The Blood Spear and the Dark Ritual

Summary

The party travels to Yester Hill, claims an ancient mountain relic, and interrupts a dark druidic ritual overseen by Strahd von Zarovich.

Arriving at Yester Hill

The group said goodbye to the Keepers of the Feather and set off toward Yester Hill.

The trip was uneventful; they followed the road south of the winery, reaching their destination in a couple of hours. The road ended at a massive clearing. At its center stood a 400-foot hill that looked ancient. Around its base and at various elevations, several cairns were visible. At the very top, the party could see a rock formation and, behind it, a massive, withered tree. Above them, dark clouds were gathering, and an electric storm sent occasional lightning strikes toward the earth.

Alfbern cast Pass Without a Trace, and the group proceeded to climb the narrow path leading up from the bottom. Midway through the ascent, both the Druid and Jon heard a voice calling to them. The voice said, "Long have I waited for one who is worthy," and promised "a spear hungering for blood."

Feeling a pull toward a specific cairn, they dug up the ancient grave and found a long-deceased corpse with a spear resting on its chest. Alfbern reached out and claimed the weapon, sensing it was the object mentioned by the voice.

The Short Rest

The party stopped for one hour so the Druid could attune to the Blood Spear. While he rested, Jon took advantage of the final minutes of the stealth spell to scout ahead.

Upon reaching the stone circle at the top, Jon observed several druids preparing a ritual. They gathered in front of a wooden effigy that bore a striking resemblance to Strahd, with a suspicious green glow emanating from its chest. He returned to inform the group, and they agreed to rush the hilltop and attack.

The Arrival of the Count

As they were about to strike, a figure appeared in the sky: Strahd von Zarovich, mounted upon his nightmare, Beucephalus. He hovered atop the hill, noticing the party but initially ignoring them. Instead, he addressed the gathered druids, rallying them to complete their ritual.

Ritual Combat

Klildar and Alfbern stormed into the stone circle atop the Paladin's steed, charging the back of the effigy to destroy it. The druid caused the ground around the wooden statue to erupt, revealing that the green light originated from a magical gem—the artifact stolen from the Wizard of Wines vineyard.

In addition to the chanting druids, six berserkers emerged from hidden graves in the earth. Jon flanked the area by climbing the stone circle, while Linus approached on a summoned riding horse.

The session ended after the first round of combat.

Party Members

• Alfbern — Level 6 Elf Druid (Ziro)
• Klildar — Level 6 White Dragonborn Paladin (Fábio)
• Jon — Level 6 Human Ranger (Ricardo)
• Linus — Level 6 Human Wizard (Daniel)

Important Items/Events

• Blood Spear of Kavan: Claimed by Alfbern; provides a +2 bonus to attack and damage rolls for the chosen wielder.
• The Druids' Ritual: Initiated upon Strahd's arrival; requires 10 rounds of chanting to summon Wintersplinter.
• The Wizard's Gem: Located inside the chest cavity of the Strahd effigy.
• Strahd's Presence: The Count is observing the ritual from the back of his nightmare, Beucephalus.