Adventure 9 - In which our heroes arrive at Secret’s Vault…

The Wizard Khazan’s Tower - Now occupied by Rudolph Van Richten, and Perhaps another…

Collecting their thoughts, our heroes recall Madam Eva’s Prophecy. They understand now, that they have done much in Barovia. They defeated a coven of 3 Witches, reclaiming the Amulet of Ravenkind and saving the village. Our heroes have placated the Abbott and met Strahd’s Bride. Just now, they left The Dragon’s Lair, stirring its horrid memories. There they found the last piece of Strahd’s first victim. The sword hilt of Sergei Von Zorovich, The Devil’s blameless brother.

One thing remains, Eva said that Kai - warlock and inheritor of a Demon’s Debt - needs to return to his ancestor’s presence. Looking south the Heroes gaze up the heights of Mt Ghakis. Its peak lost in the fog. Our heroes know that few mysteries remain for them in Barovia - and all the worst of them lie in the Temple of Secrets. Our Heroes take the road to the Amber Temple finding more clues of Rudolph Van Richten along the way.

They stop for a brief detour of his tower. The lit stove and wagon outside indicating that the legendary vampire hunter is still quietly working alone. They know not to pester him with questions, his reluctance to assist clear from earlier. Perhaps they will convince him, or someone else later…

Kasimir Velikov - One of the Last Dusk Elves

On the Way up the mountain, they meet Kasimir Velikov again. He explains that He has noticed a recent rise in activity from The Devil Strahd’s Allies. Kasimir possesses his own reasons for wanting to visit the Amber Temple. He won't elaborate, but he does reveal to our heroes that Rahadin makes occasional visits to the summit of Mt Ghakis.

All of them make the slow crawl up the mountain conscious they are being watched by the trees below and the druids circling above. While the Ravens of Barovia may be friends to our heroes now, the Druids too can be disguised. The tribal Blood Spears of the forests are Loyal to Strahd and they priests make scarifies in the dark woods.

Ahead in the distance Garrick spots an ambush. Noticing a copse of trees unreasonably planted among the rocks of the cliffside. Garrick relates to the others and they decide to surprise their would be surprisers!

Charge!

Sadly, although Garrick was able to foresee the Ambush - he could not fight off all attackers at once. He was busy with the Blood Spears, his shield stuck by sharp flint and stone. Zeff tangled spell against spell with the Druids - summoning the winds to dash them over the cliff. This left Kai vulnerable and he was overrun by werewolves who pounced out from the bushes.

The dust clears on the skirmish and our heroes discover that Kai had fallen - The Abbott is far away and no longer in good humor. Zeff takes Sergei’s sword hilt from Kai’s hands, careful to brush away the blood stains. He also gathers Kai’s family heirloom: an Amber Pearl necklace not dirty at all.

“We cannot afford a delay,” Kasimir says. “The Mountain air will only get thinner & windier. I’m afraid we must continue and make it to the Temple as soon a possible.”

With little choice, our heroes hastily bury the 3rd fallen Hero.

At long last they arrive at the Amber Temple. Statues look out at our heroes and their approach. The faces of these caretakers silent witnesses to the sinister secrets within. Our Heroes examine the edifice outside and wonder what demonic agreement prompted Kai’s ancestors to come here. They open the Temple’s mighty doors - finding the hinges well oiled and only the the slightest touch needed. Inside however, they are met only with dark hallways and more bitter cold. Although the wind lessens to a soft din.

Kasimir tells them that he knows little of the inside. Only that his ancient Enemy Rahadin makes visits here occasionally.

So too did Strahd Von Zorovich once arrive here, a long time ago.