The dreaded lich, Acererak, has been discovered in the shadowy depths of the Plane of Dread, within the sinister realm of Barovia. The Order of the Rubicon, a recently restored brotherhood dedicated to the preservation and protection of knowledge, has sent its knights into the unknown. Their mission is clear: locate and eliminate the ancient menace before his dark power can spread once more.
While on their journey, Sono and Luciel find themselves separated from the rest of the party and are ambushed by a pack of werewolves. During the encounter, they are joined by Kain, who helps them defeat the creatures. Kain reveals they are in Barovia and agrees to travel with them in their quest to track down the lich.
As they continue their journey, they meet Dmitri Krezkov, the former Burgomaster of Krezk. Dmitri tells them that a werewolf clan known as the Children of Night Mother, led by “The Abbot,” attacked his village and abducted his daughter, Vasilka. He believes they are being held in the Abbey within the village.
The party ventures through the ruined village and convinces the Abbey’s guards to bring them before the Abbot. However, upon entering the Abbey’s courtyard, they are ambushed by werewolves and a Barghest.
After the battle, the group proceeds into the Abbey’s main hall, where they are confronted by a woman with patchwork skin and mismatched body parts, accompanied by an androgynous figure who introduces itself as “The Abbey.”