Curse of Strahd: Reloaded (Public) by DragnaCarta (2024)

Acknowledgments

Curse of Strahd: Reloaded is written by DragnaCarta. You can support his work by joining his Patreon. This unofficial free guide is made available under the Wizards of the Coast Fan Content Policy. You can purchase the official Curse of Strahd campaign module on the Dungeons & Dragons website or via D&DBeyond.

Art credit to: JamesRPGArt, used with permission. You can download all art used in this guide at the artist's Patreon.

Formatting credit to: Dungeon Master's Guide watercolor stains by Jared Ondricek, and Curse of Strahd Theme for GMBinder by /u/AeronDrake.

Designed with: GMBinder.

Special thanks to: Twi, whose deliberation and creativity made this revision possible; to Ziopliukas and Paintknight for their encouragement and support; and to GPT-4 for assistance in brainstorming and revision.

Additional thanks to: Eban921, Busdriver, yaboicorny, I, Scarfe, Zumarius, arkansandragoness, murdoc, Az, Werben, a_Kyrill, Friendly Neighborhood Vampire, calebisdrawing, shmamy, Nancy, Timetheif, Massiah, Schelling, joshuacc, ELQUEMANDA4, DerkLucas, Sigmarius, Mr_Gelan, rave98, BeaverBoy99, Maurycy-skell, whatistheancient, Galahadred, LordMordor, justadmhero, xxItsAJackalxx, JaeOnasi, KrempelRitter, terrible_boots, Numerous-Ad-1357, PM_me_your_PhDs, sunirgerep, dead_dads, Mon5teRico, CrazyEnough1757, rawnan, AlexanderThulin, InconditeCullion, BetaMax-Arcana, greenglowstix, Anp117, ShapKees, Arow-Remade, Exdeth, FinRingil, ericthealfabee1, Tirrigon, InsideNervous, chroma900, and DarthHarambae, taffer, Starless, Aonbarr, farlet10, Eve, Ebonhawk, jabberdoot, and snickduck for feedback, playtesting, and review.

Welcome, wretched souls, to the land of Barovia—where nightmares come to life and death is merely the beginning. Brace yourselves for Curse of Strahd: Reloaded, the ultimate guide to running the Dungeons & Dragons' most notorious adventure.

Curse of Strahd has earned its reputation as one of the most spine-chilling Dungeons & Dragons campaigns ever created. But beware: running it is a monstrous task. Fear not, however, for Curse of Strahd: Reloaded is here to lead you through the darkness, offering a new adaptation of this classic horror tale.

Character Creation

Motivations

If you choose to use the Barovian Relics adventure hook for one or more players (see Chapter 3: Running the Game), have those players choose a core character motivation from the following table.

Once a player has chosen their core motivation, use the relevant section below to aid that player in developing their character's history and goals.

Wealth—The Electrum Coin

A player seeking wealth begins the campaign with an old, chipped electrum coin stamped with the profiled visage of a proud, yet cold-looking nobleman. When seen in a certain light, the nobleman's expression seems to change from a firm, aristocratic sneer to a feral, monstrous snarl.

Unbeknownst to the player, the visage stamped upon the electrum coin is the face of Strahd von Zarovich, the undead ruler of Barovia. The coin was minted long ago, but spirited away from Strahd's treasuries by a thief shortly before Barovia was lost to the mists. When it senses the presence of Death House, the coin lands on its edge, then begins rolling across the ground toward the house until it reaches the base of its steps.

The player who possesses the electrum coin should have strong, vivid reasons to believe that the coin first came from a wondrous vault of treasure—a conqueror's hoard—and that, one day, it will lead them to claim riches beyond imagining.

Developments. Any Barovian immediately recognizes the visage stamped upon the coin as Strahd's. If the player shares the coin's story with one of the Vistani of Madam Eva's camp in Act I, Arc C: Into the Valley, Sir Godfrey Gwilym in Act IV, Arc O: The Beacon of Argynvostholt, or Kasimir Velikov in Act V, Arc U: The Amber Temple, they can learn of Strahd's vast hoard of treasure, collected in his days as a conqueror and hidden away in Castle Ravenloft.

When the player first approaches Strahd's treasury, the coin lands on its edge and rolls as far as it can toward the treasury's entrance, in the same way that it did upon sensing Death House.

Healing—The Wolf's Tooth

A player seeking healing begins the campaign with a wolf's tooth coated with clear resin and mounted on a leather cord. The tooth seems to lengthen and sharpen on nights of the full moon, and calms its wearer's dreams when worn at night.

Duty—The Raven's Feather

A player seeking duty begins the campaign with a raven's feather, a small, black feather with soft, downy barbs. When held aloft before a storm, the feather seems to gently tremble, exuding the scent of cold rain and damp earth.

Unbeknownst to the player, the feather once belonged to the roc of Mount Ghakis, a servant of the fey goddess known as the Seeker, whose Mountain Fane rests in the shadow of Mount Ghakis in Barovia. The roc once enjoyed disguising itself as a common raven, and shed this feather on one such occasion. When it senses the presence of Death House, the feather is swept away by an unseen and violent wind, the scent of rain and ozone filling the air, before eventually landing on the house's threshold.

The player who possesses the raven's feather should have strong, vivid reasons to believe that the feather will always guide them to those who need aid, protection, and comfort.

Developments. If the player shows the raven's feather to Madam Eva in Act I, Arc C: Into the Valley, she inspects it reverently and returns it to the player, claiming mysteriously that she once knew the bird that shed it. If the player shows the feather to Urwin Martikov, Danika Martikov, Muriel Vinshaw, or any other member of the Keepers of the Feather, that member grows warmer and friendlier toward that player.

When the player first enters the circle of standing stones at the Mountain Fane in Act V, Arc W: The Ladies of the Fanes, the feather trembles and the air around it briefly grows thick with the scent of rain and ozone as it did upon sensing Death House. If the player shows the feather to the Roc of Mount Ghakis after consecrating the Mountain Fane in the same arc, the roc places the tip of its beak against the player's forehead as a sign of gratitude and approval before departing.

Power—The Crumpled Page

A player seeking power begins the campaign with the crumpled page, an old, yellowed page that was torn from its book long ago. The page is written in strange and cryptic arcane runes; those few runes that can be decoded speak of a path that leads immortality and untold power.

Unbeknownst to the player, the page was taken from the library of Exethanter, a lich who dwells in the deepest sanctum of the Amber Temple in Barovia. When it senses the presence of Death House, the ink on the page glows with amber light, the runes reshaping themselves into a map that leads to the house.

The player who possesses the crumpled page should have strong, vivid reasons to want to find and claim the power that the page promises.

Developments. When the player first approaches Exethanter's library in Act V, Arc U: The Amber Temple, the ink glows with amber light as it did upon sensing Death House, and the runes reshape themselves into a map of Exethanter's chambers and nearby access points. If the player shows the page to Exethanter after restoring his memories in the same arc, Exethanter grows warmer and friendlier toward that player.

Ambition—The Tattered Banner

A player seeking ambition begins the campaign with the tattered banner, an old, ragged red banner bearing the heraldry of a raven in front of a shield. The raven's wings are spread wide, and the shield has the image of a castle's keep engraved into its top. Sometimes, when a Lawful-aligned creature holds the banner, a crimson light seems to glimmer from the peak of the castle's keep, and the sound of soldiers marching can be distantly heard.

Unbeknownst to the player, the banner was once flown by the warlord Strahd von Zarovich in the days before he became a vampire and was trapped within the mists of Barovia. When it senses the presence of Death House, the distant sound of war-drums fills its holder's ears and the banner blows in an unseen wind, pulling toward the house's direction.

The player who possesses the tattered banner should have strong, vivid reasons to believe that the banner was once the sigil of a mighty conqueror—and that, by following in that conqueror's steps, they will one day achieve greatness, glory, and the right to rule.

Developments. When the player first experiences the haunted battlefield north of Berez in Act V, Arc T: Baba Lysaga's Revenge or Act V, Arc W: The Ladies of the Fanes, the banner flaps in the wind, which echoes with the sound of war-drums.

If the player shows the banner to the revenant at Tser Falls in Act I, Arc C: Into the Valley, Sir Godfrey Gwilym or Sir Vladimir Horngaard in Act IV, Arc O: The Beacon of Argynvostholt, or Kasimir Velikov in either Act V, Arc U: The Amber Temple or Act IV, Arc M: Strahd's Enemy, its appearance is met with revulsion and bitter disgust.

If the player shows the banner to Strahd, he regards it with fond thoughtfulness, but declines to elaborate on its significance. If the player shows the banner to Dr. Rudolph van Richten in Arc M: Strahd's Enemy or any Vistani, they immediately recognize it as the heraldry of Castle Ravenloft.

Faith—The Sunrise Medallion

A player seeking faith begins the campaign with the sunrise medallion, a bronze disc engraved with the image of a rising sun. The disc glitters like gold when exposed to the light of the sunrise, and a Good-aligned creature that touches it feels a fleeting sense of reverence, righteousness, and peace.

Unbeknownst to the player, the medallion once belonged to Sergei von Zarovich, the brother of Strahd von Zarovich and an acolyte of the Church of the Morninglord who was once expected to become its Most High Priest. When it senses the presence of Death House, the medallion shines with a warm, golden glow, the rays of sunlight emanating from the engraved sun pointing in the direction of the house.

The player who possesses the sunrise medallion should have strong, vivid reasons to believe that it will strengthen or guide them in faith, and that certain signs of the divine will lead them to those in need of salvation and deliverance.

Developments. When the player first approaches St. Andral's Church in Act II, Arc D: St. Andral's Feast, the sunrise medallion glows and shines in the direction of the church's doors. If the player shows the sunrise medallion to Father Donavich or Lucian, they recognize it as a symbol of the Church of the Morninglord and grow warmer and friendlier toward that player.

Harmony—The Stone Crest

A player seeking harmony begins the campaign with the stone crest, a flat, round stone engraved with the images of a raven's eye, a spider's web, and a wolf's tooth. On the nights of the new moon, the eye appears to weep, the web appears to flutter, and the tooth grows long and sharp.

Unbeknownst to the player, the crest once belonged to a spiritual leader among the First Folk, the people who first settled the land of Barovia long ago, and who have now divided into the Forest Folk (who are loyal to Strahd) and the Mountain Folk (who are not). The engravings upon it depict the symbols of the Seeker, the Weaver, and the Huntress—the three fey goddesses that the First Folk once called the Rozana, or Ladies Three. When it senses the presence of Death House, the crest emits a low hum and releases a scent of pine needles and earthy soil, which both grow stronger as the player approaches the house.

Krezkians

The people of Krezk are largely as described in Chapter 8: The Village of Krezk (p. 143), S3. Village of Krezk (p. 145), and Krezk Lore (p. 146). The villagers are largely unaware that their burgomaster, Dmitri Krezkov, is secretly a werewolf.

Vistani

The Vistani are largely as described in Vistani (p. 26), with two major semi-permanent settlements: the encampment at Tser Pool (as described in G. Tser Pool Encampment (p. 36)), and the encampment near Vallaki (as described in N9. Vistani Camp (p. 119)).

However, most Barovian Vistani view the valley as a temporary shelter from the evils of the world beyond, or as a brief stopover on their journeys through the mists. Only a few Vistani within Barovia reside there permanently and regard Strahd as their "king"; among those that do, even fewer serve Strahd faithfully as his eyes, ears, and hands amidst the valley. Most Barovian Vistani simply want to live their lives, to partake in life's wonders, and to raise their families in peace.

Dusk Elves

The dusk elves are as described in Roleplaying the Vistani and the Elves (p. 119).

First Folk

The First Folk are a loose society of druidic hunter-gatherers descended from the nomads who first settled in the valley millenia ago. Since Strahd’s arrival in the valley, they have split into two factions: the Forest Folk, who worship Strahd as a deity and do his bidding across the Svalich Woods; and the Mountain Folk, a reclusive people who keep to the old religion of the Ladies Three and who largely remain within the sheltered settlement of Yaedrag, tucked away on the slopes of Mount Ghakis.

Factions

Barovian Refugees

Those Barovians who fled their village in the aftermath of Strahd’s siege faced a long and difficult path on the road to Vallaki. Several lost their lives, whether to wolf attacks or malicious undead, leaving the survivors to bury them along the way—if, of course, there was anything left to bury.

When they arrived outside Vallaki’s walls and asked for sanctuary, however, they were met with disturbing news: the gates of the town were closed to them. News of Barovia’s siege had traveled to Vallaki’s streets, and Baron Vallakovich had evidently become convinced that the Barovians themselves were an accursed, unsavory people—and that permitting them to enter his “perfect” town would only empower the Devil to destroy it.

Most of the refugees despaired, but only a few struck out on the path back to Barovia; those that did were never seen again. The rest linger on the outskirts of Vallaki, huddling in threadbare tents and bedrolls. Their encampment hugs close to Vallaki’s palisade walls, praying that the silvered spears and crossbows of the town’s guards will keep the beasts of the woods at bay—and that, sooner or later, the people of Vallaki will change their minds and allow them entry.

So far, the wolves have kept their distance, but so have the Vallakians. With resources running low, and morale even lower, the refugees are slowly running out of time—even as the shadows of the woods creep ever-closer to their campfires.

Forest Folk

The Forest Folk are one of two groups descended from the hunter-gatherer nomads who first settled the valley.

Nearly five centuries ago, when Strahd first invaded Barovia, a group of druidic elders approached him in secret with an offer. Fearful of repeating the oppression their people had once suffered under King Dostron, the elders told Strahd that they would guide him to the sacred places of the valley—the Fanes of the Ladies Three—and teach him the secrets of unlocking their power. In exchange, the elders asked for Strahd’s protection, and his promise that he would leave them in peace in a valley now flooded with blood and ghosts.

Strahd agreed, and, with the aid of the druidic elders, the archmage Khazan, and arcane research taken from the Amber Temple, fashioned a profane ritual with which to claim the Fanes for his own. In desecrating these holy sites, Strahd forged an unholy connection with the leylines that lay beneath them—and so became, in a way, the land of Barovia itself.

The elders’ betrayal split the First People, causing a schism that sent dark tremors through their weakened society. Some among them—in particular, the other druids, and the caste of primal berserkers who served them—grimly agreed with the elders’ choice. The Ladies of the Fanes, they reasoned, had long since abandoned the People. The days of tooth and claw had ended; the age of steel had begun. Seeking Strahd’s protection, they believed, was the only choice left to them.

The passage of time, however, has not been kind to the elders' legacy. Set adrift from their traditions and corrupted by darkness, the modern Forest Folk are a maddened, obsessed people, wholly dedicated to Strahd as their "god." Their leader is Svarog, a mad druid who has bonded his flesh to the Gulthias Tree that grows atop Yester Hill. The Forest Folk are now otherwise largely as described in Chapter 14: Yester HIll (p. 197) and Hidden Graves (p. 198).

Recently, the Forest Folk were approached by Ludmilla Vilisevic, one of Strahd’s brides and an envoy from Baba Lysaga, the Witch of Berez. Ludmilla carried information indicating that the Keepers of the Feather, a secret society of wereravens that opposed Strahd’s rule, used the nearby Wizard of Wines Winery as one of their hideouts. With Ludmilla’s aid, the druids of the Forest Folk fashioned a way to create and command blights—the children of the Gulthias Tree—and declared war upon the winery and all its inhabitants.

Mountain Folk

When the schism of the First People began, many were horrified at Strahd’s desecration of their holy places. In seeking protection from the evils of the world, they believed, the druidic elders had destroyed the very things that their society held dear. “Faithless,” they called the Forest Folk, and named Strahd “Shadowsworn” for the darkness he wielded. Unable to resist the druids’ power, or the might of Strahd’s armies, however, these rebels found themselves outmatched: powerless and alone in a world that no longer had a place for them.

Those who denied Strahd’s rule—largely hunters, artisans, and warriors—were cast out from the druids’ circles and fled for the slopes of the Balinok Mountains. There, they founded the hidden settlement of Yaedrag among the crags of Mount Ghakis. Banished from the woodlands of Barovia, they became the Mountain Folk, and set out to carve a new existence among the peaks.

Their spiritual leader, an elder storm giant named Ormir, is the sole mortal being that still remembers the old days: when the First People ruled the valley, and the Ladies of the Fanes showed them peace and prosperity. In his old age, however, Ormir’s weakened body has been swallowed up by the roots of Mount Ghakis, the embers of his spirit slowly dwindling as he awaits a sign of the Rozana’s return. For now, it is all he can do to keep Yaedrag hidden from Strahd and his spies, encircling the settlement with a constant cover of clouds and snow.

Beasts of Barovia

While not members of any civilized society, the wolves, rats, and bats of Barovia are Strahd’s loyal servants and spies. Each day, at sunrise and sunset, each beast with news to report—of outsiders, of turmoil, or simply of interesting trinkets or treasures—returns to Castle Ravenloft to share what it's learned and to receive new orders to disseminate through the valley. Strahd’s vampiric brides gather and organize their intelligence: the wolves to Volenta Popfsky, the rats to Ludmilla Vilisevic, and the bats to Anastrasya Karelova.

Brides of Strahd

Strahd’s eldest three vampiric consorts—Ludmilla, Anastrasya, and Volenta—serve their master loyally, but compete bitterly for his favor. As the eldest and most adept at the arcane arts, Ludmilla is Strahd’s favored research partner, developing new spells for his use while investigating the secrets of the Mists. Meanwhile, Anastrasya is a master of the arts of espionage and diplomacy, managing Strahd’s political relationships while retaining key spies in each of Barovia’s settlements. Finally, Volenta is a skilled artificer and torturer, innovating new traps to guard Ravenloft’s halls while wringing information from those who fall into them.

Over the past hundred years, with Strahd asleep in Castle Ravenloft, each of his brides dispersed through the valley to pursue their own agendas. Now, with Strahd awoken, and his moment of reckoning at hand, each bride is desperate to prove their loyalty and worth to Strahd once more—and to win their place at his side when his grand plan comes to fruition.

Witches of Mother Night

While the good-hearted worshippers of Barovia keep the faith of the Morninglord alive, other, darker individuals seek the power and favor of Mother Night instead. Chief among them is Baba Lysaga, the Witch of Berez, who has fostered a coven of fellow devotees by recruiting outcasts and exiles from the settlements of Barovia. The maddened Lysaga views these practitioners as her children, and teaches them to secretly consider themselves the younger siblings of Strahd—sworn to protect and obey him for eternity.

These witches are largely as described in Barovian Witch (p. 229), though their pacts are forged with Mother Night instead of Strahd and the Dark Powers. Those sent to Ravenloft serve at the pleasure of Ludmilla Vilisevic, Strahd’s magic-minded consort, though none forget that their true loyalty is owed to Baba Lysaga of the swamp—and, above her, to Strahd himself.

Wachtercult

As part of her latest scheme to gain control of Vallaki, Lady Fiona Wachter has founded a devil-worshipping cult, described further in N4. Wachterhaus (p. 110). Currently, Lady Wachter’s “book club” boasts six cult fanatics, with each fanatic leading a smaller cell of six cultists as described in Cultists (p. 96).

Werewolf Pack

The werewolf pack—the members of whom call themselves the Children of Mother Night—are largely as described in Chapter 15: Werewolf Den (p. 201). Until Strahd’s awakening, the pack largely used Barovia as a place to rest between hunts, occasionally prowling the roads between settlements, but preferring the tastier meat of the lands beyond the mists.

However, when Strahd awoke, he demanded the loyalty of the werewolves whose forebears had once served him faithfully. He threatened to seal the pack within the mists for all eternity if they defied him—but promised them wealth, power, and plentiful prey if they returned to his service.

Amber Vestiges

The vestiges of the Amber Temple are not sentient as most would imagine it; as the decaying remnants of dead gods, they are mere scraps of malevolent power, described further in Chapter 13: The Amber Temple (p. 181), Amber Sarcophagi (p. 191), and X33. Amber Vaults (p. 191).

Even so, that is not dead which can eternal lie. From the chill of their amber tombs, these vestiges dream of the power they once wielded—and of a path to renewed apotheosis. Shards of their amber sarcophagi are scattered across the land of Barovia, with each shard bearing a psychic connection to the vestige it once imprisoned. Through these shards, the vestiges can whisper words of corruption, promising power without price. This is a lie: no power is without cost, and the shreds of darkness the vestiges offer warp and transform their recipients—in subtle ways at first, but swelling grotesquely over time.

Elisabeth Durst of Death House once bore one of these amber shards; Izek Strazni of Vallaki holds one today. These shards are merely a gateway, however—through small tastes of power, the vestiges hope to lure their victims to the Amber Temple itself. There, the vestiges can offer their greatest dark gifts—and, in doing so, claim their true price and prize: a sliver of the victim’s soul.

With each scrap of spirit a vestige claims, it grows in power, inching closer to the day that it will have the strength to break free of its amber prison. One has already succeeded. Others are now on the precipice. And for those that remain—eternity is full of possibilities, and the dead have nothing but time.

The Ladies of the Fanes

With their holy places desecrated and their worshippers weakened and divided, two of the three Ladies of the Fanes—the Weaver and the Huntress—have been reduced to little more than spirit, unable to take action or exercise the power they once wielded. Only the Seeker, who forged a pact with Katarina, the bastard sister of Strahd von Zarovich, to free the valley from Strahd’s evil, survives. Through their pact, the Seeker subsumed Katarina’s soul to manifest an avatar of her divine power: the Vistana seer Madam Eva.

Religions

The Faith of the Ladies Three

In Yaedrag, the hidden bastion of the Mountain Folk, the people still keep to the old faith of the Ladies of the Fanes: the Weaver, the Seeker, and the Huntress. They do their best to honor their goddesses with offerings of food, flowers, and song, but mourn the loss of knowledge and tradition that came when the druids betrayed their faith for Strahd’s protection. They no longer remember the sacred rites that once bound their ancestors to the Ladies’ fellowship, nor do they remember the secrets of the Ladies’ blessings.

The Mountain Folk still remember, though, that the Weaver’s holy place was the Swamp Fane, near the ruined town on the shores of the Luna River; the Huntress's, the Forest Fane, atop Yester Hill; and the Seeker’s, the Mountain Fane, in a western clearing in the valley's woodland basin.

They remember that the Seeker was a goddess of foresight, prophecy, and storms, her sigil a raven’s eye, ever-searching. They remember that the Weaver was a goddess of resilience, craftsmanship, and care, her sigil a spider’s delicate web. They remember, too, that the Huntress was a goddess of beasts, wild places, and war, her sigil a sharpened wolf’s tooth.

Together, this trinity oversaw each life that was born in the valley: the Seeker, forging the threads of fate that would bind them together; the Weaver, spinning those threads into a lush and vibrant tapestry; and the Huntress, cutting each thread at its appointed time, and ushering its soul into death.

History of Barovia

The following is a narrative summary of Barovia’s history, from the ancient past to the modern age. A chronological timeline can be found in Appendix A: A History of Barovia.

Fall of the First Folk

The seven tribes of the First Folk kept largely apart from one another until, one day, a proud and ambitious warlord named Kavan led his tribe down the slopes of the Balinok Mountains, waging a bloody war to unite them. His magic spear, the symbol of his might, drank the blood from his enemies and fed their strength to its wielder; for this, Kavan was called Blood-Drinker, and his spear bloodthorn.

Kavan’s conquest united the tribes, but broke their sacred peace. The Ladies’ words grew mournful and quiet on the wind, even as their priests—the druids who enacted their sacred rituals—found themselves subject to the whims and scorn of Kavan’s warrior caste. The wolfir fled into the woods, and the wereravens to the mountains. Fearful of the corruption that Kavan might wreak upon them, the Weaver’s eldest druids bestowed her life-giving gems to the wereravens for safekeeping, ensuring that the secrets of their power would die with them.

When Kavan passed and was buried with his spear at Yester Hill, a new chieftain fought to take his place, beginning a line of brutal successions that lasted for centuries. Where the wizards of the Amber Temple had been content to keep to themselves, however, the First Folk could not remain isolated forever.

Four centuries after Kavan’s death, King Dostron, a cruel and ambitious monarch described further in Crypt 34: King Dostron the Hellborn (p. 92), sought to claim Barovia’s splendor for his own nearby kingdom. He invaded the valley, massacred its inhabitants, and desecrated their holy places with wanton abandon.

Dostron's invasion shattered the Ladies' power, driving their surviving followers back into the slopes of the Balinok Mountains. To cement his claim to the valley, Dostron bade his troops to builld an enormous stone fortress atop a mountain to the east and settled there to taste the land’s many riches.

However, King Dostron’s hand reached too far, leaving his kingdom rocked by calamity and war. When he died, thirty years after he had first invaded the valley, his generals buried him in the crypts beneath his fortress and left it behind to fall into ruin.

Even so, the damage to the First Folk had been done. Never again would they reach their former glory; never again would their priests work the Ladies’ greatest miracles. Though the land was still beloved of the Rozana, a crack had been left in its heart—a crack that, centuries later, Strahd von Zarovich would exploit.

Meanwhile, near the peak of Mount Ghakis, the evil archmage Exethanter breached the wards of the Amber Temple, as described in Chapter 13: The Amber Temple (p. 181). After becoming a lich, Exethanter seized control of the temple from Neferon, transforming the long-dead wizards into flameskulls under his command and settling in to welcome fellow seekers to the corridors of power.

The Von Zarovich Line

More than four centuries after King Dostron's death, King Barov von Zarovich I became the first monarch of his House, unifying several separate city states to found the nation of Zarovia. The young kingdom thrived for two hundred years, until civil strife and foreign invaders caused it to fracture and drove House von Zarovich into exile.

Arrival of the Outsiders

Less than a decade after Sergei’s birth, a world away in the valley of the First Folk, Saint Markovia, a priest of the Morninglord, began the construction of an abbey on a spur of Mount Baratok. Markovia, a fierce opponent of Saint Andral’s support for Barov’s claim, sought to create a sanctuary of reflection and peace far away from the killing fields. Priests and refugees alike heeded her call, and within two years, the Abbey of Saint Markovia was complete.

To sanctify it, Markovia blessed a sacred pool at the base of the mountain below, as described in S4. Pool and Shrine (p. 146). A trading post was established nearby—which, over time, grew into a small and humble hamlet.

Within three years of the Abbey’s founding, a renewed interest in the region’s history drew Argynvost, a silver dragon, to uncover the lost secrets of the Amber Temple, as described in Ch. 7: Argynvostholt (p. 129). Given the unrest and bloodshed that dominated the lands nearby, Argynvost feared that evildoers might seek out the Temple and unleash the darkness that slumbered within.

The dragon moved quickly to develop plans for the Order of the Silver Dragon: an order of valiant knights that would do battle to defend the innocent. Their true, hidden purpose, however, would be to guard the Temple from evil and ensure that its prisoners remained secured.

After relocating to the valley, Argynvost began the construction of the manor of Argynvostholt, his new lair and the headquarters for the Order of the Silver Dragon. He dedicated its chapel to the Morninglord, and—as a shrewd political gesture—its upstairs gallery to both Saint Andral and Saint Markovia, who by now had become the two competing spiritual leaders of the Morninglord’s faith.

With the mansion complete, Argynvost put out the call for knights to join his order—and, as described in Chapter 7: Argynvostholt (p. 129) and Q40. Argynvost's Study (p. 140), they came.

Birth of Barovia

King Barov did not live to see the fruits of his labors. When he passed into death, Strahd inherited his lands and enemies and vowed to finish what his father had started. Though he had been Barov’s heir, Strahd did not name himself king; instead, he deferred the ancient crown of Zarovia, keeping it in a chest carried by his attendants. A kingdom was not enough—Strahd dreamed of forging an empire.

Strahd refused, too, his father’s Brightblade, gifting it to Sergei—now a priest in the Morninglord’s church—on the grounds that his legacy was his own to win. His own blade had sufficed for the countless battles before; it would suffice for the wars to come.

And war came.

It came first from the long-subjugated dusk elves, who—hoping to take advantage of the change in leadership—staged a rebellion against the governor that Strahd had set over their homeland. Emboldened by the elves’ courage, other nations entered the fray, staging troops near the kingdom’s borders and issuing embargoes and high tariffs on goods transported from its markets and ports.

Where his generals saw threats, however, Strahd saw opportunities. Such newfound hostilities provided him with the perfect justification to sow the seeds of his future empire. He began by mercilessly crushing the dusk elves’ rebellion, as described in Kasimir Velikov (p. 232), and proceeded to declare war on every nation that had ever insulted or opposed him. The dusk elves were left to the care of the Vistani, who spirited them away to the valley in which Strahd’s enemies—the Order of the Silver Dragon and the Abbey of Saint Markovia—offered sanctuary and peace.

By now, Strahd’s forces were legion, their soldiers a ruthless fighting force that embodied his conquering ambition. Though technically outnumbered by his enemies, Strahd’s cunning and military prowess allowed him to cut through any opposing force with ease—and, one by one, the dominoes fell.

Within six months of Strahd's ascension, his armies had waged a bloody military campaign that had reunited, and then surpassed the ancient borders of Old Zarovia—and yet Strahd’s hunger was unabated. With few others left, the Order of the Silver Dragon stepped forward to lead and coordinate the defensive alliance, winning several crucial battles that temporarily stopped Strahd’s advance in its tracks. (See Chapter 7: Argynvostholt (p. 129).)

Vladimir Horngaard, a young captain among the Order, proved instrumental in directing the war effort; for his courage and skill, Argynvost made him a field commander, as described in Vladimir Horngaard (p. 241). By the first frost of winter, however, Vladimir believed that Strahd’s advance could no longer be stopped. He issued the order to retreat, escorting hundreds of refugees to Argynvostholt in the hopes that winter and the natural protection of the Balinok Mountains would keep them safe.

But Vladimir’s hopes proved in vain. Before the end of winter, Strahd’s forces tracked the Order to the valley—now the last bastion of resistance against his dreams of empire.

When Strahd’s reinforcements arrived, they breached the valley’s natural defenses, and did battle with the Order’s knights—and the silver dragon Argynvost himself—on the marshy field beneath the fortress of Argynvostholt. In what would later be called the Battle of the Luna River, Commander Vladimir Horngaard, Vladimir's husband Sir Godfrey Gwilym, and nearly all of the knights of the Order were slaughtered.

Despairing and enraged, Argynvost retreated to his lair: the manor of Argynvostholt itself. Strahd’s forces pursued him within, the resulting battle destroying the mansion’s western wing (described in Q4. Spiders' Ballroom (p. 132), Q32. Ruined Bedchambers (p. 138), and Q48. Roof's Edge (p. 141)) and bursting a hole in its roof (described in Q43. Hole in Roof (p. 140) and Q33. Collapsed Ceiling (p. 138).). When silence finally fell, the dragon’s corpse lay unmoving upon the floor.

Strahd’s soldiers looted the manor, as described in Q23. Storage Room (p. 135), Q37. Knights of the Order (p. 139), Q39. Vladimir's Bedroom (p. 140), Q40. Argynvost's Study (p. 140), and Q41. Dragon's Vault (p. 140). Strahd then had Argynvost's corpse hacked to pieces and stripped to the bone, intending to keep the dragon's skull as a trophy.

Rise of Castle Ravenloft

Not all the denizens of the valley were grateful to see Strahd’s arrival. Saint Markovia, embittered by the death of her friend, Argynvost, visited Strahd’s court to condemn him as a mad tyrant. Magnanimous in victory, Strahd allowed her to depart in peace, amused by the futility of her convictions.

Meanwhile, after a lifetime spent at war, Strahd began to turn to the question of peace. As noted in Barovians (p. 24), Strahd repopulated the valley with human subjects drawn from his other conquered lands. The nobleman Boris Vallakovich, described further in Chapter 5: The Town of Vallaki (p. 95) and N8. Town Square (p. 119), founded the town of Vallaki in the heart of the valley, while the noblewoman Vasha Krezkov settled within the hamlet at the foot of the Abbey of Saint Markovia, naming it “Krezk.”

For her family’s loyalty, Strahd bequeathed to the Krezkovs the Wizard of Wines winery, its former owners having fled amidst the tides of war. He awarded parcels of land to the noble House of Wachter, described in N4q. Storage Room (p. 114), who settled in the growing town of Vallaki. Meanwhile, Elisabeth and Gustav Durst, the heirs to a wealthy merchant family, funded a grain mill near Vallaki—Chapter 6: Old Bonegrinder (p. 125)—atop a promontory overlooking the valley. The Dursts themselves settled in the newborn village of Barovia, a settlement that had spawned among Strahd’s military encampment to the east.

Saint Andral, now the Most High Priest of the Morninglord’s church, passed away at the ripe age of eighty-two. A church was built in Vallaki and named St. Andral’s Church in his honor, his bones interred in a crypt beneath the altar. Meanwhile, an old witch named Baba Lysaga—Strahd’s former nursemaid, as described in Baba Lysaga (p. 228)—followed Strahd’s forces to the valley, settling in a small, ramshackle hut amidst the Svalich Woods.

The dusk elves—the same refugees who had fled the aftermath of Strahd’s rebellion not long before—found themselves trapped in the heart of their conqueror’s new empire. After a lengthy debate led by their leader, Kasimir Velikov, the elves reluctantly agreed to remain in the new homes they had built in the valley, hoping that the sanctuary of the Vistani would keep them safe from further reprisal.

Kasimir’s sister Patrina Velikovna, however, an archmage of considerable power, felt stirred to further action. With the Order of the Silver Dragon fallen, she investigated the secrets it had left behind—and so discovered the secret of the Amber Temple. There, she completed her studies of the black arts, and began to hatch a dark and ambitious plan.

With the repopulation of the valley well underway, Strahd now turned to his own home. He summoned artisans, wizards, and workers loyal to him, described in Chapter 4: Castle Ravenloft (p. 49) and The Vampire's History (p. 9), and set them the task of constructing a castle worthy of his family’s legacy. He chose to place it atop the ruins of an ancient stone keep—the very same fortress built by King Dostron centuries before—and named it Castle Ravenloft, for his mother Queen Ravenovia.

However, Strahd did not suffer peace well. Restless, and feeling like his best years were behind him, he experimented with an assortment of eccentric hobbies and arts before finally turning to the study of magic. Mages flocked to his court for the chance to serve as his arcane tutor—and, seeing opportunity, Patrina did the same.

Near-ageless and fair, the elven Patrina knew well of humanity’s fear of death. Where others saw a powerful conqueror, Patrina saw a man of middling age fast-approaching his twilight years. She whispered in his ear the name of the Amber Temple—and the secret of immortality it concealed—and Strahd eagerly listened.

Upon Strahd’s arrival at the Amber Temple, the lich Exethanter welcomed him with open arms, as described Chapter 13: The Amber Temple (p. 181). Patrina led him to an amber sarcophagus deep in the temple, to the vestige that offered the dark gift of Tenebrous: the secret of lichdom. She spoke to him of the grand power he could wield—of the ageless aeons through which he could conquer.

What she left unspoken, of course, was that the vestige’s dark gift could be wielded only by an archmage capable of the highest circles of magic—a level that, with his fledgling skill, Strahd could reach only with her aid and influence.

Patrina was not surprised when Strahd insisted upon speaking with each of the three vestiges in the temple’s amber vault; he was a man of power, and men of power enjoyed the drugs of knowledge and control. She was astounded, however, when—after being offered the dark gifts of Tenebrous, of Zhudun, and the Vampyr—Strahd declined them all, refusing Patrina’s promise of immortality.

Strahd Becomes the Land

With Castle Ravenloft’s furnishings now largely complete, Strahd installed the pièce de résistance: the skull of Argynvost, mounted upon the wall of his great war-room as a trophy. (See K67. Hall of Bones (p. 78).) However, this final desecration enraged the spirit of Commander Vladimir Horngaard, who returned to life as a revenant to avenge the destruction of the Order of the Silver Dragon. His zeal was so great that it also brought back the spirits of his fellow fallen knights, as described in The Order of the Silver Dragon (p. 129).

It was then, as the revenants of the Order ravaged Strahd’s perfect valley, that a circle of druidic elders among the First Folk saw an opportunity. The new denizens of Barovia had begun to expand their settlements into the wild places of the land, pushing the First Folk back toward the Balinok Mountains. As tensions mounted and a series of small skirmishes unfolded, the elders feared that a return of King Dostron’s genocide was imminent.

Those elders secretly approached Strahd with an offer. He would provide the First Folk with his protection, defending their people and the integrity of their woodland home. In exchange, the elders would guide him to three hidden places of power within the valley—the sacred fanes of the Ladies Three—and teach him to command their might.

Amused by their audacity and intrigued by the possibilities, Strahd tentatively accepted the druids’ offer. He allowed them to guide him to the Mountain Fane first—the closest to Castle Ravenloft—and proceeded to study it and its properties in exhaustive detail. The elders shared with him the secrets of its ancient rituals, the blessings that it granted the Lady’s champions, and the bonds it shared with the earth of the valley itself.

With their aid, guided by the fell arcana that Patrina had taught him and a flash of his own genius, Strahd forged a profane ritual that would tie the Fane’s power to his own spirit. It was a clumsy attempt, admittedly—a bond that he would return to refine again and again in the centuries to come. But when the first drops of Strahd’s blood soaked into the Fane’s earth, he felt its power infuse his very soul. The land became a part of him—and he, a part of the land.

Strahd repeated the process at the valley’s two other sacred places: the Swamp Fane, just east of the young town of Berez; and the Forest Fane, south of the Wizard of Wines winery. With each site he claimed, he felt his bond to the land grow stronger. The beasts, woodlands, and even the very skies of the valley seemed to sing to him—and he followed that song to crush Vladimir Horngaard and his undead knights wherever their spirits fled.

Sergei and Tatyana

By the time Strahd returned once more to Castle Ravenloft, his spirits buoyed by the new turn in the war against the revenants, he found Sergei to be in high spirits. Sergei had fallen in love with a young woman named Tatyana Federovna, described in The Vampire's History (p. 9), and visited her daily in the village of Barovia to pursue her affections. On a whim, Strahd followed his brother to the village—and was smitten utterly with her at once.

Strahd lavished Tatyana, a woman more than thirty years his junior, with gifts and attention—but it was Sergei, of an age with Tatyana and still in his prime, who swiftly won her affections. Now, it was Tatyana who visited Sergei as often as he did her, escorted to Castle Ravenloft in a snow-white carriage with gold filigree.

Each time she did, Strahd welcomed her with the fondness of a suitor—and each time he did, she accepted his warmth with the obeisance of a niece. Slowly, Strahd felt a darkness begin to clutch at his heart, finding his aging reflection more repulsive by the day. Only his pride, tinted with bitterness, stayed his hand from obstructing the young couple’s love.

Arrival of the Mists

The morning of Sergei's wedding, Strahd gazed into his mirror and realized he had been a fool.

Immortality—the secret of eternal youth—had been within his grasp only three years before. Had he been brave enough—strong enough—to accept it then, Tatyana could have been his. Had he done so mere days before now, she might still have been so. But the hour of the wedding was near, and the vault of the Amber Temple far away.

It was then that a voice spoke to him: a woman’s voice on the surface, but a cacophony of maddened whispers below.

Time slips through your fingers like the sands in an hourglass, it whispered. Yet a chance yet remains to claim what is yours.

"Who are you?" Strahd demanded. We are the eternal, the Dark Powers replied. The hidden. We are Death—and we may grant what you seek.

"What must I do?" Strahd asked. "How can immortality be mine?"

A shard of the tomb of the one you once spurned, came the answer. Take it, and be reborn. A broken shard of amber appeared before him, glinting amidst the shadows.

Strahd reached to take it—but hesitated. "What price must I pay for such a gift?" he asked. "What man can trust Death itself?"

What man can deny it? the whispers replied. The choice is yours.

Strahd closed his eyes—and grasped the shard. The whispers vanished, and in their place, he felt the familiar presence of the vestige of the Amber Temple. Once again, he felt the entity offer him the dark gift of the Vampyr—the immortality of undeath.

And this time, Strahd accepted.

In an instant, Strahd knew the two conditions he must fulfill to gain the immortality he desired, described in Amber Sarcophagi (p. 196). Where once the thoughts might have horrified him, he now accepted them gladly like old friends.

Strahd came upon Sergei in his own royal chambers and slew him with a single blow. With blood on his hands and lips, Strahd found Tatyana in her dressing room and confessed his obsession with her; at long last, he told her, they could be together as they were always meant to be.

Tatyana fled—and Strahd pursued.

He chased her through the gardens of Castle Ravenloft, commanding and pleading with her to stop. At last, he cornered her at K6. Overlook (p. 54) and begged for her love. Horrified at the monster he had become, and desperate to escape, Tatyana stepped away from him—and felt the thousand-foot chasm beneath the mountain’s cliffs silently waiting behind her.

In that moment, as Strahd stepped slowly forward, Tatyana heard a voice: a woman’s voice, too pleasant and kind for her to notice the cacophony of whispers that lay just below the surface.

I see your heart, the voice said to her, heavy and weeping with fear and despair.

Tatyana, trembling, whispered, "What can I do? I am trapped, and I cannot bear to be with him."

The Dark Powers replied, Escape is within your reach, dear one—within the reach of a single step.

"But the fall," Tatyana said, her voice shaking. "It would surely mean my end."

An end by stone, or an end by blood, the voice said sweetly. The choice is yours.

With a deep breath, Tatyana leapt—and Death claimed her.

Strahd, enraged and despairing, ran to the edge—but her body had already vanished, swallowed up by the mists of the forest far below. It was there, upon the overlook, that the assassins found him—treacherous castle guards, as described in The Vampire's History (p. 9), led by Leo Dilisnya, the son of duch*ess Dorfniya Dilisnya—and brought Strahd to his death.

But Strahd did not die. His last breath sealed the pact he had made with Death and the vestige alike, and he was reborn as a vampire. In that moment, the Dark Powers took him as their own—and, by the bond that Strahd bore to the land, the land accompanied him. The sky above Barovia turned black, and the Dark Powers spirited the valley away: their first domain of the Mists.

The treacherous guards, terrified of what Strahd had become, fled into Castle Ravenloft through K23. Servants' Entrance (p. 59), across K62. Servants' Hall (p. 76), and into K67. Hall of Bones (p. 78), Strahd's war-room, praying that his loyal guards would slay the beast that their master had become.

Strahd pursued them there, slaughtering dozens of guards—both loyal and traitor alike. The survivors retreated and made their stand in K70. Kingsmen Hall (p. 79), while Leo Dilisnya and his most trusted conspirators fled into K71. Kingsmen Quarters (p. 79), ascended the stairs to K20. Heart of Sorrow (p. 59), and exited the secret entrance into K34. Servants' Upper Floor (p. 64) before escaping into the courtyards once again. By the time Strahd had finished his slaughter, Dilisnya was gone—fled across the drawbridge and lost in the mountains.

Katarina, still serving as a maid in the castle, came upon Strahd amidst the slaughter—and, for reasons he did not fully understand, Strahd left her in peace. She fled from him, escaping the keep as screams echoed behind her, and never looked back.

Finally, covered with blood, Strahd exited Castle Ravenloft and saw his parents’ faces in the thunderclouds, as described in The Vampire's History (p. 9). Along the borders of Barovia, the Dark Powers raised the Mists: impenetrable walls that imprisoned all who would cross them.

Strahd’s First Followers

By now, word had spread of Strahd’s transformation and the valley's isolation. Not all reacted with fear, however. In the village of Barovia far below, Elisabeth Durst found herself spellbound by the news from the castle, following Strahd’s descent with admiration and awe.

All was not well in the Dursts’ home. Gustav Durst, Elisabeth’s husband, was rumored to be having an affair with the family’s nursemaid, Klara, described in 15. Nursemaid's Suite (p. 215). Elisabeth dismissed the claims; they were baseless accusations, she said, born from jealousy of her husband’s wealth and success. She chose to ignore the steady growth of Klara’s stomach, their fleeting glances, and the hours they spent alone. It was nothing, she told herself—and, for a time, she believed it.

That changed when she discovered a shard of amber within a shipment of grain delivered from their mill to the west. The mysterious gem seemed to beckon her, captivating her senses and sparking an inexplicable fascination. She kept it, storing it in the jewelry box in 12. Master Suite (p. 214), where she admired it each night.

From that moment, something within her shifted. No longer could she bear the sight of Klara’s pregnant figure or ignore the whispers and shared glances between her and Gustav. Denial turned to suspicion, then paranoia and rage. Slowly, Elisabeth’s bitterness simmered, building in fury until she could bear it no longer.

When the maid's bastard son, Walter, was born, Elisabeth snapped. She took a carving knife from the kitchen and ambushed Gustav in their bedroom, killing him. With blood still dripping from the blade, she went to Klara’s suite, where she found the nursemaid asleep and her baby resting in its crib.

Elisabeth first bound Klara's limbs to the bed with rope and twine, then murdered the child where he lay. As Walter’s blood stained her knife, she prayed to Death that his infant soul would be damned—and Death listened.

From her jewelry box, Elisabeth felt the amber shard calling to her. She picked it up, and for the first time, heard its voice. It offered her the power to conceal her husband’s untimely death, to torment his mistress, to bind Walter’s spirit, and to secure a family truly faithful to her. She agreed—and accepted the dark gift of the vestige within.

With its aid, Elisabeth summoned Walter’s soul from the Mists and bound it to his tiny corpse. The undead child had a ravenous hunger, and, over the following days, she gleefully mutilated his mother’s body, feeding him fingers, toes, eyes, and teeth. However, she made sure to keep Klara alive, prolonging her vengeance.

As Walter fed, he grew, transforming into a misshapen aberration of flesh. Meanwhile, in the twisted labyrinth of her own mind, Elisabeth found solace in nightly prayers to Strahd, whom she perceived as the source of the power that sustained her.

Passage Into History

Ten years passed, and the land of Barovia sank deeper into darkness and despair. Khazan—now in his waning years, and feeling the weight of his impending mortality—visited the Amber Temple and discovered the secret to becoming a lich. When he had completed the transformation, he traveled to Castle Ravenloft to challenge Strahd for the rulership of Barovia. Instead, Strahd persuaded him to serve as an advisor in matters of magic—a proposition that Khazan, to his own surprise, accepted.

Since he had become a vampire, Strahd’s own magical progress had slowed to a trickle; where mortals could wield their life force as a means of channeling the arcane, he had been forced to find other, less efficacious means. With Khazan’s aid, though, Strahd’s studies began to advance once more.

Together, they developed a spell that would preserve Sergei’s body for eternity, and built a tomb whose splendor would never fade. Sergei was buried there in his gleaming armor, with the Sigil of the Sun around his neck. They built arcane traps to defend Strahd’s tomb and castle, including the Teleport Traps (p. 85) of the catacombs, the gargoyles of K8. Great Entry (p. 55), and the wyrmling statues of K7. Entry (p. 54).

Strahd learned also to imbue his armor with permanent spells and a sliver of his being, creating Strahd’s Animated Armor (p. 227). Meanwhile, he delved deeper into the secrets of necromancy; as an amusem*nt and a challenge, he created Strahd zombies—foul creatures both stronger and more horrible than the ordinary undead.

But as time stood still for the immortals of Castle Ravenloft, its sands continued to flow for those in the valley beyond. The once-loyal retainers and vassals of the von Zarovich line began to pass into death—Artimus, the castle’s architect; General Grislek, Strahd's most trusted commander; Prefect Ciril Romulich, high priest of the Morninglord; and countless others. Strahd found each one when they died and sealed their corpses in places of honor in the catacombs beneath Ravenloft, as described in K84. Catacombs (p. 85).

The Decades Pass

Forty years after Tatyana’s death, Strahd encountered Marina Ulrich: her first reincarnation. However, before he could turn her into a vampire spawn, the Mists spoke to her as they had once whispered to Tatyana, and promised her an escape from Strahd’s clutches—if only she would allow her father to discover the vampire’s nightly visits.

Driven to desperation beneath layers of Strahd’s hypnosis, Marina accepted the Dark Powers’ offer—and was soon killed as described in Chapter 10: The Ruins of Berez (p. 161). Strahd erected U5. Marina's Monument (p. 164) in her memory, and condemned her father’s guilt-ridden spirit to haunt U2. Ulrich Mansion (p. 162). Over the course of the coming centuries, Strahd would chase Tatyana’s spirit again and again; each time, the Mists would speak sweet words of sanctuary—and her soul would once more slip from his fingers.

By the time of Marina’s death, the Martikov family—the descendants of the druids who had once owned the Wizard of Wines winery—had assimilated among the Barovian people, with a goal of reclaiming their birthright. After earning a small fortune through the secret use of their wereraven lycanthropy—as messengers, knowledge-brokers, and everything in-between—the Martikovs arranged a marriage between their eldest son and one of the Krezkovs’ daughters.

Fifteen years later, when the reigning Krezkov patriarch passed away, the Martikovs made sure that his will bequeathed the winery to his daughter, who now bore the Martikov name and was secretly a wereraven herself. Though the business was now once again truly theirs, the Martikovs kept good relations with the Krezkovs by making regular deliveries of wine, free of charge—a practice that would continue for centuries to come.

As the Martikovs reclaimed their vineyards, the witch Baba Lysaga claimed the swamp that Berez had become as her new home, as described in Chapter 10: The Ruins of Berez (p. 161). She built U3. Baba Lysaga's Hut (p. 163) atop the stump of an enormous tree, and erected the Goat Pen (p. 162) outside of U2. Ulrich Mansion (p. 162). She found herself drawn to the latent power of the nearby Swamp Fane at U6. Standing Stones (p. 165); when the storm giant Althea, the mate of Elder Ormir, confronted her, Baba Lysaga killed her and took her head, from which she crafted her Giant Skull (p. 163) magic vehicle.

Meanwhile, Strahd found himself intrigued by a new arrival to his keep: a mage by the name of Ludmilla Vilisevic, who had sought him out seeking the secrets of immortality.

Echoes of Evil

Though Strahd slept in Castle Ravenloft, his children and servants remained active in Barovia. Without their master to restrain their appetites, dozens of Strahd’s surviving vampire spawn dispersed across the valley, beginning a reign of terror that made the streets run red with blood.

Lugdana, a paladin of the Morninglord, took up arms to defend her people. With the aid of burgomaster Ismark Antonovich and the wereraven Livius Martikov, she uncovered the secret history of the long-lost Sigil of the Sun, an ancient artifact that could aid her in her quest.

It was Livius who discovered that the Sigil of the Sun lay in the crypts of Castle Ravenloft, and Livius who stole it while Lugdana and Ismark kept the castle’s guards distracted. With Lugdana wielding the sigil’s power, the trio began a campaign to root out and destroy nests of vampires scattered across Barovia, inspiring renewed faith in the Morninglord’s glory wherever they went.

Unwilling to reveal that the power to resist Strahd’s creatures had come from the Devil’s own castle, but determined to give his people something to believe in, Ismark told the masses that an angel in the form of a raven had delivered the sigil to them—and so it became known as the Holy Symbol of Ravenkind.

Grateful for Ismark’s honor, and inspired by their adventures alongside Lugdana, Livius Martikov founded the Keepers of the Feather: a secret society of wereravens who would aid and assist the good-hearted heroes of Barovia. Membership was small, at first, limited to Livius’s own family—but as time passed, their ranks began to grow.

By the time of Lugdana’s crusade, Baba Lysaga had begun to recruit a coven of witches from amongst the exiles and forsaken of Barovia. However, twenty-five years after Lugdana had first claimed the Holy Symbol, many of Baba Lysaga’s faithful had grown resentful of the swamp-mother’s tireless dedication to Strahd. With the vampire asleep in his castle, the youngest among the coven had no living memory of his power or authority and no desire to serve his name or legacy.

The strongest among them, a witch who called herself Baba Zelenna, secretly founded the Cult of Chernovog: a fiendish cult that venerated the demon prince Chernovog and sought to summon him into Barovia to overthrow Strahd. The cult assembled at the Forest Fane at Yester Hill, seeking to use its power for their own ends. Together, they broke Strahd’s bond to the sacred fane and began the ritual that would summon Chernovog, known also as the Green God, to wreak havoc across the valley.

With the weight of years upon her shoulders, Lugdana was now far from the days of her prime. Ismark, named “Ismark the Great” for his feats of bravery, had perished in a heroic fight defending the people of his village years before. Lugdana and Livius went alone to Yester Hill to do battle with the coven and Chernovog.

The demon prince was fearsome, but the Holy Symbol and the Keepers’ aid balanced the scales. With a mighty blow, Lugdana felled Chernovog and dispelled his spirit—but sustained a wound that soon cost her her life. In the chaos, the Holy Symbol of Ravenkind was lost, vanishing once more amidst the sands of time.

Strahd’s Return

Two years after Nikolai Wachter’s death, Dr. Van Richten came to learn the terrible truth of the Vistani curse that haunted him. Maddened with rage, he became determined to seek vengeance upon the Vistani people for the deaths of those he had lost across the years. He was saved, however, by the return of Arturi Radanavich—the sole survivor of Van Richten’s massacre two decades before.

Unbeknownst to Van Richten, the words he had spoken to unleash the undead horde had cursed Arturi, driving undead to pursue him wherever he went. Arturi, exiled from the Vistani caravans, sought Van Richten’s aid to lift this curse—and offered a chance to lift Van Richten’s in turn.

Together, the two men spent a year among the Vistani: Arturi, the exile, and Van Richten, the enemy. Van Richten learned their ways, came to know their people, and slowly released the hatred that had gripped his heart. When the year came to an end, Arturi and Van Richten became blood-brothers, forgiving one another the sins of their pasts and lifting their curses.

Finally at peace, Van Richten retired to his home accompanied by a parting gift from Arturi: a mischievous monkey named Piccolo. However, as Van Richten prepared to document his life’s work, he recalled that Strahd von Zarovich—the greatest vampire of all—still lurked within Barovia like a shadow beneath the land.

Van Richten’s research confirmed that Strahd still slumbered in the catacombs of Ravenloft, but he knew that the vampire would not remain vulnerable forever. Determined to see the task done before his last years were upon him, Van Richten prepared his tools one final time and set off through the Mists.

Six months later, Van Richten—now disguised as a traveling scholar and accompanying a caravan of Vistani—arrived in the quiet village of Barovia. The burgomaster, a man named Kolyan Indirovich, welcomed him as an honored guest, and Van Richten settled in to gather intelligence and prepare his attack.

Two weeks after Van Richten’s arrival, however, disaster struck. A massive undead dire wolf—the beloved pet of Strahd’s bride Anastrasya Karelova—attacked a group of Barovian children who had strayed too far from the village. Van Richten, luckily nearby, fended off the beast and destroyed it, freeing the children with nary a scratch.

It was ill luck, however, that the beast’s attacks knocked off Van Richten’s hat of disguise, revealing his true appearance. It was worse luck still that the priest’s son—a young man named Doru who had been looking for the children himself—recognized Van Richten’s face, tools, and fighting style from Van Richten’s Guide to Vampires, a well-worn tome that Doru had read countless times since purchasing it from a Vistani caravan. That evening, Doru confronted Van Richten, demanding to confirm his true identity.

The Darkened Valley

Two weeks now had passed since the failed revolt, and Strahd began gathering hordes of undead to serve his wrathful will. Upon learning of his dark designs, the revenant knights of the Order of the Silver Dragon demanded that their commander, Vladimir Horngaard, release them from their vows and permit them to warn and defend the village.

Enraged by their defiance, Vladimir banished his knights from the mansion and commanded them to secrecy, allowing only Sir Godfrey Gwilym to remain.

The Wrath of Strahd

Ninety days after Rahadin's proclamation, Strahd's undead army was finally complete. He unleashed the zombie horde against the village of Barovia—and, to punish Doru, sent him to the Barovian church to torment his father, Father Donavich.

The zombies’ siege of the town lasted a full week, with the undead crashing against crude village fortifications night after night. Though the village was ultimately secured, dozens of lives were lost—including, on the final night, the life of Burgomaster Indirovich himself. With that, Strahd finally withdrew his forces, allowing the Barovians to heal their wounded, gather their dead, and attempt to rebuild.

The burgomaster’s children, Ismark and Ireena, took charge of the rebuilding effort. Even so, many Barovians, fearful of Strahd’s emergence and the threat of Castle Ravenloft, left their ruined homes and broken families and fled for Vallaki to the west, hoping that its high walls could bring security.

Many of those who remained in the village of Barovia turned on Ismark, blaming him for dissuading them from fleeing for safety weeks before. Ismark—named for his ancestor “Ismark the Great”—was now mocked as “Ismark the Lesser.”

Two nights after the siege ended, visiting the village in disguise to assure himself of its submission, Strahd caught a glimpse of Ireena in the streets—and recognized her as the spitting image of Tatyana Federovna.

The following night, believing Ireena to be Tatyana’s latest reincarnation, Strahd visited the burgomaster’s manor and charmed his way inside before biting her. Two nights later, he visited again, overcoming Ismark and Ireena’s best efforts to resist him and biting Ireena a second time. Desperate and defiant, the two siblings placed heavy fortifications around the manor—all while doing their best to keep Strahd’s visitations hidden from the other villagers.

Now, as Strahd’s servants spread themselves across the valley, obedient once more to the vampire’s will, a creeping darkness is returning to corrupt the land. Shadows lurk in every corner, and the Mists watch silently as the horrors unfold.

Meanwhile, in a distant land far beyond the valley, several travellers arrive in the town of Daggerford, blissfully unaware of the trials that await…

Strahd von Zarovich

Strahd’s Goals

Strahd’s primary goal is simple: to free himself and Barovia from the Mists.

As a conqueror, Strahd craves new lands and the freedom—and power—to claim them. He seeks to restore his long-lost empire, with Castle Ravenloft and the valley of Barovia as its seat of power.

To this end, he needs three things: a pacified kingdom, a host of loyal servants, and—most importantly—an escape plan.

By defeating his servants and halting their schemes, the players can deny him the first; by defending Ireena Kolyana and resisting his temptations, they can also deny him the second. However, Strahd has plans within plans, and there is only one way to halt his final scheme: to destroy the vampire himself.

Strahd’s Allies

Strahd commands a vast host of beasts, undead, and other minions, which he can direct in a host of plots or schemes. They include:

• Rahadin, Strahd’s dusk elf chamberlain
• Beucephalus, Strahd’s nightmare steed
• Strahd’s vampiric brides, Ludmilla, Anastrasya, and Volenta
• Strahd’s vampire spawn, including his consort, Escher
• Undead servants, including zombies, Strahd zombies, and wights
• Loyal beasts, including Barovian bats, rats, wolves, and dire wolves
• The werewolf pack commanded by Kiril Stoyanovich
• Vistani spies, including Eliza (at Tser Pool Encampment) and Arrigal (at the Vallaki encampment)
• The witches’ coven that dwells in Castle Ravenloft

However, Strahd always faces the final battle alone. Whether by pride, fate, or mere coincidence, this fight is his to win—or lose.

Strahd’s Tactics

Even in combat, Strahd is no ordinary foe. Like several of the enemies encountered in this adventure, he uses a multi-phase statblock in battle. Strahd’s statistics work as follows:

Attributes & Weaknesses

All three phases share the following vampire attributes and weaknesses:

• Undead Nature. Strahd doesn't require air.
• Forbiddance. Strahd can't enter a residence without an invitation from one of the occupants.
• Chained to the Grave. Strahd cannot gain the benefits of a long rest except by resting in his coffin for eight consecutive hours between dawn and dusk.
• Children of the Night. Strahd can comprehend and verbally communicate with Barovian bats, rats, and wolves (including dire wolves), which obey his commands.
• Stake to the Heart. If a piercing weapon made of wood is driven into Strahd’s heart while he is incapacitated in his coffin, he is paralyzed until the stake is removed.

Additionally, Strahd can always use the following action:

• Shapechange. If Strahd isn't in running water or sunlight, he polymorphs into a Tiny bat, a Medium wolf, or a Medium cloud of mist, or back into his true form. His statistics, other than his size and speed, are unchanged. Anything he is wearing transforms with him, but nothing he is carrying does. He reverts to his true form if he dies. While in mist form, Strahd can't take any actions, speak, or manipulate objects. He is weightless, has a flying speed of 20 feet, can hover, and can enter a hostile creature's space and stop there. In addition, if air can pass through a space, the mist can do so without squeezing, and he can't pass through water. He has advantage on Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution saving throws, and he is immune to all nonmagical damage, except the damage he takes from sunlight.

While Strahd retains a connection to the Fanes of Barovia, he also possesses the following features in all three phases:

• Dominion of the Mountain. While Strahd retains the power of the Mountain Fane, he is under the effect of a permanent nondetection spell. Additionally, Strahd can cast control weather as an action without components and without expending a spell slot.
• Dominion of the Swamp. While Strahd retains the power of the Swamp Fane, he can cast major image and move earth without components and without expending spell slots.
• Dominion of the Forest. While Strahd retains the power of the Forest Fane, he can cast beast sense, locate creature, and animal shapes without components and without expending spell slots.
• Rejuvenation. If Strahd is destroyed while he retains the power of at least one of the Fanes, he gains a new body in 24 hours, regaining all his hit points and phases and becoming active again. His new body appears within his coffin.

Strahd, the Mage

Medium undead (shapechanger), lawful evil

• Armor Class 16 (natural armor)
• Hit Points 331 (39d8 + 156)
• Speed 40 ft., climb 40 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
20 (+5)	20 (+5)	18 (+4)	20 (+5)	15 (+2)	20 (+5)

• Saving Throws Dex +11, Wis +8, Cha +11
• Skills Arcana +17, Athletics +11, Deception +17, Perception +14, Religion +11, Stealth +17
• Damage Resistances necrotic; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
• Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 24
• Languages Abyssal, Common, Draconic, Elvish, Giant, Infernal
• Challenge 21, or 19 when fought in sunlight
• Proficiency Bonus. +6

Complex Casting. If Strahd casts a spell on his turn using a bonus action, he can also use his action to cast a non-cantrip spell on the same turn.

Legendary Resistance (1/Day). If Strahd fails a saving throw, he can choose to succeed instead.

Regeneration. Strahd regains 20 hit points at the start of his turn if he has at least 1 hit point and isn’t in sunlight. If he takes radiant damage, this trait doesn’t function at the start of his next turn.

Spider Climb. Strahd can move up, down, and across vertical surfaces and upside down along ceilings, while leaving his hands free.

Sunlight Hypersensitivity. While in sunlight, Strahd takes 20 radiant damage at the start of his turn, and he has disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks.

Innate Spellcasting. Strahd’s innate spellcasting ability is Intelligence. He can innately cast the following spells:

3/day: detect thoughts, animate dead

1/day: scrying

Actions

Multiattack. Strahd uses vampiric touch twice, or vampiric touch and telekinesis once each.

Vampiric Touch. Strahd casts or attacks with vampiric touch. A creature hit by an attack made with this spell must make a DC 19 Constitution saving throw or be dazed until the start of Strahd’s next turn. (That creature can move or take one action on its turn, not both. It also can’t take a bonus action or a reaction.)

Telekinetic Grasp. Strahd exerts his will on one creature that he can see within 60 feet and forces it to make a DC 19 Strength saving throw. On a failure, that creature rises vertically, up to 20 feet, and remains suspended there until the start of Strahd’s next turn. That creature also takes 7 (2d6) necrotic damage and is restrained until the end of Strahd’s next turn. When the effect ends, the target falls to the ground if it is still aloft.

Bonus Actions

Circle of Sickness. A sphere of negative energy bursts from Strahd in a 10-foot radius. Each creature within range must make a DC 19 Constitution saving throw. On a failure, a creature takes 28 (8d6) necrotic damage and gains disadvantage on its next attack roll made before the end of its next turn. A creature that succeeds on the roll takes half damage and doesn’t gain disadvantage.

Lightning Bolt. Strahd casts lightning bolt.

Reactions

Strahd can take up to three reactions per round, but only one per turn.

Misty Step. In response to taking damage, Strahd casts misty step.

Blindness/Deafness. In response to taking damage from a melee attack, Strahd casts blindness/deafness against the attacker. A creature that fails its saving throw against the spell takes an additional 7 (2d6) necrotic damage.

Lair Actions

While Strahd is in Castle Ravenloft, he can take lair actions as long as he isn't incapacitated.

On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), Strahd can take one of the following lair action options, or forgo using any of them in that round:

Scatter. The air quivers around up to three creatures of Strahd's choice that he can see within 60 feet. Each creature must succeed on a DC 19 Wisdom saving throw or be teleported to an unoccupied space on the ground or floor that Strahd can see within 60 feet of him.

Fiery Sphere. A 10-foot diameter sphere of fire appears in an unoccupied space of Strahd's choice within 60 feet that he can see until initiative count 20 on the following round. Any creature that starts its turn within 5 feet of the sphere must succeed on a DC 19 Dexterity saving throw or take 14 (4d6) fire damage. The sphere ignites flammable objects not being worn or carried, and it sheds bright light in a 30-foot radius and dim light for an additional 30 feet.

Strahd, the Soldier

Medium undead (shapechanger), lawful evil

• Armor Class 16 (natural armor)
• Hit Points 331 (39d8 + 156)
• Speed 40 ft., climb 40 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
20 (+5)	20 (+5)	18 (+4)	20 (+5)	15 (+2)	20 (+5)

• Saving Throws Dex +11, Wis +8, Cha +11
• Skills Arcana +17, Athletics +11, Deception +17, Perception +14, Religion +11, Stealth +17
• Damage Resistances necrotic; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
• Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 24
• Languages Abyssal, Common, Draconic, Elvish, Giant, Infernal
• Challenge 21, or 19 when fought in sunlight
• Proficiency Bonus. +6

Battlefield Awareness. Strahd has advantage on Strength and Dexterity saving throws against effects that he can see or hear, such as traps and spells.

Legendary Resistance (1/Day). If Strahd fails a saving throw, he can choose to succeed instead.

Regeneration. Strahd regains 20 hit points at the start of his turn if he has at least 1 hit point and isn’t in sunlight. If he takes radiant damage, this trait doesn’t function at the start of his next turn.

Spider Climb. Strahd can move up, down, and across vertical surfaces and upside down along ceilings, while leaving his hands free.

Sunlight Hypersensitivity. While in sunlight, Strahd takes 20 radiant damage at the start of his turn, and he has disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks.

Actions

Multiattack. Strahd makes two attacks, only one of which can be an umbral net.

Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit:: 11 (1d10 + 5) slashing damage plus 7 (2d6) necrotic damage. If the target is a creature, Strahd can force it to succeed on a DC 19 Strength saving throw or be pushed 5 feet away and knocked prone.

Umbral Net. Ranged Spell Attack: +11 to hit, range 30/60 ft., one creature. Hit: 7 (2d6) necrotic damage and the target is restrained until the start of Strahd’s next turn.

Bonus Actions

Thunderous Wave. Strahd slams the point of his sword into the ground, creating a shockwave. Each creature within 5 feet must make a DC 19 Strength saving throw or take 14 (3d8) thunder damage and be pushed 5 feet away. A creature that succeeds on the roll takes half damage and isn’t pushed.

Dark Volley. Strahd conjures a rain of shadowy arrows to fall toward a point he can see within 120 feet. Each creature within a 10-foot radius of that point must make a DC 19 Dexterity saving throw, taking 18 (4d8) necrotic damage on a failure or half as much damage on a success.

Reactions

Strahd can take up to three reactions per round, but only one per turn.

Commander’s Retreat. In response to taking damage from a melee attack, Strahd forces his attacker to succeed on a DC 19 Strength saving throw or be pushed 5 feet away. He can then immediately move up to his speed away from them without provoking opportunity attacks.

Vengeful Strike. In response to taking damage from a spell or attack, Strahd moves up to his speed toward the attacker and can make a longsword attack against them. This movement doesn’t trigger opportunity attacks.

Lair Actions

While Strahd is in Castle Ravenloft, he can take lair actions as long as he isn't incapacitated.

On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), Strahd can take one of the following lair action options, or forgo using any of them in that round:

Ghostly Hands. All non-undead creatures in a 10-foot square starting from a point within 60 feet must succeed on a DC 19 Strength saving throw or be restrained by grasping ghostly hands until initiative count 20 on the following round.

Fog Bank. A 40-foot radius sphere of fog appears centered on a point within 60 feet of Strahd that he can see. The sphere spreads around corners, and its area is heavily obscured. It lasts until initiative count 20 on the following round or until a wind of moderate or greater speed (at least 10 miles per hour) disperses it. When the fog appears, Strahd can immediately take the Hide action as a reaction and move up to his speed.

Strahd, the Vampire

Medium undead (shapechanger), lawful evil

• Armor Class 16 (natural armor)
• Hit Points 331 (39d8 + 156)
• Speed 40 ft., climb 40 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
20 (+5)	20 (+5)	18 (+4)	20 (+5)	15 (+2)	20 (+5)

• Saving Throws Dex +11, Wis +8, Cha +11
• Skills Arcana +17, Athletics +11, Deception +17, Perception +14, Religion +11, Stealth +17
• Damage Resistances necrotic; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
• Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 24
• Languages Abyssal, Common, Draconic, Elvish, Giant, Infernal
• Challenge 21, or 19 when fought in sunlight
• Proficiency Bonus. +6

Father of the Night. A humanoid killed by Strahd’s bite, or which is reduced to 0 hit points by it and dies without regaining consciousness, arises as a vampire spawn under Strahd’s control at the start of his next turn.

Legendary Resistance (1/Day). If Strahd fails a saving throw, he can choose to succeed instead.

Regeneration. Strahd regains 20 hit points at the start of his turn if he has at least 1 hit point and isn’t in sunlight. If he takes radiant damage, this trait doesn’t function at the start of his next turn.

Spider Climb. Strahd can move up, down, and across vertical surfaces and upside down along ceilings, while leaving his hands free.

Sunlight Hypersensitivity. While in sunlight, Strahd takes 20 radiant damage at the start of his turn, and he has disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks.

Actions

Multiattack. Strahd makes two attacks, only one of which can be a bite attack. Strahd can replace one of his attacks with a charm.

Unarmed Strike. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (1d8 + 5) slashing damage plus 14 (4d6) necrotic damage. If the target is a creature, Strahd can grapple it (escape DC 19).

Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 5 ft., one willing creature, or a creature that is grappled by Strahd, incapacitated, or restrained. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) piercing damage plus 10 (3d6) necrotic damage. The target's hit point maximum is reduced by an amount equal to the necrotic damage taken, and Strahd regains hit points equal to that amount. The reduction lasts until the target finishes a long rest.

Charm. One humanoid within 30 feet that Strahd can see must make a DC 19 Wisdom saving throw or be magically charmed for 1 minute or until Strahd loses his concentration (as if concentrating on a spell).

A target that can't see Strahd automatically succeeds. While charmed, the target regards Strahd as a trusted friend to be heeded and protected; it isn't under Strahd's control, but takes his requests and actions in the most favorable way and lets Strahd bite it.

The target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on a success. If the target is still charmed at the end of the minute, the effect lasts for 24 hours, until Strahd is destroyed, or until he takes a bonus action to end it.

Bonus Actions

Bats’ Frenzy. Strahd summons a swarm of bat-like shadows from his cloak, forcing each creature within 10 feet to make a successful DC 19 Dexterity saving throw or take 15 (6d4) necrotic damage and gain disadvantage on the next attack roll it makes before the start of Strahd’s next turn. A creature that succeeds on the roll takes half damage and doesn’t gain disadvantage.

Predator’s Fury. Strahd summons a pair of wolf-like shadows from his cloak and chooses up to two creatures he can see within 60 feet that are within 5 feet of each other. A target must succeed on a DC 19 Dexterity saving throw or take 16 (2d10 + 5) force damage and be knocked prone. A creature that succeeds on the roll takes half damage and isn’t knocked prone.

Reactions

Strahd can take up to three reactions per round, but only one per turn.

Night’s Retreat. In response to taking damage, Strahd can fly up to his speed without provoking opportunity attacks.

Blood Frenzy. In response to taking damage, Strahd can move up to his speed toward the attacker and make an unarmed strike attack.

Lair Actions

While Strahd is in Castle Ravenloft, he can take lair actions as long as he isn't incapacitated. On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), Strahd can take one of the following lair action options:

Deluge of Blood. A wave of blood explodes outward from a point Strahd can see within 60 feet. Each creature within 10 feet of that point must make a DC 19 Strength saving throw. On a failure, a creature takes 7 (2d6) bludgeoning damage and is pushed 10 feet away from the point and knocked prone. The creature is also blinded until initiative count 20 on the next round.

Wails of the Damned. Strahd summons an ethereal torrent of shrieking specters in a 5-foot radius centered on a point within 60 feet that he can see. Each creature in that area must make a DC 19 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened of Strahd until initiative count 20 on the next round. A creature frightened in this way is paralyzed and loses its concentration.

Design Notes: Strahd von Zarovich

Roleplaying Strahd. The Gentleman, the Tyrant, and the Monster reflect three distinct popular community interpretations of Strahd's character. Many DMs will attempt to combine two or more of these archetypes into their campaign at a time, but doing so can risk making Strahd's character feel inconsistent and unpredictable.

As such, this section provides a structured, methodical approach to developing Strahd's character through his relationship with the players. Importantly, each transition is tied to a particular point in the adventure's timeline, ensuring that Strahd does not, for example, spoil his relationship with the players before inviting them to dinner, or treat them as enemies before they have the capacity to defend themselves.

Strahd's Relationships. This section preserves Strahd's canonical relationship with Ireena in order to keep his (cold, calculating, and sociopathic) characterization consistent.

Strahd's Goals. This section is structured to ensure a high-tension, action-packed sequence of challenges from the beginning to the end of the campaign. Specifically, it explains:

• why Strahd does not simply seize Ireena from the players (he fears the Dark Powers’ intervention if he does not escape Barovia first);
• why Strahd’s forces are attacking St. Andral’s Church and the Wizard of Wines winery (he seeks to break the Barovians’ spirit to fuel his escape ritual);
• why Strahd does not assist his forces in defeating the players at St. Andral’s Church or the Wizard of Wines winery (he seeks to separate the weak from the strong);
• why Strahd “tests” the players instead of killing them (he wants to find generals for his future armies);
• why the players must reconsecrate the Fanes (they must stop Strahd from using them in his ritual and remove Strahd's immortality);
• why Strahd does not simply kill the players when they reconsecrate the Fanes (he seeks to use them as alternate conduits to the Fanes);
• why the players cannot bring an army of allies to Castle Ravenloft (they are preoccupied defending their homes from Strahd’s undead apocalypse); and
• why the players must confront Strahd at Castle Ravenloft (they must do so to end his undead apocalypse).

Strahd's Allies. For reasons of both balance and narrative, it is important that Strahd faces the final fight alone.

Strahd's Tactics. Strahd's original statblock is exceptionally fragile, allowing players to destroy him without the Sunsword as early as level 6. His phasing lair action, however, turns the original final battle into a torturous slog, ensuring that the players cannot win unless the Dungeon Master allows it or makes a mistake.

Many substitute statblocks have been proposed, increasing Strahd's Challenge Rating beyond his original difficulty. However, these strengthened statblocks fail for two simple reasons:

• Any Strahd statblock that is powerful enough to survive the players' attacks for more than three rounds is also powerful enough to knock players unconscious with a single attack, thereby starting a "death spiral" that kills the entire party.
• Any Strahd statblock that is unable to knock players unconscious with a single attack is fragile and must rely on hit-and-run guerilla tactics instead, disappointing and frustrating players who had rightfully expected an epic confrontation.

This issue can be solved by dramatically increasing Strahd's hit points and/or Armor Class (i.e., "Defensive Challenge Rating") while dramatically decreasing his attack bonus and/or damage output (i.e., "Offensive Challenge Rating"). These changes dramatically increase his lifespan without risking a TPK, ensuring a long, yet winnable boss battle

Long battles, however, leave players exhausted and bored—especially for playgroups whose combats run slow. To inject energy and dynamism into the fight, we can split Strahd's statblock into three parts, or "phases," with each phase bestowing Strahd with new abilities and features. Each phase has been calibrated using Challenge Ratings 2.0 to survive approximately three to four rounds against an average 10th-level party wielding the Sunsword and Holy Symbol of Ravenkind and accompanied by Ezmerelda d'Avenir, Ireena Kolyana, and Kasimir Velikov; the entire combat encounter should last nine to twelve rounds in total.

To strengthen the themes of the final fight, each phase reflects a part of Strahd's history and descent into darkness: the Soldier (reflecting his history as a conqueror); the Mage (reflecting his search for immortality); and the Monster (reflecting his passage into undeath).

Even with a multi-phase statblock, however, Strahd's battlefield remains relatively stagnant. To introduce additional tactics and dynamics into the fight, each of Strahd's phases have been given the following: two attack options (for moving enemies and imposing conditions, respectively); two bonus attack options (for punishing short- and long-range foes, respectively); and two reaction options (for escaping and aggressing, respectively).

Strahd's legendary actions have also been replaced with the ability to take multiple reactions per round, maintaining his ability to react to changing circ*mstances while reducing memory issues for the DM.

Note that the Mage statblock intentionally foregoes a traditional "spellcasting" feature in favor of an action-oriented selection of spells. While some DMs might be disappointed by Strahd's lack of choice, it is important to remember that each phase will survive for only a short period of time; as such, Strahd's spells have been carefully curated in order to provide players with the most challenging, tactical, and memorable experience possible.

Vampire Forbiddance. Tension is the key to horror, and monsters are therefore scary only when bound by meaningful rules. Permitting Strahd to enter any home simply because “he is the Land” removes the players’ ability to meaningfully prevent it, thereby removing a large amount of suspenseful gameplay.

Moreover, a monster is only as resonant as its most notable weaknesses; a werewolf that cannot be killed with silver, for example, is hardly a werewolf at all. Removing Strahd’s Forbiddance destroys a key part of the horror fantasy: the ability to defy a monster using its unique rules and weaknesses. As such, this guide intentionally retains that feature.

The Holy Symbol of Ravenkind

The Holy Symbol of Ravenkind has been revised as follows:

The Sunsword

The Sunsword cannot be attuned to when the players first obtain it. Instead, the players must submerge it in the blessed pool near the Shrine of the White Sun to restore its radiant blade. (The hilt retains its sentience and ability to communicate telepathically before its blade is restored.) For more information about this arc, see Arc V: The Sunsword below.

Note that the Sunsword is a sentient magic item; as described in Conflict (Dungeon Master's Guide, p. 216), it may make demands of its wielder or attempt to seize control of them if they act contrary to its will. (This is especially likely to occur if, for example, its wielder is charmed by Strahd von Zarovich.)

Strahd’s Enemy

Strahd's enemy no longer possesses the Inspire action (Strahd's Enemy, p. 15). Instead, if she confronts the Dark Powers at Marina's Monument in Berez (see Arc X: Whispers of the Mists), Ireena Kolyana gains this ability as a bonus action. See Arc B: Welcome to Barovia for more information about Ireena's statistics.

The Card Reading

Immediately before the scene in which the players meet Madam Eva, if you are using a physical Tarokka deck for the reading, choose which five cards Madam Eva will draw and stack them on top of the deck in the order described in Card Reading (p. 11).

When choosing which card(s) to use for which part of the reading, select from the following lists.

Strahd’s Spies

One or more of Strahd's spies check in on the players once each day and once each night, as described in Strahd's Spies (p. 29). However, the nature of Strahd’s spies may vary with the players’ location and the time of day. Use the following table when planning an encounter with a spy:

Strahd's spies report the following information, which you should track using the Strahd's Espionage handout on the end of his guide:

• any conversations that the players are heard having;
• any spells, weapons, or abilities that the players are seen using; and
• any locations or NPCs that the players are seen visiting.

Encounters with Strahd

Throughout the adventure, the players will have numerous encounters with Strahd von Zarovich. After meeting Strahd for the first time at the River Ivlis Crossroads (see Arc C: Into the Valley), the players may later speak with him at Yester Hill (see Arc M: The Missing Gem) and dine with him at Castle Ravenloft (see Arc L: Dinner with Strahd).

Once Strahd learns that the players have obtained the Holy Symbol of Ravenkind or relit the beacon of Argynvostholt, he refocuses his efforts toward determining whether any of them are worthy to serve as generals or consorts in his court. See Arc Y: The Devil’s Ordeals for more information.

Adventure Hooks

In contrast to the original Curse of Strahd module, this guide offers a single, original adventure hook to guide the players into Barovia. In this hook, Death House serves as a portal to Strahd's domain: the players enter Death House in their own world, and—upon defeating or pacifying the cult—emerge into the land of Barovia. However, this hook can be implemented in two possible ways:

In general, Lost in the Mists may be viewed as a "pure" version of Curse of Strahd, focusing its narrative on the isolation and alienation of Barovia. By contrast, Barovian Relics is best used by Dungeon Masters who are passionate about Barovia's gothic atmosphere and environment, but whose players require a personal connection to the campaign to be emotionally invested.

See Arc A. Escape From Death House and A1. Daggerford for more information about how to run these hooks. If you choose to run Barovian Relics for one or more of your players, have each of those players choose a motivation from the Motivations section in Chapter 1: Into the Mists before beginning the campaign.

Act III: The Devil's Hand

For characters of 5th level and higher.

In this act, the players receive a plea from Urwin Martikov to investigate the Wizard of Wines winery—and an invitation from Strahd to dine at Castle Ravenloft.

If the players agree to Urwin's request, they are joined by Muriel Vinshaw—the secret identity of the disguised wereraven that they rescued near Tser Pool. As the players work to free the winery from the scourge of druids and blights that have invaded it, Muriel relays an excerpt of Strahd's foretelling to Davian Martikov, an elder wereraven and the leader of the Keepers of the Feather.

Upon freeing the winery from the druids' clutches, Davian asks them to journey to Yester Hill to the south, where the druids are plotting a dark ritual that threatens the vineyard's destruction. Upon defeating the druids, the players will have an opportunity to speak with Strahd by the Whispering Wall and to learn of the hidden settlement of Yaedrag from Kavan, the spirit of an ancient Mountain Folk chieftain.

Once the players have recovered the winery's stolen gemstone and returned it to Davian Martikov, they can learn the true nature of the Keepers of the Feather and gain Muriel's knowledge of Strahd's cryptic fortunetelling.

Should the players accept Strahd's invitation to dine at Ravenloft, they will be escorted by Strahd's black carriage to the castle, where they will meet Strahd's servants, brides, and consorts. After dining with Strahd himself and learning of the castle's history, the players will have an opportunity to tour the castle, to dance with Strahd's brides, and—if they choose—to solve a brief mystery on Strahd's behalf.

Act III ends when the players complete or refuse both the Martikovs' quest and Strahd's dinner invitation. However, the players can still complete the Martikovs' quest until the end of Act IV, at which point the tree blight Wintersplinter destroys the winery if the druids' ritual hasn't already been stopped.

Act IV: Into the West

For characters of 6th level and higher.

In this act, the players have an opportunity to delve more deeply into the hooks they've received into the western portion of the valley, including the revenant's invitation to Argynvostholt, the location of the Holy Symbol of Ravenkind, and the identity of Strahd's foretold enemy.

Upon gaining access to the village of Krezk, the players will have an opportunity to assist Baron Dmitri Krezkov in finding and rescuing his son, Ilya—a secret werewolf like his father—from the hidden werewolf den nearby. There, the players can meet Zuleika Toranescu, a werewolf priestess of Mother Night who asks them to rescue her mate, Emil, from the dungeons of Castle Ravenloft in exchange for the Holy Symbol of Ravenkind.

While within Krezk, the players can also meet the Abbot of the Abbey of Saint Markovia, a deva. Though the players can accept the Abbot's request to obtain a wedding dress from Vallaki in exchange for his resurrection magic, the spirit of Saint Markovia warns them that he has fallen from grace—and that they must obtain the holy symbol of the cleric Tasha Petrovna from the catacombs of Ravenloft in order to restore him.

Should the players visit Argynvostholt, the former headquarters of the Order of the Silver Dragon, they can learn the ancient history of the Order—and the nature of its current schism. From Sir Godfrey Gwilym, they can also learn that Kasimir Velikov, a dusk elf mage, shares an interest in the mysterious Amber Temple and has attempted to visit it in the recent past.

As the players explore the mansion, the spirit of Argynvost himself will set them a dangerous task: to recover his remains from the Hall of Bones in Castle Ravenloft. If the players assisted Lady Fiona Wachter in becoming Burgomaster in Act II, Vallaki's forthcoming "Blood Tax" can provide a night on which Strahd will be absent from the castle—and therefore present a perfect opportunity for a heist.

If the players infiltrate Castle Ravenloft, they can recover Argynvost's skull from the Hall of Bones, Emil Toranescu from the castle dungeons, and Tasha Petrovna's holy symbol from the catacombs beneath the castle. Along the way, they'll likely do battle with any or all of Strahd's brides.

By returning Argynvost's skull to Argynvostholt, the players can relight the beacon of the Order of the Silver Dragon, bringing hope to the valley and allowing the revenants' spirits to find peace. By rescuing Emil, they can gain a powerful ally in defeating the current leader of the werewolf pack, Kiril Stoyanovich, and win the Holy Symbol of Ravenkind. Finally, by obtaining Tasha Petrovna's holy symbol and defeating the Abbot in combat, the players can restore the grace of his divine spirit, providing Krezk with a mighty protector.

Act IV ends when the players recruit Kasimir to journey to the Amber Temple. However, the players can still complete unresolved arcs from this act even after Act V begins—assuming, of course, that those arcs are still possible to complete.

Act V: Secrets of the Valley

For characters of 8th level and higher.

In this act, the players journey with the dusk elf Kasimir Velikov to the Amber Temple, traveling along Tsolenka Pass as they ascend Mount Ghakis. As they do, they can befriend the Mountain Folk of Yaedrag, including Elder Ormir, an ancient storm giant and devotee of the Ladies Three. From Ormir, the players can learn of the three Fanes of Barovia, and of the profane knowledge that Strahd took from the Amber Temple to desecrate them.

After overcoming the trials of Mount Ghakis's slopes, including Strahd's chamberlain Rahadin, the giant goat Sangzor, multiple fiends corrupted by the Amber Temple, and the roc of Mount Ghakis itself, the players can finally arrive at their destination. Within the Amber Temple, the players can obtain the broken hilt of the Sunsword, as well as the arcane secrets that Strahd used to corrupt the Barovian Fanes—and which can, in turn, be used to restore them.

Upon restoring the memory of the lich Exethanter and sharing with him the schematics found in the Tome of Strahd, the players can also learn Strahd's ultimate plan: to channel the power of the Fanes into the indestructible Heart of Sorrow within Castle Ravenloft, which Strahd will use to tear open the Mists and escape. The players will also learn that Strahd plans to consume the souls of all Barovia in order to power his audacious scheme, and that he cannot ever truly be killed unless severed from the Fanes' power.

With the broken hilt of the Sunsword in their hands, the players are called by a mysterious voice to return to the Shrine of the White Sun in Krezk. There, they can meet the spirit of Sergei von Zarovich, who offers to use the power of the blessed pool to restore the Sunsword's radiant blade.

If Ireena still accompanies the players, Sergei invites her to take sanctuary with him—an offer which she denies if the players have treated her with kindness and courage. If she rejects him, Sergei advises Ireena to journey to the ruined manor in Berez, where a wandering spirit can help her learn the true nature of Strahd's curse—and her own.

Soon after descending Mount Ghakis, the players also learn that the swamp-witch Baba Lysaga has sealed the Wizard of Wines and Blue Water Inn within dual mirage arcane spells and taken Muriel Vinshaw prisoner at her creeping hut—and that she plans to return with an army of wereraven-slaying strix to exterminate the Keepers of the Feather for good.

In Berez, the players can do battle with Baba Lysaga, freeing Muriel and the swarms of other ravens that Baba Lysaga has kept captive. Should the players bring Ireena to Marina's Monument nearby, they can also encounter the ghost of Burgomaster Lazlo Ulrich, the father of Marina Ulrich—one of Ireena's past lives.

Ulrich can guide the party to Marina's Monument within the swamp, where Ireena can experience the deaths of her past lives and learn the terrible truth: that, in order to escape Strahd's predation, each of her past lives ultimately accepted the gift of the Dark Powers themselves—the oblivion of death. With the players' aid, Ireena can defy the Dark Powers' temptations and reclaim a power of defiance and hope.

Act V ends when the players first enter the Swamp Fane (in Berez), Mountain Fane (by Old Bonegrinder), or Forest Fane (on Yester Hill). However, the players can still complete unresolved arcs from this act until all three Fanes have been reconsecrated—at which point all quests will become impossible to complete.

Act VI: The Curse of Strahd

For characters of 9th level and higher.

In this act, the players reconsecrate the Swamp Fane, the Mountain Fane, and the Forest Fane. Soon after the last Fane is restored, however, Strahd's masterstroke unfolds. By releasing the stored energy bound within the Heart of Sorrow, Strahd plunges Barovia into an eternal night—and turns the valley itself into desecrated ground.

As an undead apocalypse threatens to overwhelm the Barovian people, the players must journey to Castle Ravenloft to face Strahd at the Heart of Sorrow. As the final battle unfolds, the Heart of Sorrow shows visions of Strahd's undead siege from across Barovia—and of the heroic resistance shown by the allies and friends that the players have made across their journey:

Village of Barovia. If the players escorted Ireena to Vallaki, reconciled Doru with Father Donavich, befriended Dr. Rudolph van Richten in Vallaki, and inspired Ireena to reject Sergei's invitation, the village of Barovia is saved by the leadership and prowess of Ismark Kolyanovich, Doru and Donavich, Dr. Van Richten and the ghost Erasmus van Richten, and the spirit of Sergei von Zarovich.

Town of Vallaki. If the players restored the soul of Stella Wachter, aided Lady Fiona Wachter in defeating Izek Strazni, located the missing Vistana Arabelle, recovered the stolen bones of St. Andral, and rescued the Blue Water Inn from Baba Lysaga, the town of Vallaki is saved by the power and foresight of Lady Fiona Wachter and her cult; the young mage Victor Vallakovich; the Vistani Luvash, Arrigal, and Arabelle; the dusk elves; the priest Father Lucian Petrovich; and the wereravens Urwin Martikov and Danika Dorakova.

Village of Krezk. If the players rescued Ilya Krezkov from the Werewolf Den, rescued Emil Toranescu from the dungeons of Castle Ravenloft, and restored the Abbot's divine grace, the village of Krezk is saved by the might and savagery of the redeemed Abbot, the Belview mongrelfolk, the Krezkov werewolves, and Emil's new werewolf pack.

Wizard of Wines. If the players saved the Wizard of Wines from the druids and Wintersplinter, defeated Baba Lysaga, and relit the beacon of Argynvostholt, the winery is saved by the combined efforts of the Keepers of the Feather and the spirits of the Order of the Silver Dragon.

Settlement of Yaedrag. If the players aided the Mountain Folk within the Amber Temple and reconsecrated the Fanes of Barovia, the settlement of Yaedrag is saved by the sudden arrival of the Mountain Folk warrior Helwa, the chieftain Kavan and his warband of spirits, the bestial spirits of the Huntress, and the roc of Mount Ghakis itself.

In this act, the players are lured into the haunted Death House, which mystically transports them into the land of Barovia. As the players gain their bearings, they travel to the village of Barovia, where they meet burgomaster Ismark Kolyanovich and his sister, Ireena Kolyana, and learn about the mysterious Strahd von Zarovich, a vampire that has recently awoken to plague the Barovian valley.

The players are asked to escort Ireena to the nearby town of Vallaki for safety; if the players agree, Ireena also asks them to assist in the burial of her late father, Burgomaster Kolyan Indirovich. While at the local church, the players meet Doru, a vampire spawn at war with his bloodthirsty nature, and have an opportunity to reconcile him with his father, the priest Donavich.

Upon receiving a warning and invitation sent in a dream from the Vistani seer Madam Eva, the players depart the village of Barovia for a Vistani encampment at nearby Tser Pool. Following a brief encounter with Strahd himself, the players receive a mystical Tarokka reading from Madam Eva, who foretells the location of three mystical artifacts—and a companion—who will help them defeat Strahd.

As the players travel to Madam Eva's camp and the nearby town of Vallaki, they encounter a number of characters with ties to possible future adventures, as well as some adversarial encounters that will test their tactics, coordination, and combat skill.

Upon their arrival in Vallaki, the players can find shelter at the Blue Water Inn, and—if she is with them—help Ireena seek shelter at St. Andral’s Church. The act ends when the players take their first long rest in Vallaki.

A2. Death House

If one or more of your players are using the Lost in the Mists hook, read the following text. Otherwise, proceed to A2a. The Arrival below.

A2a. The Arrival

You are cordially invited to join

MR. GUSTAV & ELISABETH DURST

for a celebration of the one-year anniversary of the Durst Mill.

The Durst Residence, Barovia Village

6 o'clock p.m.
13 Neyavr, 348

Dinner and refreshments to be served.

Den of Wolves

This room is largely as described in Den of Wolves (p. 212). As the players enter this room, read:

If the players proceed, read:

The discarded toys are small, plush gray wolves, whose threadbare coats show evidence of heavy mending and patchwork. Clusmy stitchwork on their stomachs reads ROSE and THORN, respectively.

In addition to its other contents, the east cabinet contains three silvered crossbow bolts mixed in with the other twenty bolts. Meanwhile, the north cabinet also contains a mounted piece of child's needlework that depicts a boy and girl holding the hands of a young woman, alongside clumsily stitched words that read FOR MISS KLARA. The young woman's face has been slashed and cut out.

The first time that no players are looking at them, the three taxidermied wolves move. When the players next look at them, the large gray wolf is standing beside the smaller brown wolf, and the first gray wolf has turned its snarl toward the others.

A player that succeeds on a DC 12 Intelligence (Nature) check can identify the large gray wolf as male and the other two as female.

Dining Room

Players that approach this door can hear the muffled sound of a lively dinner feast, including clinking glasses, quiet laughter, and distant conversation. If the players open or knock on the door, however, the room falls silent, leaving only the stillness and the cold grandeur of the room beyond.

This room is largely as described in Dining Room (p. 213). When the players enter it, read:

A player who partakes in the food suffers no ill effects.

Kitchen and Pantry

This room is largely as described in Kitchen and Pantry (p. 213). When the players enter this room, read:

If the players inspect the cookware, they find that the largest kitchen knife is missing.

A player who enters the pantry finds that one of the shelves contains a set of beautiful decorative plates painted with pictures of windmills. One of the plates appears to have been knocked off of the shelf and lies in shattered pieces on the floor, leaving an empty spot in the row of plates.

A few inches behind the empty spot on the shelf sits an antique copper pot, its lid slightly ajar. Peaking out from beneath the lid is the cork of what appears to be a bottle of wine.

A player who opens the pot finds it to contain a bottle of wine, a folded piece of delicate lace, a vial of a brownish dried powder, and a bouquet of wilted sunflowers tied to a small scroll of parchment.

• The wine's label shows that it is from the Wizard of Wines winery and provides the name of the wine: Champagne du le Stomp. (A player that drinks the wine finds it to have turned to vinegar, as though it has magically aged centuries in mere moments.)
• The piece of lace bears the initial "K" sewn onto one corner.
• A successful DC 14 Intelligence (Nature) check identifies the brown powder as dried silphium, a contraceptive herb.
• The parchment scroll reads: "For the light of my life. —G."

If the players read the note, one of the knives in the kitchen flies off of its shelf and embeds itself in the opposite wall.

A2c. The Second Floor

Several stained-glass wall hangings depict beautiful men, women, and children singing and playing instruments. A harpsichord with a bench rests in the northwest corner. Near the fireplace is a large standing harp. Alabaster figurines of well-dressed dancers adorn the mantelpiece.

Library

This room is largely as described in Library (p. 213-14). When the players enter this room, read:

The Desk. A handwritten note sits atop the desk. It reads:

Master Suite

When a player first approaches this door, read:

This room is largely as described in Master Suite (p. 214). When the players enter this room, read:

The Bed. A player that approaches the bed can see that a large, bloodstained kitchen knife has been driven into one of the pillows.

The Jewelry Box. The jewelry box is empty of valuables. Instead, it is filled with grain, with an amber shard resting in the center of the box. (This amber shard is the unique key to the secret door in the Library.)

The Balcony. A player that exits the bedroom onto the balcony sees that the town of Daggerford has vanished. Instead, the balcony looks out over an endless, mist-filled chasm.

Bathroom

This room is as described in Bathroom (p. 215).

Storage Room

This room is largely as described in Storage Room (p. 215). When the players enter it, read:

When a player first approaches within 5 feet of the broom of animated attack, it attacks with surprise as soon as they avert their eyes or turn away, thwacking them once upside the head. It then immediately returns to its initial position—now cobweb-free. On its future turns, the broom uses its multiattack to continue to attack any player not looking at it who remains within 5 feet, foregoing opportunity attacks against players that move away.

Nursemaid’s Suite

This room is largely as described in Nursemaid’s Suite (p. 217). When the players enter it, read:

The Bed. A player that removes the covers from the bed finds that there is nothing beneath them. Instead, the player only finds a bloodstained mattress and crude hand-and-foot restraints made from barbed wire nailed to the four posts of the bed frame.

The air in this small nursery is strangely warm and tinged with a coppery scent. Blood-red runes cover the floor and walls, arranged in concentric circles around the crib in the center. Looking down, you notice that a small object seems to have fallen beneath the crib. In the distance, you can faintly hear the sound of an infant's soft whimpering.

A2e. The Attic

Profile: Rosavalda "Rose" Durst

Roleplaying Information

Resonance. Rose should inspire sympathy for her insecurities and fears, endearment for her dedication to Thorn, and gratitude for her earnest efforts to aid the players.

Emotions. Rose most often feels apprehensive, curious, defiant, or bold.

Motivations. Rose wants to keep Thorn safe and comforted, and to allow their spirits to finally find peace.

Inspirations. When playing Rose, channel Eleven (Stranger Things), Matilda (Matilda), and Lucy Pevensie (The Chronicles of Narnia).

Character Information

Persona. To the world, Rose is Thorn's fiercest protector. To those she trusts, Rose is a lost, fearful, and traumatized young girl.

Morale. In a fight, Rose would plead for peace, but flee with Thorn if that proved impossible.

Relationships. Rose is Thorn Durst's older sister, Walter Durst's half-sibling, and the eldest child of Elisabeth and Gustav Durst.

Profile: Thornboldt "Thorn" Durst

Roleplaying Information

Resonance. Thorn should inspire sympathy for his shyness and fear, and endearment for his childlike joy.

Emotions. Thorn most often feels uncomfortable, joyous, anxious, or terrified.

Motivations. Thorn wants to keep close to Rose and find toys to play with.

Inspirations. When playing Thorn, channel Neville Longbottom (Harry Potter) and Piglet (Winnie the Pooh).

Character Information

Persona. To the world, Thorn is a frightened young boy who clings to his sister. To those he trusts, Thorn is a quietly observant and insightful child.

Morale. In a fight, Thorn would cower and cry, pleading for Rose to rescue him.

Relationships. Thorn is Rose Durst's younger brother, Walter Durst's half-sibling, and the youngest child of Elisabeth and Gustav Durst.

Storage Room

This room is largely as described in Storage Room (p. 215). When the players enter this room, read:

The nursemaid’s specter does not appear in this room. Instead, a character who opens the trunk finds the nursemaid’s corpse, with wounds consistent with those seen on the spirit’s body in the Nursemaid’s Suite. A DC 14 Wisdom (Medicine) check reveals that the woman died of starvation.

A player inspecting the remains feels a cold breath on their shoulder and the unshakeable sense of being watched. Meanwhile, if another player has previously uncovered a nearby mirror from its sheet covering, that player can see an apparition of Elisabeth Durst within the mirror staring at the player near the chest. Once observed, the apparition swiftly vanishes.

Milestone. Descending into Death House's dungeon level completes a story milestone. When the party gains access to the secret stairs, award each player 200 XP.

Guest Bedroom

This room is as described in Spare Bedroom (p. 215).

Secret Stairs

This room is largely as described in Secret Stairs (p. 217). When the players enter this room, read:

As the players descend the stairs, read:

As your eyes and ears adjust to the cold, subterranean corridor, you notice that the tunnel isn't as silent as the staircase above. An eerie, low-pitched sound echoes through the space—and you soon recognize it as a deep, incessant chanting.

A2f. The Basem*nt

Hidden Spiked Pit

This room is largely as described in Hidden Spiked Pit (p. 218). If the characters enter this area from Well and Cultist Quarters, read:

If the characters enter this area from Dining Hall, read:

If the characters enter this area from Ghoulish Encounter, read:

Dining Hall

This room is largely as described in Dining Hall (p. 218). When the players enter this room, read:

Larder

This area is largely as described in Larder (p. 218).

The grick in this alcove—the warped remains of Gustav Durst’s flayed corpse—is coiled on the ceiling, and drops onto its victim when they enter. A DC 17 Wisdom (Perception) check allows a player to determine its presence before entering.

If the players disturb the grick, read:

Ghoulish Encounter

This area is largely as described in Ghoulish Encounter (p. 218). When the players first approach this area, read:

When a player first enters one of the 5-foot squares at the entrance of the corridors (marked T on the map), four ghouls rise up out of the ground in the spaces marked G and attack.

As the ghouls attack, they mindlessly repeat any or all of the following phrases:

• “Beautiful. We’re so beautiful.”
• “We are perfect. We are immortal.”
• “Help us live forever.”

The trail ends at the center of a quiet intersection. The incessant chanting you've heard since first entering the dungeon is noticeably louder down the northern branch of the intersection.

Stairs Down

This room is largely as described in Stairs Down (p. 218). When the players approach this area, read:

Darklord’s Shrine

This room is largely as described in Darklord’s Shrine (p. 218). When the players enter this room, read:

A player that approaches the orb can hear many voices whispering the following phrases:

• “His gaze burns upon us.”
• “The Darklord’s eyes are always watching.”

Additionally, that player’s shadow begins to writhe and twist, its edges growing tattered and blurred as it lashes erratically across the floor. A player who touches the orb feels as though a “dark, ancient evil” has suddenly turned its eye upon them.

If the orb is removed from its position, the ashen shadows upon the walls begin to stir. Each round, up to two of the shadows “awaken,” swooping across the walls. As they awaken, they murmur and moan the following phrases:

• “Begone from this place!”
• “Look not upon us.”
• “Return the Darklord’s offering!”

Once all shadows have awoken, they attack, with each shadow preferring to target a different player. If the orb is returned to its place on the statue, the shadows return to their original positions and become dormant once more.

If the players approach the door leading to Cult Leaders’ Den, read:

If the players have not already seen this door from the opposite side, add:

Any creature that touches the door becomes adhered to it, whereupon the mimic attacks. The mimic also attacks if its takes any damage.

When the mimic attacks, the victim's hand is sucked inside of it. The door then deforms, sprouting dozens of mouths and eyes, with the nearest mouth attempting to bite down on the now-stuck victim.

If the mimic is attacked at range by a wary or alerted PC, it flees, vanishing around the corner and reappearing as a door, chest, or longsword elsewhere in the dungeon.

Hidden Trapdoor

This room is largely as described in Hidden Trapdoor (p. 219). When the players find and enter this area, read:

Cult Leader’s Den

This room is largely as described in Cult Leaders’ Den (p. 219). When the players enter this room, read:

See Darklord’s Shrine for more information on running the mimic here.

Cult Leader’s Quarters

This room is largely as described in Cult Leaders’ Quarters (p. 219). When the players enter this room, read:

The room is suffused with a familiar stench of death—but far stronger, mixing with a noxious scent that fills your lungs with every breath.

A2g. The Dungeon

Flesh Mound, 1st Form

Large undead, chaotic evil

• Armor Class 15 (natural armor)
• Hit Points 51 (6d10 + 18)
• Speed 20 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
16 (+3)	8 (-1)	16 (+3)	3 (-4)	10 (+0)	5 (-3)

• Condition Immunities blinded, deafened, exhaustion
• Senses blindsight 60 ft., passive Perception 10
• Languages —
• Challenge 3, or 2 when its heavy sleeper feature is active.

Heavy Sleeper. If either of the mound’s forms has been unconscious within the past minute, it can’t use its multiattack.

Instinctual Defense. When the mound drops to 0 hit points, it expels each creature currently engulfed by it. (Those creatures appear prone in an empty space within 5 feet of the mound.) The mound’s statistics are then instantly replaced by the statistics of its second form. Its initiative count doesn’t change.

Actions

Multiattack. The flesh mound makes two Slam attacks. If it has a Medium or smaller creature grappled, the flesh mound then uses its Engulf on it.

Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (2d4 + 3) bludgeoning damage. If the attack hits a Medium or smaller target, the target is grappled (escape DC 13).

Engulf. The flesh mound engulfs a Medium or smaller creature grappled by it. The engulfed target is blinded, restrained, and unable to breathe, and it must succeed on a DC 13 Constitution saving throw at the start of each of the mound’s turns or take 8 (2d4 + 3) bludgeoning damage. If the mound moves, the engulfed target moves with it. The mound can only have one creature engulfed at a time.

Flesh Mound, 2nd Form

Large undead, chaotic evil

• Armor Class 15 (natural armor)
• Hit Points 51 (6d10 + 18)
• Speed 20 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
16 (+3)	8 (-1)	16 (+3)	3 (-4)	10 (+0)	5 (-3)

• Condition Immunities blinded, deafened, exhaustion
• Senses blindsight 60 ft., passive Perception 10
• Languages —
• Challenge 3, or 2 when its heavy sleeper feature is active.

Heavy Sleeper. If either of the mound’s forms has been unconscious within the past minute, it can’t use its multiattack.

Innocent Heart. The front of the mound contains a large, misshapen rib cage. Within the rib cage hovers the infant corpse of Walter Durst. Walter's corpse has AC 17, 20 hit points, and the same ability scores as the flesh mound. If Walter's corpse is reduced to 0 hit points, the flesh mound instantly dies.

Actions

Multiattack. The flesh mound makes two tentacle attacks and uses its gore spray.

Tentacle. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d10 + 3) bludgeoning damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 13 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.

Gore Spray. The mound spews blood and gore in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw. On a failure, a creature takes 7 (2d6) necrotic damage and is blinded until the end of the mound's next turn. On a success, a creature takes half as much damage and isn't blinded.

Running a Skill Challenge

A skill challenge is a fast-paced action scene in which the players must use their creativity and resourcefulness to achieve a particular goal. The players don't need to make any particular checks or take any particular actions to pursue this goal—it's assumed that they're working hard off-screen to make it possible.

A skill challenge has multiple rounds, each of which can end in success or failure. On each round of a skill challenge, the party proceeds through the following steps:

Complication. The DM announces a new complication obstructing the party’s efforts to reach their goal. Any player can volunteer to overcome it, thereby becoming the Active Player. (A player can't be the Active Player two rounds in a row).

The Plan. The Active Player describes their plan to overcome the complication. If the DM accepts it, the Active Player’s turn begins.

The Turn. As in a combat encounter, the Active Player can use an action, a bonus action, and/or an environmental interaction to assist their efforts to overcome the complication.

The DC. If the Active Player’s plan is particularly creative or risky, the DM may choose to increase or decrease the complication's DC by the party's proficiency bonus.

The Skill Check. The DM and Active Player agree on a single skill or tool that the Active Player will use to overcome the complication. The Active Player then makes an ability check and adds any relevant modifiers. If the DM allows it, the Active PC may gain additional bonuses based on the efforts they took during their turn:

• For each cantrip, unlimited-use feature, or piece of equipment the Active Player used, they gain +2 to the roll.

• If the Active Player used a low-level spell, a consumable item, or a limited-use feature, they gain advantage on the roll. (A low-level spell has a level less than the Active Player’s proficiency bonus.)

• If the Active Player used a high-level spell or a feature that can be used only once per short or long rest, they automatically succeed on the roll. (A high-level spell has a level equal to or greater than the Active Player’s proficiency bonus.)

On a success, the party gains one success. On a failure, the party gains one failure, and all players suffer the complication’s penalty. If the party has not yet reached the required number of successes or the maximum number of failures, the next round begins.

The Penalty. If a player is reduced to 0 hit points by a complication’s penalty, they fall unconscious and cannot become the Active Player for the remainder of the skill challenge.

A2h. Escape From Death House

When the flesh mound dies, the cultists’ apparitions vanish, leaving the basem*nt eerily silent. Far overhead, the players can hear the sound of the house’s front door opening, followed by the sounds of the distant thunderstorm.

When the players next begin to move toward the exit, read:

It soon becomes clear to the players that the entire house might collapse over their heads before they’re able to escape. As the players move to flee, a skill challenge begins.

The goal of this skill challenge is to escape Death House before it collapses. The DC for each round of the skill challenge is 14. To successfully complete the challenge, the players must accumulate five successes before three failures.

• Round 1. A sudden rockslide obstructs the path as the players ascend the stairs from the Reliquary to the Spiked Pit. Penalty: Each player takes 1d6 bludgeoning damage.
• Round 2. The floor grows slick with blood and slopes downward toward the pit, which grows large, sharp teeth. Penalty: Each player takes 1d6 slashing damage.
• Round 3. If the players previously found the concealed door in the Darklord's Shrine (see Concealed Door, p. 218), they pass through it and gain two successes, proceeding to Round 7. Otherwise, they proceed north into the Dining Hall, where the gnawed bones rise into the air and attempt to skewer the players’ loose clothes—and flesh—to the walls. Penalty: Each player takes 1d6 piercing damage.
• Round 4. As the players ascend the Secret Stairs, a tide of blood sweeps down the staircase. Penalty: Each player takes 1d6 bludgeoning damage.

The house quakes and roars overhead. Two small, ethereal forms appear before you. "Go!" Rose shouts, eyes glistening with unshed tears. "We'll hold them off!"

B2k. Outside Death House

When the players exit Death House, the storm overhead has slowed to a mere drizzle, and the mists around the house have disappeared. Moreover, rather than night, the players emerge into a gray-lit, sunless morning.

Most surprisingly, however, the players now find themselves in a dark forest clearing at the beginning of the Old Svalich Road (p. 33), rather than on the Triboar Trail. The road travels west. To the east lie dark, endless woods filled with the Mists of Ravenloft (p. 23).

If the players killed the flesh mound, the house and its adjoining buildings collapse into the earth, leaving a dark and bottomless pit behind. The pit vanishes the first time the players depart the clearing.

If the players appeased the flesh mound with a sacrifice, the house and its adjoining buildings vanish from sight the first time that no players are looking at them.

If they’re still possessing the players, Rose and Thorn’s spirits end their possessions. The children remark that the woods look like their home—Barovia. They then ask the players if they can bury their remains before proceeding any further, so that they can finally rest. (The children's spirits will not proceed further into Barovia, instead pleading for the players to allow them to rest.)

If the players bury their remains here, the children’s spirits thank them before vanishing. If the players bury Walter’s remains alongside them, Death House is permanently destroyed, the spirits within put to rest. If they leave the clearing without burying Walter’s remains, however, one of the players sees Elisabeth’s spirit staring at them from the clearing. The spirit vanishes soon after.

Milestone. Escaping Death House completes a story milestone. When the party departs from Death House’s clearing, award each player 400 XP. (This should allow the players to advance to 3rd level.) If the players also buried Walter’s remains, award each player an additional 100 XP.

Arc B: Welcome to Barovia

In this arc, the players travel to the gloomy village of Barovia, which has been ravaged by death and despair in the wake of Strahd’s revival. When a disguised wereraven guides them to the Blood on the Vine Tavern, they meet Ismark, the eldest child of the village’s recently deceased burgomaster.

In exchange for food, shelter, information, and assistance against Strahd, Ismark asks the players to escort his sister Ireena—a target of Strahd’s interest—to St. Andral’s Church in the walled town of Vallaki to the west, where he believes she will be safe. Ismark is soon approached by "Mad Mary," a villager whose daughter, Gertruda, has recently left the village in search of her betrothed.

If the players agree to help him, Ismark escorts them to the Burgomaster's Mansion. There, Ireena insists on a burial for her father before departing, which can be performed at dawn with the aid of the village’s priest, Father Donavich. As the players rest in the mansion, they receive a shared dream from the Vistani seer Madam Eva, who warns them that they are in grave danger and invites them to journey to her tent at Tser Pool Encampment to learn their fates.

Upon delivering the Burgomaster's coffin to the church the following dawn, the players can meet Doru, Father Donavich's son, who Strahd transformed into a vampire spawn as punishment for his rebellion. The players then face a choice: Will they destroy Doru, as Father Donavich requests—or spare him?

B1. Old Svalich Road

This scene largely unfolds as described in Old Svalich Road (p. 33). However, as the players travel down the road away from Death House's clearing, read:

Heavy mists roll in across the road, creeping between the weather-worn trees like gnarled, ghostly fingers. The air carries an unnatural chill, and the hush of silence falls over the woods like a burial shroud.

As you walk, something catches your eye—a hunched silhouette in the fog, watching silently from the underbrush. Then, as quickly as it came, it vanishes.

Pause briefly to allow the players to interject. If they do not, proceed to read the following:

Your footsteps quicken on the path, boots squelching in the wet brown mud. Gray-tinged light filters weakly through the treetops—and then darkens, an enormous avian shadow overhead briefly blocking out the day. It disappears, leaving not even a stir to the air in its wake.

Not moments pass before the daylight blinks out once again—this time, by a reptilian silhouette that soars across the heavens, batlike wings spread wide. It, too, plunges into the mists, devoured by the fog as dozens of tiny, birdlike shadows flit among the ancient branches far above. The birds' silhouettes follow the dragon's into the mist, and silence falls once more.

B2. Gates of Barovia

This scene unfolds as described in the Gates of Barovia section (p. 34).

B3. Svalich Woods

This scene unfolds as described in the Svalich Woods section (p. 34).

B4. Barovian Overlook

When the players emerge from the Svalich Woods, read:

B5. The Village of Barovia

Profile: Ismark Kolyanovich

Roleplaying Information

Resonance. Ismark should inspire flattery with his genuine interest and empathy for the players, sympathy for his guilt and desperation, endearment for his anxiety to step beyond his ancestor's shadow, and gratitude for his friendliness and aid.

Emotions. Ismark most often feels concerned, guilty, friendly, melancholy, defiant, hopeful, desperate, and grateful.

Motivations. Ismark wants to keep his village and Ireena safe, keep his father's memory alive, and one day match his ancestor's legacy.

Inspirations. When playing Ismark, channel Jon Snow (Game of Thrones), Faramir (Lord of the Rings), and Trevor Belmont (Castlevania).

Character Information

Persona. To the world, Ismark is a courageous, reliable, and compassionate leader. To those he trusts, Ismark is a self-doubting, struggling warrior desperate to keep his loved ones safe. Deep down, Ismark worries that he will never live up to his ancestor's deeds—and fears that he has already irreparably failed.

Morale. In a fight, Ismark would first seek to mediate the parties' conflict, but would gladly draw his sword—and even fight to the death—if he believed that he was fighting for something or someone worth protecting.

Relationships. Ismark is the adoptive brother of Ireena Kolyana, and the great-grandson of Ismark the Great.

Drinks with Ismark

As the players drink, in addition to the information given in Roleplaying Ismark (p. 43) and Barovian Lore (p. 26), and the village’s recent history described above, Ismark can share the following information:

• The players have entered the land of Barovia, a realm surrounded by deadly fog and ruled by Strahd von Zarovich, a powerful vampire who slumbered in Castle Ravenloft until recently.
• Outsiders are occasionally spirited into Barovia by the mists. (Ismark has no knowledge of Death House, but vaguely remembers tales of unorthodox ways by which travelers have come to the valley.) There is no escaping Barovia once an outsider has entered it.
• The village of Barovia was recently decimated by a siege from Strahd's undead forces. While the undead were dispatched, the village suffered heavily, and many Barovians fled to Vallaki, a fortified town to the west. Many are still missing, and Ismark has had to dispatch several search parties across the nearby woods in search of survivors.
• All Barovians call Strahd “the Devil,” fearing that speaking his name gives him power and draws his attention. (This is a myth.) Ismark is unsure whether he believes this, but warns the players that Strahd’s spies are thought to be always watching— bats, wolves, and even human servants, including some among the Vistani.
• St. Andral’s Church in Vallaki is said to be hallowed ground, protecting its congregants from vampires and other undead. Ismark hopes to bring his sister, Ireena there, but is currently unable to due to his duties as his father's successor.

If the players ask about Mary and Gertruda, Ismark can share the following information:

• Just over three months ago, Gertruda's betrothed, a man named Doru, led a revolt against Castle Ravenloft. Doru and the members of his mob never returned.
• Shortly thereafter, a dusk elf named Rahadin visited the village to deliver a warning: the Devil had awoken from his coffin, and the villagers of Barovia had ninety days to make peace with their gods. Some Barovians fled for Vallaki, but a majority chose to remain in Barovia and defend their homes.
• Two weeks ago, Strahd made good on his threat. A horde of undead came to lay siege on Barovia. The villagers fended them off for a week, but suffered dozens of casualties. The siege only ended when Ismark's father, Burgomaster Kolyan Indirovich, perished in battle and the undead withdrew.

B5c. The Burgomaster’s Mansion

This area is largely as described in Burgomaster’s Mansion (p. 44). However, Kolyan’s corpse still bears the wounds that killed him: a deep gash on his forehead, and multiple lacerations across his chest.

Additionally, Ireena wears a thick red scarf to cover the marks of Strahd’s teeth on her neck. (It was knitted for her by her late mother, Korina, who died of illness fourteen years ago.)

Profile: Ireena Kolyana

Roleplaying Information

Resonance. Ireena should inspire flattery with her genuine interest in the players' goals and interests, sympathy for her sense of guilt and fear of Strahd, endearment for her determination to continue moving forward, and gratitude for her efforts to help the players succeed.

Emotions. Ireena most often feels curious, thoughtful, melancholy, guilty, stubborn, joyful, determined, defiant, and anxious.

Motivations. Ireena wants to keep her fellow Barovians and Ismark safe, honor her parents' memory, learn new stories, and one day explore distant lands.

Inspirations. When playing Ireena, channel Belle (Beauty and the Beast), Elizabeth Swann (Pirates of the Caribbean), Eowyn (Lord of the Rings), Hermione Granger (Harry Potter) and Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games).

Character Information

Persona. To the world, Ireena is a compassionate, curious, yet stubborn young noblewoman. To those she trusts, Ireena is an anxious, yet determined young woman who dreams of freedom and adventure. Deep down, Ireena wonders whether giving herself up to Strahd would be the best way to protect those she loves.

Morale. In a fight, Ireena will always turn to words before a sword. If necessary to defend herself, though, she'll draw her rapier—reluctantly, if protecting herself, and proudly, if protecting another.

Relationships. Ireena is the (knowing) adopted sister of Ismark Kolyanovich, the (unknowing) sister of Izek Strazni, and the (unknowing) reincarnation of Tatyana Federovna.

Ismark then asks the players if they will assist him in transporting their father’s remains to the local church shortly before daybreak the following morning, so that he can be buried at dawn before they depart. (Ireena will not willingly leave Barovia before this is done.) If they agree, Ireena and Ismark are both vocally grateful.

Waking Up

Ismark rouses the players shortly before dawn, gathering them to deliver the burgomaster’s remains to Barovia’s church.

If the players ask Ismark about the March of the Dead, he can tell them that the ghosts began appearing shortly after the failed revolt, when Strahd presumably first awoke. Until that time, the villagers had thought the so-called “March of the Dead” to be a myth from older times. If asked, Ismark awkwardly explains that the March is said to be a parade of outsiders that had become trapped in Barovia and sought, unsuccessfully, to slay the vampire Strahd.

If the players ask Ismark about Tser Pool, he can tell them that a Vistani encampment is known to reside there. To reach Tser Pool, he says, they must first travel west from Barovia down the Old Svalich Road, then travel north from the River Ivlis Crossroads.

B5d. Bildrath’s Mercantile

This area is largely as described in Bildrath’s Mercantile (p. 43). However, instead of selling items for ten times the price listed in the Player’s Handbook, Bildrath sells them for only twice the price, citing the recent economic upheaval.

If Ismark is present (or if the players mention him), Bildrath mocks him as “Ismark the Lesser” and instead raises his prices to five times the price listed in the Player’s Handbook, spitefully claiming them to be a “special deal” for friends of the town’s “great hero.” (Bildrath lost his sister and brother-in-law—Parriwimple’s parents—in Strahd’s recent siege, and blames Ismark for his failure to protect them.)

During the players’ conversation with Bildrath, Parriwimple enters the room carrying a box of wares that Bildrath asked him to fetch. He is excitedly curious about the players’ presence, but Bildrath orders him to return to his bedroom in order to avoid “disturbing the customers.”

If Bildrath orders Parriwimple to remove the players from the store, Parriwimple attempts to grapple them and pull them out the door, preferring to avoid violence if at all possible.

B5e. The Barovian Church

When the players arrive at the church with the burgomaster’s body, Ismark is disturbed by the damage wrought to its walls and roof. As he knocks on the front door, calling for Father Donavich, read the following:

The young man is Parriwimple, described further in E1. Bildrath's Mercantile (p. 43). Despite the early hour, he’s out for a walk. (He hasn’t been able to sleep well since his parents died in the siege, though he’s grateful to his uncle, Bildrath, for taking him in.)

Parriwimple can share the following information with the players:

• Father Donavich used to be a kind and friendly man, always ready to share a word of wisdom or a warm crabapple pie with visitors.
• Ever since the siege started, however, Donavich has shut himself inside the church and turned away visitors more often than not. When Parriwimple last saw him three days ago, Donavich looked like he hadn’t slept or bathed in a week.
• Father Donavich hasn’t worn his holy symbol (a bronze sunburst) since the rebellion, which Parriwimple considers odd. (Parriwimple always loved how the light would glint off of its surface, and adored hearing Donavich’s son, Doru, tell stories of how the sun once shone in Barovia.)
• Parriwimple misses Doru, who left to lead the rebellion against Strahd three months ago. Despite his uncle telling him that Doru died at Castle Ravenloft, Parriwimple hopes that he somehow survived.

Parriwimple won’t accompany the players inside of the church, but wishes them well and invites them to visit him at Bildrath’s Mercantile before departing.

A Recent History of the Church

Father Donavich was no supporter of Doru’s march on Castle Ravenloft. A mild and soft-spoken man, Donavich feared that Doru would meet only his end beyond the walls of the keep. To keep his son safe, however, and as a token of his love, Donavich gave Doru his holy symbol, as well as his blessing.

Donavich’s holy symbol, however, did little to protect his son. When Strahd began his siege on the village of Barovia two weeks ago, his undead forces were not alone: Strahd also sent Doru, now a freshly turned vampire spawn, to terrorize the church and torment his father. Donavich barely managed to lure and trap Doru in the undercroft, where he remains imprisoned still.

Since Doru returned, Father Donavich has been unable to cast any spells and no longer feels the Morninglord’s presence when he prays. When Strahd sent Doru back to Barovia, he allowed Doru to continue wearing his father’s holy symbol as a cruel joke. As a result, Donavich wrongly believes that Doru’s undead nature has corrupted his symbol—and, therefore, his relationship with the Morninglord—and so prevented him from reaching the Morninglord’s divine grace.

In fact, however, it is Father Donavich’s own loss of faith that hinders him—a crisis that blinds him to an even starker truth. Donavich believes that his son, Doru, is dead, and that the vampire spawn trapped in the undercroft is a foul and profane beast that wears Doru’s skin. He is mistaken: though his body is now undead, Doru’s soul is very much alive.

Though he cannot ignore Strahd’s direct commands, and though his thirst for blood weighs heavily on his thoughts and actions, Doru continues to fight bitterly against his own vampiric nature. Though he doesn’t always succeed, it was this resistance that allowed his father to entrap him in the undercroft at all. When hope rises in him, Doru calls out to his father to release him, pleading for salvation and forgiveness. Donavich, however, has so far refused to respond.

Doru continues to wear his father’s holy symbol, both to reassure himself that they will one day reconcile and to steel his will when the vampire’s urges rise too strongly within. His ability to resist the call of blood has slowly grown since his imprisonment—but so too has his exhaustion, exacerbated by slow starvation. Now, Doru’s sanity balances on a knife’s edge, and a simple push could mean salvation—or damnation.

Profile: Father Donavich

Roleplaying Information

Resonance Donavich should inspire sympathy for his sorrow and fears, pity for his separation from the Morninglord, endearment for his kindness and hospitality, and discomfort for his zealous condemnation of Doru’s undead nature.

Emotions. In his current state, Donavich most often feels grief, guilt, exhaustion, compassion, and obsession. If reconciled with Doru, he most often feels hope, relief, gratitude, confusion, fear, and shame.

Motivations. Father Donavich wants to free his son from Strahd’s clutches—at any cost.

Inspirations. When playing Father Donavich, channel Eddard Stark (Game of Thrones), Walter White (Breaking Bad), and Boromir (The Lord of the Rings).

Character Information

Persona. To the world, Father Donavich is a grieving, yet zealous father. To those he trusts, Donavich is a broken man adrift in the world, lost and confused without guidance or purpose.

Morale. In a fight, Father Donavich would ordinarily fight to defend his people and church. In his current state, however, he would immediately surrender, too wracked with guilt to even defend his own life.

Relationships. Father Donavich is Doru’s father and the priest of the Barovian church.

Descent to the Undercroft

The undercroft is largely as described in E5g. Undercroft (p. 47). However, modify the last sentence of the description as follows:

Doru, a vampire spawn, has used his spider climb feature to cling to the ceiling at the sound of the players’ approach. A player with a passive Wisdom (Perception) score of 16 or higher automatically spots him in the darkened upper corner on the far side of the room. Otherwise, read the following after one round has passed.

Doru prefers to speak with the players from the safety of darkness, but won’t refuse if the players command him to reveal himself. If he does, read the following:

Doru’s request is simple: to prove to himself that he can control his vampiric urges, he wants the players to expose him to the scent of fresh blood. If he can refrain from attacking for a full minute, he wants the players to tell Father Donavich that his son is still alive. If he can’t, he wants the players to kill him. In either case, he won’t stop the players from taking the holy symbol once the experiment is complete.

Doru can also share the following information with the players if asked:

• As a child, Doru was enraptured by stories of the sun and the light and hope that it once brought to the valley. As he grew older, he learned swordsmanship from Ismark and studied the book Van Richten’s Guide to Vampire’s to learn how to destroy the undead. He dreamed of one day destroying the Devil of Castle Ravenloft and bringing freedom to his people.
• Sixteen weeks ago, a foreign scholar calling himself Alanik Ray arrived in Barovia and rented a room in the burgomaster's manor. When an enormous undead dire wolf attacked a group of children who had strayed too far from the village, however, Doru alone saw "Alanik" fend it off with expert skill—and when the wolf knocked the hat off of "Alanik's" head, his appearance magically changed, revealing him to be the legendary vampire hunter Dr. Rudolph van Richten.
• Doru confronted him and insisted that Van Richten lead the village in revolt against Castle Ravenloft. Though Van Richten was reluctant at first, he eventually agreed—on the condition that Doru allow him to keep his disguise. Two days later, Doru, aided by a man named Escher—the village bard and Doru’s oldest friend—had assembled more than two dozen fighters to march on the keep.

Doru Will Remember That

When the players’ conversation with Doru begins, secretly place a six-sided die on the table, with its top face showing a one. Each time the players antagonize or discourage Doru, increase the number on the die by one. Each time the players are encouraging or kind, decrease the number on the die by one. (The number can’t go below zero.)

If the players agree to perform Doru’s experiment, roll a second six-sided die when the experiment begins. If the result on the second die is equal to or greater than the number on the first, Doru resists his vampiric addiction and the test ends successfully. If the result on the second die is less than the number on the first, however, Doru succumbs to his bloodlust and attacks the source of the blood.

For example, if the players antagonize Doru twice and offer no kindness or encouragement, the first die should show a three. If the second die rolls a one or a two, Doru attacks.

• With Van Richten’s aid, the mob struck down any undead guards that tried to stand in their way. However, when they finally opened Strahd’s crypt, Escher was nowhere to be found—and Strahd’s coffin was empty. (If asked, Doru forcefully denies that Escher betrayed them.)
• Shortly thereafter, Strahd emerged from the shadows and attacked the mob with merciless force. Most of Doru’s companions were slain. Doru himself was turned into a vampire spawn, and later learned that Escher had been as well. Doru doesn’t know what happened to Van Richten, but was forced to confess the old man’s identity when Strahd interrogated him later.
• Doru spent nearly three months at Castle Ravenloft, during which Strahd repeatedly forced him to drink the blood of his former companions. Two weeks ago, Strahd commanded Doru to return to the church and his father.
• Doru can’t disobey Strahd’s direct orders, and can feel his presence at all times. His vampiric bloodthirst is a constant distraction, and it’s difficult to control his predatory urges and instincts. When he first returned to the church, he was almost grateful that his father had locked him in the undercroft, where he couldn’t do any harm.
• Doru doesn’t know if his soul or body can be saved, but he’s kept his father’s holy symbol to remind him of his faith and family, and to steel his will against the addictions of his new form. If not for that, he suspects that he would have lost control days or even weeks ago. (Doru doesn’t know why Strahd allowed him to keep it, but suspects that Strahd viewed it as a form of ironic amusem*nt.)

As the conversation continues, Doru might ask the players:

• whether Escher has been seen in the village, and
• whether Doru’s betrothed, Gertruda, survived the siege.

If told that Gertruda has left the village for Castle Ravenloft—likely in a misguided effort to save Doru himself—Doru becomes visibly distraught with guilt and regret, despairing at the thought that she might already be dead. Though he doesn’t ask them to travel to Castle Ravenloft, he asks the players to look out for her—and bring her home should they find her. Doru feels that he has earned his fate, but believes that Gertruda, a good and compassionate woman, deserves far better.

The Burial

If the players return to Father Donavich with his holy symbol in hand, he accepts it with gratitude.

If the players tell Father Donavich that they killed Doru to obtain the symbol, read:

Otherwise, if the players spared Doru and relay his final message, read:

Once he’s received his holy symbol, Father Donavich gladly agrees to conduct Kolyan’s burial.

The cemetery is as described in E6. Cemetery (p. 48). At night, it is watched by two swarms of bats—spies of Strahd’s—who hang to the eaves of the church and the nearby mausoleums, watching the players.

Upon entering the cemetery, Donavich retrieves four shovels from a shed abuting the church and shares them with the players. When the grave is fully dug and dawn has begun, Donavich offers prayers to the Morninglord, asking for Kolyan’s deliverance in the following refrain:

At the conclusion of Donavich’s prayer, any players who wish to may offer words, prayers, or tributes of their own. If he has recovered his holy symbol, Donavich first casts gentle repose to sanctify Kolyan’s remains. Donavich then directs the players to lower the coffin into the ground.

With the burial concluded, Strahd’s bats take off into the air, vanishing up into the mist surrounding the base of Castle Ravenloft.

Donavich takes the bats’ presence as a bad omen. In a surprisingly lucid moment, he warns the players and Ismark of a Barovian superstition that young women with red hair often find that ill luck travels beside them, and asks if Ireena plans to remain in Barovia now that the Devil has awoken. If told that Ireena intends to leave, Donavich suggests she and the players travel to the Abbey of Saint Markovia in Krezk, which was once a bastion of good, and may yet still offer some protection.

Return to the Mansion

When the players return to the burgomaster’s manor following the burial, Ireena has adorned her chestplate and rapier, and has prepared a traveling bag to take to Vallaki. When the players are ready to leave, she bids Ismark a tearful farewell and sets off on the road.

Milestone. Burying the Burgomaster completes a story milestone. If the players depart Barovia with Ireena accompanying them, award each player 400 XP. If Doru successfully passed his test of will, award each player an additional 100 XP.

B5f. Mad Mary’s Townhouse

There should be no reason for the players to visit Mad Mary’s Townhouse (p. 44) in this revision. However, if they do, the following changes have been made:

Mad Mary did not hide Gertruda in this house for her entire life. Instead, Gertruda lived a fairly ordinary life—albeit one with a fairly overbearing widowed mother. (Ireena and Gertruda initially bonded as young girls over the loss of their parents—Ireena's mother and Gertruda's father.) When he was alive, Gertruda’s father was a merchant who raised Gertruda on stories of great lords and ladies, using their family’s meager funds to purchase her occasional books from Vistani caravans regarding diplomacy and military history.

The first floor of this old, dirty dwelling comprises a one-room divided living space. To the north lies a small kitchen, its countertops dirty and covered with dust. There is a broken glass on the floor and a rotted meal for two set on a table covered with a dirty blue tablecloth. (Mary poured herself a glass of wine to steady her nerves after realizing Gertruda's disappearance, and dropped it on the floor in anguish.)

A small sitting area to the south contains a fireplace, two comfortable armchairs, and a dirty rug. Stairs lead up from here to the second floor.

The second floor corridor contains three wooden doors. One leads to a bathroom with an unemptied chamber pot and a bowl of dirty bathwater. Another leads to Mary’s bedroom, which holds a writing desk and a bed. (If found here, Mary is sitting on the bed, quietly sobbing.)

The third door, which is slightly ajar, leads to Gertruda’s bedroom; a tray holding a broken tea kettle and cup has shattered on the floor before it. (Mary was bringing Gertruda tea when she found her daughter missing, and dropped it in horror.)

Gertruda's room holds a clumsily handwoven dress and a shelf holding a dozen well-read, dog-eared books, as well as a hairbrush, a rug, and an open window.

Arc C: Into the Valley

In this arc, the players depart the village of Barovia for Tser Pool and the town of Vallaki. As they journey through the woods, they can encounter a pair of Barovian scouts searching for a missing family, distract or do battle with a horde of zombies, and recover a weapons cache left by Dr. Rudolph van Richten.

Upon their arrival at the River Ivlis Crossroads, the players encounter Strahd von Zarovich for the first time, accompanied by Escher, one of his vampiric consorts. After a tense conversation, the players can head north to Tser Pool.

On the way to Tser Pool, the players encounter a raven—the disguised wereraven Muriel Vinshaw—fleeing a monstrous strix, a scarecrow of the skies crafted by the swamp-witch Baba Lysaga. If the players defend Muriel from the strix’s onslaught, she joins them for the remainder of their journey to Vallaki, though without revealing her true identity.

Soon afterward, the players finally arrive at the Vistani encampment at Tser Pool. There, they receive a magical Tarokka reading from Madam Eva, which foretells the location of three artifacts that will assist them in the fight against Strahd, as well as an ally who is destined to aid them.

While staying at Tser Pool, the players hear Vistani tales of Strahd's history and the Holy Symbol of Ravenkind, and can also meet Arturi Radanavich, a wandering Vistana who claims to have once known Rudolph van Richten. As the players depart, they also receive a mission from Madam Eva to purchase a toy in Vallaki for delivery to her great-grand-niece, Arabelle.

If the players are tasked with escorting Ireena to St. Andral's Church in Vallaki, or if they have their own reasons for doing so, they then return to the Old Svalich Road via the River Ivlis Crossroads, traveling west through the mountains. Along the way, they encounter a strange skeletal rider, a pair of fresh graves, a watchful revenant, the night hag Morgantha in her peddler's disguise, two flocks of friendly ravens, and a werewolf accompanied by its pack of ravenous wolves.

Upon arriving in Vallaki, the players can find lodgings at the Blue Water Inn. There, they can meet a host of colorful characters, including the sons of Lady Fiona Wachter and the ringmaster Rictavio. When morning comes, the players can also have a fateful encounter with Baron Vargas Vallakovich and his brutish enforcer, Izek Strazni...

The Road From Tser Pool

The module’s map of Barovia depicts a dotted line that appears to connect the Tser Pool Encampment to Tser Falls. Despite its appearance, Tser Falls (p. 37) makes clear that this is not a shortcut. Instead, this dotted line is a footpath that leads to the base of Tser Falls, one thousand feet below the bridge overhead. At no point does it actually reconnect to the main road.

To travel from the Tser Pool Encampment to Vallaki, the players will instead need to travel south, back toward the River Ivlis Crossroads, then take the Old Svalich Road westward.

C1. The Svalich Woods

The journey from the village of Barovia to the River Ivlis Crossroads is three miles long and takes one hour.

C1b. Van Richten’s Cache

As the players continue down the road, read:

If the players received the location of Van Richten’s hidden weapons cache from Doru in Barovia’s church, they can enter the woods to the south to find it. If they do, read:

The five figures are zombies. They also match the descriptions of the Lansten family provided by the scouts—two parents, a young girl, and two young boys. The sixth figure is a zombie plague spreader (Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft, p. 255) created by Strahd, and the former leader of the undead siege.

The players can attempt to lure the zombies away from the clearing; given the zombies’ low intelligence, doing so should be reasonably easy. Alternatively, the players can attempt to ambush and attack the zombies to destroy them altogether.

If the players reach the oak tree, they can find Van Richten’s weapons cache where Doru told them: in a hollow nestled beneath the tree’s roots. The cache itself is a small, unlocked wooden chest containing 20 silvered crossbow bolts, a light crossbow, two healer’s kits, two vials of holy water, and one potion of healing.

C2. River Ivlis Crossroads

As the players approach this area, the drizzling rain stops. Read:

The players have arrived at the River Ivlis Crossroads, which is largely as described in River Ivlis Crossroads (p. 35). Do not check for a random encounter when the players arrive.

This scene begins similarly to River Ivlis Crossroads (p. 35). However, the first time the players move to depart for Tser Pool, instead of seeing The Hanged One, they can hear the sound of a horse-drawn carriage or wagon approaching through the fog. Almost as soon as the sound appears, Strahd’s black carriage, as described in Black Carriage (p. 37) and Carriage House (p. 54) comes into view.

His eyes are dark, and as he moves to adjust the ruby at his neck, you see that his fingernails form long, elegant claws. It's only then that you realize that his skin is pale—unnaturally so— and that his eyes glint with a deep, intelligent hunger.

"Good day," he says. "I am Count Strahd von Zarovich—and it is a pleasure to finally meet the newcomers to my domain. My friends have told me so much about you." His eyes linger over each one of you in turn, regarding you like a cut of meat weighed at market, a prey animal spotted by a predator in the bush—an intriguing but inanimate trinket.

C2b. The Conversation Begins

If undiverted, Strahd greets each of the player characters individually—by name, if his spies have had a chance to learn them and report back to him. While doing so, he makes a personal comment regarding each character’s species, class (if apparent from their equipment or dress), and/or personality (if reported by his spies). If possible, he frames each comment in the form of a compliment, sympathetic remark, or (sparingly) exceptionally veiled threat.

If Ireena is present, Strahd then asks if “Lady Kolyana” has properly introduced them to his domain, and apologizes for any “folktales” his subjects may have shared about him.

(He does not, however, deny his attack on the village of Barovia, noting only that the people of the village defied him in an act of utmost treason. "I am sure that you can agree that my response was a measured one," he says. "After all, no lord could tolerate a settlement that fostered such sedition. The good people of Barovia needed to be taught a lesson. Their discipline was a kindness that few others would entertain.")

As the conversation progresses, Strahd notes that he's heard "such wonderful things" of the players' exploits at "a certain old house at the edge of my domain." Strahd then makes brief reference to the players' actions in Death House, sardonically lauding:

• their "heroic and compassionate spirits" if they put Walter's spirit to rest;
• their "fierce and fiery valor" if they defeated the flesh mound; and/or
• their "cunning and ruthless will" if they made a sacrifice on the cult's altar.

(If the players ask about the nature of Death House, or its purpose in bringing them to Barovia, Strahd smiles coldly and says only, "The souls of the damned are tragically twisted things. Do not linger upon their madness.")

If the players ask about Strahd's driver, Strahd introduces him as Escher, "my coachman and cupbearer." Escher does not respond to the players’ questions or statements and simply stands demurely at Strahd’s side.

C2d. Strahd's Concessions

As the players attempt to answer his questions, Strahd delights in playing Devil's advocate, pushing back against their responses and probing at the holes in their reasoning. Ultimately, though, if the players' points are at least reasonably well-argued, Strahd is willing to accept them. (It should be fairly clear to the players, however, that he is merely humoring them by accepting their responses.)

The players can push Strahd to make the following concessions:

• He agrees to overlook Ismark's transgressions, so long as Ismark does not defy him or act counter to his will again.
• He agrees to allow Ireena to depart the River Ivlis Crossroads safely. (Strahd will not grant a longer grace period than that.)
• He agrees to refrain from judgment against the players unless they take action directly against his person.
• He agrees to forgive the players their transgressions against the cult of Death House.

The players might successfully exact these concessions using a variety of arguments, including (but not limited to) the following:

• The players have promised Ismark that they will escort Ireena to Vallaki and they must be allowed to fulfill their word.
• The players have taken no hostile action against Strahd and should be granted a presumption of innocence.
• The players' actions in Death House were conducted in self-defense, and therefore should be excused.

If the players appear to doubt Strahd's fidelity to his concessions, he promises, "Fear not, dear children. I am no liar. We both know deception is for the weak."⁵

When the players have answered all of Strahd's questions to his satisfaction, he bids them farewell and steps back into the black carriage.

As he does, Strahd’s six dire wolves emerge from the woods, if they haven’t already, and move to flank the carriage. Strahd notes that he and his “friends” shall see the players again—perhaps very soon. The carriage then departs for Castle Ravenloft.

C2e. Departing the Crossroads

As the players move to depart the River Ivlis Crossroads after Strahd has left, they encounter The Hanged One (p. 35). (The character hanged from the gallows should be the character who was the rudest to Strahd or the least cooperative with his questions.)

C3. The Strix

Halfway down the path from the River Ivlis Crossroads to Tser Pool Encampment, the players hear the sound of a distressed bird cawing from above. A raven with blue-tipped wings—recognizably the same raven that met them in the village of Barovia—then crashes into the road at the players’ feet, visibly wounded. This is, again, the wereraven Muriel, in disguise with 1 hit point. Her wings and torso have been penetrated by several dozen silver barbs, leaving her unable to fly, regenerate, or transform until removed.

The raven’s arrival is followed soon after by a terrible, grating shriek and the arrival of a greater strix (using the statistics of a manticore): an enormous artificial “bird” crafted of wood, animal skins, burlap, and hundreds of black raven’s feathers. (Instead of actual tail spikes, the greater strix’s tail spikes attack releases a volley of dozens of tiny silver barbs from its wings.)

The greater strix is joined by two swarms of lesser strix (each using the statistics of a swarm of ravens). Each lesser strix is an artificial “crow” slightly larger than a raven, crafted of burlap, straw, twigs, and sharp stone teeth.

These abominations was built by the witch Baba Lysaga to hunt down wereravens. These particular strix—a gift from Baba Lysaga to Strahd upon his awakening—have been ordered to hunt and kill Muriel, who was spotted eavesdropping on the Tarokka reading that Strahd received from Madam Eva earlier that morning. It continues to pursue Muriel, attacking the players if they obstruct it. It fights to the death.

If rescued, Muriel remains with the players until she can discern their intent. A player can remove the silver barbs in her body and wings with a DC 15 Wisdom (Medicine) check, reducing her to 0 hit points and causing her to fall unconscious on a failure. Once the barbs are removed, however, Muriel’s regeneration immediately returns, healing her wounds in a matter of seconds.

If she learns that they plan to travel to Vallaki, she travels with them while maintaining her raven disguise, hoping to rely upon safety in numbers until she can report her findings to Urwin Martikov at the Blue Water Inn. Under no conditions does Muriel willingly reveal her true nature to the players.

C4. Tser Pool

The journey from the River Ivlis Crossroads to the Tser Pool Encampment is one-and-a-half miles long and takes thirty minutes.

As the players enter the camp, they are met by Stanimir, an old Vistana who informs them that the leader of their encampment, Madam Eva, has been waiting for them and points them toward Eva’s tent. Stanimir, a jovial, colorful old man with a twinkle in his eye is largely as described in Mysterious Visitors (p. 19). However, he has the spell major image prepared rather than vampiric touch.

Stanimir is happy to answer any questions that the players may have about the Vistani or about Barovia, as described in Vistani Lore (p. 27). However, he will not discuss Strahd’s business at Tser Pool. Instead, he shares his belief that Strahd will not soon return, and reassures the players that anything discussed at their meeting with Madam Eva will not reach the vampire’s ears.

If the players ask whether Strahd obtained a foretelling from Madam Eva, Stanimir tells them that Madam Eva shares her gifts freely with all—but that each person’s future is different, and often difficult to discern.

C4c. Vistani Hospitality

Upon exiting Madam Eva’s tent, the players find two other Vistani waiting outside of the tent: a woman named Eliza and a man named Arturi Radanavich. Stanimir joins the group a few moments later.

The Curse of Arturi Radanavich

Dark Beginnings. Twenty years ago, when Arturi Radanavich was only seventeen, several members of his extended family amongst the Radanavich caravan invited him on a “hunting trip.” Awkward, lonesome, and desperate for connection, Arturi accepted their invitation gratefully.

It wasn’t long, however, before Arturi learned the true nature of their hunt. His uncle, a man named Radu Radanavich and the leader of the caravan, had recently seen his son, Ionel, fall deathly ill. When the Vistani’s treatments proved fruitless, Radu had taken Ionel to a healer in a nearby village—a doctor named Rudolph van Richten. Ionel, however, had died under Van Richten’s care, and a vengeful and grieving Radu sought to visit his pain upon Van Richten in turn.

Arturi felt bewildered and afraid—but each time he thought to open his mouth, he imagined the insults and jeers of his cousins or Uncle Radu’s smoldering glare. And so, Arturi watched silently as his family kidnapped Van Richten’s fourteen-year-old son, Erasmus, spirited him away to a darkened mire, and sold him to the vampire lord Baron Metus.

It wasn’t long after Erasmus was sold that Van Richten tracked the Vistani caravan down, ambushing the d’Avenirs—a Vistani husband and wife who then traveled with the Radanaviches and had aided Radu in his vengeance—and demanding to know where his son had been taken. Arturi later learned that Van Richten had spared the d’Avenirs’ lives—a mercy that would not last forever.

Three years later, Van Richten returned, grim-faced and surrounded by a swarm of ravenous undead. His son Erasmus had died—transformed into a vampire spawn and killed at Van Richten’s own hand. Torn by fury and grief, Van Richten released the undead horde upon the Radanavich caravan, howling, “Undead take you as you have taken my son!”

Arturi alone survived, hiding himself away in his grandmother’s magical trunk. When he finally emerged, hours later, he found the encampment shattered, his family slaughtered—and Van Richten nowhere to be found.

Arturi's Curse. Arturi soon learned, however, that Van Richten’s vengeful words had taken on a life of their own, clinging to him like a burial shroud. “Undead take you,” Van Richten had promised—and so they did, pursuing Arturi wherever he went. The Vistani banished him from their camps after dusk, naming him mortu, or “outcast,” a word that can also be more directly translated as “living dead.” No village gave Arturi sanctuary; no town’s walls could protect him.

For eighteen years Arturi wandered, ever-evading his eternal pursuers. One day, however, he came upon a Vistana caravan while traveling the roads, from whom he learned that Van Richten, the murderer of Arturi’s family, had suffered beneath the weight of a curse as well—a curse placed by the raunie, or leader, of the Radanavich caravan with her dying words: “Live you always among monsters, and see everyone you love die beneath their claws!” A flutter of hope—hope that, together, their two curses may be lifted—emerged in Arturi’s heart.

Arturi spent three weeks searching for Van Richten, eventually finding him in a small cottage at the edge of a sleepy village. Concealing himself from view, Arturi watched Van Richten rage against the lives taken by the raunie’s curse, then finally crumple into sleep, alone and undefended. No lust for vengeance stirred Arturi’s hand to the dagger at his side, though—instead, he felt only commiseration and pity.

When Van Richten awoke, Arturi was there to greet him, suggesting that, together, they could aid one another and see their curses lifted. Though Arturi was not sure how, he suggested that the two spend a year traveling among the Vistani caravans, so that Van Richten could come to know the people that had taken his son, and so Arturi could come to know the man who had murdered his family. After some discussion, Van Richten reluctantly agreed.

Redemption & Understanding. The two men set off together—awkwardly, at first, but soon coming to a quiet understanding. For the next twelve months, they visited each of the largest Vistani caravans in turn, exposing Van Richten to the lives, joys, and sorrows of his most hated foes. Arturi, in turn, learned of Van Richten’s grief: of the love he bore for his son, Erasmus, and the guilt he felt for his friends who had fallen.

When the year had ended, Arturi warned Van Richten that only blood could pay for his crime. Van Richten, head bowed with the weight of his guilt, promised not to resist should Arturi choose to take his life. Instead, however, Arturi sliced both their palms and took Van Richten’s hand, allowing their lifeblood to intermingle. In that moment, the two became blood-brothers, and released their hatred forever.

Somehow, the two knew that there was one thing left to do. They traveled to the old wreckage of the Radanavich caravan and set it aflame, defending its burning husk from legions of the undead that swarmed from the darkness. When dawn finally broke, the undead had gone—and the wreckage was naught more than a pile of smoking ash. The two men embraced, laughing, knowing that their curses had finally come to an end.

The Next Chapter. Arturi and Van Richten parted ways soon after—Van Richten returning to his family home to compile a lifetime’s notes, and Arturi returning to the solitude of the roads, too distant from his people to truly return to their camps. Not long thereafter, Arturi’s travels took him to a southern port, where he purchased a small, trained monkey—a baboon named Piccolo—and had him delivered to Van Richten’s home as a memento and gift.

Several months later, Arturi heard rumors from the Vistani that Van Richten had been sighted once more—this time, in Barovia, the cursed valley of the vampire Strahd von Zarovich—and that he was now widely believed to be dead. Fearful for his friend, Arturi set off for Barovia through the Mists, hoping to find Van Richten should he still be alive—and to ensure him a proper burial should he have fallen in battle.

Source: Wise, David. Van Richten's Guide to the Vistani. Wizards of the Coast, 1995.

C4d. The Dancing Fire

As dusk descends around the campfire, the Vistani serve the players a dinner of a hearty stew of rabbit, potatoes, turnips, lentils, and parsnips alongside hearty chunks of flatbread.

If he hasn’t already, Arturi asks the players for news from Barovia, inquiring specifically whether they have encountered a man named Rudolph van Richten. If asked about his interest, Arturi notes sorrowfully that Van Richten is a friend of his, and that he had recently heard a rumor that he had come to harm while traveling to Barovia. Arturi is unsure whether he believes Van Richten to be dead, but is hopeful that he still lives—if for no other reason than that the old man is impressively hard to kill.

After dinner, Stanimir cheerfully informs the players that, as guests at a Vistani fire, they are now expected to play the Game of Stories, and asks whether the players will accept. To play, each participant must put up a wager, which can be an object of small monetary, intellectual, or sentimental value. Each participant must then share a story to make a man “laugh or weep.” Each time a story is told, the other participants in the game must guess whether the story is truth, falsehood, or both. At the end of the game, the participant with the most correct guesses wins the pot.

If the players accept the challenge, Eliza, Arturi, and Ireena also offer to join the game. The participants’ wagers are as follows:

• Stanimir wagers a worn deck of Tarokka cards that once belonged to his late wife. (“They’ve sat unused and dusty in my wagon for long enough,” he says with a sad smile. “I think she’d like it if they were out in the world again.”)
• Eliza wagers a collapsible brass spyglass with a small, maneuverable mirror, allowing the user to peer around corners.
• Arturi wagers a short manuscript on werewolves authored by Dr. Rudolph van Richten.
• Ireena wagers a painted wooden hairclip in the shape of a sunflower that she once wore as a child.

Give the players a few minutes away from the table to plan out their stories before the game begins.

Stanimir’s Tale

Stanimir goes first, delivering the same tale as described in The Dancing Fire (p. 20). However, exclude the final paragraph, and instead end with the sentence, “The figure in the dancing fire vanquishes its final foe, then disperses in a cloud of smoke and embers.” Throughout his tale, the players can notice Stanimir using the major image spell to create the shapes in the flames.

When his tale has ended and all participants have made their guesses—Eliza and Arturi going last, with Eliza voting “True” and Arturi voting “Half-True”—Stanimir reveals that his story was indeed a true tale of the Vistani people, and that the wounded prince lived on as a friend to the Vistani, even when his heart was led astray by shadows and mist. (If asked, Stanimir admits that the prince was Strahd von Zarovich in the days before he came to Barovia, and that his promise to the Vistani is why they remain in the valley to this day, “without fear or favor.”)

Eliza’s Tale

After one of the players has gone, Eliza then shares the following tale:

When her tale has ended and all participants have made their guesses—Stanimir and Arturi going last, with Stanimir voting “True” and Arturi voting “False”—Eliza reveals that her story was half-true.

Lugdana was indeed a paladin of the Morninglord who bore the legendary Holy Symbol of Ravenkind. According to legend, the symbol was given to Lugdana by an angel in the guise of a raven. Eliza notes with a chuckle, however, that no one knows what happened to the Symbol after Lugdana fell at Yester Hill, nor where it resides today.

Arturi’s Tale

After three of the players have gone, Arturi then shares the following tale:

When his tale has ended and all participants have made their guesses—Stanimir and Eliza going last, with Stanimir voting “True” and Eliza voting “False”—Arturi reveals that his story was true. He politely declines, however, to reveal anything further, noting only, with a sad smile, that “Some stories are not mine to tell.”

Ireena’s Tale

After all of the players have gone, Ireena (if present) then shares the following tale:

The Graves

The two graves hold the remains of two Barovian refugees who were slain by wolves during the journey to Vallaki some time ago. A DC 12 Wisdom (Survival) check reveals that the graves are no more than a few days old.

Small pebbles have been arranged in the soil atop each grave to form the shape of a rising sunburst.

The Corpse

The corpse belongs to a wolf killed by spears and crossbow bolts. The Barovian refugees left it here after slaying it and driving off the other members of its pack.

C7. Tser Falls

The journey from the River Ivlis Crossroads to Tser Falls is seven-and-a-half miles long, or two-and-a-half hours.

C8. Black Carriage

The journey from Tser Falls to the Black Carriage (p. 37) is one-and-a-half miles and takes thirty minutes. As the players make this journey, read:

This area is as described in Black Carriage (p. 37). (Strahd's carriage is not present, though the players can see deep grooves in the muddy road that pass from the Old Svalich Road onto the old cobblestone-strewn thoroughfare that leads to Castle Ravenloft.)

The journey from the Black Carriage to the western Gates of Barovia is a quarter-mile and takes five minutes. This area is as described in Gates of Barovia (p. 38), but seen from the opposite side.

C9. Old Bonegrinder

The journey from the Gates of Ravenloft to Old Bonegrinder is two-and-a-half miles long and takes forty-five minutes. As the players make this journey, read:

The road soon emerges from the woods once more, veering between two hills. Before long, it bends to the north, hugging the base of a mountain.

C10. The Deep Woods

The journey from Old Bonegrinder to the Town of Vallaki is five-and-three-quarter miles long and takes two hours. As the players make this journey, read:

This encounter unfolds as described in Swarms of Ravens (p. 32), with the party joined by two swarms of ravens. If she is with the party and able to fly, the disguised Muriel takes wing alongside the flock, but keeps a sharp eye on the players as they travel.

As the players proceed down the road, read:

If Ireena is with the party, she freezes and asks the players if the party can take a quick detour across the field to the lake. If asked, she notes only that the lake seems strangely familiar.

Lake Zarovich is as described in L. Lake Zarovich (p. 38), but without the beached rowboats or Bluto's boat visible.

Upon arriving at the shore of the lake, Ireena notes with trepidation that it appears to be the same lake that she has seen in her dreams. (If she hasn't already shared it, Ireena tells the story of her dream, described in C4d. The Dancing Fire above.)

Ireena is certain, however, that she has never visited this lake with Ismark and her father, Kolyan. She is uncertain of the implications, but becomes lost in thought if a player reminds her that her father found her wandering the Old Svalich Woods as a child.

C11. The Werewolf's Hunt

As the players continue down the road, read:

C11. The Town of Vallaki

Entering the Town

As the players pass down Vallaki's main avenue, read:

If the players arrive during the day, add:

Otherwise, if the players arrive at night, add:

The cloaked figure is Willemina Rikalova, as described in St. Andral's Church (p. 97). She is traveling to the church to pray for the freedom of her son, Udo Lukovich.

As the characters pass through the streets, they are noticed by Ernst Larnak, who intently watches them—though doesn't follow them—as described in Lady Wachter's Wish (p. 124). (Ernst does not yet deliver an invitation to dine with Lady Wachter, though he does return to N4. Wachterhaus (p. 110) to report back to Lady Wachter when the players leave his sight.)

C11b. The Blue Water Inn

This area is largely as described in N2. Blue Water Inn (p. 98).

When the players first arrive, assuming they arrive between late afternoon and early evening, the inn contains the following notable NPCs:

• Danika Martikov, who is pouring drinks and serving patrons in the N2c. Taproom;
• Urwin Martikov, who is cooking bread and beet stew in the N2e. Kitchen;
• Brom and Bray Martikov, who are playing with toys in N20. Boys' Bedroom; and
• Rictavio, who is feeding his horse, Drusilla, in N2f. Stable.

Profile: Urwin Martikov

Roleplaying Information

Resonance. Urwin should inspire amusem*nt with his bad puns and jokes, gratitude for his fatherly counsel and support, and comfort from his compassion and sincerity.

Emotions. Urwin most often feels amused, satisfied, cheerful, thoughtful, concerned, and hopeful.

Motivations. Urwin wants to raise his children well, serve guests with hospitality and skill, and see the people of Barovia freed from Strahd’s tyranny.

Inspirations. When playing Urwin, channel Vander (Arcane), Greg Universe (Steven Universe), and Linda Belcher (Bob's Burgers).

Character Information

Persona. To the world, Urwin is a kind fatherly figure, family man, and welcoming host with an ever-present twinkle in his eye. To those he trusts, Urwin is a cunning spymaster and tactician with fierce hope for the future of Barovia. Deep down, Urwin fears for his sons’ futures in a realm ruled by Strahd.

Morale. In a fight, Urwin would immediately attempt to defuse the situation, and attempt to flee if unsuccessful—though not before escorting anyone else out of harm's way.

Relationships. Urwin is the father of Brom and Bray Martikov and the husband of Danika Dorakova. He is also the exiled son of Davian Martikov, and the beloved older brother of Adrian, Elvir, and Stefnia Martikov. In addition to co-owning the Blue Water Inn, Urwin is the spymaster of the Keepers of the Feather.

Profile: Danika Dorakova

Roleplaying Information

Resonance. Danika should inspire amusem*nt with her “straight-man,” good-natured banter with Urwin, gratitude for her hospitality and motherly care, and comfort from her practical, down-to-earth nature and her fierce dedication to her family, home, and guests.

Emotions. Danika most often feels fond, satisfied, congenial, determined, defiant, and affectionate.

Motivations. Danika wants to keep her family safe, run a successful business, and ensure that her children one day see sunlight over Barovia.

Inspirations. When playing Danika, channel Tenzin (Avatar: The Legend of Korra), Bob Belcher (Bob's Burgers), and Garnet (Steven Universe).

Character Information

Persona. To the world, Danika is a practical, no-nonsense businesswoman with a heart of gold. To those she trusts, Danika is a fierce mother with a deep dedication to the Martikov clan. Deep down, Danika is grimly prepared to defend those she loves—at any cost necessary.

Morale. In a fight, Danika would swiftly attempt to de-escalate, but would fight to the death to defend her family or her guests.

Relationships. Danika is mother of Brom and Bray Martikov and the wife of Urwin Martikov. In addition to co-owning the Blue Water Inn, Danika is a high-ranking member of the Keepers of the Feather.

The Wolf-Hunters Arrive

If the players order food or wine in the taproom, Danika offers to seat them at the long table at the south end of the taproom. (See Map 5.2: Blue Water Inn.) While the players wait to be served, Szoldar Szoldarovich and Yevgeni Krushkin enter the inn and proceed to the bar, where they order pints of wine.

Assuming the players do not interrupt, they can overhear the following conversation between Danika, Szoldar, and Yevgeni while Danika pours the wolf-hunters' drinks:

• Danika greets Szoldar and Yevgeni and asks how the day's "wolf hunt" has gone.
• Szoldar tells Danika that they've managed to kill several wolves in the Svalich Wood west of Vallaki, but more keep coming—both ordinary wolves and horse-sized dire wolves.
• Danika thanks the two for their work, and notes that the inn will need another shipment of wolf steaks soon, an order that Szoldar promises to fill.

Szoldar and Yevgeni then take two seats at the south side of the bar, where they nurse their drinks for the rest of the evening.

If the players approach them and strike up a conversation, Szoldar and Yevgeni are largely as described in N2c. Taproom (p. 100). Additionally, the wolf-hunters can tell the players about the danger of fishing on Lake Zarovich, the nearby Vistani camp, the haunted mansion to the west, and the abandoned village to the south, as described in Vallaki Lore (p. 96).

Dinner is Served

Shortly after Szoldar and Yevgeni are served their drinks, if the players ordered dinner, Danika approaches their table with a tray of food. As she serves them, she is suddenly jostled from behind, sending one of the bowls of soup tumbling from her grasp. The two players sitting at the northernmost end of the table must make DC 10 Dexterity saving throws, catching the bowl on a success. (If both players succeed, the player with the higher result catches the bowl first. If neither player succeeds, the bowl topples onto the floor, spilling the soup.) [[Note]]

Danika turns, revealing the culprit: a red-cheeked Brom Martikov wearing one of the painted wooden clown masks as described in N2o. Boy' Bedroom (p. 102). (Bray Martikov, wearing the other mask of the pair, is cowering behind one of the chairs of the nearest table.)

If the players do not interrupt, Danika scolds the boys as follows:

The Brothers Wachter

As the players eat their dinner, Nikolai and Karl Wachter enter the taproom, obviously at least somewhat drunk. (The two are as described in N2c. Taproom (p. 100).)

Slightly slurring his words, Nikolai announces to the bar, "My fellow Vallakians! All is not well!" The room abruptly becomes quiet and tense. If the players do not interrupt, a beat later, Karl steps forward, leaning on his brother, and booms, "...at least, not until I've got a bellyfull of wine!" A tense, humorless chuckle rolls through the taproom, and the other patrons return to their business.

Karl and Nikolai then stumble toward the bar, where Danika is regarding them skeptically. If the players do not interrupt, they can overhear the following conversation:

• Danika greets Karl and Nikolai by name, and asks, "Haven't you already had too much to drink, boys?"
• Nikolai waves away her words and says, "Nonsense—we've only begun! Two pints of wine to start, and keep them coming."
• Danika replies, "We're starting to run a bit low on some of our vintage stock—can I start you with some Purple Grapemash No. 3?" Nikolai scoffs and says, "What do you take us for—tasteless peasants? Red Dragon Crush, and don't be stingy."
• As she pours their wine, Danika says idly, "Does your mother know what you're up to this evening?" Karl waits until he receives his pint, then grunts, "Mother's far too busy these days. And what she doesn't know can't hurt her." ("Or us," Nikolai charms in, elbowing his brother. The two chuckle, then return to their drinks.)

Shortly after the Wachter brothers arrive, Urwin exits the kitchen carrying a tray of food, which he sets down at a nearby table. On his way back to the kitchen, he stops at the players' table and asks their opinions on the food.

If the players ask about the Wachter brothers, Urwin can tell them the information listed in N2c. Taproom (p. 100). If the players ask about their mother, or about the response to Nikolai's declaration that "All is not well," Urwin becomes visibly uneasy, and promises to speak with the players further in the morning.

If the players speak with the Wachter brothers, Nikolai and Karl are wary at first, but happy (if prodded) to rant about:

• the Festival of the Blazing Sun,
• Vallaki's recent history of festivals,
• the Baron's response to those who speak ill of the festivals, and
• the flashes of purple light that have been seen from the attic of N3. Burgomaster's Mansion

(See Vallaki Lore (p. 96)). Once the players have won the brothers' trust, the conversation proceeds as described in N2c. Taproom.

The Ringmaster Arrives

Soon after the Wachter brothers receive their drinks, Rictavio arrives, entering the taproom through the front door. He is largely as described in Rictavio (p. 238) and N2c. Taproom (p. 100).

Though Rictavio appears to be headed for the stairs leading to N2j. Great Balcony, Nikolai and Karl catch sight of him and begin to hoot and holler in his direction, calling, "It's the carnival-man! Tell us a story, carnival-man!" (As they do, the players can see Brom and Bray standing beside the bar, helping Danika wipe some glasses dry.) A few patrons around the bar pick up the cry, and Rictavio turns, flourishing his cape, and beams, vowing, "Who would Rictavio be if he did not quench his fans' thirst for revelry?"

Unless interrupted, Rictavio then leaps halfway up the staircase leading from the taproom to N2j. Great Balcony, where he delivers the following tale:

End of the Evening

The taproom slowly clears out over the following two hours. If the players rented rooms for the night, Danika eventually approaches their table and offers to show them to their rooms. (See N2l. Guest Rooms and N2m. Guest Room (p. 102)). During the tour, Danika lets them know that they're free to request fresh linens or a tub of hot water (for a bath) be brought up to their rooms. "Breakfast is served an hour after sunrise," she says warmly, and adds, "Feel free to let us know if you need anything else."

Milestone. Arriving in Vallaki completes a story milestone. When the party takes its first long rest in Vallaki, award each player 900 XP, plus an additional 100 XP if they successfully escorted Ireena to Vallaki. (The players don't need to bring Ireena to St. Andral's church to receive this XP.)

B4c. Morning in Vallaki

Profile: Baron Vargas Vallakovich

Roleplaying Information

Resonance. Vargas should inspire frustration with his obstinance, disgust for his narcissistic arrogance, and mild amusem*nt for his utter and ridiculous self-assurance.

Emotions. Vargas most often feels annoyed, offended, satisfied, outraged, impatient, or smug.

Motivations. Vargas wants to secure his power free from Strahd's influence and lead Vallaki to escape the Mists by forcing everyone in the town to be happy.

Inspirations. When playing Vargas, channel Lord Farquaad (Shrek), Joffrey Baratheon (Game of Thrones), and Governor Ratcliffe (Pocahontas).

Character Information

Persona. To the world, Vargas is an entitled, narcissistic, blue-blooded noble with a bad temper, delusions of salvation, and a love for praise and adoration.

Morale. In a fight, Vargas would command his dogs, Claw and Fang, as well as Izek Strazni and any present guards to seize any who oppose him. If deprived of his defenders, Vargas would either attempt to flee, or—if flight were obstructed—grovel pathetically at the feet of his attacker, begging for mercy.

Relationships. Vargas, the burgomaster of Vallaki, is the father of Victor Vallakovich, the husband of Baroness Lydia Petrovna, the brother-in-law of Father Lucian Petrovich, and the son of the late Baron Valentin Vallakovich. He is also the employer and adoptive "father" of Izek Strazni, his captain of the guard and chief enforcer.

Profile: Izek Strazni

Roleplaying Information

Resonance. Izek should inspire disgust with his cruelty and indifference to human life, and discomfort with his unnerving interest in Ireena Kolyana.

Emotions. Izek most often feels irritated, enraged, impatient, sad*stic, bored, and obsessed.

Motivations. Izek wants to serve the Baron faithfully—and, far more importantly, find and possess the woman he's been dreaming of.

Inspirations. When playing Izek, channel Ser Gregor Clegane (Game of Thrones), Fenrir Greyback (Harry Potter), and Kratos (God of War).

Character Information

Persona. To the world, Izek is a cruel and brutish enforcer with a love for fire and blood.

Morale. In a fight, Izek would gladly draw his silvered battleaxe and fight to the death.

Relationships. Izek is the adoptive "son" of Baron Vargas Vallakovich, the captain of Vallaki's town guard, a frequent customer of the toymaker Gadof Blinsky, and (unbeknownst to either of them) the biological brother of Ireena Kolyana.

Design Notes: Journey to Vallaki

The Lansten Family. The encounters with the Barovian scouts and the undead Lansten family have been added to underscore the tragedy of Strahd's siege on the village of Barovia, to introduce Strahd's undead forces, and to foreshadow Strahd's ultimate plan to turn the Barovians into undead to forge his new army upon escaping Barovia.

Encounter with Strahd. Many initial encounters with Strahd create situations in which, in order to drive home Strahd's power and cruelty, the players inevitably "lose." Such encounters are likely to frustrate players and endear apathy or despair instead of a tense, yet enjoyable gameplay experience. However, it is equally important that Strahd not be allowed to "lose" his initial encounter with the players, even by proxy (e.g., combat with his minions). To allow Strahd's power to be questioned at this stage would fundamentally undermine his capacity as a villain.

As such, this encounter intentionally creates a circ*mstance in which both Strahd and the players can "win" by the end—the players, by convincing Strahd to let them and Ireena go, and Strahd, by gleaning useful information from the players' arguments and by clearly signalling that he is merely humoring their efforts.

While running this scene, recall the wise words of Tywin Lannister: "Any man who must say 'I am the king' is no true king." So too for Strahd: allowing the players to successfully irritate, annoy, or otherwise drive him to "punish them" functionally allows the players to gain a certain measure of control over the conversation, reducing Strahd's appearance of real and apparent control, and indicating that Strahd is a petty noble who cares about his own ego. Always remember that, especially at this stage, the players cannot hurt Strahd in any meaningful way—and, as such, he feels no need to hurt them in any meaningful way.

Altogether, the intended effect of this encounter is to introduce the players to Strahd, make the players hate and fear him, put the players on notice of Strahd's minions and servants, to reassure the players that Strahd will be an inevitable antagonist, and to make the players appreciate Strahd's Lawful Evil alignment—that, while inhabiting his Gentleman, he will do them no harm until and unless they give him reason to do so.

The Strix. The greater and lesser strix have been introduced to provide Baba Lysaga and the druids of Yester Hill with a meaningful way of combating the wereravens of the Keepers of the Feather. Muriel has also been added here to foreshadow the Keepers of the Feather, to foreshadow Strahd's prophecy (which the players will have an opportunity to learn after defeating the druids at Yester Hill), and to continue setting up Muriel's existence before her formal introduction at the beginning of the winery quest.

Changes to Lycanthropy. Due to the game-breaking impact that a lycanthrope player character can have on your game, it has been intentionally made as difficult as possible to achieve the full benefits of the curse. This version creates clear-cut rules to delineate lycanthropes who have "embraced" their curse and those that have not, and ensures that these rules rely on character-driven storytelling, rather than arbitrary game mechanics.

Lycanthropic immunity has been changed to silver-based regeneration in order to ensure that lycanthropes resonate with common understandings of lycanthropy and to ensure that all classes can meaningfully contribute to a lycanthrope's defeat, with or without magic weapons or spell. Lycanthropes have also been made weak to necrotic damage (in addition to damage from silvered weapons) in order to provide creative players with an alternate means of halting their regeneration and (more importantly) to explain how Strahd, who owns no silver weapons, is able to keep the werewolves in line.

The Tarokka Reading. Madam Eva's warnings at the beginning of the reading have been added to increase the tension of the reading, to ensure that players treat it with the weight and care that it deserves, and to introduce a minor element of dramatic intrigue in the scenes that follow.

Arturi Radanavich. Arturi Radanavich is a creation of the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons sourcebook Van Richten's Guide to the Vistani. His tale (and his character) have largely been transplanted directly into this guide in order to further introduce Van Richten's legend (and tragedy), to provide an explanation for Van Richten's transformation into a more sympathetic character, to introduce Ezmerelda d'Avenir, and to create player investment in Van Richten's history upon uncovering his burned journal in Van Richten's Tower.

Design Notes: Welcome to Vallaki

The Refugee Camp. The Barovian refugee camp has been placed here to provide the players with an additional reason to hate Baron Vallakovich and Izek, and to provide Morgantha with a natural constituency for her dream pastries. By rejecting Ireena's efforts to help them, the refugees progress her character arc by allowing her to realize that she cannot help her people so long as Strahd survives, which fuels her ultimate decision to join the party in their fight.

The Tax. The guards' tax gives the players an additional reason to hate Baron Vallakovich. The silver tariff also indicates to the players the wealth of silvered weapons and ammunition that the Baron has hoarded.

The Blue Water Inn. This sequence has been intentionally structured to slowly and manageable introduce the players to several of the key players in Vallaki: the Martikovs, the Wachters, the wolf-hunters, and the ringmaster Rictavio. Rictavio's tale has been written to be as baudy and comedic as reasonably possible in order to discourage the players from taking him seriously until the reveal of his identity in Arc E: The Missing Vistania.

Exiting the Inn. The players' encounter with Baron Vallakovich and Izek on the roads of Vallaki has been added to provide the players with an immediate reason to dislike them, to introduce the players to Father Lucian Petrovich, to set up the core dramatic tension of the Baron's tyrannical rule over Vallaki, to kick off Izek's pursuit of Ireena, and to provide Lady Fiona Wachter with an actionable reason to invite the players into her machinations. It is essential that the players do not fight Izek here, and all reasonable precautions have been taken to ensure this.

Parriwimple

Roleplaying Information

Resonance Parriwimple should inspire sympathy for the loss of his parents, endearment for his childlike mannerisms and optimistic perseverance, and flattery for his fascination with the players’ exotic weapons and clothes.

Emotions. Parriwimple most often feels curiosity, hope, wonder, melancholy, and confusion.

Motivations. Parriwimple wants to help his friends and neighbors, to take care of his Uncle Bildrath, and to honor his late parents’ memories.

Inspirations. When playing Parriwimple, channel Lenny Small (Of Mice and Men) and Forrest Gump (Forrest Gump).

Danika Dorakova

Roleplaying Information

Resonance. Danika should inspire amusem*nt with her “straight-man,” good-natured banter with Urwin, gratitude for her hospitality and motherly care, and comfort from her practical, down-to-earth nature and her fierce dedication to her family, home, and guests.

Emotions. Danika most often feels fond, satisfied, congenial, determined, defiant, and affectionate.

Motivations. Danika wants to keep her family safe, run a successful business, and ensure that her children one day see sunlight over Barovia.

Inspirations. When playing Danika, channel Tenzin (Avatar: The Legend of Korra), Bob Belcher (Bob's Burgers), and Garnet (Steven Universe).

Character Information

Persona. To the world, Danika is a practical, no-nonsense businesswoman with a heart of gold. To those she trusts, Danika is a fierce mother with a deep dedication to the Martikov clan. Deep down, Danika is grimly prepared to defend those she loves—at any cost necessary.

Morale. In a fight, Danika would swiftly attempt to de-escalate, but would fight to the death to defend her family or her guests.

Relationships. Danika is mother of Brom and Bray Martikov and the wife of Urwin Martikov. In addition to co-owning the Blue Water Inn, Danika is a high-ranking member of the Keepers of the Feather.