The Staff is a lie

Wagon’s Traps
Aera used mage hand to open the wagon cautiously, standing aside as crossbow bolts shot out. Inside, she found a chicken, which she speculated might be Esmeralda. Shabasta, believing the traps were spent, entered the wagon but triggered a silver net and fire explosion potions, which we managed to put out with bedrolls.

Loot Inside the Wagon
The wagon contained a treasure trove:

Battle axe, flail, morning star, light crossbow, and 10 silvered crossbow bolts

Climber’s kit, disguise kit, healer’s kit, and poisoner’s kit

Wooden box with Tarokka cards and sets of manacles

Wooden chest with holy symbol, holy water, perfume, antitoxin, rope, tinderbox, steel mirror, wooden stake, and spyglass

Spell scrolls: Major Image and Remove Curse

Map of Barovia

Tower Exploration
We took a short rest before entering the tower, discovering four statues around a central platform. The platform lifted us to the second floor, which had a suspiciously weak floor. On the third floor, we found an old rotted crib, empty. The fourth floor showed signs of recent habitation, containing a bed, a desk, a colorful beaded bracelet, a silver dagger, and a Hooded One card representing hidden identities. We also found a burned journal page and a singed sketch of Rictavio’s carnivals.

Journal Revelation
The journal revealed a tale of a man, likely Rictavio—possibly Van Richten—haunted by his pursuit of darkness, beginning with the murder of his child by a vampire. This lifelong quest left him weary and troubled. We recognized the handwriting from a vampire hunting guide and deduced Rictavio is indeed Van Richten, who might be at the Blue Inn.

Encounter with Werewolves
On our journey back north to town, we encountered Zollst and Matilda, trappers from Krethi, who warned us of a bloodthirsty lady. As they turned into werewolves, we battled fiercely and eventually defeated them, continuing our trek back to town.