If the PCs are still present at the windmill shortly afterwards – for example, if they busy themselves with the task of freeing the children upstairs – the hags are waiting downstairs for the PCs when they return, alongside the third member of their coven. If no amount of pleading or negotiation is sufficient to deter their attackers, the hags vanish into the Ethereal Plane. However, they pass on the content of these readings to Strahd shortly afterward. The hags can also provide basic information and insight regarding the Tarokka readings given by Madam Eva. The temple can be reached by following the long and winding Tsolenka Pass. Strahd’s most carefully guarded secret is a temple of forbidden lore hidden in the mountains. The revenants can be found in a ruined mansion west of Vallaki. Strahd has undead enemies in Barovia – the fallen knights of the Order and the Silver Dragon. Strahd has mastery over the land and the weather, and his spies include the Vistani As in the village of Barovia, the hags can offer the following information: If pleading does not seem sufficient to stop their attackers, the hags offer knowledge in exchange for their life. The hags portray themselves as weak, and only use magic if absolutely necessary. If attacked outside of the coven, Morgantha or her daughters will beg the aggressors to stop, claiming to be innocent bakers who wish only to feed the people of Barovia and care for its children, while portraying their attackers as unruly, rude, and violent barbarians.
The first priority of the hags is self-preservation. Shock your players with a thinly-concealed monstrous den whose inhabitants intimidate or weakly imprison the PCs, setting up a long-term enemy that can be conquered laterĬreate an opportunity for your PCs to give into the corruption of Barovia, either by incriminating themselves through association or inaction, or by cutting dark deals with the coven Present a sympathetic group of NPCs whose ethically questionable sales practices lead to the discovery of great evil later on The purpose of this area is not to present an immediate combat scenario. If presented incorrectly, this encounter can easily lead to an unfair TPK for a low-levelled party. The most important thing to remember about Morgantha and her daughters, Bella and Offalia, is that they are saleswomen first, corrupters second, and monsters last. This ambient sound board may help you set the scene when your PCs enter Old Bonegrinder’s structure. ? The Sound of Music – Old Bonegrinder Ambience