RECAP: Curse of Strahd Session 6

Combat Recap and Session Setup
The GM recaps the previous session, introducing ghosts Rose and Thorne, a secret stairwell, and the discovery of skeletons linked to ghostly children. The players enter a dungeon area confronted by ghouls. Initial combat mechanics and character setup are discussed, along with some lighthearted banter about gameplay logistics.

Combat Begins Against Ghouls
Players start combat with undead ghouls, including initiative rolls, positioning, and initial attacks. Key tactics like using rage, spells like Divine Lance and Disrupt Undead, and reactions to failures or misses are demonstrated. The group manages their abilities and positioning carefully to fend off the enemies.

Combat Progresses, Introduction of New Enemies
Fighting intensifies with new ghoul threats and a strange tentacle-beaked monster (akin to a kraken) appearing. Players use various spells and attacks, including a hex (clinging sand) to hinder enemies. The squad struggles with injuries and status effects amid detailed tactical movement on the map.

Injuries, Status Effects, and Tactical Retreat
A player character (Iggy) drops unconscious after a critical ghoul bite. Efforts to stabilize and heal are described, with game mechanics for dying conditions and recovery rolls explained. Players adjust positioning to support injured teammates and regroup amidst encroaching threats.

Continued Combat and Exploration of Dungeon Rooms
Players fight remaining ghouls while exploring adjoining rooms with dusty furniture and mysterious contents. They identify ghoul fever disease mechanics, discuss treatment possibilities, and note the presence of seemingly alive but desiccated humanoid figures under a bed, building tension.

Confrontation with Durst Family Undead
Two desiccated undead creatures, resembling the Durst family from previous lore, rise from a bed and engage the party. Intense combat ensues, involving melee attacks, spells, and tactics like taunts and duty to protect allies. Players attempt to subdue the undead while managing bites and suffering grotesque battlefield conditions.

Aftermath and Strategy Discussion
The combatants are defeated, leaving charred remains and spreading viscera on the battleground. Players heal and recover, discuss the implications of the ghoul fever infection, and plan next moves including potential potion or medical treatments. The uncertain fate of infected characters raises stakes for future gameplay.

Key Insights

1. What is ghoul fever, and how does it affect characters?
   Ghoul fever is an infection from ghoul bites that onset occurs 1-4 days later, causing weakness and gradually inflicting the ‘infeebled’ condition until death or transformation into a ghoul. Treatment requires medicine checks and fortitude saves.
2. How does Disrupt Undead work in this combat?
   Disrupt Undead is a spell dealing vitality damage to undead. Targets make a fortitude save to take half damage; crit failure causes additional effects like infeblement.
3. What are hero points and mulligan chips used for?
   Hero points allow rerolls or bonuses on dice rolls, improving critical moments. Mulligan chips are physical tokens sold to raise funds for charity, used to grant free rerolls or counter opponents.
4. How are dying and wounded conditions handled?
   Dying characters must roll to recover each turn; additional damage while dying worsens their state. Wounded status remains until fully healed and rested.
5. Can players cure diseases like ghoul fever in-game?
   Yes, through prolonged medical care (8 hours), medicine checks, curing disease spells, or cutting off infected tissue, depending on available resources and timing.