Things quickly escalated after coming to an accord with Baron Vargas Vallakovich. The party returned to the Blue Water Inn for some much needed rest, only to be woken later that night as Strahd’s forces attacked Vallaki on several fronts. A band of Vistani attacked the east gates, setting fire to some outbuildings and a section of the palisade, but they proved to be a diversion.

As hundreds of wolves encircled the village, their howls echoing through the mist, the church was attacked by several vampire spawn. Some of the party went to investigate and arrived just in time to see the priest meet his end at the fangs of a vampire. Onika, Breeze, and Francisco chose to attack the undead but soon realized they were outmatched, even with the arrival of Izek Strazni leading a squad of guards to reinforce the party. Breeze perished at the hands of the vampires and all looked hopeless until the creatures made an unexpected retreat.

Meanwhile, A’Nonce had elected to stay behind at the inn with Ismark to watch over the ailing Ireena Kolyana. This proved to be a nearly fatal decision as the room was attacked by “The Devil” Strahd von Zarovich himself. Bursting through the window, the vampire lord made short work of Ismark and forced A’Nonce to flee for his life.

As suddenly as the attack had begun, Strahd mounted his nightmarish flying steed and bore Ireena swiftly away. The party attacked with missile weapons and spells, but to no avail. Ireena was gone, Breeze was dead, Ismark missing and presumed dead, and Secomber Jon (“Sec”) Richhome had not returned from the woods where he had gone with Fluffy some hours earlier for the dire wolf’s protection. Judging by the cacophony of howls, the halfling was not alone…