Chapter 2: Welcome to Barovia

Ryn: Ireena ventures with you and Ismark stays behind, trying to keep an eye on the army of wolves. You all begin to hear muffled talking as you head toward the back of the mansion.

Basra and Wil: Strahd points toward Basra Very clever of you, Master Basra. I am Count Strahd von Zarovich and I am the master of my realm. You are all guests in my house. He settles down and walks over toward the now-closed window. In truth, I find most of you very interesting. It is a shame about Master Baroth, however. Such a paragon broken by what was once a house full of foolish lunatics and madmen. His head turns as if he hears something Ask them why you can never leave Barovia. Until we meet again, dear friends, Farewell. You see his form begin to dissipate into a fine, dark mist and flow through the gaps in the boards. The sound of many canine feet against the hard ground rings out and gets softer and softer until it disappears. There is now only deathly silence.

All: You hear heavy footsteps as Ismark makes his way into the hall behind Ireena They've gone! They just ran away, companions, we've succeeded! He says, a confident smile forming on his face. Ireena turns with her mistrusting look He was here, the devil Strahd, he made them go away. Ismark's expression returns to solumninity. Ireena turns toward you all I have no relation to him. I have no clue as to why he pursues me. He started to come into my chambers at night nearly a month ago. He has bitten me twice but I have no sign of becoming like him. I do not know what he plans but I know enough not to see them fulfilled. Ireena's face softens and becomes one of sadness as you reach the last question.He asked because he knows that we haven't told you. You are trapped here just as we are. I'm sorry.

Ireena struggles to get a word in through the barrage of questions being thrown her way. After Ryn's question, however, she becomes visibly irritated. That's not how it works! If you don't trust me not to be a monster like him then just leave! She storms off, upset, while Ismark yells after her. Ireena! Come back! He lets out a sigh and pauses, turning to all of you I am very sorry. We haven't been under normal circumstances and the townsfolk shun her for Strahd's interest in her. One of the crueler lies is that she's in league with him. I assure you, companions, that my sister is not a monster. Ismark says, a tinge of sadness in his voice. Now, for your questions. You are trapped in the Barovian valley, not the town. The mist chokes anybody that goes beyond it's borders except for ones that Strahd allows, like Vistani. Ismark reaches into his pack to produce a hand-drawn map. This is all that it encompasses. Vallaki is to the North-West and farther from Ravenloft than we are now. It is my purpose to bring Ireena there to provide her with at least some safety. Now that you know the full extent of our plight, will you help us?

Yes, absolutely. Ismark says, surrendering the map to Greymond. As you inspect it, it is obviously traced from another map.I apologise if I seemed secretive. I promise that i will tell you all I know about Strahd and the journey ahead after we rest. Pick any of the empty bedrooms upstairs to sleep and we will leave tomorrow morning. Once all conversation had concluded, you all make your way upstairs where you have a uneventful night.

Before long, muted sunlight falls through the boarded-up windows, lighting up the dust floating around the room. You are all awoken by the sound of fierce discussion in the hallway between Ismark and Ireena. Please, we have to leave as soon as possible. I fear for your safety. Ismark pleads. Ireena interrupts with conviction No, absolutly not. I refuse to go and leave our father lying on the floor to rot. With that it becomes once again quiet.

Ireena looks far better than she did last night. The dark circles around her eyes have disappeared and her hair is in a flowing cascade. Our father died three days ago and we haven't been able to carry him to the church to be buried for fear. I don't want to leave him laying there when we go. Its not right to and not what our father deserves. Ireena says.