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...

Welcome back to How to be a Better DM, the

official podcast of Monsters.Rent.

2

Thank you for joining me.

3

I'm Justin Lewis and today I'm going to be

your guide through the Shadowfell.

4

We have a lot to cover, including me

talking with a very special guest later in

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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.

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Though it feels like nighttime, there are

no stars.

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and no moon.

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Even look at my torch that I'm holding in

my hand.

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Where this burning light provided about 30

feet of light in the material plane at

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night, it only really provides about 10

feet of light in the Shadowfell, which is

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why I actually gave each of you a torch as

well.

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Now, one last thing you should all know

before we continue the tour, is that even

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though the Shadowfell is a mirror of the

material plane, it all sort of shifts from

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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.

610

We hope you'll join us again at Better

Dungeon Master Tours, but as always, this

611

has been Better Dungeon Master Tours.

612

Justin Lewis here.

613

See you next time.

614

And until then, let's roll initiative.