Almost to Vallaki 07/24/2023

The party leave the monument of the Zheleznyov family. A ghostly figure begs them with the time he has available to help them destroy the cursed vessel deep within the memorial. Shortly after, he goes back into the monument and fizzled out.
The party continue their departure to Vallaki. They encounter a gate on the road blocking passage and a graveyard close near by. Statues loom over a pile of dried bones. They look to be people's.
They solve the puzzle and make another narrow escape.
They quickly encounter a ghostly lady walking from the valley to the forest. They all feel an enchantment to follow but resist. Adrian was caught and resists the charm. A mad can be heard impaled by a bear trap near the party. They stop and help the man. He lay unconscious by the pain. They heal him and ride with him on the cart. He was on his way to Krezk, fleeing Vallaki. He jumps out of wagon as soon as he hears them going to Vallaki. One foot leaving stains of blood and another indenting the mud with his bare foot.
They continue their journey and find a patch of Ethereal Whisperwood. Adrian tells them of the rare root and lets them know it is very hard to cultivate with the magic intact. They get one intact and set up a tiny hut to rest for the rest of the day. It is mid day, only a full days journey left to reach vallaki.
Viktor decides to go adventuring for herbs to use the elm. He finds enough for 3 bundles, 3 magical stones called the Whispering Shadow stone that allows visual 200 ' distance in the mist and the forest. Also, a handle lay close to a sacrificial sickle. A sickle made of thronbloom made to kill the undead. He returns back and finishes his rest for the day.

Recalling Faith
A stone archway keeps the party from passing. Graves line the edge of the forest to the South. Ghouls begin to climb out and rushing the trapped party.
Title: The Haunted Forest Road **Setting:** The road winds through a dense, eerie forest known for its unsettling atmosphere and rumored to be haunted by undead creatures. The players are escorting a wagon loaded with wine kegs, which belong to a reclusive wereraven named Aelor, who seeks to deliver them to a distant village before the full moon rises.
**Objective:** The players must protect the wagon and its cargo from ghouls and ghasts while also solving a puzzle to safely pass through a treacherous area of the forest.
**Encounter:**
As the players make their way through the haunted forest, the air becomes heavy with an otherworldly silence. Strange shadows flicker between the trees, and the branches seem to reach out like skeletal fingers. Suddenly, eerie moans fill the air as a group of ghouls and ghasts emerge from the undergrowth, surrounding the wagon and the party.
**Enemies:**

3-4 Ghouls: These undead creatures move with incredible speed and can paralyze their victims with their claws.

1-2 Ghasts: Larger and more powerful than ghouls, they possess an aura of stench that can sicken and weaken their foes.

**Puzzle:** As the ghouls and ghasts encircle the party, they notice an old stone archway, partly covered in moss and ivy, standing just off the road. Carved into the stone are four symbols - a crescent moon, a sun, a star, and a tree. Above the archway is an inscription: "Speak the names in the right order to pass."
**Solution:** The players must figure out that the symbols correspond to the names of four ancient elven deities: Selûne (moon), Pelor (sun), Mystra (star), and Silvanus (tree). To pass through the archway safely, the players must speak the names of the deities in the correct order, reciting them aloud while defending the wagon from the undead onslaught.
**Outcome:** When the players correctly speak the names in the right order, a magical barrier shimmers into existence around the wagon, protecting it from the ghouls and ghasts. The undead creatures howl and claw at the barrier in frustration, unable to harm the party or their cargo. With the puzzle solved, the encounter becomes more manageable, and the players can focus on defeating the remaining undead or attempting to retreat from the area.
**Rewards:** If the players successfully protect the wagon and complete the encounter, they gain the gratitude of Aelor, the wereraven. He rewards them with valuable items from his personal collection, such as potions, scrolls, or unique trinkets.
Remember to adjust the encounter difficulty based on your players' levels and party composition. A well-balanced team should be able to handle the ghouls and ghasts, while the puzzle adds an extra layer of challenge and engagement to the encounter. Happy gaming!

Encounter name: A cursed Family Date: 07/17/2023
Characters involved.
Evandor casval Lukas Vas'Reegar Andros Lightweaver Keyeth Amakiir Viktor Crowe Guthrie DepressedWing
VS
3x Flesh golem 10x Strahd Zombie 3x Barovian Witch 1x Wereraven
Notes: Short Summary: A Forbidden Ritual
Encounter Description: Witches have arrived at the burial sight of a Cursed family, Zheleznyov family. They are conducting a ritual to bring up the defenders of the family as zombies. They conduct a ritual.

A False Trail
The party comes back from the Village of Vallaki and see a foot trail cutting into the wilderness.
A ghost in the night sings in the woods. She sings a mournful song about losing her love in a battle. The magic in her words lure in anyone that comes into the woods within 100' of her. The words charm anyone that hears it with a DC 15. She walks in the woods outside of the trails and all charmed will follow her outside of trail for 1d4 hours. After, she will disappear and the person will fall out of the trance. The person charmed can be shaken out of their charm and will need to cover their ears. She will continue walking into the woods.
** Secrets: She is a Dusk Elf that was a victim of Strahd when all the woman dusk elfs were ordered to be executed. Her lover was an elf that fought bravely but was eventually overwhelmed and subdued, forced to watch her die to a sword ***

**Name: Whispering Shadowstone** **Description:** The Whispering Shadowstone is a common magical stone found in the haunted forest. It appears as a smooth, dark stone, no larger than a pebble, with a subtle shimmer that dances across its surface like fleeting shadows. When held up to the light, faint whispers seem to emanate from within, as if the stone itself holds the secrets of the haunted forest.
**Magical Properties:** The Whispering Shadowstone possesses a simple yet intriguing magical effect:
**Shadowy Insight:** When a creature holds the Whispering Shadowstone in hand and concentrates, it grants the wielder brief insights into the hidden mysteries of the forest. For 1 minute, the holder gains advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks made in dim light or darkness. Additionally, once during that minute, the holder may ask a single question related to the haunted forest or its secrets, and the stone will "whisper" an answer that may guide them in their journey.
**Origin and Uses:** The origins of the Whispering Shadowstone are shrouded in legend. Some believe that the stone was formed from the condensed essence of the haunted forest's eerie whispers, while others claim it was created by ancient druids to guide and protect travelers through the forest's treacherous paths.
Adventurers who venture into the haunted forest often seek out the Whispering Shadowstone as a reliable tool to navigate its dark and dangerous terrain. The stone is particularly valued by scouts, rangers, and those who prefer to explore under the cover of darkness. Some even believe that the stone has the power to ward off malevolent spirits or redirect vengeful entities, providing a modicum of protection within the forest's haunted depths.
**Cautions:** While the Whispering Shadowstone is generally benign, it is important to remember that the haunted forest can be unpredictable and mysterious. Overreliance on the stone's guidance can lead adventurers into dangerous territory or expose them to other supernatural phenomena. Moreover, some tales speak of travelers who have become entranced by the stone's whispers, losing themselves in the haunting melodies forever. Therefore, wise adventurers use the Whispering Shadowstone sparingly and with caution.
The Whispering Shadowstone provides a touch of mystery and utility for players exploring a haunted forest, encouraging them to delve deeper into its eerie secrets while navigating the darkness with newfound insight. As a common magical item, it is accessible to low-level characters and offers an additional layer of immersion and enchantment to your campaign.

**Name: Thornbloom Sickle** **Description:** The Thornbloom Sickle is a tribal weapon uniquely crafted by the inhabitants of the cursed forest. It is a formidable melee weapon designed to blend with the sinister and twisted nature of the forest. The sickle's blade is made from a combination of magically sharpened thorns and hardened wood, intricately bound together with ancient vines. The handle is wrapped in cured leather, providing a comfortable and secure grip.
**Magical Properties:** The Thornbloom Sickle possesses a couple of magical properties, making it a powerful tool for those who know how to wield it effectively:
1. **Primal Strike:** When attacking with the Thornbloom Sickle, the wielder can choose to channel the primal energy of the cursed forest into their strikes. Once per turn, they can deal an additional 1d6 necrotic damage with the sickle. This damage increases to 2d6 necrotic damage when used against creatures vulnerable to necrotic damage.
2. **Bane of Cursed Beings:** The Thornbloom Sickle resonates with the dark magic of the cursed forest, making it particularly effective against creatures that are inherently cursed or undead. When attacking such creatures, the wielder gains advantage on attack rolls, making it easier to hit their unnatural foes.
**Origin and Significance:** The Thornbloom Sickle is crafted by the tribal inhabitants of the cursed forest, who have learned to harness the dark energies that permeate their surroundings. The process of creating the sickle involves a sacred ritual that binds the essence of the forest's cursed flora and fauna to the weapon, giving it its magical properties.
The sickle holds great significance to the tribal people, who view it as a sacred tool to defend themselves and the cursed forest from outside threats. It is also seen as a symbol of unity and protection within the tribe, passed down from one generation to the next as a treasured heirloom.
**Cursed Forest's Influence:** While the Thornbloom Sickle offers powerful advantages, it also comes with a drawback. The dark energies infused within the weapon can sometimes affect the wielder. When using the sickle in combat, the wielder may find themselves feeling more connected to the cursed forest's malevolent spirit, which might manifest in unsettling dreams, unease, or even mild hallucinations.
Additionally, overusing the Thornbloom Sickle or relying solely on its dark powers can lead to an increased affinity with the cursed forest's malevolence, potentially making the wielder susceptible to its influence. Careful balance and restraint are necessary to wield this weapon without succumbing to the darkness it represents.
The Thornbloom Sickle provides a unique and flavorful option for characters exploring a cursed forest, emphasizing the connection between the inhabitants and the sinister nature of their surroundings. Its distinct properties and potential drawbacks offer players an engaging and immersive experience, drawing them further into the haunting mysteries of the forest.
Certainly! Here's a unique magical plant found in the haunted forest: **Name: Ethereal Whisperwood**
**Description:** The Ethereal Whisperwood is a rare and mystical plant that grows deep within the heart of the haunted forest. It appears as a small, unassuming shrub with delicate, silver-white leaves that seem to shimmer with an ethereal glow. The plant emits a soft, haunting melody as the wind gently rustles its leaves, hence the name "Whisperwood."
**Magical Properties:** 1. **Invisibility Aura:** When fully grown, the Ethereal Whisperwood emanates an aura of invisibility within a 10-foot radius. Any creature, object, or person within this radius becomes partially translucent, making them difficult to detect visually. This property can be both a blessing and a curse, as it can aid the players in avoiding encounters with dangerous creatures, but it may also hinder navigation and orientation within the forest.
2. **Ephemeral Serenade:** The gentle melody produced by the Whisperwood has magical properties. When played on a musical instrument or mimicked accurately with a spoken chant, it can invoke feelings of calm and tranquility in those who hear it. Allies within earshot of the melody gain temporary resistance to fear and charm effects for a short duration.
3. **Veil of Confusion:** The Ethereal Whisperwood's pollen carries a subtle enchantment. If disturbed or blown in a certain way, it creates an enchanting mist that confuses and disorients creatures nearby. Anyone caught within the mist might experience vivid illusions, false sounds, or even momentary lapses in memory. This effect can be used strategically to distract or mislead adversaries.
**Harvesting and Caution:** Harvesting the Ethereal Whisperwood requires great care and respect for the forest. Picking the plant prematurely or without the proper rituals might cause it to lose its magical properties, and it can only be done under the guidance of knowledgeable druids or experienced herbalists.
**Legends and Rumors:** The Ethereal Whisperwood has been the subject of many legends and tales in local folklore. Some say that the plant is a gift from benevolent forest spirits who protect the haunted forest, while others believe that it is a manifestation of a long-lost celestial melody. Adventurers who seek the Whisperwood are warned to approach it with humility and reverence, as angering the spirits of the forest could lead to dire consequences.
The Ethereal Whisperwood can serve as a unique and mysterious element in your haunted forest setting. Its magical properties can add intrigue, unexpected twists, and memorable moments for your players as they explore and interact with the eerie flora of the haunted forest.