Messrs. Grahf, Snerp, Roberts, Luraxt and Mistress Eikka:
Greetings and welcome to my humble valley of Barovia. I hope that your visit to the ancient and venerable Durst Household - known locally as the "Death House" - was not too disturbing. It is a brief trip down memory lane that I oft arrange for visitors to engage upon. A test of spirits if you will. It pleases me to no end to see that you have survived with naught lost, and have arrived properly to my domain.
Enjoy your stay: mingle with the locals, sample the cuisine. I am sure that our paths will cross at some point, and formal introductions can be arranged.
Your gracious host,
Lord Strahd von Zarovich
The group notices that the items taken from the house have aged considerably. Anything perishable rots away to dust. The mundane armor and weapons (save the silvered shortsword and cloak of protection) corrode and rust. The valuable gems and jewelry tarnish, but remain intact. The deeds show signs of age, but are still legible.
Around them, the town appears different. Though still dreary and desolate, some of the buildings do show signs of habitation, especially the larger buildings toward the center of town. The squeaky wheel of a cart echos down one of the small streets that criss-cross the town. In the distance, looming high over the town at the peak of a mountainside is a gloomy castle.
Though the fog has receded, the thick cloud-cover remains. Even though it is still clearly day light (Day 2, Afternoon), Luraxt finds himself(?) unaffected.
GAME PAUSED - ADVANCE TO LEVEL 3!!