Sunny Barovia

 9/19/23 I’m writing this after the fact, based on what I recall.   I’ve learned that when I polymorph into other creatures, I take on their attributes, including their (usually) decreased intelligence.   As a Giant Ape I was more cognizant of what was occurring around me than when I had taken on the form of a hell hound.   But in retrospect, it feels almost as if I was trying to recall events of a party the day after having had too much to drink.   I remember much of it, but much was blurry as well. So, forgive me if my reporting lacks some of my customary detail. I do know that all my compatriots showed great martial skill and many wolves, both natural and unnatural, fell beneath their weapons. I knew and recognized my friends as well as where the threats were, so that was good.   I remember seeing a cloud of some sort of fairy-like, yet deadly looking creatures swarming the area around Ireena.   They didn’t seem to hurt us, but they hurt the...

 9/12/23 We waited for a short time but heard no response.   We elected to walk ahead to the cave, really making no attempts to be stealthy.   We got to the mouth of the cave, and there was no sign of anyone.  There were lit torches just inside the mouth of the cave, but otherwise no sign of occupancy. We called into the cave, asking someone to come out and talk with us.   After several attempts, we announced that we were coming in, but just wanted to talk. Just past the entrance, the cave opened up.   There were additional torch holders, but they were dark.   The entire cave was pitch black.   I cast Light on my staff and moved in behind Laz.   There was a raised, rock platform of sorts, about 5 feet high.   Laz easily scrambled up it to get a better look.   I was about to try climbing up with him when he suggested there might be a way around to the side. The rest of the party realized that perhaps I wasn’t best suited as...

  8/29/23 I told Kasimir of our recent experiences in Berez.   He listened patiently and warned not to underestimate Baba Lysaga, as he considers her one of the top three spellcasters in Barovia.   I asked who the other two were, hoping that he was one of them.   He was not.   He said one was the mage who attempted to overthrow Strahd a number of years ago.   However, that one has since gone mad and is a recluse on the north side of the lake.   The other one he suspects can be found in the Amber Temple.   He did not believe either would aid us against Baba Lysaga.   I asked if he would be willing to assist us with the hag.   He said after we aid him at the Amber Temple he would consider aiding us in return.   He again opined that we were not quite ready for that challenge, but we would be soon. We chatted more, drank some tea and he agreed to teach me a new spell later that night.   I excused myself to let my friends know...