.

At the Blue Water Inn, Aera receives a secret note from Arrigal:

“Spy in castle. Seek a meeting to discuss an opportunity. Find the victim amidst the court. Burn this — A”

The party interprets this as a lead to a spy within Castle Ravenloft.

On the road east, they encounter a skeletal rider, believed to be Sergei Von Zarovich. They ask three questions:

Q: Are you working for Strahd?
A: No
Q: Do you know about the spy?
A: No
Q: Are you a component of breaking the curse?
A: No

Sergei shares that Strahd murdered him, and Tatiana took her own life, triggering Strahd’s curse. Strahd now seeks Irena, believing she is Tatiana reincarnated.

The party finds a massive oak tree with “K & V” carved into the trunk. A scroll nearby reads:

“Dearest Varushka,
I hope this letter finds you well, though I fear it may not. My heart aches as I pen these words, knowing they may be the last I ever write you…”
“…You always said that nothing is ever too broken to repair. As I stand at this crossroads, I cling to my hope that you were right.”
“…Please take [the gift] with my deepest regrets and my warmest wishes. No soul deserves love and peace more than you.”
Sincerely and forever yours,
Katarina”

Atop the tree is a silver box containing half of a tarnished locket, taken by Olfin.

Fog rolls in as they approach the gates of Barovia, flanked by headless statues. A black carriage awaits. Inside is a scroll:

“It is customary for a lord to provide safe escort and a gift to guests for his home. Please accept both with my sincerest compliments.”

A magical chest with conjuration aura presents a puzzle of animal tiles and a poetic riddle:

“My lips I nightly lift toward the silver moon,
With trembling strings I weave upon my tiny loom,
On wings of ink I glide above the sulking gloom.

Scuttling through the shadows, in darkness I confide,*
With daylight’s fragile beauty upon my lying eyes,
Silent in the cavern’s womb, with naught but stars to guide.

I seek majesty in solitude,*
I have no truths to hide,
My crown yet sits upon my head for all to see with pride.”

The party solves the puzzle:

Wolf, Spider, Raven
Rat, Butterfly, Bat
Bear, Blank, Elk

The chest opens, revealing a container with the properties of a Bag of Holding, usable only when the puzzle is solved.

Key Locations:

• Argynvostholt – Fourth Floor
• Blue Water Inn (Vallaki)
• Old Windmill Road & Ancient Oak
• Gates of Barovia

Encounters:

• Horngaard – Awakened by the knight’s oath, reveals prophecy.
• Sergei Von Zarovich – Skeletal rider shares tragic history.
• Katarina’s Letter – Reveals Madam Eva’s past and a lost love.
• Strahd’s Puzzle Chest – Solved to reveal magical storage.

Loot:

• Tarnished Silver Locket – Half of a two-piece locket.
• Scroll from Katarina – Emotional farewell.
• Puzzle Chest – Magical container (Bag of Holding).
• Silver Box – Found in bird’s nest atop oak tree.

Notable NPCs:

• Horngaard – Believes Barovia’s suffering is penance.
• Arrigal – Delivers note about spy.
• Sergei Von Zarovich – Strahd’s murdered brother.
• Katarina (Madam Eva) – Survivor of Strahd’s wrath.

Plot Points:

• Prophecy of Argynvost – Skull may weaken Strahd.
• Spy in Castle Ravenloft – Secret contact awaits.
• Strahd’s Curse – Tied to Tatiana and Irena.
• Madam Eva’s Past – Revealed through Katarina’s letter.

Session Highlights:

• Aera’s oath awakens prophecy without bloodshed.
• Sergei’s tragic tale and careful questioning.
• Solving Strahd’s poetic puzzle.
• Katarina’s haunting farewell at the ancient oak.