2 Giant Spiders and 1 Ettercap . These creatures aren’t just hunting; they are coated in the black sap, giving them +2 to their AC but reducing their movement speed by 10 feet.

Kaelen is paranoid and speaks in riddles. The party must use Persuasion or Medicine (to treat his sap-burned hands) to calm him.

At the end of every turn, the Stone pulses. Every creature within 30 feet must make a DC 13 Wisdom save or take 1d6 psychic damage as they feel the forest's "grief."

Slick Sap. The ground is difficult terrain. Any creature that falls prone must succeed on a DC 12 Strength save or be "Restrained" by the sticky residue until they use an action to break free. Encounter 2: The Silent Hermit (Social/Skill Challenge)

The party gains a "Forest Friend" trait in this region, granting advantage on Survival checks to find food or water.