Session 9: Yesterhill Report

General Summary

Party made their way to Yesterhill. Upon arrival you discovered a vast hill, a path leading up to the top with layers of black stone cairns encircling several elevation layers of the hill. Atop its peak, a pale man clad in red and black royal attire was saddled to an undead flaming horse, its mane and tail smoldering. The man was none other than Strahd. Dirt covered warriors, some of which were not dissimilar to the druid you fought at the winery. A fierce fight ensues between yourselves and a gagle of warriors while another group continues chanting around a large wooden effigy in the likeness of Strahd himself. Felling several of his minions in the skirmish, but ultimately the chanting resulted in the completion of a ritual. A massive treelike creature burst forth, Strahd commanding it to destroy the winery.
Strahd spoke with the group about his plans for the valley, wishing to rid the land of those who cause profit and poison its people with addiction and sedation. He mentioned both the Hags you fought just days before, and the Martikov family in particular as those who benefit from selling their products. He offered the group a path of escape outside of the white fog surrounding the valley. Claiming to be the only one who can allow people to leave Borovia. He offers a series of tasks to earn your freedom, and to show his kindness, he offers Arthur the return of his son safely to him, in exchange for the elimination of the Martikov family. Following his departure, the group gives chase to the Winterspliter, catching up to find it violently dismantling the vinery.