012_20260416
Notes
The party traveled through heavy rain to Jester Hill to retrieve the stolen gem from evil druids. They spotted suspicious grass patches concealing hidden druids and berserkers, leading to an ambush by 12 enemies protecting a 50-foot statue of Strahd struck by lightning. Overwhelmed, the party fought briefly, killing several druids and berserkers before retreating down the muddy hill using slides, rolls, and flight. Calenya heard a mysterious whisper promising power via a blood-hungry spear tied to the Whispering Wall. Returning to the Wizards of Wine winery, they debriefed the Martikov family, planned reinforcements from Vallaki's Keepers of the Feather, and interrogated captive druid Oleg, learning of a ritual to summon 'Winter Splinter.' They released Oleg despite risks. After a long rest, Calenya showed early lycanthropy symptoms amid ongoing concerns for Ireena's captivity with Strahd.
Timeline / Key Moments
- Party travels south from winery toward Jester Hill through pouring rain and mud.
- Arrive at hill base, observe lightning strikes on crest and suspicious grass patches amid black rock cairns.
- Stealthily ascend hill with Pass Without Trace, investigate patch revealing hidden druid, triggering ambush by 12 foes (druids and berserkers).
- Intense combat ensues; party kills several enemies but retreats downhill via running, shield-sliding, tumbling, and flying.
- Calenya hears ethereal whisper: 'Long I have waited for one who is worthy. My spear hungers for blood. Retrieve it and rule these mountains in my stead, just like the mighty warriors from the early days of the Whispering Wall.'
- Return to winery after 3 hours, cover tracks successfully.
- Debrief Davian Martikov, plan joint assault with Adrian and Vallaki were-ravens tomorrow.
- Interrogate Oleg in basement; he reveals druids protect Strahd statue for ritual summoning giant tree creature 'Winter Splinter'; party releases him after deal.
- Long rest at winery; Edward and Calenya on watch detect odd iron smell; Calenya exhibits lycanthropy signs (shaking, sensitivity).
Key Decisions
- Proceed directly to Jester Hill despite Ireena's abduction.
- Ambush druids by uncovering grass patch, leading to full combat.
- Retreat from overwhelming numbers rather than fight to the death.
- Release captive Oleg after extracting ritual information.
- Seek Martikov reinforcements from Vallaki before retrying Jester Hill.
- Prioritize winery gem retrieval before Strahd dinner, planning return via his carriage.
Unresolved Threads
- Location and nature of blood-hungry spear from Calenya's vision.
- Ireena's fate in Strahd's castle; failed sending spell contact.
- Stolen gem(s) at Jester Hill powering druid ritual for Winter Splinter.
- Calenya's new lycanthropy curse from werewolf bite.
- Strahd's repeated dinner invitations, now possibly wedding.
- Oleg's fate after release; potential betrayal.
- First gem lost 10 years ago, possibly Urwin's fault.
Next Steps
- Long rest complete; send message to Urwin Martikov for were-raven aid from Vallaki.
- Travel to Jester Hill with reinforcements (Adrian, etc.) to eliminate druids, secure gem(s).
- Use Strahd's carriage for safe return to Vallaki post-Jester Hill.
- Address Calenya's curse via remove curse spell.
- Investigate Whispering Wall spear if opportunity arises.
Reminders for Next Session
- Calenya cursed with lycanthropy (full moon in 6 days); prepare remove curse (3rd-level slot).
- Coordinate with Keepers of the Feather timing for Jester Hill assault.
- Strahd invitation active; expect complications with Ireena.
- Interrogate winery NPCs further on gems/Urwin suspicions.
- Track Oleg if sighted.