#tsolenka-pass

[niccola-decapovina]

" He died in my arms... "

- fighter, after he fell down the cliff, was struck by the blinded monster, which then proceed to die from falling damage.

Random encounters ahoy, hope this won't have unforseen consequences :)

[curse-of-dming-strahd]

when you're getting tired of your own convoluted plot and just want the party to fight a giant monster without thinking about it for once

[mx-lamour]

Watching Klaus (great movie btw) and I have now realized that Smeerensburg is Barovia and the boat guy is a Vistani.

[astral-dragons]

Took us about a month (scheduling conflicts my beloathed) but we made it through the Castle Ravenloft heist! And OH BOY did things go to shit fast. We ended last session with:

Fenro and Ireena being held hostage by Strahd after Rahadin caught the others stealing the tome and the sunsword

Sylviel deciding to open the tome out of spite while being chased by Rahadin, not realizing it was going to make them effectively unconscious until they finish reading it.

Marcus, in a panic, grabbing the unconscious Sylviel and picking a place off his gut feeling in the Brazier room to escape to, ending up in the AMBER TEMPLE alone with Sylviel.......

Well at least next session is gonna be an interesting one :')))

Oh and uh, bonus out of context quotes:

"So I may have drugged the horse"

"Our mother taught us to have good manners... but then she DIED."

"Squeak squeak motherfucker, fuck you Strahd."

[aqours]

imagine surviving the death house, old bonegrinder, the feast, a dun full of werewolves, a fucking evil-ass giant tree, all of strahd's minions, motherfucking baba lysaga, and even a giant man-eating bird only to meet your end because a goat yeeted you off a bridge at Tsolenka Pass

[qusok]

I'm just curious

It would also be cool if you expanded on how it happened :D

[strvhd]

#STRVHD: i am BAROVIA. at it's core, i feel her anguish. her misery. i feel how the mists choke her. i feel how the edges of the faerun think they have rights to her. but make no mistake. nothing happens in this godsforsaken land without me knowing about it. from salovich woods to tsolenka pass i am barovia. you come to ravenloft, to fight me. to challenge me. i will drink you dry and use your headstones to leave love letters to my consorts. you are nothing and i am the BARON STRAHD VON ZAROVICH.

[godfreygwilym]

I’m so delighted to have found your blog, I love your insights into CoS and seeing how your players are handling things!! How did the Rahadin fight go? 👀

thank you!!!

i think it went pretty good all things considered—im running tsolenka pass based on dragnacarta's take, so there was a big showdown on the bridge that was interrupted by the roc. i've also futzed around with rahadin's stat block a fair amount so he's not all whimpy like in the base game and more like an actual boss. he survived this round after the sorc yeeted him into the abyss (this seems to be a trend? rahadin getting yeeted?) but he will face off with them again once more at the amber temple to 1) try and steal the sun sword and 2) try to kill kasimir

[rahadaddy]

I need to organize my thoughts on Immol. I am requesting that my players not read below the cut (unless they intend to help me world build).

Immol Overview:

Immol is a mountain city between Krezk and Tsolenka Pass, which has flourished under Strahd's vampirism. Run by the first vampire spawn, Burgomaster Dagmar Olyavna, Immol has cultivated a special relationship with Ravenloft. Think of it as the New York City to Barovia Village's Washington DC. It's not the capital, but it's the city everyone knows. Granted, Immol is also host to Strahd's westernmost military outpost, Sturmhold Keep, and is part-military base, part-occupied territory, so...

There is a caste system in place, which puts vampires/vampire spawn at the top, followed by dhampir, then Vistani, then Barovian humans, then non-native Barovian refugees/expats/communities. Immol is divided into districts along these lines. Sturmhold Keep, the western part of the city, is populated by vampires (vampire spawn), and is under the rule of Vasili von Holtz. To the north, the Mage District, is overseen by Strahd's bride, Ludmilla Visilvec. The central, eastern and southern portions of the city - Ravnovasie, Krovavy Dvor, Kopka/Old Town, and Blood Market - fall under Dagmar's purview. The Elbrak RIver cuts across the southern part of the city and marks a natural border between the vampiric city and those beyond. South of the river, two communities flourish in very different ways. To the southwest, Bishtograd thrives as a semi-permanent Vistani settlement. To the southeast, Soltoska, the Adventurers' District, merges foreign traditions with a Barovian way of life.

Unlike other settlements in Barovia, Immol encourages trade with other Domains, produces goods in Gothic noir factories, and bows to Strahd's will without significant defiance. It is not a paradise, however. Non-vampire citizens live in fear of monthly, government-sanctioned attacks. Colloquially called The Banquet, vampire and dhampir residents are absolved of violent crime in order to satiate their hunger. Non-vampiric residents barricade themselves indoors or sell their bodies on the eponymously named Blood Market. The Mage District's Academy is always in search of talented mages - some for recruitment, some for experimentation, and some for execution for unlawful use of magic. It is rumored that Lady Ludmilla employs Ba'al Verzi assassins as mage slayers. She collaborates with Sturmhold Keep to create dhampirs for the Barovian Military, which in turn, makes becoming a dhampir a tempting and deadly prospect for the average human who dreams of climbing the social ladder. Soldiers from Sturmhold Keep are sent to mysterious lands, sent around the Barovian Valley to keep peace, and on dozens of other missions, but every one of them has survived Shatterpoint - brutal training grounds at the base of Mount Ghakis. Humans and their ilk work in dangerous conditions in Kopka's factories. The life offered in Soltoska lures some in, but their leader, Father Wobakov, is said to be charming and mad.

Notable Locations:

The Academy: Ludmilla's wizard tower stands tall above the city of Immol and is the first thing that greets travelers along the main road. It sits atop a subterranean school of magic, The Academy, which hosts a limited number of students. Mages must register with the Academy and be counted for a yearly census. The numbers almost always stay exactly the same: for every new mage registered, a less talented one is culled. The mages train to serve Barovia in various ways. Those with lasting value are given the gift of dhampirism or (more rarely) vampirism. All mages live in hope for such a blessing.

Heldenhein - The resting place of the army of the Order of the Silver Dragon. These catacombs serve as a reminder to all who enter Immol what fate awaits those who dare to stand up against Strahd. However, there is a clear respect for the resting knights, which reminds even those most opposed to Strahd that she is nothing if not just.

The Cathedral of Shadows: This imposing cathedral once housed a temple to Mother Night before the devotees of the Lady of Shadows drove them out. A popular religion in Immol, worship of the Lady of Shadows includes the reverence of Strahd von Zarovich as the Lady's prophet.

Central Square: The town square is a place where all can gather and the different classes mingle in local businesses and entertainment venues. However, the fountain of blood at the town's heart serves as a stark reminder of who is in charge.

Burgomaster's Manor: Dagmar Olyavna's home suffers from the consequence of having survived centuries of remodeling and fashion. It is large, due to extensions placed on it over time, but its heart has humble beginnings.

Sturmhold Keep: This fortress once belonged to the dragon, Argynvost. When Strahd's forces conquered this final outpost, Strahd took the fortress for herself and named it for her brother, Sturm. It is now run by General Vasili von Holtz, who strives to emulate Strahd's rule at Ravenloft. The son of Anastrasya Karelova and her long-dead, mortal husband, Vasili is the first dhampir and eager to prove his worth to Strahd.

Dawnspire / The Refuge: The Church of the Morning Lord in Immol is run by Father Wobakov. Its architecture hints at non-Barovian origins and the mixing of traditions within the walls. Father Wobakov has some fierce and incorrect beliefs which he is eager to share with anyone who comes in the church's doors.

The Lion's Den Pub: Once a grand manor owned by Leo DIlisnya, the Lion's Den Pub has become a haven for fallen adventurers and their descendants who want to trade news and stories and who especially want to stick it to Strahd.

Veiloro: The Vistani name for the portal between Barovia and other Dark Domains which exists at the edge of Immol.

Miscellaneous Facts

The Barovian military trains and utilizes native mammoths for warfare.

The Vistani of Bishtograd often directly serve Ravenloft in ways other Vistani do not. Those who do not partake in politics tend to keep herds of reindeer, yak, or sheep or participate in inter-dimensional trade.

The Vistani seers of Bishtograd are descended from Ludmilla Visilvec's line.

Residents of Soltoska often have a mix of non-human heritages added to whatever Barovian heritage they have.

The monthly Banquet serves as vampiric catharsis and social reinforcement of the pecking order. However, wealthy vampires and dhampirs offer considerable pay to humans willing to serve as the main course in their homes. Rumors of blood, sex, and other debauchery make these events intriguing; the gold makes them enticing. It is considered an honor to be the banquet at a fine house, none finer than the Burgomaster's Manor itself.

[is-sni-ovg]

last cos session ended with rahadin confronting us at tsolenka pass and engaging us in combat and like. come on. at this point we're basically bound by the theory of narrative causality to at least TRY to throw him off of the bridge

[niccola-decapovina]

Last session was too many goat puns and repercussions from a special vampire friend of the group. And goodbyes to the werewolves. They still are clueless about why the group helped them, but last night I got thinking about it:

The others were simply tolerated by the others, the only one who helped was the cleric.

The rest wouldn't also explain any further on how they fought against the group in the cave. Still seems to be a sensible topic.

Were sent off to start a new collony. They assured that they wouldn't align themselves with Strahd. We'll see about that.

Spoiler material begin here, technically a bit further upon this, but alas, I couldn't be bothered that every group will also fight against the wolves and help one to find their spouse...

we battled the mighty chunk-goat, defender of the mountain the session before this and were pondering about what-ifs...

What if we could somehow retrieve the bodyfor rations and make some leather out of it?

What if we meet some of those quarter-elves in the wild again and they see us with the dead goat?

At least the werewolf seems to know a bit about this region: a goat spirit is guarding it. Also has a name.

[curse-of-dming-strahd]

god today I realized the evil goat in Curse of Strahd is a real encounter and not something I dreamt up

like I was so sure I was misremembering something I’d read while frantically trying to consume this 265 page monstrosity that I was like “if it’s anywhere it’s in the random encounters at the beginning of the book and that’s why I forgot”

NO IT’S IN TSOLENKA PASS, LIKE 3/4THS OF THE WAY THROUGH THE BOOK, I READ THIS LIKE A WEEK AGO

what is this module doing to my brain

[hnk-art]

I swear there's context because it happened after S. killed Argynvost all by himself and nearly died at Tsolenka Pass in my game for the tome. The Vistani before they were splitted in all their Tasques found him and took care of him. ( Also of his belongings, including the vorpal sword stained with ancient dragon blood, the magical items and he was certainly not happy nor healthy enough to take them back before a while).

Things that go on the always growing pile of things to polish.

[rosexknight]

A Night at Tsolenka Pass

That feel when you simp for the only good edgy elf in Barovia and want to be self-indulgent even though nothing is canon. I love Kasimir so much you guys have no idea XD Idalia and Kasimir share a night as they travel to The Amber Temple. It seems the cold of the Tsolenka Pass can bring people together in many ways. This is pure self-indulgence on my part and not canon, but I can enjoy it in my AU. And a TikTok I made because I found an absolutely hilarious sound! https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8SBoqY9/ Join us tonight at 10pmEST for the aftermath of The Amber Temple~! www.twitch.tv/metaisfutile/ Hope you enjoy~! Want art like this monthly? Why not join? My General Patreon, safe for all audiences: www.patreon.com/rosexknight My 18+ ADULT-ONLY Patreon: www.patreon.com/rosexxxknight

[tea-with-eleni]

What's next for Strahd?

Traveling for the holidays, so we're a bit unable to do DnD at the moment... which gives me time to Plan.

My players should have learned by now: bad things happen when the DM starts Planning.

To my players, keep the fuck out or I'm gonna make one of the brides replace or turn your character and you have to turn traitor to your party.

The current situation as it stands:

The players and Tatyana are about to head into the Amber Temple. They're currently navigating Tsolenka Pass.

Ludmilla is trying very, very hard to get on their good side; she thinks she stands a better chance with Tatyana than Strahd himself. She's probably right. Strahd doesn't like it, but also knows that Ludmilla is utterly and completely loyal to him.

Strahd, Ludmilla, and therefore all of Ravenloft knows what the party is up to. The other relevant players are Rahadin (utterly DESPISED by the party, they will kill on sight) and Volenta (the wildcard) and Doru (the pathetic trapped vampire spawn).

The current problem for Party Ravenloft is that Party Players will do something stupid in the Amber Temple and get Tatyana killed.

The secondary goal is that Vampyr is still in the amber temple... and there isn't anything explicitly preventing Tatyana from making a deal with it except, obviously, Tatyana herself. After all: assuming the deal went a bit like Strahd's, it would accomplish the overall goal of turning Tatyana. Strahd is convinced that given enough time he could win her over, he's just never had enough time.

The best person to convince Ireena to do anything is Doru Donovich. He knows her from this life; he loved her in a past life. The party pities him. He already was within a single roll of convincing Tatyana to stay at Ravenloft.

Which brings us to another problem: Strahd blames one of Doru's past lives for killing Tatyana. The blame isn't entirely fair, but it's only Ludmilla keeping Strahd from going full Leo Dilisnya on him. He was only turned into a vampire spawn by accident; he was part of the assault Mordenkainen lead on the castle last year and Ludmilla was feeling a bit peckish at the time. Escher and one of the players freed him from the church basement. Ludmilla has since argued he's too useful a tool to keep around.

So. What does Strahd do? Does he send the real Doru Donovich to try to persuade Tatyana to make a deal with Vampyr? Does he go himself? Does he send Ludmilla?

Strahd has shown that he's very good at making rational decisions except insofar as they concern Tatyana, especially referencing the 2e books for more insight into the man's personality. There's no reason to think this is inaccurate; perfectly sane people like Fiona Wachter are loyal to him for entirely rational reasons.

This is a decision heavily concerning Tatyana. I don't think Strahd is capable of making the rational decision here and I don't think anyone in Party Ravenloft could or would point out that he's making a mistake. I do think he's clever enough (and potentially kinky enough) to convincingly play the part of one of his wives' spawn.

I suppose he would (at this point) Leo Dilisnya Doru. Sorry kid.

[barovianchickenandwaffles]

A Gift For Yuletide: another Barovian Tale

So, there I was one wintry night ending a shift at the cash register, when in walked through the front door none other than the Devil Strahd’s very own consort, Escher. I bowed and said, “master Escher, to what do I owe the pleasure?” As I bowed behind the register, my right hand fished for the crossbow with the silvered bolt in it.

“Spare me the pleasantries, peasant,” he laughed whimsically. “Also, I will forgive you for the weapon you are attempting to draw out if you will assist me on a quest.”

Welp, so much for that idea. Also, I realized just then that I forgot to change out the garlic overhanging the door ages ago. Note to self: get 2Wash2Furious, my ogre zombie, to change it out when Escher’s not looking.

“I need a gift for Strahd for Yuletide. He had a great abundance of gifts, and if I am to win his attention back, it needs to be something spectacular. Something, unique. Something coveted by all in Barovia.”

“No, you don’t mean….” I gasped in genuine alarm.

“Yes, that. Pack your gear, we are going to the Amber Temple.”

“Gary, take over for a bit.”

I probably should have planned better. I forgot that Mount Ghakis is a) high up, and b) cold and snowy. I had thrown on a pair of thick shoes and one of those cheap, knock-off elf cloaks they make in Sithicus for tourists.

We climbed the slopes, avoiding hungry wolf packs. When raiders ambushed us, Escher dispatched them with ease. At Tsolenka Pass a great bird flew overhead, their wings blotting out the sky for a moment. Escher immune to the cold and to the dread of this place dismissed it with a wave. “Try making fried chicken out of that thing?” I chuckled half-heartedly. How in the Nine Hells was I expected to haul that thing all the way back?

Besides, a lingering doubt in my mind was growing: once I help him obtain his Yuletide present, what’s to stop him from betraying me and leaving me behind in the Temple? Or worse.

We came at last to the fabled Amber Temple, which despite its name was a place of dread and spiritual poverty. Escher pushed open the doors with ease. I followed behind, feebly cradling my crossbow, my only real defense.

As we carefully navigated the halls of the temple, avoiding traps thanks to Escher’s knowledge of the place, I asked him, “sir, with all your wealth and financial independence, what’s to stop you from finding a more … compelling gift elsewhere without risking our necks for this one?”

“Because, this one is one of a kind, and will never be made again. Your long-term planning and foresight to avoid printing more was perhaps a wise choice. Scarcity brings value, no?”

I shrugged.

We came to the room we sought. There, in the middle was a ring of fire, waist high, surrounding a scrap of paper that was suspended in the air. Even from this distance I knew the words “One Free Deluxe Chicken and Waffle Meal” were scrawled on it by my own hand. The BCnW Coupon Supreme: my greatest folly.

We approached the flames and Escher reached over it, toward the Coupon, when the flames erupted and consumed his hand and forearm. In pain he jerked his hand back and it was a charred stump. Escher, wide-eyed, stared at it agape. “Powerful magic guards this relic,” he said.

“We have a difficult decision to make,” I said. “Someone has placed a powerful ward here, and I have no way to get to it. How much do you really want to win back Strahd’s favor?”

Escher looked at the Coupon Supreme longingly and then at his hand. It would heal in time, but could he afford to risk anything else?

“Screw it,” he finally said. “My self-respect is not worth this. Let’s get him one of those crappy, lead-painted ornaments you sell.”

“Works for me.”

… and so, deep in the Amber Temple the Coupon Supreme waits for a brave, powerful adventurer willing to risk it all to save 1sp and 2cp (coffee refills not included).

A (Not So) Merry Yuletide to Everyone!