Ismark Kolyana

Title: Son of the Burgomaster; locally called "Ismark the Lesser" (he prefers Ismark) Status: Alive — St. Andrew's Church, Vallaki; staying to watch over Ireena before eventually returning to his village

Known Information

Son of Kolyan Indirovich and adoptive brother of Ireena Kolyana. Met the party at the Blood on the Vine Tavern, sitting alone. Introduced himself, bought the table a pitcher of wine, and got to business: he needs someone to help escort Ireena to Vallaki before Strahd claims her.

He has been fighting Ireena — literally — on the nights she is charmed, restraining a woman clawing at his face trying to escape to the castle. He describes this as a losing battle.

Armed with a heavy crossbow, longsword, and shortsword. Participated in the fight against the night hag Old Bonegrinder and did the majority of the damage in round one. Challenge rating 3; 58 hit points; will run if Ireena is threatened.

His father died three days before the party arrived. He helped the party carry the coffin to the church and stood with Ireena during the burial.

Relationships

• Father: Kolyan Indirovich (deceased, Session 4)
• Sister: Ireena Kolyana

Notable Moments

• Session 4: Met in the tavern; revealed Ireena's situation; escorted party to the church; fought the hag; awaiting the party at the western gate with a cart
• Session 5: Rode up front with Ireena; served as the party's NPC meat shield in both the Vistani ambush and the zombie encounter; took 15 damage from zombies; absorbed a hit from Zombie One; demonstrated his crossbow and dual-sword kit is not decorative
• Session 6–7: Waited in the treeline with Ireena and the rescued children during the mound fight; reported that the wagon wheel standing stone glowed and shifted while the party was inside the mound, revealing the inscription: "Not all roads serve the devil. Some roads defy him"
• Session 8: Failed DC14 Wisdom save against the Alpha's howl and was frightened; reached Vallaki; touched the silver gate without incident; covered the cost of three rooms at the Blue Water Inn
• Session 12: Informed by Merich in private that Isaac was "no longer a concern." Winked with both eyes. Sable confirmed the man was dead from the shadows, described it as hard work, and disappeared. Ismark asked no follow-up questions
• Session 14: Woken at midnight by Sable. Party said their goodbyes and offered him the choice to come along. He declined — the call of adventure was tempting, the burden of responsibility weighed heavier. He will stay with Ireena until he is certain she is safe, then return to the village. Sable patted him on the head. The party left.