Episode 130
A Tour Through the Shadowfell
Welcome back to How to Be a Better DM, the official podcast of Monsters.Rent. Thank you for joining me, I’m Justin Lewis, and today, I will be your guide through the Shadowfell. We have a lot to cover, including me talking with a very special guest later in the show.
Real quick if I can, I would like to say thank you to all of you who have joined The Guild. It’s been amazing seeing the collaboration between everyone in the Discord server and getting to know people from across the world. It’s also been cool to see some of the homebrew creations you have made. It’s fun being a part of it and seeing you guys make it really cool so just wanted to say thank you guys.
Now, let’s take a tour of the Shadowfell.
In today’s podcast episode, you will come with me as we enter into the Shadowfell, look for some of its inhabitants, talk about some of its dangers, and hopefully make it back out alive.
The Shadowfell is a very dangerous place. Please, stay with the rest of the group, we don’t need any Wandering Wanda’s or Misbehavin Mavens.
We have a big group in the tour with us today so if you get lost look for this big yellow flag I am holding up.
Alright, so as you all know, right now we are standing in Faerun, one of the worlds of Dungeons and Dragons. Traveling here was no easy feat for many of you, but this tour is going to be worth the cost. Also, I can see many of you looking around warily. I know we are walking into a crypt. It’s ok, I’ve used a turn undead spell, so most of the undead in this general area should be turned right now… hopefully. I’ll explain why we are here in this crypt a little later.
What is the Shadowfell
Before we get to the Shadowfell, there are a couple things that you should probably know, like what the heck is it in the first place?
Well, because the multiverse is so vast and complex, the Shadowfell can be anything you want it to be, but for the most part it has some similarities multiverse to multiverse. I will also say, that because the Shadowfell changes D&D game to D&D game and sourcebook to novel, I might miss some things in this edition of a tour of the Shadowfell, so if I miss anything, please let me know. Send a message to @howtobeabetterdm or @monsters.rent on Instagram.
The first thing you need to know is that the Shadowfell is always a separate plane unto itself, a demi-plane, or a region, depending on where in Reality you find yourself. Generally, traveling to the Shadowfell is a bit more involved than just going there, but we’ll get to that in a second.
On this tour, we’ll be visiting the Shadowfell as a completely separate plane than our own. We’ll explain a little more of what the Shadowfell is once we get there, but for now, know that it is a plane of shadow, darkness, despair and danger. So should be a fun place to visit right.
Traveling to the Shadowfell
Ok, then, when it comes to travelling to the Shadowfell, there are a few options.
Of course you can use the Plane Shift spell to get there, but aside from needing to be able to cast a 7th level spell, that means you must also have a tuning fork tuned to the Shadowfell, or know the specific sigil sequence of a teleportation circle within the Shadowfell. The tuning fork is a littler easier to come by, but the spellcasting ability, not so much. With the tuning fork, it needs to already have been attuned to the frequencies of the plane, meaning it was on the plane and it was struck on something.
Alternatively, you can simply find a place where the planes converge. These places are naturally called, convergences. For any planes that share a convergence, these Gates can be virtually anywhere, but they usually are where magical energies pool. For example, you might find a dark wood where the shadows of 7 trees overlap, or you might find that a pipe in a sewer leads straight to the Shadowfell, or you might find a crypt with a corner of a mausoleum that is just a bit too creepy. In fact, that last example is the one we are going to.
Alright everybody, step this way. Mr. Johnson, please don’t frolick with the resident undead, yes thank you, I’m aware they want to eat you and bite you. Please stay with the group.
Ok, everyone, we are now in one of the mausoleums of the Crypt and if you look in that corner, no light penetrates it at all. Over there, right now, is a gate to the Shadowfell. Now, in a moment we are going to walk through there. But first, let me warn you, intraplanar travel is sometimes unpleasant. If you feel sick, put your head between your legs. Please don’t throw up on the nice vests we gave you, as you will have to return those at the end of the tour.
Ok, here we go… Lets step through the portal……
And voila, we are in the Shadowfell (sound of people throwing up in the background).
General Conditions
Yes Miss Collins, very good question. How do we know that we are in the Shadowfell indeed?
Well, you see, the Shadowfell is what is called a Mirror plane or dimension. It mirror what is on the Material Plane, or our plane. It is similar to the Fey Wild and any other mirror planes that exists.
This means that many things you would find on the Material Plane, also exist in the Shadowfell, with some changes however.
First of all, have you all noticed the chill? Are any of you feeling depressed? Those are effects of the Shadowfell.
Now, I also want you to look around at the Mausoleum. Do you notice any changes?
That’s right, this mausoleum looks much more run down, dirty, and frankly in disrepair. The walls are crumbling and some black ichor seems to be oozing in the corners. The Shadowfell isn’t a perfect mirror, instead, it is a shadowy representation, a darkened simulacrum.
Follow me everyone, we are going to exit the Crypt. Please don’t wander from the tour group, I have a special protective charm here that can protect you, but only if you stay within 30 feet of me. In my last group, a young couple snuck off, and let’s just say, they didn’t get their complimentary Shadowfell Tours Baseball Caps.
Again, notice how similar our surroundings look to the material plane. Yet notice how the gravestones we are walking past are much more decayed and run-down.
Also, look up in the sky. Though it feels like nighttime, there are no stars, and no moon. Even look at my torch. Where this burning light provided about 30 feet of light in the material plane at night, it only provides about 10 feet of light, which is why I provided each of you with a torch as well.
Now, one last thing you should all know before we continue the tour is that even though the Shadowfell is a mirror plane of the Material Plane, it still shifts. That is partly why it is so dangerous. Places may shift location from time to time and even disappear or be replaced with new places entirely. No please, everyone steps into the Tour vehicles. These vehicles have also been warded, but please keep your hands and feet inside the vehicles at all times.
Possible Enemies You can Encounter in the Shadowfell
Right now, we are traveling to a Domain of Dread called Barovia, and I’ll explain that and much more as we continue, but first let me tell you some of the creatures you might find in the Shadowfell.
First of all, notice the trees we are passing. See how the trees are desiccated and craggly. You won’t find greenery in the Shadowfell, unless it is by some foul magic, in which case, I would run far and fast if I were you.
Basically everything here wants to kill you, well not everything. There are the Vistani.
The Vistani are wanderers who wander the Mists of the Shadowfell without being affected by it. They wear bright colors and are known for their musical talent as well as various other trades including entertaining, silversmithing, cooking, and horse-trading to name a few. An adventurer traveling through the Shadowfell might come upon one of their Caravans if they needed to trade for some goods or just some sort of respite from the despair of the Shadowfell. But the Vistani are not ones to cross, they have the “Evil Eye”, an ability that lets them curse anyone they look at. Still, they won’t kill you on sight. In fact, we are coming upon a Vistani caravan right now. Notice the bright colors.
Ho there! How are the roads!
Vistani: “Terrible. Would you like to buy anything?”
Actually, I would love to buy something. What have you got by way of magical potions?
Vistani: “We have a potion of Engorgement, a Potion of Haste, and a Magic Mind.
Oh yes, a Magic Mind! That would be perfect, they are actually the Sponsor of Today’s Tour through the Shadowfell. Would you mind explaining to my tourists what the Magic Mind is and does.
Vistani: “Of course! In the Shadowfell, we are covered with a misma of despair. If you stay here too long, you might be overcome with this despair. You might find yourself waking up, dreading the day, feeling sluggish and like your mind is filled with cement. Magic Mind is designed to help stave off the effects of the Shadowfell despair. It has wonderful ingredients including Ashwaganda, Lionsmane Mushrooms and many more vitamins. It’s the perfect thing for adventurers in the Shadowfell.”
That’s right, and because it is the sponsor of today’s tour, you can purchase one in the gift shop at the end of the tour, or visit any local Sprouts Food Markets, or you can go to https://www.magicmind.com/JANbetterdm and use the code BETTERDM20 at checkout. That gives you 1 month free with a 3 month subscription, but it is only for the month of January.
Oo, Oo, look over there!
If you look out over that forest that is just down in the valley from us, see that very tall figure. Yes, I’m talking about that enormous creature that seems made of shadow and has large horns. That is a Nightwalker. That is one of the creatures that adventurers might find in the Shadowfell. It is definitely one of the more challenging creatures, with a Challenge Rating of 20. The Nightwalker is a sentient creature of undeath and darkness. It takes pleasure in suffering and the corruption of other creatures. The nightwalker generally stands about 20 feet tall and has a natural weakness to sunlight. The nightwalker also has a strange ability to turn its victims into Bodaks, which is another creature adventurers might find in the Shadowfell.
In fact, if you look at the Nightwalker’s feet, you can see a bodak now. See those humanoid looking creatures that have rough clothing on, black skin and a face that looks hollow with a mouth that is too long for the face? That’s a bodak.
Bodaks are similar to Nightwalkers in that they are sensitive to sunlight and they are equally malicious. While a Bodak’s Challenge rating is only a 6, it has a lot of damage resistances that make it a very challenging foe. Add to that the fact that the Bodak has an aura that when activated can cause necrotic damage to most around it within 30 feet. It’s definitely a foe to beware of.
Wait… Listen… do you hear that mournful howl?
Yes, here, let’s take a quick detour… Drive the vehicles this way… And yes there it is.
Over there, sitting on that boulder is a Lonely Sorrowsworn. See its pale body and it’s black tears. Also notice how it is reeling in its long harpoon-like appendage. It has one on both arms.
Sorrowsworn are very interesting creatures. The Shadowfell is a melancholy place, and sometimes that pervasive despair can cause the creation of a Sorrowsworn. There are different sorrowsworn types, and each embody a particular type of despair.
The Lonely Sorrowsworn we have here embodies the deep desire for companionship. Because of this, the Lonely Sorrowsworn shoots out its appendages and pulls its victims closer to it.
The Angry Sorrowsworn can be distinguised by two bickering heads. The Angry also uses violence to sustain itself, making its attacks grow stronger when its opponents fight back. The flip side to that is also true, meaning that if adventurers want to avoid bad encounters with this beast, stop fighting it and its attacks will weaken and it will become confused.
The Hungry Sorrowsworn can be spotted by their gaunt and emaciated frames. They have no fat on their bodies which leads them to constantly seek anything to fill their bellies. They will eat adventurers alive if necessary.
The Lost Sorrowsworn have multiple limbs and grasp at anyone they see in a desperate and fearful attempt to overcome the anxiety of being completely lost. These Sorrowsworn are created by people visiting the Shadowfell who become lost and wander in the mists.
The smallest Sorrowsworn are the Wretched Sorrowsworn. These small creatures are called The Wretched Sorrowsworn. They run in packs, ranging the Shadowfell, devouring anything they come upon. If you adventure in the Shadowfell, beware the massive numbers of these creatures.
There are many creatures that one might find in the Shadowfell. Basically any undead creature or any creature of shadow can be found here. We won’t spend too much time on the creatures because we have an appointment in Barovia.
Domains of Dread
Before we get to Barovia, let me tell you about the Domains of Dread. The Domains of Dread are what you might consider a Demiplane, located within the Shadowfell, somewhat separated by everything else by thick mist. Now this might change universe to universe.
The mists surrounding the domains prevent its inhabitants from leaving through simple means, which means that these Domains of Dread are in some way, sort of prisons as well as terrifying places to visit. In fact these Demiplanes of Dread were created by the Dark Powers, unknown beings of, well, dark power, that then sort of subjugated the lords they installed over each section of the Demiplanes of Dread.
Look here, here are those mists that I was talking about. Everyone please stay inside the vehicles as we pass through.
There are multiple sections within the Domains of Dread, but the oldest and most well known is rules by the vampire, Count Strahd Von Zarovich. In fact, The Curse of Strahd Module, takes place in Barovia, under the watchful gaze of the Count himself (1, 2, 3 ah ah ah).
Whether or not it takes place in the Shadowfell, I believe is up to the Dungeon Master.
Ah, and here we are, at Barovia. Barovia was originally a location in a material world that has long since been forgotten, but was transported here to the Shadowfell by the Dark Powers using those mists that we just passed through. As you can see, Barovia consists of a large valley that is mostly dense forest, with some cliffs and rocky outcroppings. Looking overhead, you’ll see the dark overcast sky. It’s always like that. Unlike some other areas of the Shadowfell, Barovia may seem slightly more similar to the material plane in that the trees and animals that populate this region are similar to what we have in the material plane. If you look to your right and left you’ll see hardwood trees while up on that ridge over there are more evergreen type trees.
Now look at the top of the valley and you’ll see our next destination itself; Castle Ravenloft, Strahd’s own home and center of ruling.
Now that we’ve entered the town itself of Barovia, notice how unwelcoming and distrustful the inhabitants here are. Slamming doors and wayward glances are normal here.
Over there, you’ll see the Amber Temple, an ancient temple built by wizards who were then corrupted by the Dark Powers. Inside you’d find images of dark beings from all across the multiverse. In fact, that temple is where Strahd forged his deal with the Dark Powers in the first place.
It’s a pity we weren’t able to visit the other three villages in the valley, Vallaki, Krezk or Oraşnou, but, if you want to visit those villages, then you can book the extended tour. This is afterall, the introductory tour.
Ah, now we ascend up the steep slope to that rocky outcropping, upon which, you can all see, the tall Castle Ravenloft. Strahd’s home.
As we ascend, turn your heads back and notice that you can see most of the Barovian valley. This is presumably why the castle was built up here, as well as its natural defensive nature that any castle should afford.
Ok, everyone please exit the vehicles. Remember as we enter the Castle, we are Strahd’s guests. At Better Dungeon Master Tours, we pride ourselves on our guests survivability rate, and we have a deal with Strahd that as long as you stay with the tour guide (me) you won’t be harmed. If you wander off, I can’t help you.
Yes, these enormous wooden doors were handcrafted decades ago, notice the dark and wonderful workmanship adorning them from top to bottom.
Ah, Count Von Zarovich!
Strahd: “Please, call me Strahd. Welcome to Barovia and welcome to Castle Ravenloft.”
Very well Strahd. Thank you so much for hosting our tour group. Your valley is most impressive.
Strahd: “Thank you. Please follow me. The room you just entered into is our foyer. We will go through just two more rooms before we sit down to have our interview. This next room we are entering is the chapel. Every good castle must have one, and Raveloft is no different.
Moving on, we are passing into the main dining Hall. Notice the enormous chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. All three are handmade from Crystal long ago, before I was brought to this accursed plane. Here you will all find seats at my table with a wonderful meal prepared.”
Excellent. Now Strahd, as you know, our tour involves mostly Dungeon Masters who would care to introduce the Shadowfell to their players, but there may be a few players here too.
Strahd: “Yes, this is one reason why I agreed to the interview. If your tourists had been nothing more than peasant, I would have killed each and every one of them.”
Of course. So with our audience in mind, what would you say is the hardest part of traveling in the Shadowfell?
Strahd: “I think the hardest parts involve the pervasive despair for one, and a difficulty of providing food. The Shadowfell is a very difficult place to live. Most of the creatures here are inedible for mere mortals. Even the more mundane creatures that have managed to survive here will not taste fully satisfying. It is part of the curse living here. Any DM that wishes to bring their players here could highlight the despair and for characters who spend extended periods of time here, the DM might choose to have them gain levels of exhaustion, or perhaps shift their entire roleplaying demeanor to be more melancholy and more depressed.
As far as the food is concerned, any food the adventurers eat, unless it has been blessed, will taste dull, and possibly bland. Its very taste will add to the melancholy and despair of the Shadowfell. The water will feel...
Transcript
Welcome back to How to be a Better DM, the
official podcast of Monsters.Rent.
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:Thank you for joining me.
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:I'm Justin Lewis and today I'm going to be
your guide through the Shadowfell.
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:We have a lot to cover, including me
talking with a very special guest later in
5
:today's tour, so please keep up with me
and let's just start the tour in the
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:Shadowfell.
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:Real quick though, I also want to thank
you.
8
:To all of you who have joined the guild,
it's been amazing to see this
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:collaboration between everyone.
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:And the guild is one of today's sponsors
in the show.
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:But it's awesome to see the collaboration
between everyone in the Discord server and
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:getting to know people from across the
world.
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:It's been just really cool to see some of
the homebrew creations you guys have made.
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:And I just wanna say thank you for letting
me be a part of it.
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:So with that quick announcement out of the
way, let me take you on a tour of the
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:Shadowfell.
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:In today's podcast episode, you're going
to join me as your tour guide as we enter
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:the Shadowfell, look at some of its
inhabitants and actually talk about some
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:of its dangers and hopefully make it back
out alive.
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:So first thing you need to know friends is
that the Shadowfell is a very dangerous
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:place.
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:So with that said, I need you to stay with
me and the rest of the tour group.
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:We don't need any wandering wandos or
misbehaving mavens.
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:You need to stay with the tour group.
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:We have a big tour group today.
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:So if you do get lost, look for this big
yellow flag that I'm holding up right now.
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:All right, so as all you, all right, so as
you all know, and you're probably
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:wondering why, but right now we are
standing in Faerun in a very dark forest,
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:walking towards a cemetery, which
obviously you know, Faerun is one of the
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:worlds of Dungeons and Dragons.
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:And I know that traveling here was not
easy for many of you, but let me tell you,
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:this tour,
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:is going to be worth the cost.
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:Also, like I said, we are going towards a
graveyard and I can see many of you are
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:looking around warily, but it's okay.
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:I've used a special turn undead spell, so
most of the undead in this general area
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:should be turned right now.
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:Well, hopefully, right?
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:So stay together, keep up.
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:Anyways, I'll explain why we're here in
this crypt a little bit later.
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:Before we get into the Shadowfell itself
though, there are a couple things you need
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:to know.
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:Like first of all, what the heck is the
Shadowfell in the first place?
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:Like first of all, what the heck is the
Shadowfell in the first place?
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:Well, because the multiverse is so vast
and complex, the Shadowfell can really be
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:anything any particular DM would want it
to be for any reason.
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:But for the most part, it does have some
similarities across the multiverse.
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:from dimension to dimension and so forth.
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:I will also say that because the
Shadowfell changes, D&D game...
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:to D&D, I will also say that because the
Shadowfell changes D&D game to D&D game
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:and source book to novel, I might miss
some things in this edition of the tour of
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:the Shadowfell and in fact, this tour is
actually just the introduction tour to the
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:Shadowfell.
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:So if you want to join us later on for our
kind of expert look on the Shadowfell or
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:if I miss anything today, please let me
know, send me a message on Instagram at
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:howtobeabetterdm.
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:or Monsters.Rent.
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:But continuing back to the tour, the first
thing you need to know about the
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:Shadowfell is that it's always a separate
plane unto itself, a demi-plane, or a
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:region, depending on where in reality you
find yourself.
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:Generally, traveling to the Shadowfell is
a bit more involved than just walking
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:there or driving there, but we're gonna
talk about that in a second.
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:You just need to know that it's generally
sort of a separate entity separated from
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:other areas.
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:Also, on this tour, we will be visiting
the Shadowfell as a completely separate
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:plane than our own.
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:I know some of you come from different
realities where it's sort of just a
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:different continent or maybe it's just a
demi-plane, but in this reality, it is a
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:completely different plane.
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:And we'll explain a little bit more of
what the Shadowfell is once we get there,
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:but for now, you need to know that it's a
plane of shadow, darkness, and despair, so
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:it should be a very fun place to visit,
right?
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:Hopefully you guys brought some smiles and
tips for your tour guide All right.
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:So when it comes to traveling to the
Shadowfell again, keep up please people in
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:the back Don't don't get lost.
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:But when you travel to the Shadowfell,
there are a few basic options Obviously
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:you can use the plane shift spell to get
there but aside from obviously needing to
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:be able to cast a seventh level spell a
Plane shift spell means you also need to
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:have a tuning fork tuned to the Shadowfell
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:or you need to know the specific sigil
sequence of a teleportation circle within
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:the shadow file.
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:The tuning fork is not so hard to come by,
but the spell casting ability, that's a
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:different story.
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:Not so many people can cast seventh level
spells.
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:I know with adventurers it's pretty
common, but with normal people like me,
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:it's a bit harder.
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:One thing to know with the tuning fork as
well, it also needs to have been attuned
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:to the Shadow Fell previously.
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:So it was essentially brought from the
Shadow Fell back, which might make it a
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:little bit more harder to come by.
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:Alternatively...
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:I also failed to mention that you can use
the gate spell or other spells like I Also
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:failed to mention that you can use the
gate spell but as that is a ninth level
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:spell That's even more hard to kind of
accomplish But alternatively you can
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:simply just find a place where the planes
converge, right?
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:These places are naturally called
Convergences pretty simple
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:Ferney planes that share these
convergences, these gates or portals can
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:be basically anywhere.
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:but they usually are wherever magic energy
pools.
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:but they're usually found anywhere that
magical energies pool.
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:For example, maybe you might find a dark
wood where the shadows of seven different
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:trees overlap.
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:Or you might find that a pipe in a sewer
leads straight to the Shadowfell.
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:Or you might find a crypt with a corner of
a mausoleum.
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:Or you might find a crypt with a corner in
a mausoleum.
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:Why can't I say that right?
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:You guys, dang it.
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:Or you might find a corner of a crypt
with...
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:Dang it!
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:Or you might find a crypt with a corner of
a mausoleum that is just a little bit too
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:creepy.
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:And in fact, that last example is the one
we're going to today to get to the
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:Shadowfell.
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:All right, everyone, step this way.
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:Mr.
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:Johnson, Mr.
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:Johnson, please don't frolic with the
resident undead.
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:Yes, thank you.
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:I'm aware.
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:I know they wanna eat you and bite you,
but please stay with the group.
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:I know it's fun.
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:Just keep up.
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:All right everyone now as you can see
we're in one of the mausoleums of this
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:crypt And if you look in that corner over
there in the left See how no light
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:penetrates it at all Over there right now
is a gate to the Shadowfell Now in a
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:moment, we're gonna walk through that but
first let me warn you inter planar or
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:excuse me intra planar Travel is sometimes
very unpleasant and if you feel sick put
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:your head between your legs
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:Please don't throw up on the nice vests we
gave you.
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:You will have to return those at the end
of the tour.
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:Okay, everyone, all together, here we go.
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:Let's step through the portal.
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:And voila, here we are in the Shadowfell.
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:Bleah, bleah, bleah.
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:Every time.
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:Anyways, yes, Ms.
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:Collins, very good question.
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:How do we know that we are in the
Shadowfell indeed?
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:Obviously, whenever you do intraplanar
travel, you wanna make sure you know where
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:you are.
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:Well, you see, the Shadowfell is actually
what's called a mirror plane or dimension.
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:It mirrors what is on the material plane,
or our plane.
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:And it's similar to the Feywild in that
respect and any other mirror planes that
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:exist.
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:And this is probably why you're asking,
how do we know we're on the shadow plane,
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:or the Shadowfell, because where we are,
it still looks like the Mausoleum.
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:Well, when you travel to the Shadowfell,
since it's a mirror plane, it means that
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:many things that you would find on the
material plane also exist.
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:also exist in the Shadowfell, with some
changes though.
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:First of all, have you all noticed the
chill in the air, the coldness?
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:Are any of you feeling depressed?
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:See, those are effects of the Shadowfell.
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:Now I also want you to look around at this
mausoleum.
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:Do you notice any particular changes?
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:That's right, see over there, you see some
cracks that weren't there before.
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:This overall, this mausoleum just looks
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:a lot more run down, dirty and frankly,
just in disrepair.
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:Walls are crumbling, you see some black
ichor over there that I would not touch,
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:please do not touch that.
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:We can't get stains off of our buses once
we get back, so everyone come back clean
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:if you can.
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:One thing to know as well, the Shadowfell
isn't a perfect mirror.
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:Instead, it's sort of a shadowy
representation, really a darkened
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:simulacrum.
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:Okay, everyone follow me.
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:We're going to exit the crypt.
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:And again, please do not wander from the
tour group.
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:I have a special protective charm here
that should be able to protect you from
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:most things here, but only if you stay
within 30 feet of me.
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:In my last group, a young couple snuck off
for who knows what, probably to do some
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:canoodling.
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:But let's just say they did not get their
complimentary Shadowfell Tours baseball
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:caps, unfortunately.
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:Again.
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:As we're walking out this crypt, notice
how similar the surroundings look to the
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:material plane, those gravestones.
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:Even the names are very similar, but
notice how the gravestones themselves are
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:much more decayed and run down.
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:That tree did not have any leaves.
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:That tree does not have any leaves
compared to the one in the material plane,
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:which was very lush.
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:Also, take a moment and look up in the
sky.
183
:Though it feels like nighttime, there are
no stars.
184
:and no moon.
185
:Even look at my torch that I'm holding in
my hand.
186
:Where this burning light provided about 30
feet of light in the material plane at
187
:night, it only really provides about 10
feet of light in the Shadowfell, which is
188
:why I actually gave each of you a torch as
well.
189
:Now, one last thing you should all know
before we continue the tour, is that even
190
:though the Shadowfell is a mirror of the
material plane, it all sort of shifts from
191
:time to time, right?
192
:And that's partly why it's so dangerous.
193
:Places may shift location and even
sometimes disappear or be replaced with
194
:new places entirely.
195
:No, please, everyone, step.
196
:Now please, everyone, step into these nice
tour vehicles.
197
:These vehicles have also been warded, but
please keep your hands and feet inside the
198
:vehicles at all times.
199
:While they are warded from monsters and
undead, they are not warded from your head
200
:getting lopped off by a stray branch.
201
:Oh, okay.
202
:Right now, as we are in these vehicles,
you can hear me on the radio if you're not
203
:in my immediate vehicle, but we are
traveling to a specific domain of dread.
204
:called Barovia.
205
:And I'll explain that much more as we
continue, but first let me tell you about
206
:some of the creatures you might find here
in the Shadowfell.
207
:First of all, notice these trees that
we're passing.
208
:See how the trees are either desiccated
and craggly or they're just a little bit
209
:more sinister.
210
:If they have leaves, the leaves are
darker.
211
:You won't find anything really cheery in
the Shadowfell unless it's cheery in some
212
:nefarious way, in which case...
213
:I would run far and fast if I were you.
214
:Basic rule of thumb here in the
Shadowfell, everything wants to kill you.
215
:Well, I guess not everything, right?
216
:There are the Vistani, you know, and there
are the Vistani.
217
:There are the Vistani.
218
:They may or may not want to kill you, but
the Vistani are wanderers who wander the
219
:mists of the Shadowfell without being
affected by it.
220
:They actually wear...
221
:bright colors, you know, and are known for
their musical talent as well as various
222
:other trades, including entertaining,
silversmithing, cooking, and horse trading
223
:to name a few.
224
:An adventure traveling through the
Shadowfell might actually come upon one of
225
:their caravans if they needed to trade for
some goods or just some sort of need or if
226
:they needed some sort of respite or if
they just needed some sort of respite from
227
:the despair of the Shadowfell.
228
:But
229
:the Vestania not wants to cross, believe
me.
230
:If you're thinking about stealing
something from them or double crossing
231
:them, they have this gift called the Evil
Eye, which lets them curse anyone they
232
:look at, just looking at them.
233
:But, I mean, compared to everything else
in the Shadowfell, these people won't kill
234
:you on sight.
235
:So they're pretty nice.
236
:And actually, yes, yes it is, okay, yeah.
237
:We're actually coming up on a Vestania
caravan right now.
238
:Wow, this is super, super awesome, super
lucky.
239
:You guys are in for quite a treat.
240
:As we approach, you see their wagons.
241
:Notice the bright colors, and hear that
music in the air.
242
:Oh there, hello.
243
:How are the roads?
244
:Terrible, terrible.
245
:Very nice to see you.
246
:Would you like to buy anything?
247
:You know, actually, I would like to buy
something.
248
:I'm kind of in a thirsty mood, you could
say.
249
:What have you got by way of magic potions?
250
:Oh, let me see, we have a potion of
engorgement.
251
:I think we have, yes, we do a potion of
haste.
252
:Get things done very quick.
253
:Also, we have a magic mind.
254
:Ah, yes, a magic mind.
255
:That would be perfect.
256
:In fact, these are actually the sponsor of
today's tour through the Shadowfell.
257
:And my Vistani friend, would you mind
explaining to my tourists here what magic
258
:mind is and what it does?
259
:Why, of course.
260
:You see in the Shadowfell we are covered
with a miasma of despair.
261
:If you stay here too long you might be
overcome with this despair.
262
:You might find yourself waking up dreading
the day, feeling sluggish and like your
263
:mind is filled with wet cement.
264
:Magic Mind is designed to help stave off
the effects of the Shadowfell despair.
265
:It has wonderful ingredients including
ashwagandha, lion's mane mushrooms and
266
:many more vitamins.
267
:It's the perfect thing for adventurers in
the Shadowfell or any other plane.
268
:That's right.
269
:And actually, because it is today's
sponsor of the tour, you are our wonderful
270
:tour guests.
271
:That's right.
272
:And actually, because it's the sponsor of
today's tour through the Shadowfell, you,
273
:our tour guests, can go purchase one of
these at the gift shop at the end of the
274
:tour, or you can visit any local Sprouts
food markets back in the Material Plane.
275
:But really the best place to go is to go
to www.magicmind.com slash Jan Better DM.
276
:That's J-A- And use the code BETTERDM20 at
checkout.
277
:And doing that gives you one free month
with a subscription of three months.
278
:So that's a 20% discount.
279
:But it is only for the month of January.
280
:So don't forget to go there.
281
:And actually Mr.
282
:my Vistani friend, you can go there too
and use that same coupon.
283
:Oh, thank you very much, that is very kind
of you.
284
:Will you be staying the evening?
285
:I'm sorry, we actually have to press on.
286
:We are headed to Barovia.
287
:Oh, Barovia, I do not envy you.
288
:In fact, here, you might take this magic
mine just for good luck.
289
:Ha ha ha.
290
:Well, that was strange.
291
:Anyways, let's continue.
292
:So again, one of the nice, oh wait, wait.
293
:Look over there.
294
:Yes, okay, off to the right.
295
:If you look kind of out over that forest
that is just down in the valley from us,
296
:yeah, you see that, yeah, if you can see
that very tall figure.
297
:Oh wow, yes.
298
:So I'm talking about that enormous
creature.
299
:that seems to be made of shadow and has
very, very large horns.
300
:And you can see it walking through the
trees, and it stands above the trees,
301
:actually.
302
:That is what's called a Nightwalker.
303
:That is actually one of the creatures that
adventurers might find in the Shadowfell.
304
:It's definitely one of the more
challenging creatures with a challenge
305
:rating of 20.
306
:And the Nightwalker is a sentient creature
of undeath and darkness.
307
:And it takes pleasure in suffering and the
corruption of other creatures.
308
:generally stands about 20 feet as you can
see, and has a natural weakness to
309
:sunlight.
310
:So if you're ever in a pickle, definitely
use sunlight or damage from sunlight.
311
:The Nightwalker also has a very strange
ability to turn its victims into Bodaks,
312
:which is another creature adventurers
might find in the Shadowfell.
313
:And actually, if you look really closely,
your driver might have a binocular you can
314
:pull up, but if you look at the
Nightwalker's feet, you can see a Bodak
315
:kinda trailing behind him.
316
:See those humanoid creatures that have
rough looking clothing on, black skin and
317
:a face that looks really hollow with kind
of a long elongated mouth.
318
:Yes, that's a bodock.
319
:Yes, that's a bodak.
320
:So, bodaks are also similar to
nightwalkers in that they're somewhat
321
:sensitive to sunlight, but they're equally
malicious.
322
:While a bodak's challenge rating is only a
six, it still has a lot of damage
323
:resistances that can make it a very
challenging foe.
324
:So that fact...
325
:Add to that the fact that the Bodak has an
aura that when activated can just cause
326
:necrotic damage to most around it, you
know, within 30 feet.
327
:So it's definitely something to be aware
of when you're traveling through the
328
:Shadowfell.
329
:What was that?
330
:No, I'm sorry, we won't be stopping for
snacks.
331
:I'm sorry, we just don't have time in the
tour.
332
:Maybe some of your other, wait, hold on.
333
:Wait, do you hear that?
334
:Oh, do you guys hear that mournful howl?
335
:Yes, yes, okay, driver here.
336
:Let's take a quick detour over, yeah,
okay.
337
:Other vehicles, come on, follow this way.
338
:Yes, ah, and there it is.
339
:Okay, everyone kind of quiet down.
340
:So you see over there, sitting on that
boulder is what's called a lonely sorrow
341
:swarm.
342
:If you look closely, you can see its pale
body and its black tears kind of streaming
343
:down its face.
344
:Also notice how it is reeling in its long
harpoon-like appendage.
345
:And if you look close, you can see one
harpoon sort of appendage on both arms.
346
:Okay, I think that's close enough.
347
:Let's, let's continue.
348
:Um, sorrow sworn are very interesting
creatures.
349
:The shadow fell is obviously a very
melancholy place.
350
:You all can feel it.
351
:And sometimes that pervasive despair can
cause the creation of these sorrow swarm
352
:and there are different types of sorrow
sworn and each embody a sort of different,
353
:uh, a particular type of despair.
354
:So as the one you saw, the lonely sorrow
sworn, we have here the embodiment of that
355
:deep desire for companionship that we all
have.
356
:And because of this, the lonely sorrow
sworn shoots out these appendages and kind
357
:of harpoons its victims and then pulls
them closer to it.
358
:There's another type called the angry
sorrow sworn, which can be distinguished
359
:by its two bickering heads, two heads that
kind of are always bickering with each
360
:other.
361
:This sorrow sworn uses violence to sustain
itself.
362
:which makes its attacks grow stronger
whenever its opponents fight back.
363
:So, you know, on the flip side of that, if
you're ever fighting it and you decide to
364
:stop fighting it and you want to have kind
of a better encounter rather than just a
365
:very tough fight, when you stop fighting
it, its attacks weaken and it becomes more
366
:and more confused until it kind of becomes
somewhat kind of taut.
367
:The hungry Saurasworn, on the other hand,
can be spotted
368
:by their gaunt and emaciated frames.
369
:They look very, very skinny and they have
no fat on their bodies at all, which leads
370
:them to constantly seek anything to fill
their bellies.
371
:They will eat adventurers alive if
necessary, though you'll probably die
372
:before you're fully ingested.
373
:The Lost Sorrowsworn have multiple limbs
and grasp at anyone or anything they see
374
:in a desperate and fearful attempt to
overcome the anxiety of being completely
375
:lost.
376
:These sorrowsworn are usually created by
people visiting the Shadowfell, who become
377
:lost and wander in the mists.
378
:I'm talking to you, Dave.
379
:Yeah, I don't want to see you jumping out
of the car anymore, okay?
380
:Anyways, these lost sorrowsworn are,
again, they are from people who get lost
381
:in the Shadowfell.
382
:The smallest sorrowsworn are what's called
the wretched sorrowsworn.
383
:These are small bipedal creatures that
somewhat look like chickens if...
384
:You kind of lopped off the chicken's head
and then you made like the breast of the
385
:chicken, their face and head.
386
:These small creatures run in packs,
ranging throughout the Shadowfell, really
387
:devouring anything they can come upon.
388
:So if you adventure in the Shadowfell,
definitely beware of these massive numbers
389
:of just these tiny creatures.
390
:There are tons and tons of creatures in
the Shadowfell and basically any undead
391
:you've probably seen as we've been
driving.
392
:a zombie or a ghoul as we've passed.
393
:But any creature of undead, undeath, or
any creature of shadow could really be
394
:found here.
395
:We're not gonna spend too much time on
creatures just because looking at the
396
:clock, we do have some, we do have limited
time.
397
:We have an appointment in Barovia, which
actually, before we get to Barovia, let me
398
:tell you about the domains of dread.
399
:So the domains of dread are what you might
consider a demiplane.
400
:located within the Shadowfell, somewhat
separated from everything else by a thick
401
:mist.
402
:And obviously this can change universe to
universe, but the mists surrounding the
403
:domains, which they're often called,
prevent the inhabitants of the domains of
404
:dread leaving through simple means, like
they can't just walk out.
405
:Which means that in some way, the domains
of dread are also sort of a prison, which
406
:is...
407
:terrifying.
408
:In fact, these demiplanes of dread were
actually created by the Dark Powers,
409
:unknown beings of, well, dark power that
subjugated the lords that they sort of
410
:installed over each section of the domains
of dread.
411
:Okay, look up here.
412
:See, so these are those mists that I was
talking about, and again everyone
413
:stay inside these vehicles as we pass
through.
414
:The vehicles have special enchantments
that allow us to go through.
415
:And as we're going through, let me just
say that there are multiple sections
416
:within the domains of Dread, but the
oldest and obviously most well-known is
417
:ruled by the vampire Count Strahd Von
Zarovich.
418
:In fact, the Curse of Strahd module takes
place in Barovia under the watchful gaze
419
:of the Count himself.
420
:One, two, three, ah, ah.
421
:Anyone?
422
:No?
423
:Sesame?
424
:No, okay, whatever.
425
:But whether or not the Curse of Stride
takes place in the Shadowfell, I believe
426
:is up to the Dungeon Master.
427
:It would be simple enough to put it there
if you want, or you can leave it in the
428
:Material Plane.
429
:Ah, okay, yes, here we are.
430
:This is Barovia.
431
:Barovia was originally a location in a
material world that has long since been
432
:forgotten.
433
:And Barovia was transported here to the
Shadowfell, like I said, by the Dark
434
:Powers, using these mists that we just
passed through.
435
:And as you can see, Barovia consists of a
very large valley that is mostly dense
436
:forest, but as you can see over there,
there are some cliffs and rocky
437
:outcroppings.
438
:Looking overhead, you'll see that the sky
is mostly dark and overcast, and it's
439
:always like that.
440
:Unless...
441
:Unlike some other areas of the Shadowfell,
442
:Barovia might seem slightly more similar
to the material plane in that the trees
443
:and animals that populate this region are
More similar to what we have in the
444
:material plane, right?
445
:If you look to your right and left, you'll
see hardwood trees while up on that ridge
446
:over to the kind of 11 o'clock, you know,
you have some evergreen trees So looking
447
:pretty similar to what we have but if you
direct your attention kind of to really
448
:1230 I guess from where we are
449
:You'll see our next destination itself,
Castle Ravenloft, Strahd's own home, and
450
:the center from which he rules the entire
valley.
451
:And at the bottom of Castle Ravenloft, you
can sort of see Barovia.
452
:And, you know, now that we've actually
entered the town of Barovia itself, notice
453
:how unwelcoming and distrustful the
inhabitants here are.
454
:Slamming doors and wayward glances are
pretty normal here, so if you or your
455
:adventurers are traveling here, they
should expect not very many warm welcomes.
456
:This place is not any sort of place to
find a warm mug of ale and a welcome song.
457
:Over there, you'll see the Amber Temple,
which is an ancient temple built by
458
:wizards who were then corrupted by the
dark powers.
459
:Inside you'd find images of dark beings
from all across the multiverse.
460
:And in fact, actually, that temple is
where Strahd himself forged his deal with
461
:the dark powers in the first place.
462
:So, you know, if I doubt we'll have time,
but if you come back, you can also visit
463
:there.
464
:Also, it is kind of a pity that we weren't
able to visit the other three villages in
465
:the valley, the Vlaki, Kresk, or Raznu.
466
:But if you do want to visit those
villages, then you can book our extended
467
:tour, which
468
:is not this one, this is after all, the
introductory tour to the Shadowfell.
469
:Okay, and now we are sending up the steep
slope to that rocky outcropping that I
470
:mentioned before, upon which you can all
see the very tall castle Ravenloft,
471
:Strahd's home.
472
:And as we descend, turn your heads back to
the valley and notice that you can see
473
:most of the Barovian Valley.
474
:This is presumably why the castle was
built up here as well as the natural
475
:defense that having this height would...
476
:afford the castle.
477
:All right.
478
:So everyone please exit the vehicles and
kind of group together.
479
:Remember as we enter the castle we are
Strahd's guest at Better Dungeon Master
480
:Tours.
481
:We pride ourselves on our guest's
survivability rate.
482
:And to that end we actually have a deal
with Strahd that as long as you stay with
483
:the tour guide aka me, you won't be
harmed.
484
:But if you wander off, I honestly I can't
help you.
485
:So stay with me.
486
:And yes.
487
:These enormous wooden doors were
handcrafted decades ago.
488
:I don't think it is mahogany, but it is
nice dark wood, wonderful craftsmanship.
489
:Anyways, so let me knock.
490
:Count Van Zarovich, please call me Strahd.
491
:Welcome to Barovia and welcome to Castle
Ravenloft.
492
:very well Strahd.
493
:Thank you so much for hosting our tour
group.
494
:You know your valley is most impressive.
495
:Thank you.
496
:Please follow me.
497
:The room you just entered into is our
foyer.
498
:We will go through just two more rooms
before we sit down to have our interview.
499
:This next room we are entering is the
chapel.
500
:Every good castle must have one.
501
:And Ravenloft.
502
:is no different.
503
:Moving on, we are passing into the main
dining hall.
504
:Notice the enormous chandeliers hanging
from the ceiling.
505
:All three are handmade from crystal long
ago, before I was brought to this accursed
506
:plane.
507
:Here you will find seats at my table, with
a wonderful meal prepared.
508
:Let's get into it.
509
:So now Strahd, as you know, our tour
involves mostly dungeon masters who would
510
:care to introduce the Shadowfell to their
players.
511
:But there may be a few players here too,
right?
512
:Yes, this is one reason why I agreed to
the interview.
513
:If your tourists had been nothing more
than peasants, I would have killed each
514
:and every one of them.
515
:I'm sure you would.
516
:So with our audience in mind then, what
would you say is the hardest part of
517
:travelling in the Shadowfell?
518
:Well, I think the hardest parts involve
the pervasive despair for one and the
519
:difficulty of providing food.
520
:The Shadowfell is a very difficult place
to live.
521
:Most of the creatures here are inedible
for mere mortals.
522
:The more mundane creatures that have
managed to survive here will not taste
523
:fully satisfying.
524
:It is part of the course living here.
525
:Any DM that wishes to bring their players
here could highlight the despair and for
526
:characters who spend extended periods of
time here, the DM might choose to have
527
:them gain levels of exhaustion.
528
:Or perhaps shift their entire roleplaying
demeanor.
529
:to be more melancholic and more depressed.
530
:As far as the food is concerned, any food
the adventurers eat, unless it has been
531
:blessed, will taste dull and possibly
bland.
532
:Its very taste will add to the melancholy
and despair of the Shadow of Hell.
533
:The water will feel less refreshing,
unless it is that vile stuff, that holy
534
:water.
535
:As a dungeon master.
536
:I would stress the ambient pressures that
the adventurers might feel while in this
537
:place.
538
:Yeah, that makes a lot of sense.
539
:Now, what about monsters?
540
:What sort of monsters would you throw at
adventurers?
541
:Haha, well, you see, I have a natural
connection to undead, so logically, I
542
:would probably start there.
543
:Basically anything necrotic, shadowy or
undead works for me.
544
:Because the Shadowfell is an entire plane
of darkness and danger, I would make it
545
:very clear to any adventurers I had
brought to the Shadowfell that the longer
546
:they stay and fight any given enemy
barring any extenuating circumstances such
547
:as being in a valley like Barovia the
higher the chance there is that more
548
:monsters come to fight them If they spend
too long fighting a single zombie, sooner
549
:will be two zones
550
:and then a specter and then a bodak and
then eventually a nightwalker.
551
:The Shadowfell is dark but it is also
quiet and eerie.
552
:Any sounds travel great distances.
553
:I see so the idea is to finish the fight
and move on before you attract way more
554
:attention than you wanted to
555
:So what about adventure hooks?
556
:What sort of things would you do to get
your adventurers to come here in the
557
:story?
558
:Well obviously you could do any number of
things.
559
:The simplest adventure hook is that the
party accidentally sleeps under a tree
560
:whose shadows turn into a gate to the
Shadowfell at night under a waning moon.
561
:That way might feel a little railroad-y
but it gets the job done.
562
:If you were to involve myself in your
adventures, you could forge a letter from
563
:my hand inviting the adventurers to a
party if they dare.
564
:At Castle Ravenloft, you could also have
the adventurers seek an herb that only
565
:grows in the Shadowfell.
566
:You may involve the Vistani somehow.
567
:Maybe the Vistani cheated the adventurers
or stole something from them when they
568
:were all camped together.
569
:and now the adventurers need to enter the
Shadowfell to retrieve what was stolen.
570
:Those are all fantastic ideas.
571
:Thank you so much for the meal count and
thank you for your hospitality.
572
:My pleasure.
573
:Anytime.
574
:In fact, if any of you would wish to
remain here for a bonus follow-up Q&A, I'd
575
:be happy to sate your appetite for
knowledge.
576
:Um, that's, that's quite alright, so thank
you so much.
577
:In fact, oh look at that, the tour's
almost over, so we really gotta get going.
578
:No, I insist that you all stay.
579
:Um, everybody run out of the way, stupid
zombie!
580
:Watch out for those skeletons!
581
:Every- hurry up!
582
:Step around!
583
:Come on, I have a very- everyone gather
around me!
584
:I have a very special Plane Shift
Talisman.
585
:Three, two, one-
586
:Uh, thank you for joining me on the tour
to the Shadowfell.
587
:Sorry about that last part.
588
:We'll have to, you know, I think we're
going to have to revisit the terms of our
589
:contract with Strahd, but, uh, did
everyone, did everyone make it out?
590
:Okay.
591
:Um, wait, where are the Petersons?
592
:Did they?
593
:One, two, ah, dang it.
594
:Not again.
595
:I guess I'm not going to get a good review
from them, huh?
596
:Oh well.
597
:As I said, thank you for joining me on
this brief tour of the Shadowfell.
598
:Hopefully you enjoyed it, and I hope you
learned a thing or two.
599
:If you have some comments about the tour
or about my touring guide, tourist guide,
600
:please send it again as a message to
Instagram, Monsters.Runner.
601
:How to be a better DMG's that run took it
out of me.
602
:Whoo.
603
:Also, if you'd like to help us with our
advanced tour of the Shadowfell, please
604
:reach out.
605
:We'd love any insight or ideas you have,
any experiences of your time visiting the
606
:Shadowfell.
607
:Also, you know, please take a moment to
visit the gift shop over there to your
608
:left and get your I survived my trip to
the Shadowfell t-shirt, as well as any
609
:photos that our lovely photographer was
able to get along the trip.
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:We hope you'll join us again at Better
Dungeon Master Tours, but as always, this
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:has been Better Dungeon Master Tours.
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:Justin Lewis here.
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:See you next time.
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:And until then, let's roll initiative.
