[Gamblerjoe]

As you draw nearer to your destination, it grows eerily quiet. Black pools of water stand like dark mirrors about the muddy roadway. A pall of thick, cold mist spreads over the ground. Giant tree trunks stand guard on both sides of the road, their branches clawing at the mists. In every direction the fog grows thicker and the forest seems more oppressive.

The wagon suddenly comes to a halt, and the wagoner begins rapping on the front of the carriage. "Alright folks, this is as far as the horses and I go. Thanks for the patronage, and best of luck to ya." The road seems to stretch forever in either direction, losing itself in the fog and bare trees. A sign post reading "Barovia" points farther down the road. The post has no sign pointing in the other direction. As you follow the road further, it descends into the valley, and eventually leads to a large gate.