Act I: Inauspicious Start

Weiryn walks to the burgomaster's body, giving a small prayer as he holds his dagger before him. "All who live must face her judgement...may Pharasma judge you fairly and bring you to your rightful home..."

He then turns to Ireena. "You have yet to answer my question, milady."

"I’ve had awful dreams. Dreams where Strahd—the master of the castle—chases me, and when he catches me he kisses me and calls me ‘Tatyana.’ At least, I though they were dreams—but when I wake, I find these…"

She pulls her collar and hair aside, showing two small specks on her neck which looks like bite marks.

"How often do you have these dreams?"

"I've had those dreams twice. The first time was a little over a month ago. The last one was two days ago."

"It sounds as if strahd has developed a fondness for you and is attempting to seduce you. Most likely through the use of vampirism.

"I guess my father must have though so as well. This is why Strahd had him assassinated, for standing up to him and chasing him back with the holy symbol of ravenkind... I would have gladly gave it to you, alas... The thief could have been a servant of Strahd, but if so, I don’t know which one. It could have been something else entirely. Evil of every sort has begun to collect in the woods around Barovia. The Holy Symbol of Ravenkind could be anywhere—Strahd’s reach is long, and if he had it stolen, he likely wants it as far from the castle as possible. Maybe the wise woman at the Tser Pool knows."

Weiryn listens to Ireena's tale for a while, then nods. He uncinches his belt, then pulls his dagger from it before tying it again. He sets it down in front of the lady Ireena, and smiles.

"This dagger was a gift upon graduating from acolyte status into full priesthood at the temple of Pharasma. I use it for rituals, funerals, and to cut the umbilical cord when helping deliver children into the world. It has been blessed by the High Priest that I regard as my mentor to disrupt the undead when called upon. You have but to point it at the undead in question and speak the command word disgregare, and a beam of pure life and light will harm the unholy beast. I have no need of it, as I mastered the spell long ago. Use it to protect yourself."

Setting his backpack on the ground, he rummages through it a moment before pulling out a small case. Opening the case, he pulls out a string of garlic and his spare wooden holy symbol of Pharasma. "Keep these with you, as well. Vampires are repulsed by garlic, and while it might not provide much protection, every little bit helps. And Pharasma cannot stand undead abominations, so perhaps she will deign to aid you while we are gone. I wish I could do more to help you, but I fear that, without staying here by your side, this is all I can truly offer until I have rested."

"T-thanks... however, I'm not sure how much those will help against Strahd... He can enter buildings uninvited and walk in broad daylight. I doubt mere garlic will bother him..."

"Unfortunately, I cannot offer much more than some holy water and the blessings of the Light at this time," Darren shakes his head sadly, "Miss Ireena, you would be much better off if you'd allow us to escort you to the inn where you wouldn't be alone."

"If you absolutely will not come with us, I can consecrate a room in your home and it will offer some protection against the undead, though I will need time to pray for such aid."

"If you can consecrate the room where my father lies, I would greatly appreciate it. I refuse to leave his side, and as I told you earlier, there is not place at the town square to hold my father's body. You are free to spend the night here if you wish, we have plenty of rooms upstairs."

"I will be able to consecrate a room as well, once I have rested and prayed. And staying here will enable us to better aid the lady, should this creature return tonight."

He turns to the others. "I intend to stay here, so that I might stand vigil with the lady Ireena and provide whatever abjurations I can in the morning. What about the rest of you?"

"I will stay as well," Veroth says. He spreads his wings to their full extent. "Although I do not relish being caged within walls, my lady Kolyana-sera needs our protection."

He stares at Ireena for a moment and then his eyes drift around. Making an effort to make his voice sound more friendly, he says: "Lady, do you mind if I look around, check the windows and doors are secure?"

"I will stay as well, but I recommend we sleep in shifts and keep a guard over night. Keep a guard with the fallen and one with the lady.

"Hmm, yes, go ahead and look around. I'm pretty confident that I barricaded the mansion well, but a different perspective sure can't hurt, maybe you'll notice something I overlooked..."

"I will stay. And take first guard."

"Wake me in two hours, my friend, and give me two more to prepare for the day," Weiryn states plainly. I'll take the second watch.

"With the ladies permission I will make camp outside her door, that way I can be there if she needs assistance. I will take third watch as well.