Curse of Strahd

Reloaded By DragnaCarta

AA guide
guide toto the
the darkest
darkest adventure
adventure ofof the
the
world's greatest roleplaying game.
 Table of Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1: Into the
Mists
Why This Adventure?
Why This Guide?
Running Session Zero
Setting Expectations
Triggers & Accommodations
Character Creation
Flaws
Bonds
Motivations
Chapter 2: The Land of
Barovia
Lore of Barovia
Metaphysics & Magic
Geography
Cultures
Factions
Religions
History of Barovia
Strahd von Zarovich
Roleplaying Strahd
Strahd’s Relationships
Strahd’s Goals
Strahd’s Allies
Strahd’s Tactics
Chapter 3: Running the
Game
Adventure Organization
The Tarokka Reading
The Tome of Strahd
The Holy Symbol of Ravenkind
The Sunsword
Strahd’s Enemy
The Card Reading
Strahd’s Spies
Encounters with Strahd
Adventure Hooks
Adventure Summary
Act I: Into the Mists
Arc A. Escape From Death House
A1. Daggerford
A2. Death House
Arc B: Welcome to Barovia G3. Return to the Blue Water
B1. The Old Svalich Road Inn
B2. Gates of Barovia G4. Izek’s Assassination
B3. The Svalich Woods Arc H: The Strazni Siblings
B4. Barovian Overlook H1. The Blue Water Inn
B5. The Village of Barovia H2. The Streets of Vallaki
Arc C: Into the Valley H3. The Kidnapping
C1. The Svalich Woods H4. The Rescue
C2. River Ivlis Crossroads Arc I: The Lost Soul
C3. The Strix I1. Burgomaster’s Mansion
C4. Tser Pool I2. The Refugee Camp
C5. The Skeletal Rider I3. Victor’s Plan
C6. The Watchtower I4. Stella’s Discovery
C7. Tser Falls I5. Wachterhaus
C8. Black Carriage I6. The Old Svalich Road
C9. Old Bonegrinder I7. Old Bonegrinder
C10. The Deep Woods I8. The Ritual
C11. The Werewolf's Hunt Arc J: The Walls of Krezk
C11. The Town of Vallaki J1. The Road to Krezk
Act II: The Shadowed J2. The Gates of Krezk
Town J3. The Road to Berez
Timeline J4. The Ruins of Berez
Diverging Paths J5. Return to Krezk
Arc D: The Tome of Strahd J6. The Village of Krezk
D1. Burgomaster’s Mansion
D2. Wachterhaus
D3. Unlocking the Tome Appendix: NPC Profiles
Arc E: St. Andral's Feast Appendix: Amber Shards
E1. St. Andral's Church Handout: Strahd's
E2. Milivoj’s House Espionage
E3. Return to the Church
E4. Arasek Stockyard
E5. Coffin Maker's Shop
E6. Returning the Bones
Arc F: The Missing Vistana
F1. Blinsky Toys
F2. Vistani Camp
F3. Burgomaster’s Mansion
F4. Lake Zarovich
F5. The Svalich Road
F6. Lake Baratok
F7. The Road Back
F8. Return to Vallaki
F9. Rictavio’s Wagon
Arc G: Lady Wachter’s Wish
G1. The Blue Water Inn
G2. Wachterhaus

2
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: Cover and background artwork by
JamesRPGArt, available on Patreon. Additional
illustrations by Caleb Cleveland.
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; to Friendly, shmamy, Nancy, yaboicorny,
Busdriver, and Scarfe for their frequent counsel and
feedback; and to GPT-4 for assistance in
brainstorming and revision.
Additional thanks to: Eban921, Zumarius,
arkansandragoness, murdoc, Az, Werben, a_Kyrill,
calebisdrawing, 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, Aeristria, mattjanor, jabberdoot,
snickduck, continuity, snarkycatboy, and styx for
feedback, playtesting, and review.

3
 Introduction

W
elcome, 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 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.
A Rebirth in Darkness
Curse of Strahd: Reloaded aims to transform the original
adventure into something far more sinister, accessible, and
immersive. That's why this guide:
Simplifies your journey into the heart of Barovia,
presenting the adventure in an organized, Dungeon
Master-friendly format.
Guides you through the gloom with tips and advice to
make your Curse of Strahd campaign a blood-curdling
masterpiece.
Enhances the gothic horror experience by filling in gaps,
tying loose ends, and presenting a more immersive and
cohesive narrative.
Elevates the gameplay and story by refining, expanding,
and removing content where necessary, ensuring a truly
unforgettable adventure.
Together, this guide transforms Curse of Strahd into an
easy-to-run, pulse-pounding, dark fantasy horror experience
that will haunt your players' dreams for years to come.
Unleashing the Mists
Consider Curse of Strahd: Reloaded your all-in-one grimoire
for running this campaign. You'll only need to reference the
original Curse of Strahd module when this guide tells you to
do so, though you should feel free to read the original module
to familiarize yourself with the bones of the campaign first.
As you read through this guide, make sure you have access
to the following resources:
the Monster Manual,
Xanathar's Guide to Everything, and
Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft.
When we reference one of these unholy tomes, you'll find
the necessary citation in parentheses. If you lack the required
sourcebook, get creative with a homebrewed statblock or find
a suitable replacement.
Now, gather your courage and prepare to descend into
darkness. Barovia awaits—and with it, the dreaded Curse of
Strahd.

4
Chapter 1: Into the Mists
Why This Adventure?
Curse of Strahd is 5th Edition's most haunting adventure—
and for good reason. Starring one of Dungeons & Dragons'
most iconic villains, this campaign takes you and your players
into the chilling world of Barovia, where you'll encounter:
Atmosphere. A dark, mysterious setting brimming with
rich lore and immersive experiences.
Adversity. The legendary Strahd von Zarovich, a complex
and memorable villain who meticulously exploits your
players' weaknesses.
Horror. A foray into horror and tragedy that sets Barovia
apart from traditional fantasy settings, offering a unique and
captivating environment.
Roleplay. A diverse cast of NPCs, each with distinct
personalities and motivations, allowing for engaging and
varied roleplay opportunities.
Intrigue. A tapestry of plot threads and character arcs that
weave together, creating a compelling story for your players
to influence and uncover.
Impact. A narrative that delves into themes of love, loss,
and redemption, evoking emotional investment in both the
characters and the world.
Why This Guide?
Curse of Strahd: Reloaded is one of several guides to the
Curse of Strahd campaign. Here's what sets it apart:
Simplicity. A focused approach to the campaign, avoiding
convoluted lore or extraneous storylines and ensuring a
straightforward, streamlined experience.
Resonance. Enhanced emphasis on the themes of tragedy,
pride, hope, and redemption that make Curse of Strahd truly
memorable.
Depth. A deeper exploration of Barovia and its inhabitants,
bringing the setting and its people to life.
Empowerment. Game design that allows your players to
be the heroes of Barovia, rather than the victims of a dark
and soul-crushing survival-horror experience.
Accessibility. Detailed notes and preparation, allowing you
to focus on running engaging sessions instead of getting
bogged down in planning and prep work.
Running Session Zero
Setting Expectations
Welcome to a world shrouded in darkness and horror, where
secrets and conspiracies lurk around every corner. In order to
fully immerse themselves in this chilling adventure, your
players should consider these expectations when crafting
their characters and preparing for the campaign:
Tone. Embrace the dark fantasy setting and create
characters with heroic hearts or the potential to grow into
true heroes when faced with life-or-death situations.
Cooperation and collaboration will be key in this twisted
realm.
Theme. As you explore this gothic horror landscape,
prepare to allow your characters to confront their own
regrets, traumas, flaws, and fears, enhancing the overall
atmosphere and tension of the campaign.
Engagement. Prepare to delve deep into the rich lore and
history of this world. Taking notes and engaging with the
story will not only heighten your experience but also benefit
your party as you navigate this intricate adventure.
Tactics. Tread carefully in a land rife with hidden allies and
potential enemies. Consider the consequences of your
actions and avoid making unnecessary enemies who could
hinder your progress.
Roleplay. Be open to forming meaningful relationships
with the unique and intriguing non-player characters that
inhabit this world. Emotional investment in these characters
will enrich your overall experience.
Difficulty. Death may lurk around every corner, but with
clever thinking and strategic alliances, your party can
overcome even the most daunting obstacles.
Rewards. While material treasures may be scarce, the true
rewards of this campaign lie in the allies, information, and
story hooks you'll uncover as you complete each harrowing
quest. Experience points will be awarded for milestones
achieved along the way.
Narrative. Expect the campaign to begin with a clear path
but quickly evolve into an expansive sandbox. Balancing and
prioritizing multiple quests will be crucial as you navigate the
world's urgent deadlines and far-reaching consequences.
Triggers & Accommodations
Our aim is to create a memorable and enjoyable gothic
horror experience for everyone involved. To that end, it's
essential to address any potentially uncomfortable or
controversial topics before beginning your Curse of Strahd
adventure. During Session Zero, we encourage open and
honest communication with your players about their personal
boundaries and any elements of the campaign that may
require modification or removal.
A list of potentially uncomfortable topics you might want to
discuss with your players before beginning the campaign
includes:
Child abuse and death (e.g., the Durst children)
Torture and mutilation (e.g., Kasimir's severed ears)
Mind control (e.g., Strahd's charm ability)
(Implied) incest (e.g., the Belviews)
(Implied) necrophilia (e.g., Nikolai Wachter)
Stalking and (symbolic) sexual assault (e.g., Strahd's
obsession with Ireena)
Suicide (e.g., Tatyana's death)
Drug addiction (e.g., the dream pastries)
Body horror (e.g., the vestiges' dark gifts)
Racism (e.g., Barovian views of the Vistani)
5

Character Creation
Flaws
Your players can choose one or more flaws from the table
below to add a dash of darkness to their characters' stories.
Encourage them to embrace their inner struggles and to let
these complex traits drive their arcs forward.
Flaw Character Arc
I must learn to conquer the addictions
Addiction
and demons that twist my better nature.
I must learn to value things other than
Ambition
power and control.
I must learn to let go of my need for
Anger
revenge.
I must learn to be confident in my ability
Anxiety
to protect those I love.
I must learn to hold hope again for the
Apathy
future.
I must learn to let go of my need to
Control
control those around me.
I must learn to have faith in things
Cynicism
greater than myself once again.
I must learn to allow myself to grieve for
Denial
the things I have lost.
I must learn to become the hero that I've
Doubt
been waiting for.
Greed
I must learn to let go of the things I
believe I'm owed.
I must learn to move past the loved one
Grief
that I lost.
I must learn to let go of my guilt for my
Guilt
failure to protect my loved one.
I must learn to conquer my fear of the
Hesitation
responsibilities that are expected of me.
I must learn to accept that others have
Hubris
wisdom that I do not.
I must learn to find my way back to the
Impiety
grace that I abandoned.
I must learn to define myself apart from
Insecurity
the expectations of others.
I must learn to open up and allow others
Isolation
to get close to me.
I must learn to protect myself from those
Naivete
who would take advantage of me.
I must learn to value the lives and
Narcissism
experiences of others.
I must learn to leave the past behind and
Nostalgia
to look to the future instead.
6
Flaw Character Arc
I must learn to confront the harms that
Obsession
my obsessions have caused to others.
I must learn to stop using my fears as an
Paranoia
excuse to harm others.
Pride
I must learn to ask others for help, rather
than shouldering responsibility alone.
I must learn to slow down—to stop, wait,
Recklessness
and think before I act.
I must learn to let go of the anger that
Resentment
was born from my grief.
I must learn the value of mercy and
Ruthlessness
compassion.
I must learn to let go of my need to feel
Sanctimony
righteous and pure.
I must learn to let go of my guilt for the
Shame
mistakes that I have made.
I must learn to forgive those who have
Spite
hurt those I love.
I must learn to overcome my pride and
Stubbornness
make amends to those I have hurt.
I must learn to stand up for myself, rather
Timidity
than letting others control me.
Bonds
Your players can choose one or more bonds from the table
below to weave a tapestry of connections between their
characters and the ghosts of their pasts. Encourage them to
reexamine and grow beyond these memories as they venture
through Barovia, informing their interactions with the NPCs
and narratives they encounter.
Bond Character History
One of my siblings was cruel to me as a
Abuse child. I've forgiven them, but never
forgotten.
Two warring lords brought devastation to
Bitterness my community. I wish I could show them
the cost of their war.
I was once pursued by an unrelenting
Boundaries suitor. No one should have to endure
what I did.
My older sibling was burdened by great
Comparison expectations while I was not. I think they
resented me for it.
Someone tried to steal from me once.
Compassion Rather than hurting them, I helped them
instead.
One of my loved ones left home to seek
Concern
their fortune. I hope they're staying safe.
Everyone knows that power corrupts. I've
Corruption
seen how firsthand.
Bond Character History
My mentor was one of the few people
Determination that believed in me. I'm determined to
make them proud.
Someone once destroyed everything I
Devastation cared about. I can't understand what
could drive someone to such evil.
I love my family above all else. There's
Devotion
nothing I wouldn't do to protect them.
People should never be used as a means
Dignity
to an end. I should know.
My family was split by a bitter feud. I still
Division
hope that they'll reconcile someday.
I'll never forget the sound my parents
Empathy made when they learned that my sibling
had died.
I know what it's like to be persecuted for
Faith what you believe in. I never let it shake
my beliefs.
Someone once did me great harm. It was
Forgiveness only much later that I learned to forgive
them.
Someone took me in when I had no one
Gratitude
else to turn to. I'll always be grateful.
I lost someone close to me to addiction
Hope and vice. I still hope that they'll get better
someday.
Bond Character History
I've seen what happens when people
Humility think they have all the answers. It never
turns out well.
I've seen people cause great harm in the
Judgment name of faith. They laughed when I called
it a sin.
One of my loved ones was stolen away
Loss
from me. I'm still searching for them.
Someone close to me fell onto a dark
Loyalty
path. I'd do anything to redeem them.
One of my parents loved to create things.
Nostalgia
Their work always brought me joy.
A cruel lord once ruled my community.
Oppression I'll never forgive the harms he caused to
my people.
I once knew someone with grand,
Regret ambitious plans. I wish they'd heeded my
advice.
I watched someone allow their family to
Responsibility
come to ruin. I'll never do the same.
Love never dies. It might flicker, but I'll
Romance
never let it burn out.
I once promised someone I'd keep their
Secrecy secrets safe. I intend to do so—no matter
the cost.
7
 Motivations Redemption—The Angel's Feather
A player seeking redemption begins the campaign with the
If you choose to use the Barovian Relics adventure hook for angel's feather, a large, snow-white feather. When viewed
one or more players (see Chapter 3: Running the Game), beneath the light of the morning sun, the feather's barbs
have those players choose a core character motivation from glimmer like gold.
the following table. Unbeknownst to the player, the angel's feather formerly
d12 Motivation Relic belonged to Lumiel, a deva that serves the god Lathander,
who is known to his followers as the Morninglord. Lumiel is
1 Knowledge Amber Shard the true name of the Abbot, who dwells in the Abbey of Saint
2 Redemption Angel's Feather Markovia in Barovia. When it senses the presence of Death
House, the feather is swept away by an unseen wind, its barbs
3 Family Wanderer's Scarf glimmering with golden light, before eventually landing on
4 Inheritance Dragon's Scale the house's threshold.
The player who possesses the angel's feather should have
5 Wealth Electrum Coin strong, vivid reasons to believe that the feather will one day
6 Healing Wolf's Tooth lead them to penance for the sins that they have committed.
Developments. When the players first arrive at the Abbey
7 Duty Raven's Feather in Act IV, Arc N: The Holy Symbol of Ravenkind or Act IV,
8 Power Crumpled Page Arc Q: A Bride for Strahd, the angel's feather glimmers and
is swept away in the same way that it did upon sensing Death
9 Ambition Tattered Banner House, guiding the player toward the Abbot. The Abbot
10 Faith Sunrise Medallion recognizes the feather as his own, but dismisses its
11 Harmony Stone Crest
importance.
12 Justice Broken Blade Family—The Wanderer's Scarf
A player seeking family begins the campaign with the
Once a player has chosen their core motivation, use the wanderer's scarf, a multicolored scarf woven with complex
relevant section below to aid that player in developing their patterns. The fabric is soft and warm, and is long enough to
character's history and goals. be worn around the neck or over one's head. When bright
sunlight, moonlight, or starlight is allowed to pass through it,
Knowledge—The Amber Shard the patterns seem to shimmer and twist in eerie and beautiful
A player seeking knowledge begins the campaign with the ways.
amber shard, a small chunk of amber resin mounted on a Unbeknownst to the player, the wanderer's scarf once
chain-link cord. The shard is inset with complex, three- belonged to a Vistana who left their caravan and settled down
dimensional arcane runes. When viewed under the detect to marry the one they loved. The scarf was a parting gift from
magic spell, it exudes a strong aura of abjuration magic. the caravan's leader—a reminder of the joys that the Vistana
Unbeknownst to the player, the amber shard was formerly had experienced while traveling. When it senses the presence
a part of a dark vestige's amber sarcophagus in the Amber of Death House, the scarf is carried away by a warm, playful
Temple in Barovia. When it senses the presence of Death breeze, its patterns shifting and turning in the air, before
House, it glows with amber light and tugs its cord in the eventually landing on the house's threshold.
direction of the house. The player who possesses the wanderer's scarf should
The player who possesses the amber shard should have have received the scarf from a beloved family member, and
strong, vivid reasons to want to unlock its secrets and the should have strong, vivid reasons to long for a sense of family
magic that it possesses. and belonging.
Developments. In Act I, Arc A: Escape From Death Developments. When the players first encounter
House, the player recognizes Elisabeth Durst's amber shard Ezmerelda in Act IV, Arc M: Strahd's Enemy or Act IV, Arc
as similar in appearance to their own. In Act II, Arc G: The N: The Holy Symbol of Ravenkind, the wanderer's scarf
Strazni Siblings, the player recognizes Izek Strazni's amber shimmers and is carried away in the same way that it did
shard in a similar way. In Act V, Arc U, Elder Burebis of upon sensing Death House, landing at Ezmerelda's feet.
Soldav can recognize the amber shard as a shard of evil Ezmerelda recognizes the scarf and, upon confirming how
taken from the Amber Temple, and the player can recognize the player came to inherit it, greets the player as family,
the amber shards kept by the shoosuva and bodaks as calling them "cousin."
resembling their own. Inheritance—The Dragon's Scale
If the player character is reduced to 0 hit points in Barovia
while in possession of their amber shard, it behaves as A player seeking inheritance begins the campaign with the
described in Appendix B: The Amber Shards, offering the dragon's scale, a large silver scale that always feels cold to
player an opportunity to forge a pact with a vestige of the the touch. A Good-aligned creature that touches the scale
Amber Temple that fits the player character's personality, feels a fleeting sense of safety, protection, and comfort.
flaws, and temptations. Upon entering the Amber Temple, the
player's amber shard glows and tugs in the same way that it
did upon sensing Death House, guiding the player toward a
suitable amber sarcophagus.
8
Unbeknownst to the player, the dragon's scale formerly
belonged to Argynvost, the adult silver dragon who founded
the Order of the Silver Dragon. The order's headquarters, the
mansion of Argynvostholt, can be found in Barovia. When it
senses the presence of Death House, the scale burns with an
icy cold, one end glowing with a bright, silver light in the
direction of the house. While the scale glows in this way, a
Good-aligned creature that touches it feels a deep sense of
longing, loss, and hope.
The player who possesses the dragon's scale should have
received the scale from a family member, and should have
strong, vivid reasons to believe that the scale will one day
unlock the secrets of their heritage.
Developments. When the player first encounters
Argynvost's shadow in the foyer of Argynvostholt in Act IV,
Arc O: The Beacon of Argynvostholt, the scale briefly burns
cold in the same way that it did upon sensing Death House.
Each time the player approaches a manifestation of
Argynvost's spirit, the scale burns cold and glows with a
bright, silver light in the direction of the manifestation.
If the player helps to retrieve Argynvost's skull and restore
it to his crypt, Argynvost's spirit greets the player warmly,
naming them his heir to the legacy of the Order of the Silver
Dragon before lighting the beacon of Argynvostholt.
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.

9
 Unbeknownst to the player, the tooth once belonged to a
wolfir—a werewolf that served the fey goddess known as the
Huntress before her gift of lycanthropy was twisted into a
curse. The Huntress's holy place, the Forest Fane, dwells
amidst the woodlands of Barovia, silently waiting to be
restored. When it senses the presence of Death House, the
tooth lengthens, glowing with silver moonlight, and tugs its
cord in the direction of the house.
The player who possesses the wolf's tooth should have
strong, vivid reasons to believe that the tooth is the key to
curing a particular wound, malady, or curse that ails them.
Developments. If the player shows the wolf's tooth to
Kavan in Act III, Arc K: The Missing Gem or to Elder
Burebis in Act V, Arc W: The Ladies of the Fanes, the tooth
is recognized as an artifact and symbol of the Huntress.
When the player first approaches the circle of stones at the
Forest Fane in Act V, Arc W: The Ladies of the Fanes, the
tooth lengthens and glows with moonlight as it did upon
sensing Death House.
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 to immortality and untold power.
10
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 image of a
three-pointed star. On the nights of the new moon, the star
seems to glimmer with emerald light.
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.
The player who possesses the stone crest should have strong,
vivid reasons to believe that the symbols upon it represent a
primal or divine power of harmony and nature, and that the
crest can aid them in restoring the sanctity of wild places.
Developments. When the player first approaches the
exterior of Soldav in Act V, Arc W: The Ladies of the
Fanes, the stone crest hums and releases a scent of pine
needles and earth soil as it did upon sensing Death House,
both of which grow stronger as the player approaches the
Shrine of the Rozana in Soldav.
If the player shows the stone crest to Kavan in Act III, Arc
K: The Missing Gem or to Elder Burebis in Act V, Arc W:
The Ladies of the Fanes, the crest is recognized as an
artifact and symbol of the Ladies of the Fanes.
Justice—The Broken Blade
A player seeking justice begins the campaign with the broken
blade, the shattered tip of an elven longsword. The blade is
engraved with the sigil of a lion rampant, which seems to
roar when the light of dusk touches it.
Unbeknownst to the player, the blade once belonged to
Erevan, a dusk elf prince. Erevan, a master bladesinger,
practiced the style of the lion, which he also used as his
personal sigil. However, Erevan refused to pay tribute to King
Barov von Zarovich, a powerful warlord and the father of
Strahd von Zarovich.
Rahadin, a dusk elf who had spurned Erevan's rule, helped
King Barov conquer the dusk elf kingdom. Rahadin then
broke Erevan's blade and personally executed Erevan and his
family as punishment for his defiance. When it senses the
presence of Death House, the blade emits a high-pitched hum
and begins to tremble violently, spinning like a compass
needle in the direction of the house.
The player who possesses the broken blade should have
strong, vivid reasons to believe that their ancestors were
refugees, driven forth from their ancestral lands and
persecuted, and that the blade will one day deliver justice to
the traitor who destroyed them.
Developments. If the player shows the broken blade to
Kasimir Velikov in Act V, Arc U: The Amber Temple, he
mournfully recalls its history and asks the player how they
came to possess it. If the player informs Kasimir of how they
came to inherit it, Kasimir greets them as family, wondering
aloud if more of the dusk elves may have escaped Strahd's
slaughter outside of Barovia.
If the broken blade is ever in close proximity to Rahadin,
Strahd's chamberlain, it emits a high-pitched hum and
trembles violently, spinning like a compass needle in his
direction just as it did upon sensing Death House. If the
player shows the broken blade to Rahadin, he at first claims
to have no memory of it, noting dispassionately the
thousands that he has slaughtered. However, in combat,
Rahadin eventually comes to remember the blade's origins,
dismissing it as "the shattered toy of a weak and worthless
man."
11
 Chapter 2: The Land of Barovia
Lore of Barovia
Metaphysics & Magic
The land of Barovia is a "demiplane"—a small, self-contained
plane of existence. It is one of many Domains of Dread, which
together occupy a small corner of the Shadowfell.
Like all of the Domains of Dread, Barovia is entrapped by
the mists of Ravenloft, as described in Mists of Ravenloft (p.
23), and ruled by the mysterious Dark Powers. The Dark
Powers are nameless, shapeless entities that serve as the
jailers of the "Darklords" of the Domains: evil individuals who
have committed unspeakable crimes. Strahd von Zarovich is
one such Darklord.
Precious few—including only archmages, scholars, and (at
times) the Darklords themselves—know that the Dark
Powers exist. Fewer still know of their true nature and
origins. While the Dark Powers were born from the miasma
of evil that dwells within the Amber Temple of Barovia, they
are not themselves the vestiges—the non-sapient fragments
of dead, malevolent gods—that are sealed within the
sarcophagi of the temple. (For more information about the
vestiges of the Amber Temple, see The Amber Temple (p.
181).)
The Dark Powers do not necessarily seek to corrupt those
they encounter. Instead, for certain individuals, they seek to
offer a choice between darkness and light—and to punish and
ensnare those who fall to their temptations. In this adventure,
two such individuals are Strahd von Zarovich and Ireena
Kolyana.
As described in Mists of Ravenloft and Sunlight in
Barovia (p. 23-24), the land of Barovia is surrounded by a
deadly fog that engulfs any creature that tries to leave, and
has not known the light of the sun in centuries.
Spells cast in Barovia function as described in Alterations
to Magic and Resurrection Madness, and may be
cosmetically modified in gruesome ways as described in
Cosmetic Spell Modifications (p. 24). While deities and
patrons can still empower clerics and warlocks who make
their way to Barovia, their ability to intervene directly—given
the limited omnipotence of the Dark Powers within the
Domains of Dread—is sorely limited.
Design Notes
This guide includes a diverse array of revisions to
the original Curse of Strahd module which, taken
together, aim to form a complete and cohesive
narrative. As such, use caution when combining this
guide with other supplements or homebrew, which
risk compromising the integrity of the adventure.
To guide you in applying any changes or
additions (if desired), however, each chapter
includes a Design Notes section that explains
which major changes have been made, why they
have been made, and how they can be properly
implemented.
12
Geography
The geography of Barovia is largely as described in Lay of
the Land (p. 23) and Areas of Barovia (p. 33). However, the
winding slopes of Tsolenka Pass now house the hidden
village of Soldav, an isolated settlement of Mountain Folk
who reject the druids' decision to worship Strahd as a deity.
Cultures
Barovians
The denizens of the Village of Barovia are a broken, haunted
people, largely as described in Chapter 3: The Village of
Barovia (p. 41) and Barovian Villagers (p. 41).
Until recently, however, the village of Barovia faced few
overt troubles. While not thriving, its residents eked out a
meager existence and lived as well as they could.
That changed when the priest’s son, Doru—emboldened by
the arrival of the vampire hunter Dr. Rudolph van Richten—
incited a Barovian mob to march against Castle Ravenloft.
Awoken from his long slumber, Strahd laid waste to the
members of the mob, killing many of the village’s beloved
sons and daughters.
Strahd then roused an undead army and sent it against the
village as punishment for their insolence. The siege of
Barovia decimated the village, killing dozens and wounding
many more. Only when Barovia’s burgomaster, a man named
Kolyan Indirovich, was slain in battle, did Strahd’s forces
ultimately withdraw, judging the slaughter to be sufficient
discipline.
The burgomaster’s children, Ismark and Ireena, took
charge of the rebuilding effort. Even so, many Barovians,
fearful of Strahd’s emergence and the shadow 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
turned on Ismark, blaming him and his father for allowing
Strahd to awaken, and for failing to do more to prevent
Strahd’s counter strike. Ismark—named for “Ismark the
Great,” an ancestral hero who rooted out nests of vampires
across the valley—is now scorned as “Ismark the Lesser.”
The village has fallen into a state of paranoia,
hopelessness, and despair. Neighbors mistrust neighbors,
fearful that any person could be charmed by a vampire—or,
worse, a vampire in disguise. Few go out of doors, whether
day or night. All avoid the church, a scarred and haunted
building rumored to be cursed by the Devil Strahd himself.
Vallakians
The people of Vallaki are largely as described in Chapter 5:
The Town of Vallaki (p. 95) and Townsfolk (p. 96). Though
the town is ruled by Baron Vargas Vallakovich, the local
burgomaster, few townsfolk view him with much love or
respect.
However, Baron Vallakovich commands the loyalty of Izek
Strazni, a cruel and capricious brute who enforces the
Baron’s will with an iron fist. Izek, as Captain of the Guard,
commands the loyalty—and, more importantly, the salaries—
of the town’s twenty-four guards, as described in Town Gates
(p. 95).
Though Vallaki is far from a police state, Izek has spies
throughout the town—individuals that he has threatened or
intimidated into keeping him abreast of news and
information. Those who speak ill of the Baron or his
“festivals” (described in Chapter 5: The Town of Vallaki (p.
95)) are thrown in the stocks as described in Donkey-
Headed Criminals (p. 119). Those who go further may find
themselves forcibly summoned to the Baron’s manor for
“corrective rehabilitation,” or even left to the tender mercies
of Izek himself, whose diabolic mastery of fire allows him to
burn his victims’ flesh or set their homes aflame.
As a result, the vast majority of Vallakians have
surrendered themselves to Baron Vallakovich’s rule, too
terrified of Izek to dare speak out. The sole exceptions are
Lady Fiona Wachter, as described in Vallaki Lore (p. 96), and
the secret members of her devil-worshipping cult, as
described in Cultists (p. 96) and N4. Wachterhaus (p. 110).
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 Soldav, tucked away on the slopes
of Mount Ghakis.

13
 Factions
Dark Powers
Both everywhere and nowhere, the Dark Powers are not
quite a proper faction—their goals are inscrutable, their true
agenda concealed. As the nameless jailers of Strahd von
Zarovich, they seek only to ensure that his prison remains in
place, and his suffering continues.
As part of Strahd’s punishment, however, the Dark Powers
quietly work to keep the soul of Tatyana Federovna—now
reincarnated as Ireena Kolyana—out of the vampire’s reach.
For all their might, it is against the nature of the Dark Powers
to act directly upon the souls within their domains: they can
neither destroy her, nor command her spirit.
However, as they once did with Strahd, the Dark Powers
can always offer a choice—in Ireena’s case, a choice to end
her existence, to flee from Strahd’s pursuit, and to find the
safety of temporary oblivion. Nearly five hundred years ago,
Tatyana Federovna accepted this offer, and leapt from the
Pillarstone of Ravenloft to her doom. Two centuries later,
Marina Ulrich did the same, and let slip to her father the
secret of Strahd’s pursuit.
Time and time again, the women bearing Tatyana’s soul
have been offered this choice and, bereft of other options,
made the decision to accept it. It is not yet Ireena’s time—but
the Dark Powers are patient, and they know that, alone, she
will inevitably fall once more into their grasp.
Keepers of the Feather
The Keepers of the Feather are largely as described in
Keepers of the Feather (p. 98), The Martikov Family (p.
174), and U6. Standing Stones (p. 165). The high-ranking
membership is dominated by the Martikov family, with
patriarch Davian Martikov directing the order’s activities.
However, more than a dozen other members are also
scattered incognito throughout Barovia, with most stationed
in and around the town of Vallaki.
The Keepers, despite their lycanthropic nature, are spies—
not warriors. With the sole exception of Muriel Vinshaw, a
young wereraven with a fiery temper and a streak of
defiance, the Keepers are reluctant to take up arms in battle.
Few are trained in martial combat, and fewer still have the
stomach for violence or blood.
More importantly, one of the Keepers—a young wereraven
named Elric, Muriel’s former romantic partner—recently
accompanied Doru’s mob of Barovians to Castle Ravenloft,
and was killed in the slaughter. Fearing Strahd’s attention,
the rest of the Keepers are now laying low, hoping to keep
their members safe and their secrets out of the vampire’s
hands.
That doesn’t mean, though, that the Keepers are staying
idle. Their spy network—led by Urwin Martikov and his
wereraven associates—has tendrils that reach throughout the
valley and mountains, gathering constant intelligence from
the flocks of ravens that soar through the skies. Some among
the Keepers joke that not a twig could be snapped in the
Svalich Woods without Urwin knowing of it—and, sometimes,
they wouldn’t be far wrong.

14
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 Soldav 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
Burebis, 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, Burebis’ 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 Soldav 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 Popofsky,
the rats to Ludmilla Vilisevic, and the bats to Anastrasya
Karelova.
15
 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.

16
Emil, the leader of the pack, resisted Strahd’s efforts to strip
the pack of its agency. He quietly argued that the Children of
Mother Night had always been free—free to hunt and kill and
live as they chose—and suggested that the pack pretend to
accept Strahd’s terms, but abandon Barovia as soon as the
mists reopened to them.
But Emil was betrayed. Kiril, a young and haughty werewolf
who felt his strength had gone unrecognized, was lured by
Strahd’s promises of riches and might. Kiril reported Emil’s
plot to Strahd’s own ear—and, when the vampire’s dire wolves
dragged Emil to the dungeons of Castle Ravenloft, was
rewarded with the leadership of the werewolf pack.
Now, as the pack’s new alpha and Strahd’s faithful servant,
Kiril leads his werewolves on a savage and bloody crusade to
dominate the wild places of Barovia, though he dreams of
one day surmounting the settlements’ walls and devouring
their people like sheep. Meanwhile, Emil’s mate Zuleika, the
pack’s holy woman and soothsayer, sits alone in Mother
Night’s shrine, silently praying for deliverance—or vengeance.
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.

17
 As an aspect of the Seeker, Madam Eva is bound to follow the
rules of her divinity. She cannot refuse to read another’s
fortune, nor can she share her foretellings with any but those
who hear them. Many individuals, both savory and not, have
therefore called upon her to see their futures—including, at
times, Strahd von Zarovich himself.
Given Madam Eva’s exceptionally long lifespan—far longer
than any ordinary human—Strahd strongly suspects that she
is more than she appears. However, thus far, Madam Eva has
been content to give him the foretellings he seeks—and he, in
response, has been content to accept her sly smiles and
denials.
However, Madam Eva foresees that Strahd will soon return
to her for a final, terrible time—and that the reading she will
deliver shall define the fate of all Barovia.
18
Religions
The Church of the Morninglord
The dominant faith in Barovia worships the deity known as
the Morninglord, a god of dawn and renewal. In centuries
past, with the sun always hidden behind overcast skies, the
people’s faith had slowly slipped into empty ritual.
With Strahd newly awoken, however, a wave of despair has
swept across the valley—and, with it, a streak of religious
revivalism. Vallaki in particular has seen a dramatic
expansion in worshippers seeking hope, comfort, and a sense
of security from the faith of their forefathers. Father Lucian
Petrovich, the priest of St. Andral’s Church in Vallaki, does
what he can to preach the Morningword’s grace, as described
in N1. St. Andral’s Church (p. 97), but even he has his quiet
doubts about how far that protection can go.
The Names of the Gods
In Forgotten Realms lore, “Morninglord” is the
epithet of Lathander, the greater god of dawn and
renewal. However, no canonical deity has the
epithet “Mother Night,” leaving her true name a
mystery.
Mother Night’s identity is, admittedly, irrelevant
to the narrative of this campaign, However, her
divine portfolio—including witches, foresight,
nocturnal beasts, and lycanthropes—most closely
matches that of Shar, the Forgotten Realms'
greater god of trickery and death. Known also as
the “Mistress of the Night,” Shar was the creator of
the Shadowfell, the realm in which Barovia—and all
the Demiplanes of Dread—now reside.
The Coven of Mother Night
Though most Barovians worship the Morninglord in public, a
precious few scorn his faith and instead turn their worship to
Mother Night, seeking safety, power, or simple vengeance.
Witches and werewolves comprise the bulk of Mother Night’s
followers, though some ordinary Barovians build secret
shrines to her, joining in profane fellowship with the
creatures of night.
The Cult of Ezra
Some Barovians are neither wholly satisfied with the faith of
the Morninglord nor depraved enough to seek the blessings
of Mother Night. In their eyes, the Morninglord is a powerless
or craven deity, unable to save his own worshippers or even
raise a single sunrise, while Mother Night is a cruel and
savage being, too dangerous to acknowledge or worship.
These Barovians walk a middle path, and instead worship
Ezra, the Mistwalker: the god of the Mists, or—as some
suggest—the embodiment of the Mists themselves. (See
Ezra, God of the Mists, Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft at
p. 64, for more information.)
In Barovia, the followers of Ezra preach that power is an
illusion, and suffering life’s only constant. Many believe that
tales of the sun are myths, and that Barovia has neither past
nor future: only an unceasing present that must be forever
endured.
Though she preaches devil-worship to her cult, Lady Fiona
Wachter of Vallaki is a quiet worshipper of Ezra. Many turn to
Ezra for comfort in times of tragedy, finding it easier to
believe that hope is an illusion than to believe that it may be
attained and then lost.
Few, however, suspect the horrible truth: that “Ezra” does
not, and has never existed—and that her soothing voice is
merely a simulacrum conjured by the twisted whispers of the
Dark Powers themselves.
The Faith of the Ladies Three
In Soldav, 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.
Design Notes: Lore of Barovia
Metaphysics & Magic. The original Curse of Strahd module
makes clear that the Dark Powers and the vestiges of the
Amber Temple are separate entities, and that the evil of the
latter gave birth to the former. This guide has intentionally
preserved this distinction, aiming to retain the Gothic
mystery of Barovia's existence without explaining it to the
players outright.
In doing so, this guide rejects a popular community idea
that the Vampyr, one of the vestiges of the Amber Temple, is a
"Dark Power" that has locked Barovia away in the mists—and
that binding or otherwise defeating Vampyr is necessary to
truly lift the "curse of Strahd." While this idea of a hidden
"final boss" may be attractive on its face, the addition of a
"Bigger Bad" diminishes Strahd by comparison, leaving him
a puppet on the strings of a far more powerful villain.
Strahd is not the villain of Curse of Strahd because he is
powerful; he is the villain because he is a cruel, prideful, and
deeply personal antagonist. To remove him as the final boss
of his own campaign would both weaken the tragic themes
that underly it and, more importantly, cheapen the
relationship that the players have developed with him
throughout the course of the adventure.
Geography. This guide has intentionally preserved the
scale of Barovia as described in the original module, rejecting
popular community changes that double (or even triple) the
distances between settlements. Barovia is intentionally a
claustrophobic space; one in which the specter of Strahd and
his minions is everpresent.
More practically, the module's fast-paced narrative requires
short travel times between points of interest to ensure that
the players are never far from their next destination. While
some may be tempted to increase travel times nonetheless in
order to force the players to camp on the road, it's worth
noting that nocturnal random encounters are rarely valuable
in advancing the story. Curse of Strahd: Reloaded is
intentionally a Gothic action-adventure campaign, rather than
a survival-horror one, because the Dungeons & Dragons
system is a poor home for scarcity mechanics—and because
most players would rather feel like heroes than survivalists.
Cultures. The changes to Barovian history are discussed
in further detail in History of Barovia below. In Vallaki, Izek
Strazni now has a small number of local spies to explain why
—in a town where all guards have been assigned to patrol the
walls—the Baron is so easily able to find and prosecute
individuals for "malicious unhappiness." Secondly, the First
Folk have been included to provide a shared backstory for the
mad druids of Yester Hill and the berserkers of the Balinok
Mountains.
Factions. More information about the Dark Powers'
relationship with Strahd von Zarovich and Ireena Kolyana is
discussed in Chapter 3: Running the Game. The deceased
wereraven, Elric, has been added to the Keepers of the
Feather to explain why Baba Lysaga and the druids of Yester
Hill have suddenly discovered the society's existence.
Meanwhile, the Barovian refugees have been added outside
of Vallaki's walls to give Ireena a non-selfish reason to travel
to Vallaki (i.e., to aid the refugees in relocating from Barovia);
to explain why the village of Barovia is a hollow, empty town;
and to provide Fiona Wachter with victims to offer Strahd on
the night of the Vallakian "Blood Tax," which provides the
players a critical opportunity to infiltrate Castle Ravenloft
while Strahd is not present.
The "good" Mountain Folk of Soldav have been added to
provide the players with a meaningful opportunity to learn
the history of the mad druids of Yester Hill and to hook the
players into the Ladies of the Fanes questline—a narrative arc
that now plays a key role in Strahd's final plan.
Finally, the recent history of the werewolf pack has been
updated to tie more strongly into the narrative of Strahd's
recent reawakening, while the amber vestiges have been
given "amber shards" to introduce players to their corruption
on a much earlier timescale than the original module.
Religions. The cult of Ezra has been added to the
campaign to provide additional depth to Fiona Wachter’s
characterization and to foreshadow the true nature of the
Dark Powers before Ireena meets and defies them at the
climax of her character arc.
19
 However, these defenses could not stop the wizards
History of Barovia themselves from falling to the vestiges’ corruption. Within
three generations, nearly all of the wizards were dead as
The following is a narrative summary of Barovia’s history, described in Chapter 13: The Amber Temple (p. 181). The
from the ancient past to the modern age. A chronological lone survivor—an archmage named Neferon—was
timeline can be found in Appendix A: A History of Barovia. transfigured to an immortal, monstrous form and settled in to
Origins of the Valley guard his “hoard.”
Nearly four millenia ago, the land of Barovia was a peaceful
valley inhabited by the First Folk: a nomadic society of
hunter-gatherers. When they arrived in the valley—which they
called "Cerunnos," meaning "fertile land"—the First Folk
brought with them the worship of a trio of minor fey
goddesses that they called the Rozana.
To honor them, the First Folk built three sacred fanes at
places of natural power—the Swamp Fane, the Forest Fane,
and the Mountain Fane. These fanes served as conduits for
the goddess' power, allowing the Rozana—known informally
as the Ladies Three, or simply the Ladies—to walk among
their worshippers and to anchor themselves to the land they
loved.
The Ladies Three wielded powerful magic, bringing good
fortune to those that followed their ways. Only their most
devout priests knew the Ladies’ names; to all others, they
were known as the Weaver, the Huntress, and the Seeker.
For as long as they ruled the land, the Ladies acted as its
sovereigns, making their will known through auguries and
omens. Through intermediaries, they wielded powerful
magic, but one different from that of mages. They drew
power from water, air, and earth, and were bound to the
ancient valley in which they dwelled. It was said that the
Ladies could hear everything that happened in their woods,
predict the future, twist the threads of human lives and bring
blessings as well as curses.
Two of the Ladies bestowed upon their most faithful
worshippers the gifts of lycanthropy: flocks of wereravens
served the Seeker’s will, while packs of Good-aligned
werewolves called wolfir raced through the woods to join the
Huntress’s Wild Hunt. Meanwhile, the Weaver fashioned
three gemstones the size and shape of pinecones, imbued
them with the raw energies of life, and delivered them to her
priests with a promise that the bounties of the woods would
always feed them and their children.
The Amber Temple
Though the First Folk were the first to claim the valley, they
were far from the last. Two thousand years after the First
Folk passed through the Balinok Mountains, a secret society
of wizards worshipping a nameless god of secrets came into
the valley. These wizards founded the Amber Temple near the
peak of Mount Ghakis, as described in Chapter 13: The
Amber Temple (p. 181), and used it to contain the vestiges of
dead, hateful gods, which they imprisoned in amber
sarcophagi in the temple’s deepest vaults.
When the forces of evil sought to claim the vestiges’ power
for their own, the wizards resolved to guard the Temple
themselves, and built a road from the Temple through the
mountains to import supplies. To protect it, they constructed
the defenses described in T1. Gatehouse Portcullis, T2.
Demon Statues, and T3. Curtain of Green Flame (p. 157)
along the winding Tsolenka Pass.

20
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.
21
 However, the dream of Zarovia never left King Barov’s
descendants. One hundred years after their exile, Barov von
Zarovich II, the heir to the family name, took up arms to
reclaim his namesake’s legacy. Wielding his cunning and
wealth, Barov II built an army of soldiers legions strong and
began to carve out a territory that he could be proud to call
his kingdom.
Barov’s crusade was buoyed when Saint Andral—a
spiritual leader among the Church of the Morninglord,
despairing at the chaos and poverty that had embroiled the
kingdom since its fall—granted him the crown of old Zarovia.
With Barov’s aid, Saint Andral became the Most High Priest
of the Morninglord’s church; with Andral’s aid, Barov’s
expansion became a holy war.
The kingdom of the dusk elves—a former province of
Zarovia—declined to pay fealty to King Barov, who declared
war. Within a year, Barov’s forces—aided by Rahadin, the
exiled dusk elf son of Prince Erevan Löwenhart, described
further in Rahadin (p. 237)—had conquered the dusk elves,
obliterating the elven royal line and subjugating those that
remained.
With the aid of Ciril Romulich, King Barov took the hilt of
Prince Löwenhart's shattered moonblade and used it to forge
the Brightblade: a crystal blade of radiant light. To further
empower the sword, the witch Baba Lysaga—King Barov's
advisor on matters of magic—sealed Prince Löwenhart's
spirit within the blade.
Not longer thereafter, however, Baba Lysaga was banished
for her unhealthy attachment to the king's newborn son,
Strahd, as described in Baba Lysaga (p. 228). Seven years
later, the young Strahd, joined his father’s army as a squire.
While at war, Barov also sired a bastard daughter, Katarina,
by a Vistani woman. (See Madam Eva (p. 233).)
A decade after the fall of the dusk elves, Strahd—now a
soldier and captain under King Barov’s command—was
wounded in battle and rescued by the Vistani, as described in
The Dancing Fire (p. 20).
22
Within four years of his safe return, Strahd became a general
in King Barov’s army, leading the vanguard of the conquering
force. As he waged war upon his family’s enemies, Strahd
saw neither leaf nor stone of his family’s homeland, more
often sleeping in tents on soggy, bloodstained earth than in
royal sheets and linens.
Within five years of Strahd’s dispatch to the front lines—by
the time Strahd himself was twenty-six years old—his mother,
Queen Ravenovia, bore Barov a second son: Sergei.
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.
Many were dispatched to the front lines of nearby conflicts
to wage war against evil—including, in some places, the
armies of King Barov von Zarovich II, who had begun to test
the borders of long-peaceful nations with an ambitious and
obvious hunger.
With the Abbey and manor drawing new settlers to the
valley, the descendants of the wereravens that had once fled
Kavan’s tyranny now saw an opportunity to thrive. Using the
last of the secrets passed down from their ancestors, they
reshaped the Weaver’s lifegiving gemstones to grow strong,
hearty grapes in the woodlands’ rich soil. They built a winery
along the western edge of the valley, and—hoping to conceal
the true source of their produce—named it the “Wizard of
Wines,” spreading a rumor that a powerful mage had founded
the business.
The winery soon forged strong relationships with
Argynvost and Markovia, and a profitable trade began.
Deliveries to the Abbey were stored in S16. Wine Cellar (p.
152), while deliveries to Argynvostholt were kept in Q11.
Wine Storage (p. 133). News of the Wizard of Wines drew
new immigrants to the valley, bolstering the Order’s forces
and further growing the hamlet at the base of the abbey.
With the winery completed, however, Argynvost foresaw
that an economic boom in the valley might bring about the
very fears he had founded the Order of the Silver Dragon to
prevent. To fortify the existing gatehouse at Tsolenka Pass, he
directed his knights to construct a white stone tower
overlooking the road, securing it from any who might seek to
embark toward the Temple on foot.
Throughout this process, the First Folk watched cautiously,
fearful of the newcomers’ sudden and aggressive expansion—
but far more fearful that provocation could spur a reprisal to
rival King Dostron’s greatest cruelties. And so, they remained
amidst the woodlands and mountain slopes, silently
observing the newcomers’ activities.
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.
War 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, 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.
23
 When the dust of Strahd’s final battle had settled, he was
finally left with no more foes to destroy—and no more lands
to conquer. His advisors urged him to return to his homeland
to govern, but Strahd had better ideas. He was envious of his
mother’s attention to Sergei, eager to escape the shadow of
his father’s legacy, and struck by the beauty of the valley he’d
conquered. He named the valley “Barovia”—not after his
father, but after King Barov I, the great patriarch of the Von
Zarovich line—and decided to settle there.
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 Krezkova 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.
24
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 returned to Castle Ravenloft, mortal and unchanged.
Troubled, yet fascinated, Patrina followed after him.
Strahd continued his studies of magic, learning at a far
more rapid—and voracious—pace then any student Patrina
had yet seen. Suspicious of his fellow dusk elf’s motives,
however, Rahadin—now one of Strahd’s most trusted
advisors—began to seek out women who could distract him
from Patrina.
Meanwhile, the construction of Castle Ravenloft continued
unabated. As a token of his favor, Strahd led one of the mages
—a brilliant architect named Artimus—to the Amber Temple
itself, showing him the secrets of setting magic deep into
quarried stone. There, Artimus finalized the design of the
castle itself, as described in X20. Architect's Room (p. 187).
Just over a year after construction had begun, Castle
Ravenloft was finished. Strahd appointed Rahadin as the
chamberlain of the keep, as described in Rahadin (p. 236).
He then summoned his mother, Queen Ravenovia, and his
brother, Sergei—now a high priest in the Church of the
Morninglord—to join him in Barovia. With their work
complete, Strahd’s masons and mages departed the castle;
the archmage Khazan, however, chose to settle in the valley,
constructing a magical tower in Lake Baratok as described in
Chapter 11: Van Richten's Tower (p. 167).
Afflicted with poor health—perhaps as a result of Baba
Lysaga’s curse, as described in Baba Lysaga (p. 228)—Queen
Ravenovia did not survive the journey to Barovia. Two
months after she and Sergei had departed, he and her coffin
arrived in the valley. It was in grief for their mother that
Strahd met Sergei for the first time in each of their lives, and
both oversaw the Queen’s burial in the newly-built crypts of
Castle Ravenloft.
Sergei, however, did not arrive alone. He was accompanied
by Ciril Romulich, a high priest of the Church of the
Morninglord (described in Crypt 30: Prefect Ciril Romulich
(p. 91). Ciril provided Strahd with the Icon of Ravenloft,
described in K15. Chapel (p. 57) and Icon of Ravenloft (p.
222), to consecrate the castle and its chapel.
Ciril also delivered news that the priest Kir—the Most High
Priest of the Morninglord’s church and Saint Andral’s
successor—had crafted a strange holy relic called the Sigil of
the Sun that he claimed was needed to prepare for the
coming of a future enemy.
Kir, however, had died in the process, leaving the position
of Most High Priest vacant—a position that the council of
high priests chose Sergei to fill. Sergei, already the bearer of
King Barov’s Brightblade, was now also given the Sigil of the
Sun as a symbol of his new station, and set about preparing
to assume the role.
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.
25
 Tatyana was not the first visitor to walk Castle Ravenloft’s
halls, nor the last. As Strahd fumed and longed for her love,
he also hosted a number of dignified guests—including
Duchess Dorfniya Dilisnya and her fool, Pidlwick, further
described in Pidlwick II (p. 235). Determined to win Strahd’s
hand in marriage, the Duchess nonetheless was blind to his
infatuation with Tatyana, visiting the castle many times with
gifts and stories. Eager to please him, she commissioned the
legendary toymaker, Fritz von Weerg, to build a clockwork
effigy of Pidlwick, as described in Pidlwick II (p. 235), and
assigned Pidlwick to train it.
Meanwhile, even as the war against the revenants
continued, Strahd soon found his day-to-day agenda full with
the management of his domestic affairs. Prince Ariel du
Plumette, a distant relative from a branch house of the von
Zarovich clan, plumetted to his death as described in Crypt
4: Prince Ariel du Plumette (p. 86). Sir Sedrik Spinwitovich,
a general who had won his post through nepotism as much
as skill, completed the construction of the Barovian navy
within the landlocked Lake Zarovich, as described in Crypt
17: Sir Sedric Spinwitovich (p. 89). Sir Klutz Tripalotsky, a
loyal knight of Strahd's court, perished when he fell on his
own sword, and was put to rest within the crypts. (See Crypt
33: Sir Klutz Tripalotsky (p. 91).
More significantly, Sergei’s dalliances with Tatyana had
begun to impede his priestly duties. Sensing an opportunity—
and annoyed at his brother’s negligence—Strahd gave Sergei
an ultimatum: end his relationship, or abdicate his position as
Most High Priest. To Strahd’s shock and horror, Sergei chose
the latter, forswearing his vows as a priest of the Morninglord.
Within a fortnight, he and Tatyana were engaged to be
married.
Unfortunately for Strahd, a harsh winter soon trapped him
in Castle Ravenloft with Sergei and Tatyana, condemning
him to suffer endlessly their laughter, stolen kisses, and love-
addled gazes. Duchess Dilisnya, a fellow prisoner of the
snowdrifts, made her best efforts to bring warmth and good
cheer, but ultimately succumbed to a bad bout of pneumonia
and was buried beneath Castle Ravenloft.
Not longer after the snows lifted, Tatyana kindly asked
Duchess Dilisnya’s fool, Pidlwick, to remain at Castle
Ravenloft—but within a week, the mechanical fool, now
named Pidlwick II, secretly murdered the original Pidlwick
by pushing him down a flight of stairs. Not long after, it was
shut away in a guest bedroom closet, as described in
Pidlwick II (p. 235).
By mid-spring, preparations had fully begun for the
upcoming royal wedding. Sergei asked—and Strahd
reluctantly granted—his elder brother’s blessing for the union
to come. Even as the revenants’ battles burned on in the
lands beyond, the world within the castle’s walls was abuzz
with romance and excitement. Only Strahd, tormented by the
sight of the happy couple together, felt his spirit sinking ever-
deeper into shadow and mirk.
Arrival of the Mists
The morning of Sergei's wedding, Strahd gazed into his
mirror and realized he had been a fool.
26
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 Duchess 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.
Aftermath of the Wedding
Katarina sought refuge with a Vistani encampment at Tser
Pool, too fearful of Strahd to seek shelter elsewhere. There,
she prayed for a means to free her half-brother from the fate
that had befallen him and to liberate her people from the
death he embodied—and a voice answered.
That evening, Katarina forged a pact with the Seeker, the
sole surviving spirit of the forsaken Ladies Three. She traded
her youth for the power to undo Strahd's evil, transforming
into Madam Eva: an ageless crone and avatar of the Seeker,
endowed with magical foresight. Alone in a Vistani tent,
Madam Eva delicately manipulated the threads of Fate,
bracing herself for the burden of years to come.
By nightfall, Strahd's heart was consumed by fury, hatred,
and grief. He preserved Sergei’s corpse using the magic he
had mastered, then set out to hunt down the treacherous
guards. With eyes sharper than a hawk's, a nose stronger
than a wolf's, and ears keener than a bat's, he pursued them
through the darkened woods, extinguishing their lives one by
one like candle flames. Each time he killed, he fed
voraciously, draining their blood like a drunkard indulging in
wine.
As dawn approached, only Leo Dilisnya, the mastermind of
the conspiracy, still eluded him. Bloated with blood, but his
thoughts still in chaos, Strahd returned to the castle. He
descended to the carnage he had unleashed in the cellars
below, only to find dried husks— the soldiers' corpses,
drained of all blood.
27
 Instead, an enormous blood-red human heart hovered at the
pinnacle of the dark and empty tower, looming far above the
killing grounds. Forged of shattered crystal and as tall as a
man, it stood as an unholy monument to Strahd's first
victims: the Heart of Sorrow, described in K20. Heart of
Sorrow (p. 59).
As Strahd surveyed the wreckage of his former nobility, the
revenants of the Order of the Silver Dragon marched towards
Castle Ravenloft, determined to understand why Strahd's
death had not freed their spirits. Upon arrival, they
encountered Madam Eva, as described in The Order of the
Silver Dragon (p. 129), who informed them of Strahd's fate.
Hearing this, Vladimir Horngaard halted his advance and led
his knights back to Argynvostholt.
Strahd eventually returned to the chamber where Sergei's
corpse and possessions still lingered. Whether it was grief,
wistfulness, or a mere impulse that moved him to pick up the
Brightblade, Strahd couldn't be certain. All he knew was that,
as the sun's rays shone from his father's crystal blade, they
scorched him with an unimaginable pain. He threw the
weapon aside, his skin seared with burns, and howled in both
agony and rage.
Slowly, time resumed its flow for Strahd. However,
adjusting to his new state proved difficult. Discovering that
his reflection no longer appeared in the castle's mirrors, he
ordered them removed and stored in K11. South Archers'
Post (p. 57). As the bloodthirst rose within him, he attempted
to quench it first with animals, then criminals. Beast's blood
brought no nourishment, however, and the keep's dungeons
quickly emptied of prisoners.
28
Reluctant yet driven by hunger, Strahd turned his attention
to his maid, Varushka—who chose to take her own life, as
described in Tormented Spirit (p. 68).
As her body was buried, scouts returned with ill tidings: the
edges of the valley had been engulfed by an impassable mist,
confounding to those who passed through, and deadly to
those who lingered.
By now, only a remnant of the castle’s original staff
remained, driven by loyalty, fear, or a combination of both.
Strahd found a stableboy among them and ordered him to
prepare his horse, Beucephalus, for departure from the keep.
Too terrified to refuse, the stableboy stammered that the
stallion's coat had darkened with the skies, and now a
demonic fire blazed upon its mane and fueled its temper.
The stableboy spoke true. Gone was Beucephalus, the
Wonder-Horse, a stallion fit for an emperor. In its place was a
nightmare, a demon that burned with rage and spite. (See
Crypt 39: Beucephalus (p. 93).) Strahd found the demonic
steed fitting for a creature such as himself and rode forth
from the castle to the Amber Temple, determined to seek a
means of escaping his fate.
It was in the archives of the Amber Temple that Strahd
learned his new name. "Vampire," the books called him, an
enemy of the sun and its blessed light. But the sun had not
shone upon the valley since his transformation days earlier,
the skies remaining dark and overcast. Strahd couldn't help
but wonder if it was a blessing to be granted respite from the
light he once knew, or a curse, to endure without it.
Ghosts of the Past
Eager to put Tatyana out of his mind, Strahd lured more
women to the castle in rapid succession, taking several of
them as brides before draining their lives and turning them
into vampire spawn. Rahadin, his ever-faithful chamberlain,
ensured that Strahd’s victims were made comfortable during
their stay, as described in Rahadin (p. 236). The first of these
was a woman named Sasha Ivliskova, who Strahd would
later seal in a crypt beneath Ravenloft after tiring of her. (See
Crypt 20: Sasha Ivliskova (p. 89)).
By the time a month had passed since Strahd’s
transformation, Patrina had learned of Tatyana’s death and
Strahd’s terrible curse. Though taken aback by his decision
to accept the Vampyr's dark gift, she saw an opportunity
within her circumstances. She returned to Ravenloft to win
Strahd’s heart—and Strahd accepted her offer of marriage
with amusement.
Before they could be wed, however, Kasimir Velikov,
Patrina’s brother, learned of their plot. Helpless to keep her
from Strahd, but determined to thwart the vampire’s plans, he
rallied the dusk elves to stone her to death. In response,
Strahd demanded her body—which he sealed in the castle
crypts—and sent Rahadin to punish her killers, as described
in Kasimir Velikov (p. 232) and Rahadin (p. 236).
When news of the dusk elf massacre reached Saint
Markovia’s ears, she knew that she could wait no longer.
Markovia rallied her followers and declared holy war on
Castle Ravenloft—and when Strahd sent a group of vampire
spawn to the Abbey, destroyed them with contempt.
Determined to complete her crusade, Saint Markovia led
her followers to Castle Ravenloft, where she battled Strahd
as described in Saint Markovia's Thighbone (p. 222). Strahd
slayed her and her followers, and sealed her remains in the
crypts below Ravenloft.
Though unsuccessful, Markovia’s attack had left Strahd
wounded and emptied the castle of most of its remaining
staff. Adamant that a keep should lack neither guards nor
attendants, Strahd raised the corpses of his former guards as
wights and set them to patrolling the castle.
Fearful that a future revolt might find and raise Sergei’s
Brightblade against him, Strahd then journeyed to Khazan’s
tower at Lake Baratok and commissioned the archmage to
destroy it. Though Khazan’s apprentice stole, then lost the
sword’s hilt, Khazan told Strahd that the entire weapon had
been destroyed, as described in Sunsword (p. 223).
When news of Markovia’s death reached its walls, the
clerics of the Abbey sealed it off from the outside world,
terrified of Strahd’s reprisal. Meanwhile, near Yester Hill to
the south, a vision of Strahd’s homeland appeared in the
Mists, as described in Y5. Wall of Fog (p. 200).
Determined to distract himself from the visions in the mist,
Strahd terrorized the clerics of the Abbey, preying upon their
paranoia and fear. It was’t long before the the clergy began to
fight amongst themselves; within weeks, all were either dead
or insane, as described in Chapter 8: The Village of Krezk
(p. 143).
29
 In the darkened halls of Argynvostholt, quarrels rang out
amongst the revenants of the Order as Vladimir’s knights
demanded vengeance for Saint Markovia. Vladimir, however,
crushed their dissent, determined that Strahd should suffer
his accursed fate for all of eternity. Awoken by their discord,
the ghost of Argynvost began to haunt his ruined lair—too
weak to speak out, but strong enough to mourn.
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.

30
Slowly, she gathered a group of like-minded followers to do
her bidding, using her newfound power and Walter’s
monstrous strength to keep them in line. The cult made
sacrifices to Strahd on an altar deep underground,
worshipping him as a messiah sent by the powers of
darkness. They feasted on the organs of those that they killed,
and fed the carcasses to the ever-hungry Walter.
Rose and Thorn, haunted by the ghastly sounds below,
begged their mother to end their nightmares. Elisabeth
ignored them at first, but when the sight of their faces—
painful reminders of her late husband’s blood—became too
agonizing to bear, she locked them in their attic bedroom and
left them to starve.
Elisabeth’s fixation with Strahd only grew. She saw in him
a kindred spirit, and yearned to unite with him. On the first
anniversary of Barovia’s entry into the mists, she led her cult
to visit Castle Ravenloft, eager to pledge their devotion in
exchange for a promise of immortality. But Rahadin, on
Strahd’s orders, turned them away instead, delivering a letter
dismissing Elisabeth and her ambitions. The cult withdrew to
the Durst house in despair, where Elisabeth’s worship soured
to rage and despair.
Months passed, and the cult’s members began to depart.
Through the eyes and ears of her remaining followers,
Elisabeth came to learn that a group of outsiders—
adventurers—had entered Barovia, spirited to the valley by
the will of the Mists. She also came to learn that Strahd had
encountered them on two occasions—occasions that, by all
accounts, he had seemed to take pleasure in.
Jealous of Strahd’s attentions and determined to draw his
eye, Elisabeth lured the adventurers to her home, where they
were captured and killed atop the cult’s bloody altar. She had
intended their murder to be a sacrifice to Strahd’s glory—but
she had no knowledge that Strahd, bored and hungry for
fresh blood, had intended those outsiders to be his own prey.
Enraged by her interference, Strahd slew her and the
entirety of her cult. Their spirits, however, lived on in the
haunted foundations of the house, serving Mrs. Durst’s final
wish to find and capture a worthy sacrifice to Strahd’s glory—
and so win his affections at last.
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 amusement 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).
31
 One life yet eluded him, however: Leo Dilisnya, the traitor.
Through his spies, though, Strahd soon discovered that
Lovina Wachter had discovered Leo’s location. To avoid
causing alarm, Strahd disguised himself as a human
nobleman and journeyed to the Wachter manor in Vallaki.
There, he introduced himself under the pseudonym of Vasili
von Holtz, claiming to be an envoy from Ravenloft.
With Lovina’s aid, Strahd tracked Leo to the darkened
corridors of the Abbey of Saint Markovia. As they climbed the
path from Krezk below, Lovina, whose family had been
slaughtered by the traitorous guards on the day of Sergei’s
wedding, asked that Leo be denied the mercy of a quick
death. “Vasili” agreed to her request, and asked her to remain
outside while he confronted him.
Strahd defeated Leo with contemptuous ease. Instead of
killing him, Strahd transformed Leo into a vampire spawn
and, with Lovina’s approval, entombed him in a mausoleum
beneath the Wachter’s manor. Without access to human
blood, Leo would slowly starve to death, his sanity eroding
over the decades.
Lovina agreed that on when Leo died, her descendants
would remove the flesh from Leo's bones and hide them
away, preventing his resurrection. Years later, Strahd sent
Lovina the letter described in N4q. Storage Room (p. 114),
signed “Vasili” to maintain his disguise.
Elsewhere, facing an eternity of confinement in Barovia,
Khazan became determined to find an escape. He sought the
secrets of demilichdom at the Amber Temple but destroyed
himself in the process, as described in Chapter 11: Van
Richten's Tower (p. 167). Strahd, mourning the loss of a
fellow immortal, sealed Khazan’s skull and staff in Crypt 15:
Khazan (p. 88). The lich’s spellbook, however, was nowhere
to be found.
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.
32
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
Deceba, the mate of Elder Burebis, 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.
Unlike Elisabeth Durst long ago, Strahd was impressed by When the plan was complete, however, Strahd found little
Ludmilla’s cunning, ambition, and aptitude for the arcane else to retain his attention. Impatient to see the fruits of his
arts. Strahd made Ludmilla his vampiric bride and labors and weary of his subjects, he retired to his tomb for a
commissioned her to serve as his chief advisor on matters of final hibernation: one that would last a hundred years. The
magic, given Khazan’s absence. Devil Strahd vanished from public view—and, as he
Decades passed, and the last remnants of Strahd’s slumbered, the Heart of Sorrow slowly grew in power,
humanity faded with them. By now, he had been undead far devouring the energies of the land itself.
longer than he had ever been alive; any romance, nostalgia, or
regret he had once possessed had long since vanished from Echoes of Evil
his hollow heart. Though Strahd slept in Castle Ravenloft, his children and
In this time, Strahd learned that the Mists that entrapped servants remained active in Barovia. Without their master to
him and his land would occasionally bring outsiders into the restrain their appetites, dozens of Strahd’s surviving vampire
valley: playthings for him to torment and entrap. He found spawn dispersed across the valley, beginning a reign of terror
himself looking forward to these interruptions from the that made the streets run red with blood.
monotony of unlife, savoring each moment of the games that Lugdana, a paladin of the Morninglord, took up arms to
he played before his toys inevitably snapped. defend her people. With the aid of burgomaster Ismark
Those opportunities, however, were few and far between, Antonovich and the wereraven Livius Martikov, she
with years or even decades passing between them. Bereft of uncovered the secret history of the long-lost Sigil of the Sun,
lands or people to conquer, Strahd grew melancholic, an ancient artifact that could aid her in her quest.
withdrawing to his coffin for weeks, then months at a time, It was Livius who discovered that the Sigil of the Sun lay in
spending his solitude in a state of slumbering torpor until his the crypts of Castle Ravenloft, and Livius who stole it while
servants awoke him. Lugdana and Ismark kept the castle’s guards distracted. With
When not hibernating, Strahd continued to seek Lugdana wielding the sigil’s power, the trio began a campaign
entertainment wherever he could find it. He took on two new to root out and destroy nests of vampires scattered across
brides: Anastrasya Karelova, a Vallakian noblewoman who Barovia, inspiring renewed faith in the Morninglord’s glory
delighted him with her cunning and wit; and Volenta Popfsky, wherever they went.
a Barovian courtesan whose cheerful sadism was matched Unwilling to reveal that the power to resist Strahd’s
only by her innovative spirit. Anastrasya assumed authority creatures had come from the Devil’s own castle, but
over Strahd’s vast network of spies, while Volenta built traps determined to give his people something to believe in, Ismark
and gruesome installations across Castle Ravenloft, including told the masses that an angel in the form of a raven had
Flight of the Vampire (p. 61), the floating skeletons of K26. delivered the sigil to them—and so it became known as the
Guards' Post (p. 61), the armor traps on K19. Grand Holy Symbol of Ravenkind.
Landing (p. 58), and the K67. Hall of Bones (p. 78).
One hundred and eighty years after Barovia’s isolation, a
deva named Lumiel was sent from the Upper Planes to
honor Saint Markovia’s memory. Lumiel took up residence at
the Abbey of Saint Markovia and called himself the Abbot. He
reopened the abbey and began tending to Barovia’s sick, but—
with Strahd's influence—ultimately fell from grace and
descended into madness. (See The Abbot (p. 225).)
The Abbot’s arrival, however, reminded Strahd of the world
that lay beyond the Mists, inspiring him to renew his efforts
to escape. On a whim, he visited the Vistani fortuneteller
Madam Eva and bade her to read his future. When Madam
Eva, however, foretold the coming of a Grand Conjunction—a
time, more than a century in the future, when the borders
between worlds would grow thin, and the Mists would touch
the Material Plane—the fragile light of hope reignited within
Strahd’s blackened heart.
Decades prior, Strahd had learned that the Heart of
Sorrow—the invulnerable crystal heart that hovered at the
peak of Ravenloft’s tallest tower—represented the bond
between himself and the Mists, which allowed him to control
others’ passage in and out of the valley even as he himself
proved unable to leave. Now, he returned to the Fanes of
Barovia, where he bound their power ever-closer to his own.
In doing so, he channeled their energies into the Heart,
laying the foundations for a weapon that, on the eve of the
Grand Conjunction, would carve a hole through the Mists for
Barovia’s escape. He told no one of his grand designs—not
even Rahadin, his faithful chamberlain—fearful that speaking
it aloud would invite interference.
33
 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.
34
A New Generation
Three years after Lugdana’s death, in a land far beyond the
valley, Rudolph van Richten was born.
By the time he was twenty-eight, he was a successful
doctor and husband, married to his childhood sweetheart,
Ingrid. Across the Mists, in the land of Barovia, Livius
Martikov’s grandson Davian became the proud father to
Urwin, Davian’s first-born child.
Not far from the Martikovs' winery, in the town of Vallaki,
the sixteen-year-old Fiona Wachter ran away from home
following an explosive argument with her parents and
brother. She found herself in the Old Svalich Woods, where
the witch Baba Lysaga found her.
Lysaga led Fiona to the ruins of old Berez and allowed her
to become a member of her witch's coven. There, Fiona
learned of Mother Night, of Strahd's legacy and curse, and of
the secrets of magic, though she struggled to hear, as Baba
Lysaga called it, "the voice of Mother Night."
Six months later, however, upon learning that her parents
and brother had died in a tragic accident, Fiona chose to
return to Vallaki against Lysaga's will. Though Fiona secretly
took her grimoire of magic with her, Baba Lysaga banished
Fiona for her decision, barring her from returning to Berez
ever again.
Fiona returned to take command of Wachterhaus, her
family's estate. As she wept and prayed in her parents' former
bedroom, a voice spoke to her—identifying itself not as
Mother Night, but as Ezra, goddess of the Mists. Fiona
accepted the voice's counsel eagerly, ignorant of its nature as
a mere mask of the Dark Powers.
Six years later, Rudolph van Richten's son, Erasmus, was
born. However, when Erasmus was fourteen, the young
Vistana Ezmerelda d’Avenir watched in horror as her parents,
joined by the members of the Radanavich Vistani caravan,
kidnapped Erasmus and sold him to the vampire Baron
Metus.
Rudolph tracked down and interrogated Ezmerelda's parents
before departing to find his son, but was too late, losing not
only Erasmus, but Ingrid as well. (See Ezmerelda d'Avenir
(p. 231) and Rictavio (p. 238).) Rudolph destroyed Metus in
fury, and took up a life of hunting monsters—and vengeance
against the Vistani.
For three years, Rudolph traveled in search of the Vistani
who had wronged him. As he did, he passed through the
territory of a lich and was followed by a horde of voracious
undead, as described in Journal of Rudolph van Richten (p.
254). When he finally came upon the Radanavich clan, he
released the undead swarm upon them, declaring, "Undead
take you as you have taken my son!”
The horde killed all but one young man: Arturi Radanavich,
who hid away in a trunk until Rudolph and the monsters had
gone. The leader of the Radanavich clan, the Vistana seer
Madam Irene Radanavich, cursed Rudolph as she died, as
described in Journal of Rudolph van Richten (p. 254).
Ezmerelda d’Avenir and her parents, however, survived
unaware of the massacre, having departed from the
Radanaviches’ company mere weeks before.
That same year, in Barovia, Izek and his younger sister, the
four-year-old Ireena Strazni, were attacked by a dire wolf, as
described in Izek Strazni (p. 231). Izek lost his arm, and
Ireena fled. She would later appear near the Village of
Barovia with no memory of her past, where she would be
adopted by Burgomaster Kolyan Indirovich. (See E5f.
Chapel (p. 46).
Izek soon lost his parents to grief, as described in Izek
Strazni (p. 231), and lashed out at those around him—
eventually killing several other children. He was caught and
pardoned by Vargas Vallakovich, the adult son of Baron
Valentin Vallakovich. Against his father's wishes, Vargas took
Izek into their home. Vargas's wife, Lydia Petrovna, was
disturbed by the boy’s violent proclivities and withdrew to
care obsessively for the their newborn son, Victor.
Six years later, while ransacking a household that had failed
to pay its taxes, Izek—now Vargas's loyal enforcer—found an
amber shard tucked away in a forgotten box. The vestige from
whence it came spoke to Izek in his dreams, promising him
the power to demand respect, authority, and status. That
night, in the attic of the Baron's mansion, it gifted Izek with a
fiendish limb that could conjure fire, as described in Izek
Strazni (p. 231).
Izek was seen, however, by Baron Valentin Vallakovich. A
deeply religious man, Valentin condemned Izek for his
blasphemy and vowed to cast him out of the Vallakovich
household. Instead, Izek suffocated him with a pillow,
savoring the Baron's slow, quiet death. Unbeknownst to Izek,
Valentin's son, Vargas, observed the entire interaction. Rather
than intervene, however, Vargas chose to do nothing, both out
of hatred for his father's abuse and from Vargas's own
narcissistic ambitions.
Vargas became Baron, and Izek his right hand. Not long
thereafter, Izek began to dream of Ireena and commissioned
the toymaker Gadof Blinsky to craft toys that resembled her.
(See Izek Strazni (p. 231) and Creepy Toys (p. 118).)
Meanwhile, at the Wizard of Wines, Danika Dorakova, a
wereraven and agent of the Keepers of the Feather, became
pregnant with the child of Urwin Martikov, her sweetheart
and beau. Alarmed by their romantic dalliances, their families
betrothed them at once to ensure that the child would not be
born out of wedlock.
Shortly before the wedding, however, a Vistana—acting at
the behest of Madam Eva—secretly stole one of the three
magic gems from the winery’s fields while Urwin was on
watch, ending its production of Champagne du Stompe.
Madam Eva foresaw that the theft would bring discord to the
Martikov family and drive Urwin to Vallaki, where he would
one day assist and guide heroes who could defeat Strahd and
return sunlight to Barovia.
35
 Madam Eva’s foretelling proved prescient. As described in Six months later, Van Richten—now disguised as a
Chapter 12: The Wizard of Wines (p. 173), Davian blamed traveling scholar and accompanying a caravan of Vistani—
Urwin for the theft, leading to a bitter fight. Urwin and arrived in the quiet village of Barovia. The burgomaster, a
Danika departed the winery altogether for Vallaki, where they man named Kolyan Indirovich, welcomed him as an honored
purchased a run-down tavern and renamed it the Blue Water guest, and Van Richten settled in to gather intelligence and
Inn. The inn soon became a haven for the members of the prepare his attack.
Keepers of the Feather, who expanded their operations in Two weeks after Van Richten’s arrival, however, disaster
Vallaki and extended their spy network. struck. A massive undead dire wolf—the beloved pet of
Not far away, in the Vistani encampment just outside of Strahd’s bride Anastrasya Karelova—attacked a group of
Vallaki, the Vistana Luvash became the proud father of Barovian children who had strayed too far from the village.
Arabelle—an unknowing descendant of Madam Eva’s blood. Van Richten, luckily nearby, fended off the beast and
Months later, Ezmerelda, now a young woman, ran from destroyed it, freeing the children with nary a scratch.
home in search of Dr. Van Richten. Two years passed before It was ill luck, however, that the beast’s attacks knocked off
she finally found him, becoming his apprentice as described Van Richten’s hat of disguise, revealing his true appearance.
in Ezmerelda d'Avenir (p. 231). Their companionship lasted It was worse luck still that the priest’s son—a young man
for two more years, after which they parted ways after named Doru who had been looking for the children himself—
months of infighting. Less than a year later, a werewolf bit off recognized Van Richten’s face, tools, and fighting style from
Ezmerelda’s right leg following a rescue mission gone wrong, Van Richten’s Guide to Vampires, a well-worn tome that Doru
sidelining her for months while she commissioned an artisan had read countless times since purchasing it from a Vistani
to craft a prosthetic. caravan. That evening, Doru confronted Van Richten,
Back in Barovia, the young Victor Vallakovich found an old demanding to confirm his true identity.
spellbook in his father’s library—the lost spellbook of the lich
Khazan—and began to teach himself magic. That same
winter, Nikolai Wachter, the husband of Lady Fiona Wachter,
died of illness, breaking Fiona’s heart. Meanwhile, the last
elders of the Vallakian Vistani encampment passed away,
leaving Luvash—and his younger brother Arrigal—in charge
of the caravan.
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.

36
Cornered, Van Richten reluctantly did so—and an awestruck
Doru posed an ambitious and audacious plan. A fierce
devotee of the Morninglord’s sacred texts and an amateur
swordsman, Doru was determined to lead an army against
Castle Ravenloft and return sunlight to Barovia. With Dr.
Rudolph van Richten at their helm, Doru believed their
righteous fight would surely be victorious.
Van Richten attempted to dissuade him—but Doru was
unconvinced. Proud and zealous, Doru demanded the right to
accompany Van Richten to Castle Ravenloft to destroy the
vampire Strahd. To force the old man’s hand, Doru vowed to
gather his friends and neighbors and set off for the castle in
the morning—with or without Van Richten’s aid.
Realizing that Doru’s crusade would see his companions
destroyed—and risk awakening Strahd regardless—Van
Richten reluctantly agreed to accompany them, if only to
ensure that their lives were not spent for naught. He exacted
from Doru a promise to depart in two days’ time, rather than
one, giving him additional time to prepare. Doru also agreed
to conceal Van Richten’s true identity, calling him by the alias
“Alanik Ray” to avoid alerting Strahd’s servants.
As Van Richten readied himself for the journey, Doru
raised the cry of revolution. By the day of reckoning, he had
gathered a mob of two-dozen hopeful young Barovians to
march upon the keep, promising to restore the light of the
sun to the dreary valley. Ismark Kolyanovich, a skilled
swordsman and the son of Burgomaster Kolyan Indirovich,
remained behind, concerned of the consequences should the
village be undefended.
As Van Richten had feared, though Doru’s efforts proved
worse than fruitless: Instead of killing Strahd, the mob only
awoke him from his hibernation. Stirred from his slumber,
Strahd massacred the Barovian invaders, sparing only two:
Escher, a talented bard who confessed a fascination with
Strahd and the dark power of immortality; and Doru himself.
As Van Richten fled from the castle for Chapter 11: Van
Richten’s Tower (p. 167), Strahd turned both Escher and
Doru into vampire spawn. He kept Escher to amuse him as a
consort and cupbearer, and—after forcing “Alanik’s” true
identity from his lips—sent Doru back to Barovia to bring
terror to its people.
Displeased with the weakening of his rule while he had
slept, Strahd summoned his minions to Castle Ravenloft and
ordered them to restore his authority over the land. He also
directed them to hunt down Dr. Van Richten, as described in
Find Rudolph van Richten (p. 10). The castle’s servants, Lief
Lipsiege and Cyrus Belview, proved grateful to finally have a
proper lord to serve.
Meanwhile, Strahd interrogated Rahadin to confirm the
current date—and was relieved to learn that the time of the
Grand Conjunction had not yet passed. Rahadin,
knowledgeable of Strahd’s tells, inquired as to the reason
behind Strahd’s concern—and Strahd shared with him the
secrets of the Fanes, the Heart of Sorrow, and the coming
Grand Conjunction.
Their conversation was overheard, however, by the
banshee of Patrina Velikovna, described further in Crypt 21
(Patrina Velikovna) (p. 89). Eager to seize Strahd’s power for
herself, and seeing an opportunity to manipulate
circumstances in her favor, Patrina contacted Kasimir in his
dreams as described in Kasimir Velikov (p. 232) and K9a.
Kasimir’s Hovel (p. 121).
As his minions prepared to execute his bidding, Strahd
gave Rahadin a critical task: announcing the Devil's return to
Castle Ravenloft. Rahadin rode forth from the keep with
haste and delivered his proclamation first to Barovia. As
punishment for their treason, he told them, the village of
Barovia alone would face Strahd's wrath, giving them ninety
days to make peace with their gods.
Rahadin rode next to Vallaki and Krezk, sharing the news
of Strahd's reawakening. In response, a terrified Baron
Vargas Vallakovich closed Vallaki's gates to outsiders, and
began hosting weekly festivals in an effort to drive out the
Devil's influence.
Shortly after Rahadin's warning, many of the villagers of
Barovia proposed an exodus to Vallaki, where they could take
shelter behind the town's fortified walls. However, when
Ismark Kolyanovich gave a rousing speech invoking the
memory of Lugdana and Ismark the Great, most decided to
remain in the village to defend their homes. Only a few
Barovians—two dozen at most—gathered up their belongings
and fled on the Old Svalich Road.
Upon their arrival, however, Baron Vargas Vallakovich
refused to allow the Barovian refugees entry, fearful that they
were cursed by Strahd’s wrath. With news of the vampire’s
return ringing in his ears, the Baron instead enacted a series
of iron-fisted laws, clamping down on “malicious
unhappiness” and mandating attendance at the “festivals”
that he now considered the keys to Vallaki’s salvation.
Not far away, in the village of Krezk, the Abbot felt Strahd’s
return, and became determined to see the vampire’s curse
lifted. (See The Abbot (p. 225).) The Abbot directed two of his
attendants, the mongrelfolk Otto and Zygfrek Belview, to
begin scouring the village’s cemeteries for human remains.
Meanwhile, the darkness and despair spread by Strahd’s
revival drew the attention of Morgantha, a night hag, and her
two daughters, Bella Sunbane and Offalia Wormwiggle. The
coven, drawn to Barovia like moths to a flame, took up
residence in Chapter 6: Old Bonegrinder (p. 125) and
began selling Dream Pastries (p. 125) to the Barovian
refugees outside of Vallaki. Hoping to keep apprised of Castle
Ravenloft’s doings, Morgantha bestowed her coven’s hag eye
upon Cyrus Belview, as described in K62. Servants’ Hall (p.
76).
Concerned that the Barovian werewolf pack had forgotten
its ancient fealty to him, Strahd closed the valley's borders to
them and sent dire wolf emissaries to confirm their loyalty
once more. Emil Toranescu, the pack's alpha, privately
schemed to betray Strahd's pact and escape through the
mists—until Kiril Stoyanovich, a younger and more ambitious
werewolf, betrayed him in turn. Strahd locked Emil in the
castle dungeons, and Kiril took control of the pack in his
stead.
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.
37
 Not long thereafter, Kasimir Velikov, investigating the secrets
of the Amber Temple at Patrina's direction, visited the now-
empty manor of Argynvostholt and spoke with Sir Godfrey.
Though Godfrey warned him to avoid the darkness that lay
within the temple, Kasimir did not leave empty-handed,
finding amidst the rubble an ancient map that bore the
temple's location.
As Kasimir prepared to climb the slopes of Mount Ghakis,
Victor Vallakovich and Stella Wachter—the children of Baron
Vallakovich and Lady Fiona Wachter—activated a prototype
teleportation circle, dreaming of escaping Strahd's tyranny.
The circle malfunctioned, however, and the psychic backlash
tore Stella's soul from her body. Enraged by Stella's fate, Lady
Wachter began recruiting a cult to depose the Vallakovich
clan.
In Krezk, the Abbot completed a prototype of his own: a
monstrous flesh golem, which he set to patrolling S15.
Madhouse (p. 151). He swiftly began work on his next
project: a masterpiece to serve as Strahd's final bride.
As the Abbot's grave-robbing intensified, Kasimir attempted
to reach the Amber Temple, but was turned back by the
vrocks of Tsolenka Pass at T2. Demon Statues (p. 157).
Wounded and despondent, Kasimir returned to the dusk
elves’ settlement to ponder his next move.
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.
38
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…
Design Notes: History of Barovia
Origins of the Valley. The "First Folk" are a fleshed-out
interpretation of the ancient druids and mountain tribes
mentioned in the original module. The Ladies of the Fanes,
as well as the Fanes themselves, are reinterpretations of lore
from the 3.5 module Expedition to Castle Ravenloft, added to
Curse of Strahd: Reloaded in order to give Strahd a more
active goal (i.e., escaping Barovia) and to tie together a
number of narrative elements, including the werewolves, the
wereravens, the winery's enchanted gems, and Madam Eva's
divine pact.
The Amber Temple. No changes have been made to this
period of history aside from Neferon's biography.
Fall of the First Folk. This section aims to provide
additional depth to Kavan and Dostron, to explain why and
how the Ladies of the Fanes were unable to resist Strahd's
invasion, and to justify the druids' decision to aid Strahd in
desecrating the Fanes.
The Von Zarovich Line. This section aims to flesh out the
history of Strahd's "ancestral homeland" and to place Saint
Andral into a fuller historical context. This period of history is
otherwise unchanged from the original module.
Arrival of the Outsiders. This section aims to justify the
Martikovs' possession of the winery's enchanted gemstones
and to place Saint Markovia into a fuller historical context.
This period of history is otherwise unchanged from the
original module.
Birth of Barovia. This section aims to explain Strahd's
refusal to name himself "king," his decision to allow Sergei to
inherit their father's sword, and the cause of Argynvostholt's
exaggerated collapse. This period of history is otherwise
unchanged from the original module.
Rise of Castle Ravenloft. This section elects to have
Strahd initially refuse the dark gift of the Vampyr in order to
both establish his independence from Patrina and to set up
his pact with the Dark Powers later on. The Holy Symbol of
Ravenkind has been initially renamed to the Sigil of the Sun
in order to provide an opportunity for the relic to be given its
"Ravenkind" association later on. Patrina's characterization
has also been somewhat further developed. This period of
history is otherwise unchanged from the original module.
Strahd Becomes the Land. This section aims to resolve
the apparent contradiction between the one-year time limit
that revenants have to fulfill their revenge and the fact that
multiple years passed between Strahd's conquest and death.
The druidic elders have also been added in order to justify
the division between the "Forest Folk" of Yester Hill and the
"Mountain Folk" of Soldav, given that the latter are an
essential part of conveying the Fanes questline.
Sergei and Tatyana. This section has incorporated classic
Ravenloft lore regarding Sergei's negligence of his priestly
duties. This period of history is otherwise unchanged from
the original module.
Arrival of the Mists. This section aims to reconcile the
module's assertion that Strahd made two pacts—one with a
vestige, and one with the Dark Powers—as well as to set up
Tatyana's relationship with the Dark Powers in order to give
Ireena's character arc a suitable climax when she confronts
her past lives' memories at Marina's Monument in Berez.
This period of history is otherwise unchanged from the
original module.
Aftermath of the Wedding. This section expressly links
Katarina and the Seeker, replacing Katarina's pact with the
evil Mother Night and justifying the Seeker's continued
involvement in mortal affairs (when compared with the
inactive Weaver and Huntress). The Heart of Sorrow has also
been linked to the slaughtered castle guards to provide it with
an appropriate origin story. This period of history is
otherwise unchanged from—or, at least, not inconsistent with
—the original module.
Ghosts of the Past. This period of history is unchanged
from the original module.
Strahd's First Followers. The Dursts' history has been
changed to enhance Death House's status as a
"miniaturization" of Barovia, paralleling Elisabeth Durst's
villainy to Strahd's. The shambling mound of the original
module has been exchanged for a flesh mound bound to
Walter's spirit, which both creates a more evocative final boss
for the Death House dungeon and mirrors the Heart of
Sorrow as a symbol of the local "Darklord's" fall from grace.
Finally, Elisabeth Durst has been given an amber shard—a
new kind of magical item that allows the players to connect
with the vestiges of the Amber Temple before ascending
Tsolenka Pass—in order to explain the source of her cult's
power and to foreshadow the shards' appearance later on in
the revised campaign.
Passage Into History. This section aims to explain why
Strahd—a near-five hundred-year-old vampire—has not
progressed beyond the expertise of a 9th-level wizard, and to
incorporate old Ravenloft lore from prior editions of D&D to
add further depth to Leo Dilisnya's destruction and Strahd's
relationship with the Wachter family. This period of history is
otherwise unchanged from the original module.
The Decades Pass. This section moves Berez's
destruction further into Barovia's past, creating opportunities
for Tatyana's soul to experience additional reincarnations
between Marina and Ireena. This section also aims to explain
the Martikovs' inheritance of the Wizard of Wines, explain
the winery's close relationship with Krezk, identify the source
of Baba Lysaga's flying giant skull, and provide additional
background for Strahd's vampiric brides, who have been
given expanded roles in this guide in order to provide the
players with level-appropriate antagonists before the final
battle. The Grand Conjunction has been added to provide
Strahd with a more active agenda in the time leading up to
the final battle. Finally, Strahd's hibernation has been added
to turn modern-day Barovia into a more active and dynamic
environment and to explain the timing of Strahd's more
antagonistic schemes (e.g., the destruction of the Wizard of
Wines or the attack on St. Andral's church).
Echoes of Evil. This section aims to flesh out the history of
the Holy Symbol of Ravenkind, explain why Ismark
Koylanovich is called Ismark "the Lesser," develop the
beginnings of the Keepers of the Feather, and—by requiring
Strahd to reestablish his connection to the Forest Fane upon
reawakening—prevent Strahd from obtaining the necessary
energy for his Grand Conjunction plan during his
hibernation, thereby providing the players with a meaningful
opportunity to halt his plan by reconsecrating the Fane
themselves. The cult of Chernovog is incorporated from
Expedition to Castle Ravenloft to justify the disappearance of
the Holy Symbol of Ravenkind.
A New Generation. This section aims to reconcile the
evident contradictions between Van Richten's account of past
events (in which he claims that he killed Ezmerelda's parents)
and Ezmerelda's account of the same (in which she claims
that Van Richten showed them mercy). Arturi Radanavich, a
character of the 2nd Edition book Van Richten's Guide to the
Vistani, has been added to provide additional depth to Van
Richten's character and introduce Van Richten's biography to
the players at Tser Pool, thereby limiting the players'
suspicion when they encounter him in Vallaki. This section
also aims to explain the disappearance of the winery's third
enchanted gem, the source of Izek's demonic arm, the source
(and speed) of Victor Vallakovich's arcane learning, and the
source of Fiona Wachter's spellcasting abilities. This period
of history is otherwise unchanged from the original module.
Strahd's Return. This section further develops Van
Richten's relationship with Arturi and reworks Van Richten's
original plan to slay Strahd by removing the nonsensical (and
ethically problematic) "saber-toothed tiger" plot. This section
also sets the wheels in motion for the adventure to come,
tying together Strahd's knowledge of Van Richten's presence,
Doru's transformation into a vampire, the Barovian rebellion
against Castle Ravenloft, Ismark's condemnation by the
villagers of Barovia, and Escher's acceptance into Strahd's
collection of consorts.
The Darkened Valley. This section provides a reasonable
time period for Strahd's awakening to reverberate throughout
Barovia, thereby setting up many of the challenges and
conflicts, such as Kasimir's search for the Amber Temple and
Stella Wachter's "illness," that the players will later face.
The Wrath of Strahd. This section provides context for
the players' arrival in the village of Barovia, setting up
Ireena's journey alongside them.
39

Strahd von Zarovich
Roleplaying Strahd
Strahd is cold and calculating, skilled in social manipulation
and deception. As the adventure unfolds, his attitude toward
the players shifts significantly. Though Strahd never conceals
his nature or identity, this dynamic relationship manifests as
three "roles" that he plays: the Gentleman, the Tyrant, and
the Monster.
The Gentleman
When the players first enter Barovia, Strahd acts as the
Gentleman—polished and poised, if somewhat sociopathic.
He is welcoming, well-mannered, and insatiably curious. His
goal—to learn the ins and outs of the players' minds,
including their goals, strengths, and weaknesses.
As the Gentleman, Strahd should flatter the players with
his interest and curiosity, offend them with his arrogance and
condescension, and disgust them with his disregard for
human freedom.
In this role, Strahd most often feels curious, amused,
nostalgic, or disappointed. Consider channeling Hannibal
Lecter (The Silence of the Lambs), Don Corleone (The
Godfather), or Frank Underwood (House of Cards) when
playing him.
The Gentleman avoids clashes as much as he can, taking
any player rudeness or defiance in stride. If pushed, he might
send his minions to stop a player's physical attacks, but only
as a last resort.
The Tyrant
When he learns that the players have relit the beacon of
Argynvostholt at the conclusion Arc R: The Beacon of
Argynvostholt, Strahd becomes the Tyrant—harsh, stern,
and somewhat cruel. He keeps his cool and aloof demeanor,
but treats the players less like guests and more like
disappointing protégés. His goal—to push the players to their
limits, testing their resilience and assessing their
competence.
As the Tyrant, Strahd should offend the players with his
insults and condescension, and disgust them with his
disregard for human life.
In this role, Strahd most often feels disappointed, scornful,
satisfied, amused, and contemptuous. Consider channeling
Moriarty (Sherlock), Tywin Lannister (Game of Thrones),
Severus Snape (Harry Potter), and Omni-Man (Invincible).
The Tyrant never strikes first—but will dare defiant players
to back their words with action. Should a player back down,
Strahd mocks their resolve and capabilities. Any players who
attack him, though, are met with a swift and ruthless
response—though never a lethal one.
The Monster
When he first learns that the players have restored the blade
of the Sunsword in Arc V: The Sunsword, Strahd abandons
all pretense and becomes the Monster—a cold, unfeeling
sociopath, described further in Roleplaying Strahd (p. 10).
His goal—to achieve his goals, no matter the cost.
40
As the Monster, Strahd should disgust the players with his
complete indifference to life and death, inspire pity for his
inability to feel happiness or love, and frustrate the players
with his refusal to ever lose his cool.
In this role, Strahd most often feels indifferent, curious,
satisfied, and determined. Consider channeling Stan Edgar
(The Boys), Gus Fring (Breaking Bad), and Thanos (Avengers:
Endgame).
The Monster crushes any resistance ruthlessly and
efficiently. Though he can't be provoked, he's too proud to
ever flee from a fight.
Strahd’s Relationships
Strahd has a complex web of relationships with the denizens
of Barovia, many of which are described below.
Death House. Strahd views the cult of Death House with
respectful disdain; he finds their methods and obsessions
distasteful, but appreciates their efforts to bring worthy
consorts and adversaries from the lands beyond the Mists.
Village of Barovia. Strahd believes, without romance or
obsession, that Ireena Kolyana’s body is the host for Tatyana’s
soul, and that Tatyana’s soul belongs to him. Through his
spies, he is aware of Ismark Kolyanovich’s position and
relationship to Ireena, but finds him to be a lackluster leader
and a half-rate swordsman. He views Donavich and Doru
with scorn, disdaining the convictions, pride, and faith that
Doru had in life.
Tser Pool Encampment. Strahd finds Madam Eva a
fascinating enigma, but has come to an unspoken
understanding with her: she shall read his fortune whenever
he requests it, and, in exchange, he will not delve too deeply
into her history or affairs.
Old Bonegrinder. Strahd is aware of the night hag coven’s
presence, but has little interest in their affairs.
Town of Vallaki. Strahd has no interest in Baron Vargas
Vallakovich, but, through his spies, believes him to be a
bumbling fool. He finds Lady Fiona Wachter to be a useful
agent and favors her for her family’s history of loyalty, but
cares little for her obsession with Vallakian politics. He is
aware of the existence of the Keepers of the Feather (though
not that the Blue Water Inn serves as their meeting-place),
but does not view them as a significant threat.
Vistani Encampment. Strahd holds Arrigal as one of his
favored spies. However, he pays little mind to the dusk elves—
Kasimir especially—and has little interest in their affairs.
Argynvostholt. Strahd views the revenants of the Order of
the Silver Dragon with disinterested contempt, but has long
since determined that the knights pose no threat to him, and
has largely ignored them as a result. He has heard the
rumors that Argynvost’s spirit haunts the manor, but pays
them no mind; he would refuse to believe that the beacon of
Argynvostholt could be relit even if told to his face.
Wizard of Wines. Strahd is aware that the winery is a
stronghold for the Keepers of the Feather, but does not view
them as a significant threat. He has delegated their
“discipline” to Ludmilla, ensuring that their insubordination
and resistance will be properly punished.
Yester Hill. Strahd views the Forest Folk with disdain and
some amusement. He finds their maddened worship to be
more grating than gratifying, and views the modern
generation as a poor shadow of their more distinguished
forebears. He does find them to be useful tools, however, and
knows that their “faith” is a necessary evil to ensure their
continued loyalty.
Village of Krezk. Strahd has little interest in Baron Dmitri
Krezkov or the people of Krezk. He is, amused by the Abbot’s
descent into madness and corruption. He intends to
temporarily “play along” with the Abbot’s efforts to construct
a flesh golem bride for him, but has no serious intention of
accepting Vasilka when complete.
Werewolf Den. Strahd finds Kiril Stoyanovich to be a
useful and loyal servant, if somewhat brutish and
unsophisticated. He intends to keep Emil Toranescu, the
pack’s former alpha, as a prisoner in his dungeons until Emil
is sufficiently mad with starvation to be “tamed.”
Tsolenka Pass. Strahd is peripherally aware that the
Mountain Folk roam the Balinok Mountains, but—due to
Elder Burebis’s protection—is unaware of the existence of
their settlement Monsdav. He considers the Mountain Folk to
be a lost and broken people and has no use for or interest in
them.
Amber Temple. Strahd respects Neferon’s dedication to
protecting the temple and finds him to be a worthy guardian
of the treasures contained within. He has historically had a
collegial respect for Exethanter, but, after awakening from his
own hibernation, was disappointed by Exethanter’s loss of
memory—something Strahd has little interest in restoring.
Castle Ravenloft. Strahd is amused by the efforts of his
brides—Ludmilla Vilisevic, Anastrasya Karelova, and Volenta
Popfsky—to placate and impress him. He is momentarily
entertained by his newest consort, Escher, but has been
distracted lately by other, grander designs. He views Rahadin
as his most loyal, trusted, and favored servant, but spares
little mind to the other staff and occupants of the castle,
including Cyrus Belview, Lief Lipsiege, the coven of witches,
and his own vampire spawn. By contrast, Beucephalus is his
favored “pet” and most valued tool.
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.
Reclaiming the Valley
When Strahd awoke from his century-long slumber, he found
that much had changed.
The people of Barovia had forgotten why they feared him,
and their burgomasters no longer served him faithfully. His
servants and consorts had dispersed across the valley in
pursuit of their own schemes and whims, and the wilds
themselves had somehow cleansed the stain of corruption.
That, he knew, must be addressed.
He moved quickly to reclaim the Forest Fane as his own,
restoring its bond to the Heart of Sorrow once more. He bade
Rahadin to find staff and attendants for Castle Ravenloft, and
to ensure that each of the keep’s occupants served their
master’s will. And he summoned his brides and spawn to
Castle Ravenloft, commanding them to spread his shadow
across the valley once more.
Since then, Strahd has broken the village of Barovia and
brought the werewolf pack to heel. He seeks next to break the
town of Vallaki and the village of Krezk, to discipline the so-
called “Keepers of the Feather,” and to capture the vampire
hunter Dr. Rudolph van Richten.
When his servants’ work is done, Strahd expects to look
down from the Pillarstone of Ravenloft upon a faithful and
fearful populace, its people subservient to the Devil of Castle
Ravenloft once more.
Renewing His Servants
When Strahd awoke from his slumber, he found that many of
his vampiric brides and other servants had dispersed across
the valley, forgoing his dark will in favor of their own petty
pursuits. He has quickly moved to correct this—but some
doubts still remain.
Strahd seeks assurances that, when he escapes Barovia,
he will do so with an army that will heed his words and
execute his will without error or hesitation. To this end, he
has delegated many of his plots to reassert his authority to
his servants. Should they succeed, they shall be exalted and
placed in positions of authority beneath him; should they fail,
they shall be locked in the crypts beneath Ravenloft for
eternity.
Strahd is always hungry for new talent, however, and is on
the lookout for new generals to serve his conquests and fresh
consorts to keep him entertained. When the players arrive in
Barovia, he focuses his attention on those who are especially
charismatic, arrogant, intelligent, cunning, or attractive,
seeking to determine whether any among the party are
worthy of serving him in undeath.
Though Strahd has not said so expressly, his brides are
well-aware of the risk of being replaced—a motivation that he
hopes will fuel their efforts on his behalf. Strahd believes fully
in the “survival of the fittest” and expects to see the strongest
rise to the top.
Escaping the Mists
With Madam Eva’s reluctant guidance, Strahd has learned
that the Grand Conjunction—a time when the barriers
between worlds will be thinned, and the energies of the stars
aligned—is a prime opportunity to free himself from the Dark
Powers’ prison.
To this end, Strahd has crafted an ambitious and
dangerous ritual to escape the Mists, using the Heart of
Sorrow as its conduit and anchor. This ritual has three
necessary components: a power source, a control
mechanism, and a catalyst.
41
 The Power Source. Strahd’s plan requires a substantial
amount of power—far more than he can supply himself. So
long as he remains bonded to the Fanes of Barovia, however,
he can channel their power directly into the Heart of Sorrow
for use in the ritual.
Using the Fanes in the ritual will also allow Strahd to bring
the valley itself—and all of its inhabitants—along with him to
the Material Plane. Given that Barovia was his final conquest
and the centerpiece of his power, Strahd will not relinquish it
so easily.
The Control Mechanism. The raw power of the leylines
beneath the Fanes is wild and near-impossible to control.
Even as their master, only a token of the Ladies’ divinity can
allow Strahd to direct them. He has recently learned that a
child with the blood of the Seeker resides somewhere within
the valley—the Vistana Arabelle, though Strahd does not yet
know her name—and has directed his spies to locate and
capture her.
Should this plot fail, Strahd must instead journey to the
Whispering Wall at Yester Hill and make a sacrifice of great
personal value—his animated armor, the symbol of his early
conquests and might—exchanging a piece of his past for a
promise of his future.
The Catalyst. Power and control are all well and good. In
order to break through a wall, however, all good conquerors
need a point of attack. To this end, Strahd plans to forge a
battering ram capable of piercing through the Mists—a siege
weapon forged from the souls of the Barovians themselves.
The Mists, as creations of the Dark Powers, are born of
apathy, fear, and despair. To escape the Mists without drawing
their ire, therefore, Strahd intends to surround the Heart of
Sorrow with a shell of wailing, hopeless souls. He believes
that, by brutally reasserting his dominion over Barovia, his
subjects will lose themselves to fear and despair, darkening
their souls to meet his needs.
By consuming the Barovians’ souls, Strahd can also use
the energies of his escape to repurpose their soulless husks
as undead soldiers, forging a new army for his conquests to
come. The sole exceptions include Ireena Kolyana and Dr.
Rudolph van Richten, who Strahd will allow to keep their
souls for his own purposes.
Plans Within Plans. If the players reconsecrate the Fanes,
Strahd quickly devises a backup plan. By becoming the
champions of the Fanes, the players will unknowingly have
made themselves into conduits for their power, allowing
Strahd to access the Fanes’ energies if he can lure the
players to Castle Ravenloft.
He can do this by using the power stored in the Heart of
Sorrow to plunge Barovia into eternal night, raising the
deceased from their graves and sending a plague of undead
against Barovia’s settlements—a siege that will end only if
Strahd himself is defeated. As a bonus, Strahd believes that
this undead apocalypse will surely drive the Barovians into
fear and despair, counteracting the players' efforts to bring
hope to the valley.
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
42
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:
Phases
Strahd's combat statistics include three phases: the Mage,
the Soldier, and the Vampire. Each phase has its own unique
features, abilities, and an independent pool of hit points.
(For example, damage dealt to the Soldier phase doesn’t
carry over to the Mage phase.)
Strahd can choose which phase he begins in when rolling
initiative. By default, his starting phase is the Mage.
When outside of combat, Strahd can:
switch into his Solder phase by drawing his longsword
and extinguishing his focus;
switch into his Mage phase by lighting his focus (his
cloak's ruby clasp) and stowing his longsword;
switch into his Vampire phase by stowing his longsword
and extinguishing his focus.
Phase Transitions
When a phase is reduced to 0 hit points, Strahd’s statistics
are immediately replaced by the statistics of another phase
(your choice). When this happens, all conditions afflicting
Strahd end. (For example, if Strahd was prone or paralyzed,
he is no longer prone or paralyzed.) Damage dealt to one
phase does not carry over to the next.
By default, Strahd's second phase is the Soldier, and his
third phase is the Vampire. When Strahd enters his second
phase, his eyes glow crimson red and his fingernails lengthen
and harden. When Strahd enters his third phase, his fangs
grow longer and sharper, and his nostrils become batlike
slits.
A phase reduced to 0 hit points can’t be used again until
Strahd completes a long rest in his coffin.
Defeat
If all three phases are reduced to 0 hit points, Strahd
transforms into a cloud of mist instead of falling unconscious,
provided that he isn't in running water or sunlight. If he can't
transform, he is destroyed.
While transformed in this way, he has a fly speed of 30 feet,
can hover, and has immunity to all damage, except the Vampiric Forbiddance
damage he takes from sunlight. He must reach his coffin When deciding whether and how Strahd's
within 2 hours or be destroyed. Once in his coffin, he reverts Forbiddance feature applies, use the following
to his vampire form. He is then paralyzed until he regains at definitions:
least 1 hit point. After 1 hour in his coffin with 0 hit points, he A residence is a place of residence that is not
regains 1 hit point. generally open to the public, including houses,
apartments, cabins, and even certain types of
Attributes & Weaknesses rooms within a larger building, like an inn or
All three phases share the following vampire attributes and church, provided they are used for living purposes
weaknesses: and offer some degree of privacy. The definition
does not include public places like taverns, shops,
Undead Nature. Strahd doesn't require air. streets, or town squares.
Forbiddance. Strahd can't enter a residence without an An occupant is an individual who expects to
invitation from one of the occupants. reside in the dwelling indefinitely, or a guest of
Chained to the Grave. Strahd cannot gain the benefits of a such an individual. This person must have some
long rest except by resting in his coffin for eight claim to the space, such as by being a homeowner,
consecutive hours between dawn and dusk. renter, tenant, or guest of one of the
Children of the Night. Strahd can comprehend and aforementioned.
verbally communicate with Barovian bats, rats, and Remember that an occupant charmed by the
wolves (including dire wolves), which obey his charm ability of Strahd’s Vampire phase will gladly
commands. invite him to enter if asked.
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 use the following action in his
Vampire form:
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.
Dominion of the Swamp. While Strahd retains the
power of the Swamp Fane, he can cast major image and
move earth without components.
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.
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.

43
 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 telekinetic grasp 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.)
44
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, 40-foot-high cylinder
centered on 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.
45
 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: 8 (1d6 + 5) 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
46 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 circumstances 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.
47
 Chapter 3: Running the Game
Adventure Organization
While Curse of Strahd, like most official campaign modules,
is organized around specific areas and locations, Curse of
Strahd: Reloaded is organized around narratives:
Acts. An act is a collection of adventures with similar
settings and stakes that are meant to be completed in
approximately the same timeframe (e.g., "adventures in
Vallaki").
Arcs. An arc is a high-concept adventure within an act
that has a particular goal (e.g., "restore the bones of Saint
Andral").
Chapters. A chapter is a portion of an arc that takes place
within a particular location (e.g., "the coffin-maker's
shop").
Scenes. A scene is a particular scene that unfolds at a
particular time and place within a chapter (e.g., "battling
the vampire spawn").
The Tarokka Reading
The Tome of Strahd
Insert the following text into the Tome of Strahd:
. . . I fear and hate it as much as the sun.
I have learned much, too, about this land of
Barovia. Ancient are its ways, ancient beyond the
knowledge of the simple folk of the valley. Ancient
gods dwelt in this valley long before my coming, and
three hidden fanes still give tribute to their memories.
I visited the Swamp Fane, the Forest Fane, and the
Mountain Fane, and claimed their power for my own.
Their servants now serve me, and thus I have become
the Land.
I have often hunted for Tatyana . . .
Source: amerigoV, Tome of Strahd, Savage Ravenloft (Oct. 10, 2010).

While no Dungeons & Dragons campaign can be perfectly

predicted, this guide uses a strategy of strong "dramatic The pages following the legible text are filled with diagrams,
questions," flexible narrative design, and the author's equations, and thousands of strange symbols. The symbols
experience in running Curse of Strahd campaigns to craft a are not written language, but a cipher devised by Strahd to
"critical path" of arcs, chapters, and scenes that are most conceal his secret plans. Several diagrams appear to depict a
likely to lead your players on your journey through Barovia. large, crystalline human heart, while others depict circles of
Note that, because Curse of Strahd is a sandbox campaign, standing stones.
it is reasonably possible for the players to trigger a new act Players who read through these sections find numerous
before completing all of the adventure arcs in the previous annotations referencing (in Common) an individual named
act. If this happens, the players can still continue and Exethanter. Multiple instances of Exethanter’s name are
complete any adventure arcs in the previous acts—assuming, accompanied by the symbol of the Amber Temple: an
of course, that it is still possible for those arcs to be equilateral triangle containing two concentric circles, which
completed. (For example, if the players fail to recover the in turn contain a vertical wavy line. (The triangle represents
bones of Saint Andral before the night of Saint Andral's the god of secrets, the circles the amber sarcophagi, and the
Feast, the congregation of Saint Andral's Church is wavy line the vestiges sealed within.)
massacred and the quest can no longer be completed.) The symbol can be identified by the dusk elf Kasimir
It is, of course, always possible for players to go "off the Velikov (who has seen it in his dreams), by the revenant Sir
rails" and forge their own path in this adventure. This guide's Godfrey Gwilym (who once guarded the Temple), or by Victor
Session Zero guidelines have been shaped with the explicit Vallakovich (who has seen the symbol in his spellbook).
intent of minimizing this possibility (by, for example,
discouraging players from creating non-heroic characters).
However, it is important to remember that this guide's
narrative presents, at best, a single "critical path" that your
players may follow, and that the threads of fate might always
guide them along another.
As a final note: The original Curse of Strahd: Reloaded was
a highly modular guide, containing a number of distinct
ideas, concepts, and challenges that could easily be extracted,
applied, and recombined alongside a number of additional
reworks or homebrew elements. However, this revision aims
to take a more cohesive path, weaving together characters,
narratives, and themes to forge a more evocative, dramatic,
and memorable adventure.
As such, be cautious when removing, adding to, or
changing aspects of this guide, as a seemingly innocuous
detail may instead prove to be a load-bearing support. When
in doubt, read the Design Notes for the relevant section and
review the Adventure Summary below to confirm the
context and purpose of the detail in question.
48
The Holy Symbol of Ravenkind
The Holy Symbol of Ravenkind has been revised as follows:
Holy Symbol of Ravenkind
Wondrous item, legendary (requires attunement by a creature
of good alignment)
The holy symbol has 5 charges for the following properties.
It regains 1d4 + 1 charges daily at dawn.
Dawn's Embrace. As a reaction, when a creature you can
see within 60 feet of you would be reduced to 0 hit points,
you can expend 1 charge to cause that creature to drop to 1
hit point instead. That creature gains immunity to all damage
until the start of its next turn.
Light of Hope. As an action, you can expend 1 charge and
choose one creature you can see within 30 feet of you. All of
the following conditions on that creature end: blinded,
charmed, deafened, frightened, paralyzed, poisoned, and
stunned.
Sun’s Blessing. As an action, you can expend 3 charges to
cause holy power to radiate from the symbol in a 30-foot
radius for 1 minute. Nonhostile creatures in that radius deal
an extra 1d4 radiant damage when they hit with a weapon
attack.
You can also use the holy symbol as a spellcasting focus for
your cleric and paladin spells. You gain a +1 bonus to spell
attack rolls and to the saving throw DCs of your cleric and
paladin spells.
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.
The Tome of Strahd
Place the Tome of Strahd in one of the following locations:
Nine of Swords—Torturer. Choose the attic of the
Burgomaster's mansion in Vallaki if you want to give the
players a reason to befriend or antagonize Baron Vargas
Vallakovich. (If you do, the Tome has been relocated in
Victor Vallakovich’s workroom within the attic.)
Nine of Glyphs—Traitor. Choose the master bedroom of
Wachterhaus if you want to give the players a reason to
befriend or antagonize Lady Fiona Wachter.
The Holy Symbol of Ravenkind
Place the Holy Symbol of Ravenkind in the shrine of Mother
Night in the werewolf den (Five of Swords—Myrmidon).
The Sunsword
Place the Sunsword in one of the following locations:
Seven of Swords—Hooded One. Choose the head of the
giant statue in the Amber Temple if you want to force the
players to fight Neferon, the arcanaloth.
Eight of Glyphs—Bishop. Choose the sealed treasury of
the Amber Temple if you want to give your players a
reason to delve more deeply into the Amber Temple.
Strahd's Enemy
Assign the role of Strahd's Enemy to Ezmerelda d'Avenir
(Mists—Queen of Spades).
Strahd's Location
Assign Strahd's location in Castle Ravenloft to K20. Heart of
Sorrow, represented by the Marionette (Jack of Hearts).
Design Notes: The Tarokka Reading
The Tome of Strahd. The Tome of Strahd has been
expanded to provide the players with secret information
about Strahd's ultimate plan, as well as additional hooks to
the Fanes of Barovia and the Amber Temple. (If the players
restore his memory and show him the Tome, the lich
Exethanter can interpret Strahd's ciphers and notes at their
request.)
The Tome has been intentionally placed in Vallaki to
ensure that the players find it (and are intrigued by its
mysteries) as early as possible. Because they tie strongly into
other quests, Rictavio's wagon (Seven of Stars—Illusionist)
and the attic of the Blue Water Inn (Master of Coins—
Rogue) have been removed as possible locations.
The Holy Symbol of Ravenkind. The statistics of the Holy
Symbol have been revised in order to ensure that its utility is
not overshadowed by the Sunsword once the latter is
obtained and to replace its nonstrategic Hold Vampires and
Turn Undead features with tactical, engaging abilities. Its
class restrictions for attunement have been removed to
ensure that any party can use it—with or without a cleric or
paladin.
The Holy Symbol has been intentionally placed in the
Werewolf Den to ensure that the players find it after they
have already confronted Strahd's brides (in Vallaki and at
Yester Hill), but before they invade any truly dangerous
locations (e.g., Castle Ravenloft, the Amber Temple, or the
ruins of Berez).
49
 The four foretellings leading to Krezk—the scarecrow in the
garden of the Abbey of Saint Markovia (Two of Glyphs—
Missionary), the main hall of the Abbey (One of Glyphs—
Monk), the nursery of the Abbey (Two of Coins—
Philanthropist), and the gazebo in the Shrine of the White
Sun (Three of Glyphs—Healer)—have been removed to
ensure that the players do not fulfill two of their Tarokka
readings (i.e., both the Holy Symbol and Strahd's Enemy)
while within the same relative area.
The Sunsword. The Sunsword's radiant blade has been
withheld from the players to create a more organic
opportunity to meet the spirit of Sergei von Zarovich, to
manufacture a late-game interaction between Sergi and
Ireena, and to create a more climactic and engaging
narrative.
Due to its power in combat against Strahd, the Sunsword
has been intentionally placed in the Amber Temple—the most
dangerous and isolated location in the game—to ensure that
the players do not obtain it too early. This placement also
ensures that the players have a reliable hook to the Temple
and a rewarding goal to achieve while there.
Strahd's Enemy. All possible allies other than the Vistana
monster hunter Ezmerelda d'Avenir have intentionally been
removed from the Tarokka reading.
Several of these allies, such as Sir Godfrey Gwilym or the
(now nonexistent) archmage Mordenkainen are too powerful
and unbalance the scales in favor of the party. Others, such as
Nikolai Wachter or Clovin Belview, are far too weak to
provide meaningful aid. Others still, such as Vasilka, Pidlwick
II, Sir Klutz, or Parriwimple, lack sufficient character depth
to serve a meaningful narrative role.
Many of the remaining possible allies—including Davian
Martikov, Victor Vallakovich, or Ismark Kolyanovich—have
been removed as possibilities because their revised character
arcs tie them more strongly to their families, friends, or
homes. The final alternative ally, Kasimir Velikov, has been
removed to ensure that the players do not seek him out—and
receive the deadly Amber Temple questline—until they are
strong enough to do so.
That leaves Ezmerelda d'Avenir. Selecting Ezmerelda as
Strahd's Enemy reduces the number of NPC allies that the
players can recruit, keeping the party to a more manageable
size; provides the players with a clear hook to Krezk and the
Abbey of Saint Markovia, which unlocks several additional
quests; and ensures that the players are neither outmatched
by nor overpowered compared to their ally at any point in the
game.
Strahd's Location. The location of the final battle with
Strahd has been intentionally limited to K20. Heart of
Sorrow. As the new centerpiece of Strahd's power and
schemes, a perfect arena for tactical combat, and an area
with clear views of the post-battle sunrise, the Heart—
including its adjoining bridge and rooftop—is the ideal (and
expected) place for the finale to unfold.
50
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:
Location Day Encounter Night Encounter
Village of
1 Vistani bandit 1d4 swarms of bats
Barovia
Svalich 1 wolf or 1d4
Woods
1 wolf or druid
swarms of bats
Town of
Vallaki
1 swarm of rats or 1
Wachter cultist
1 swarm of bats
Village of
1 swarm of rats 1 swarm of bats
Krezk
Mount 1 dire wolf or 1
Ghakis berserker
1 swarm of bats
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:
Lost in the Mists. In this version, the players are members
of a mercenary adventuring party that has been hired to
investigate a series of mysterious disappearances tied to a
particular house (Death House). This hook focuses the
players' attention solely on Strahd's tyranny and the
Barovians who suffer under his rule, encouraging the players
to immerse themselves in the campaign's lore and to develop
unique relationships with its diverse cast of characters.
Barovian Relics. In this version, one or more players
possess certain relics that originated from Barovia and are
tied to their backstories. When Death House manifests
nearby, those relics are drawn to it, encouraging the players
to enter and investigate. (Any players who do not wish to craft
a backstory may instead choose to be a mercenary
investigating recent disappearances, as in Lost in the Mists.)
This hook focuses the players' attentions on their own
interests and personal connections to the land of Barovia,
encouraging them to invest their attention in NPCs and
locations tied to their unique relics.
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.
Design Notes: Adventure Hooks
The original module's four adventure hooks are
fundamentally flawed: Plea for Help tends to make players to
resent Ireena Kolyana; Mysterious Visitors tends to make
players feel deceived (and therefore regret accepting
Stanimir's mission); Werewolves in the Mist reaches its
climax too early; and Creeping Fog offers little setup or
emotional investment. Most significantly, aside from
Mysterious Visitors, no adventure hook leads the players
directly and inevitably to a final confrontation with Strahd.
Custom adventure hooks that tie player backstories directly
to Barovia (e.g., by allowing players to rescue a lost loved
one) tend to fall flat for three reasons: they lack a direct tie to
Strahd; they distract the players from the fight with Strahd;
and they violate principles of verisimilitude (i.e., by making
Barovia a far busier place than it deserves to be). Importantly,
players receiving such hooks may struggle to understand the
importance of Madam Eva's Tarokka reading, especially while
they retain unfinished business in the valley.
However, a large subset of Curse of Strahd DMs
nonetheless prefer tying player backstories to Barovia in
order to promote player engagement and emotional
investment in the campaign itself. To this end, the Barovian
Relics hook provides players with reasons to journey to
Barovia that will inevitably lead them to a direct
confrontation with Strahd. Meanwhile, Lost in the Mists
serves as a fleshed-out substitute for Creeping Fog, aiding
DMs who would prefer to keep Barovia as an eerie and
alienating location.
Adventure Summary
Act I: Into the Mists
For 2nd to 3rd-level characters.
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.
Act II: The Shadowed Town
For characters of 4th level and higher.
In this act, the players are left to explore the shadowed
town of Vallaki—a Barovian settlement that has fallen to
tension and conflict in the wake of Strahd's awakening.
As the players seek to complete lingering obligations—
escorting Ireena to St. Andral's Church, purchasing and
delivering a toy for the Vistani child Arabelle, and uncovering
the Tome of Strahd—they meet new allies and enemies,
including Father Lucian, the priest of St. Andral's Church;
Izek Strazni, Baron Vallakovich's brutal enforcer; and Lady
Fiona Wachter, the Baron's Strahd-loyalist rival.
At St. Andral's Church, the players will be tasked with
recovering the stolen bones of St. Andral in order to protect
the church's holy protection. At the nearby Vistani
encampment, the players will have an opportunity to prove
themselves heroes by finding and rescuing Arabelle following
her mysterious disappearance—and receive a mysterious
prophecy if they do. And at Wachterhaus, the ancestral home
of House Wachter, the players will be given a choice: slay Izek
Strazni and allow Lady Wachter to seize power—or do
nothing, and allow the Baron's mad reign to continue.
51
 Meanwhile, one of the players begins to experience haunting
apparitions, leading them to discover the tragic fate of Stella
Wachter's soul—and an opportunity to restore her broken
mind. Simultaneously, a nocturnal killer haunts Vallaki's
streets, secretly working to drive the disguised vampire
hunter Dr. Rudolph van Richten out of hiding.
Through it all, the players will have an opportunity to seek
out clues leading to the hidden location of the Tome of
Strahd, which—depending on the Tarokka reading they
received—may be hidden in the Baron's mansion or in
Wachterhaus. And as the date of the Festival of the Blazing
Sun approaches, Izek Strazni and Ireena Kolyana grow
closer to a fateful, yet tragic encounter.
Act II ends when the players reach 5th level. However, the
players can still complete unresolved arcs from this act even
after Act III begins—assuming, of course, that those arcs are
still possible to complete.
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 Soldav 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.
52
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 Soldav, including Elder Burebis, an
ancient storm giant and devotee of the Ladies Three. From
Burebis, 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 Soldav. If the players aided the Mountain
Folk within the Amber Temple and reconsecrated the Fanes
of Barovia, the settlement of Soldav 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.
Should the players defeat Strahd, the Mists vanish and the
sun rises over Barovia once again—a free land, at long last.
53
 A Taste of Horror
The following pages contain a guide to the first
acts arcs of the campaign: Act I: Into the Mists and
Act II: The Shadowed Town. Updates providing
additional content are expected to follow regularly
on the /r/CurseOfStrahd subreddit. You can sign up
to receive update notifications in your email inbox
by joining the free DragnaCarta community on
Patreon.
You can also get an early peek at drafts of the
chapters involving Act III: The Devil's Hand, as well
as outlines and notes for all following acts and arcs,
by supporting this guide on Patreon.

54
Act I: Into the Mists
I
n 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.
Milestones
The players begin this act at 2nd level and should end it at
4th level, gaining milestone XP when they successfully do any
of the following:
discover the secret staircase in Death House (200 XP)
successfully escape Death House, either after appeasing
or defeating its monster (400 XP)
bury the remains of Walter Durst, thereby putting the
spirits of Death House to rest (100 XP)
bury the remains of Burgomaster Kolyan Indirovich in the
cemetery of the village of Barovia (400 XP)
reconcile Doru with his father (100 XP)
receive the Tarokka reading from Madam Eva (500 XP)
find lodging in Vallaki (900 XP)
Arc A. Escape From Death
House
The players begin in the town of Daggerford on the night
before Highharvesttide, an annual feast and holiday
celebration. The local inns are full for the night, and the
players—vagabonds with little coin or company to speak of—
find shelter in the stable of the Nightmare’s Bridle, a
ramshackle tavern on the outskirts of town.
When the relics they carry sense the presence of Death
House, however, the players are led through Daggerfords’
rainy streets and into the house’s waiting threshold.
Once inside, the players are trapped and told that a
monster will hunt them down once it awakens. They have six
hours to find it first and either appease it with a suitable
sacrifice—or kill it. As they explore the house, they come to
learn the house’s lurid history, as well as the true identity of
the beast that lurks beneath.
If the players kill the monster, the house begins to collapse,
forcing them to flee or be lost in the rubble. Upon emerging,
they find that their surroundings have changed, transporting
them to the darkened land of Barovia.
A1. Daggerford
A1a. The Nightmare’s Bridle
If one or more of your players are using the Barovian Relics
hook, read the following text. Otherwise, proceed to A2.
Death House below.
It’s the evening before Highharvesttide, and a storm has
descended over Daggerford, with dark clouds pouring
cascades of rain down upon the town below. Despite the
weather, however, the town buzzes with anticipation of the
impending falltime festival, each home filled with warmth and
joy. Bright, cheery candlelight twinkles from every window,
and the sounds of song and dance echo throughout the wet
and muddy streets.
Amidst the merriment, however, you stand apart. Neither
locals nor visitors, you’re vagabonds—travelers, ghosts
passing through an unfamiliar town. As laughter rings out from
inns and homes, you face a simpler, starker dilemma: the
quest for shelter.
Every room in this town is claimed, every hearth filled to
bursting, leaving you in the grip of the bitter storm. Until, that
is, the owner of the ramshackle Nightmare’s Bridle tavern
offers you a grudging reprieve: the hayloft above their stable.
It’s nothing to boast about, leaving the biting cold and the
lingering scent of musty hay as your only companions. But it’s
a roof over your heads nonetheless—a small mercy on a night
such as this.
One by one, you find a home amidst the muck and hay.
Overhead, rain lashes the stable, thunder punctuating the
rhythmic drumming on the roof. Flashes of lightning lance
across the skies, casting the stable’s interior in stark lights and
darks. Rainwater drips steadily down through a leak in the roof,
snaking its way across the floor until it pools in the corner.
Here, then, you find yourselves: huddled in the darkness
amongst strangers, while joy and mirth dance just out of
reach.
55
 Invite the players to describe each character's appearance
and countenance, how they’ve positioned themselves, and
how they’ve arranged their belongings.
When the players have finished introducing themselves,
read:
A searing bolt of lightning rends the sky, illuminating the
evening in a blinding flash of stark white. The booming
thunder that follows is so loud it shakes the very ground
beneath you, causing the timbers of the stable to creak and
groan.
The light of the strike lingers unnaturally, silhouetting small
wisps of fog that twist through the air. A thick, ankle-deep
mist gathers outside, shrouding the earth in a ghostly veil. Its
tendrils curl invitingly, as though beckoning you to the
darkness beyond.
The rain continues to pelt the roof above, but the wind no
longer howls, and the merry sounds of Daggerford’s festivities
seem muted and distant. The horses in the stable beneath stir
uneasily, their whinnies echoing loudly in the stillness. An
uneasy feeling sweeps through the hayloft, a cold shiver that
has nothing to do with the wind or rain.
One by one, the players’ relics then react as follows, in the
following order.
Stone Crest. The crest emits a low hum and smells of
pine needles and earthy soil, which both grow stronger
when the crest is moved toward Death House.
Broken Blade. The blade emits a high-pitched hum and
begins to tremble violently, spinning like a compass
needle in the direction of Death House.
Dragon's Scale. The scale burns icy cold, one end
glowing with a bright, silver light in the direction of Death
House.
Sunrise Medallion. The medallion shines with a warm,
golden glow, emitting rays of bright light in the direction of
Death House.
Amber Shard. The shard glows with amber light and tugs
its cord in the direction of Death House.
Wolf's Tooth. The tooth lengthens, glowing with silver
moonlight, and tugs its cord in the direction of Death
House.
Crumpled Page. The ink on the page glows with amber
light, the runes reshaping themselves into a map that
shows the page's location—and an arrow that guides
toward Death House.
Tattered Banner. The sound of war-drums fills the air,
and the banner blows in an unseen wind in the direction
of Death House.
Electrum Coin. The coin lands on its edge and begins
rolling across the muddy cobblestones in the direction of
Death House.
Angel's Feather. The feather is swept away by an unseen
wind, its barbs glimmering with golden light as it twirls
through the streets toward Death House.
Raven's Feather. The feather is swept away by the wind,
its shadow seeming to dance in the air, as it twirls through
the streets toward Death House.
56
Wanderer's Scarf. The scarf is carried away by the wind,
its patterns shifting and turning in the air as it whirls
through the streets toward Death House.
If the players give chase, read:
You emerge from the hayloft into the swirling mists beyond,
the stones of Daggerford's streets slick and gleaming beneath
your feet. The city’s laughter and cheer is now but a hollow
echo, the brightness of its revelry drowned in the fog that
encircles you. The taste of the cold, damp air is sharp on your
tongue, and the sound of your own breath loud in your ears.
Your relics call you forward, the mists parting to make way.
You move slowly at first, then faster, your hearts pounding in
your chest. As you venture deeper into the fog, each step you
make feels heavier, each echo of thunder a beat in this
relentless march.
The fog swallows the town, buildings reduced to looming
shadows, their shapes dancing and flickering in the storm's
sporadic flashes of lightning. Rain drums a relentless rhythm,
the patter of drops on cobblestone accompanying the distant,
mournful peal of thunder. For brief moments, you can feel
something else beneath your feet: the steady pounding of a
deep and distant heartbeat.
You're pulled left, then right, then left again, the relics
guiding you through the murky labyrinth. Distance and
direction have lost all meaning, the shadows around you
contorting in twisted shapes. Your blood sings in your ears,
and the air grows denser, electric, as the energy of the storm
—of the chase—swells with reckless abandon.
And then—the pounding stops.
The thunder pauses.
And the mist breaks.
The fog pulls back like a curtain, revealing a tall, eerie
silhouette that towers in the gloom before you.
This is Death House.
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.
Highharvesttide in Daggerford. It’s a time of joy and
celebration, of hearth and home, of golden laughter ringing
out into the night. But tonight, as a storm has swept over the
town, you find yourselves apart from the warmth and revelry,
drawn into the cold, dark embrace of mystery.
As mercenaries, you're no strangers to danger or the
unknown. But this—this is different. Over the past few weeks,
whispers have spread throughout Daggerford of
disappearances: ordinary folk, vanished without a trace.
 The only connection? A grand, old manor, known in hushed
tones as “Death House.”
Tonight, as the storm rages outside, you've been
summoned to investigate this mysterious dwelling. The town
crier’s proclamation still echoes in your ears, a bounty for any
brave souls who dare to uncover the truth. Driven by a mix of
greed, curiosity, and perhaps a touch of bravado, you stepped
forward.
Now, guided by the faint glow of your lanterns, you traverse
the slick, fog-shrouded cobblestone streets. The distant
merriment is a stark contrast to the eerie quiet around you.
The world has been reduced to hushed whispers and the
steady drumming of rain, a somber serenade to your perilous
journey.
And then, as if answering an unspoken summons, the mists
before you part, revealing the grim silhouette of your
destination: the “Death House.” Its dark, stone façade and
towering spires loom ominously against the storm-tossed sky,
a wordless challenge against your resolve.
A2a. The Arrival
1. Entrance
Read all players the following text:
A grand manor stands before you, four stories of cold, soot-
stained stone, tall narrow windows, and high peaked roofs
forming a picture of austere, chilling grandeur. Midway up, a
narrow balcony juts out from the third floor, offering a grim
perch from which to survey the surrounding grounds.
The centerpiece of this imposing facade is the portico, a
stone arch standing sentinel before the house's oaken doors.
A wrought-iron gate fills this arch, its rusty hinges creaking as
it sways in the wind.
On either side of the gate, oil lamps hang from chains, their
light dim and flickering, casting a sickly glow that barely
pierces the surrounding fog.
Beyond the gate, a set of sturdy oaken doors stand closed,
framed by the gate and the lamps. The doors are old and
weathered, their wood darkened by time, but they stand strong
and and proud—an unwelcome entrance to the house beyond.
A gust of wind sweeps past you, carrying with it a whisper
of cold dread that sends shivers down your spine.
Any players who began with the Barovian Relics hook can
now see the players who began with the Lost in the Mists
hook, and vice-versa. (If any of the players’ relics flew or
rolled to Death House—as with the wanderer’s scarf or the
electrum coin—they land on the house’s threshold, just
beyond the portico.) The street is otherwise deserted.
The entrance beyond the portico is otherwise as described
in 1. Entrance (p. 212).
Strahd & the Cult
The cult of Death House earned no love from
Strahd in life. But in death, the two parties have
come to an informal, unspoken understanding. In
exchange for the permission to roam far afield
from the misty land of Barovia to claim sacrifices,
Death House is bound to return to the valley after
each hunting excursion. Should any adventurers
successfully escape the house's bloodied altar,
they inevitably emerge into Strahd's domain—
assuring him of a worthy crop of prey to pursue.
2. Main Hall
When the players pass through Death House’s threshold, any
Barovian relics they carry cease to be active. (For example,
the sunrise medallion ceases to glow.)
The main hall is largely as described in Main Hall (p. 212)
but now contains a grandfather clock, which is placed in the
circular space at the base of the stairs.
Instead of a longsword, the portrait of the Durst family
from 6. Upper Hall (p. 213) now hangs above the fireplace.
In the portrait, Rose is holding a smiling doll wearing a
yellow lace dress. A plaque beneath the portrait reads: Mr.
Gustav and Mrs. Elisabeth Durst, with their two children,
Rosavalda and Thornboldt.1
Shortly after all of the characters enter the main hall, the
front door slams shut, extinguishing all lights in the house.
The sound of the rain outside completely vanishes, leaving
the house eerily silent.
Bloody letters then begin appearing on the southern wall,
just above the marble staircase. They read as follows:
Beneath this dwelling lurks a beast
Who hungers for a bloody feast.
He sleeps until the midnight chime
Then wakes to feed his dark design.
If morsels seek to flee their doom,
Then bring toward his secret room
A gift to soothe his savage mood
But mind the servants of his brood.
The grandfather clock then strikes six o’clock.
A player who opens any outside-facing door or curtain in
Death House, or who exits onto any balcony, finds that the
exterior of the house has been surrounded by thick, fleshy
tendrils. Although the tendrils can be damaged, more grow
back swiftly to replace them, sealing the players inside. A
player who inspects the tendrils finds that they appear to be
extruding from beneath the house.
A2b. The First Floor
1. Cloakroom
A player who investigates the cloakroom adjoining the Main
Hall can observe an envelope poking from the pocket of one
of the cloaks. The envelope, which is addressed to Lady
Lovina Wachter, contains an invitation. It reads:
57
 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.
2. Den of Wolves
This room is largely as described in Den of Wolves (p. 212).
As the players enter this room, read:
As you crack the door to this room open, you catch a glimpse
of something feral beyond: an amber eye that flashes in the
darkness, and a bestial muzzle curled into a snarl.
If the players proceed, read:
The door cracks open, revealing a gray-furred wolf frozen into
place. It's only a moment before you realize that it's not
moving—and another before you realize that it's not alone.
This oak-paneled room looks like a hunter's den. Mounted
above the fireplace is a stag's head, and positioned around the
outskirts of the room are two additional stuffed wolves—a
large gray wolf and a smaller brown wolf.
Two padded chairs draped in animal furs face a hearth, with
an oak table between them supporting an assortment of
objects. A chandelier hangs above a cloth-covered table
surrounded by four chairs, and two cabinets stand against the
walls. A pair of small toys seems to have been forgotten
beneath one of the chairs.
The discarded toys are small, plush gray wolves, whose
threadbare coats show evidence of heavy mending and
patchwork. Clumsy 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.
58
Time in Death House
When the clock strikes six, place three six-sided
dice on the table in front of the players, with each
side showing a six. Each pip on the dice represents
twenty minutes until midnight.
As the players explore the house, tick this dice
clock downward to indicate the passage of time,
always starting with the die showing the lowest
number. If the lowest die shows a one, you can tick
it down to “zero” by removing it from the group
instead.
The dice clock counts down as follows:
Each time the players enter a new floor of the
house or dungeon, tick the dice clock down by
one.
Each time the players make a Perception or
Investigation check to search an entire room,
tick the dice clock down by one.
Each time the players complete a short rest,
tick the dice clock down by three.
The grandfather clock in the Main Hall sounds on
the hour, every hour, and can be heard throughout
the house and dungeon.
When the clock strikes midnight, the flesh
mound in the Ritual Chamber awakens and makes a
beeline for the players, exiting through the Hidden
Trapdoor into the Den of Wolves if necessary to
reach them. At least one minute should pass
between the time the mound wakes up and the
time that it first reaches the players, nullifying its
heavy sleeper feature and allowing it to use its
multiattack actions.
Resting in Death House
Due to their midnight deadline, it is impossible for
the players to take a long rest in Death House.
However, the players might still need to take a
short rest. Each time they do so in the main house,
they experience one or more of the following
hauntings:
A player hears rats scrabbling up and down the
spaces between the walls. A thick, choking
stench of rot seeps into the room.
A player hears the sound of a woman’s
humming emanating from the opposite side of
a closed door. If the door is cracked open, a
cold blue eye stares back before vanishing.
A player hears footsteps descending from the
attic, which stop outside of their door before
moving away to the library. Soon after, a
grinding noise can be heard coming from the
library—the sound of the secret door.
A player hears maniacal laughter echoing from
far below the house.
A player hears a pleading female voice in their
right ear that swears that “it isn’t his.” Another,
colder female voice in the player’s left ear
scoffs and says, "You would say that, you little
harlot."

3. 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:
You enter into a wood-paneled dining room. The centerpiece
is a carved mahogany table surrounded by eight high-backed
chairs with sculpted armrests and cushioned seats. A crystal
chandelier hangs above the table, which is set with
resplendent silverware and crystal glasses polished to a
dazzling shine. Mounted above the marble fireplace is a
mahogany-framed painting of an alpine vale.
The wall paneling is carved with elegant images of deer
among the trees. Red silk drapes cover the windows, and a
tapestry hangs from an iron rod bolted to the south wall.
The table groans beneath the weight of a delicious-looking
feast. Exquisite dishes lay on grand platters: succulent roasted
poultry glazed with a shimmering honey sauce, perfectly
grilled cuts of beef still steaming lightly, a variety of cheeses
and fresh fruits, and freshly baked breads giving off a
comforting aroma.
A player who partakes in the food suffers no ill effects.
4. Kitchen and Pantry
This room is largely as described in Kitchen and Pantry (p.
213). When the players enter this room, read:
You enter a tidy kitchen, with dishware, cookware, and utensils
neatly placed on shelves. A worktable has a cutting board and
rolling pin atop it. A stone, dome-shaped oven stands near the
east wall, its bent iron stovepipe connecting to a hole in the
ceiling. Behind the stove and to the left is a thin door.
In the front right-hand corner of the room stands a small
wooden door set into the wall.
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. Peeking 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
1. Upper Hall
This room is largely as described in Upper Hall (p. 213).
When the players enter this room, read:
Unlit oil lamps are mounted on the walls of this elegant hall.
Hanging above the mantelpiece is a longsword with a windmill
cameo worked into the hilt.
Standing suits of armor flank wooden doors in the east and
west walls. Each suit of armor clutches a spear and has a
visored helm shaped like a wolf's head. The doors between
them are carved with images of dancing youths.
The red marble staircase continues its upward spiral to a
third floor, a cold draft whispering down from above.
2. Servants’ Room
This room is largely as described in Servants’ Room (p.
213). When the players enter this room, read:
This undecorated bedroom contains a pair of beds with straw-
stuffed mattresses. At the foot of each bed is a closed foot
locker. A door to the left appears to lead to a closet.
In the right-hand corner stands a small wooden door, a
metal button set into the wall beside it. A basket full of
unwashed laundry appears to have been left beside it.
The basket contains a man's laundry, including fine suits,
tunics, neckties, pants, and stockings. However, a single,
much-smaller woman's slip appears to have been mixed in
with the rest.
3. Conservatory
Players that approach this door can hear the faint sound of a
harpsichord playing from beyond the doors. If the players
open or knock on the door, however, the music falls silent.
This room is largely as described in Conservatory (p. 214).
When the players enter it, read:
You enter into an elegantly appointed hall, the windows of
which are covered by gossamer drapes. A brass-plated
chandelier hangs from the ceiling, and upholstered chairs line
the walls.
59
 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.
The Harpsichord. A player who inspects the harpsichord
finds that one of the keys appears to be permanently pressed
in the "down" position. A player who investigates the interior
of the harpsichord finds the cause: a rolled-up piece
parchment tucked beneath one of the strings.
The parchment is a piece of handwritten sheet music for
the harpsichord titled Waltz for Klara. If the sheet music is
played on the harpsichord, read:
As you press your fingers to the keys, the notes echo, a
haunting melody filling the quiet, dusty room. As you continue
to play, the music seems to take on a life of its own, your
hands moving across the keys unbidden as if guided by an
unseen force.
From the edges of the room, spectral figures begin to
materialize, spinning and weaving in a ghostly dance as though
led by the song. Most are unfamiliar to you, but you recognize
two: Elisabeth Durst, in the corner, watching Gustav's
apparition dancing with a beautiful young woman wearing
humble clothes.
The eyes of Elisabeth's apparition eyes narrow into a cold,
furious stare. The dancers pay her little heed, however, the
song growing faster as the spirits whirl to the rhythm of the
harpsichord's crescendo.
With a swift movement, Elisabeth reaches for a pendant
around her spectral neck—a shimmering amber shard hung on
a cord of ethereal mist. As her ghostly fist curls around it, her
eyes flash a bright, menacing amber—and the spectral dancers
dissipate, swept away as if by an unseen wind.
Elisabeth's apparition lingers but a moment longer before
disappearing with the rest. As it does, a sound resonates
through the room: the low sound of scraping wood,
originating from the room across the hall. The floor trembles
faintly—and you hear a crash from the mantelpiece. Two of
the alabaster figurines have fallen from their place on the
shelf: one, toppled over on its side; the other, shattered across
the floor.
A player who inspects the fallen figurines finds that the
toppled figurine has cracked across its face, arms, and torso,
and depicts a young and slender female dancer. The
shattered figurine has broken into dozens of pieces, and
appears to have once depicted a comely, older man. A third,
female dancer figurine remains defiantly standing atop the
mantelpiece where all three once stood.
60
4. Library
This room is largely as described in Library (p. 213-14).
When the players enter this room, read:
Red velvet drapes cover the windows of this room. An
exquisite mahogany desk and a matching high-back chair face
the entrance and the fireplace, above which hangs a framed
picture of a windmill perched atop a rocky crag. Situated in
corners of the room are two overstuffed chairs.
Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves line the south wall. A rolling
wooden ladder allows one to more easily reach the high
shelves.
The Desk. A handwritten note sits atop the desk. It reads:
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Durst,
In light of my current condition, I respectfully
ask your leave for a brief time away from my
responsibilities.
While my devotion to your dear children makes
this decision difficult, I have taken it upon myself
to find a solution that, I hope, will serve your
household well. A good acquaintance of mine is
experienced in the care of children, and I believe
that she could assume my role during my
temporary leave without difficulty.
I realize that my request is not without its
complications. However, my years serving your
family have shown me the depth of your
understanding and compassion. I truly feel that I
have become a part of this family, and I look
forward to bringing another member of that family
into this world.
Yours sincerely,
Klara
The top drawer of the desk now contains a number of
receipts for candles, daggers, and incense, rather than the
key to 20. Children's Room* (p. 215).
The Bookshelves. A small rock collection sits upon one of
the shelves, each of the stones labeled with its scientific
name.4 (This collection once belonged to Mr. Durst.)
Immediately beside the rock collection is a book titled The
Tale of ________, with the final word being the name of the
player character who first found it. It appears blank to any
other creature, but, if read by that player character, tells the
story of their life.2
The final written page of this book reads:
________ pulled the book down from the shelf and
began to read, unaware of the creature that
watched them from the shadows. Slowly, the beast
began to creep forward.
The next page is blank, save for a bloodstain. A search of the
room provides no evidence of any lurking monster.
A character that searches the room and succeeds on a DC
15 Wisdom (Perception) check can see flickering candle light
emanating from beneath the secret door.4
The Secret Door. The secret door in this room has two
components. First, a player must pull on the switch as
described in Secret Door (p. 214). Doing so causes the
bookshelf to swing forward, revealing a blank wooden wall
behind it.
Once the bookshelf has been moved, the players can see a
small panel made of dark wood behind it, built into the wall
at approximately chest level. A small hollow niche, jagged and
irregular, lies at the panel's center and emanates a faint
amber glow.
The door cannot be opened unless the amber shard from
the Master Suite (see below) is placed into the niche. The
secret door then swings open, allowing the players to enter
the Secret Room.
5. Secret Room
This room is largely as described in Secret Room (p. 214).
When the players enter this room, read:
This small hidden room is packed with bookshelves groaning
with old and ominous-looking leather-bound tomes. A heavy
wooden chest with clawed iron feet stands against the south
wall, its lid half-closed. Sticking out of the chest, its ribs and
head caught beneath the lid, is a skeleton in leather armor.
Change Strahd’s letter to read as follows:
My most pathetic servant,
I am not a messiah sent to you by the Dark
Powers of this land. I have not come to lead you on
a path to immortality. However many souls you
have bled on your hidden altar, however many
visitors you have tortured in your dungeon, know
that you are not the one who brought me to this
beautiful land. You are but a worm writhing in my
earth.
You say that you are cursed, your fortune spent.
Your husband took solace in the bosom of another
woman, sired a bastard son, and drove you to
abandon love for madness. Cursed by darkness? Of
that I have no doubt. Save you from your
wretchedness? I think not. I much prefer you as
you are.
Your dread lord and master,
Strahd von Zarovich
The players do not recognize the name "Strahd von
Zarovich."
A2d. The Third Floor
As the players ascend the spiral stairs to the third floor,
remind them that they can see down the center of the
staircase all the way to the bottom floor.
Making Multiple Ability Checks
As the players explore Death House and the many
secret places within the land of Barovia, don't
forget the Multiple Ability Checks rule, found on
page 237 of the Dungeon Master's Guide, which
reads as follows:
Sometimes a character fails an ability check and
wants to try again. In some cases, a character is
free to do so; the only real cost is the time it
takes. With enough attempts and enough time, a
character should eventually succeed at the task.
To speed things up, assume that a character
spending ten times the normal amount of time
needed to complete a task automatically
succeeds at that task. However, no amount of
repeating the check allows a character to turn an
impossible task into a successful one.
In other cases, failing an ability check makes it
impossible to make the same check to do the
same thing again. For example, a rogue might try
to trick a town guard into thinking the
adventurers are undercover agents of the king. If
the rogue loses a contest of Charisma
(Deception) against the guard's Wisdom
(Insight), the same lie told again won't work. The
characters can come up with a different way to
get past the guard or try the check again against
another guard at a different gate. But you might
decide that the initial failure makes those checks
more difficult to pull off.
1. Balcony
This room is largely as described in Balcony (p. 214). When
the players enter this room, read:
You climb the red marble staircase to its full height, arriving at
a dusty balcony. The air here is dry and musty, but tinged with
a strange, coppery scent.
A suit of black plate armor stands against one wall, draped
in cobwebs and marked by age. Oil lamps are mounted on the
faded oak-paneled walls, which are carved with woodland
scenes of trees, falling leaves, and tiny beasts.
When triggered, the animated armor will use one or both of
its multiattack attacks to attempt to push a player over the
railing using a shove attack, or attempt to grapple its nearest
target before shoving them prone.
If the armor is thrown down to the first floor and the
players do not reveal their presence atop the balcony, it is
unable to observe them with its sixty feet of blindsight, and is
too stupid to think to climb back up.
A creature that is pushed over the edge of the balcony falls
two stories, or twenty feet, and takes 2d6 bludgeoning
damage. That creature must succeed on a DC 15 Dexterity
(Acrobatics) check or land prone.
61

2. Master Suite
When a player first approaches this door, read:
These grand doors loom tall, their dark wood frames enclosing
a pair of dusty stained-glass windows. Each pane is etched
with intricate designs that resemble windmills, their once-
vibrant hues now faded and obscured beneath a thick veil of
grime.
Through the dusty haze that prickles your eyes , you catch a
glimpse of something through the windows: a silhouette,
standing mere inches behind the glass, lit from behind by a
dim, amber glow. It's still and unmoving, but the mere sight of
it seizes your muscles in a vice-like grip, your limbs refusing to
obey your conscious mind.
The air around you thickens, its temperature plummeting to
a bone-chilling cold. Your breath fogs the glass panes, a
delicate frost creeping across them as the house's distance
creaks and whispers are swallowed by a heavy silence.
The shadow behind the door is nearly formless—
insubstantial—but its presence invokes a primordial dread
deep within your marrow. Your heart beats faster, sweat
beading on your forehead, pulse racing through your veins.
Slowly, the silhouette begins to turn its head toward yours.
And then, just as suddenly as it appeared, the shadow
evaporates. The biting cold ebbs away, and the house's quiet
sounds return once more.
This room is largely as described in Master Suite (p. 214).
When the players enter this room, read:
You enter a dusty, cobweb-filled master bedroom with
burgundy drapes covering the windows. A four-poster bed
with embroidered curtains and tattered gossamer veils stands
against the center wall.
A door facing the foot of the bed has a faded full-length
mirror mounted on it. In the right-hand corner of the
roomstands a small wooden door, its surface half-rotted by
age. A tarnished metal button is set into the wall beside it.
A rotting tiger-skin rug lies on the floor in front of the
fireplace, which has a dust-covered portrait of the man and
woman from the first-floor portrait hanging above it. A web-
filled parlor in the southwest corner contains two chairs and a
table holding several items, as well as a door with a dark, dirt-
flecked window.
The room also contains a matching pair of wardrobes, a
padded chair, and a vanity with a wood-framed mirror and a
silver jewelry box. A soft amber glow emanates from beneath
the jewelry box's lid.
The Bed. A player that approaches the bed can see that a
large, bloodstained kitchen knife has been driven into one of
the pillows.
62
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.)
A roll of parchment is half-buried in the grain beside the
shard. If unfurled, it reads as follows:
Drasha,
I have selected you as the Beast’s custodian in
my absence. Should the Beast grow unruly or show
signs of agitation while I am away, I have left this
amber shard to weaken it and soothe its fury.
Should the need arise, present the shard and
speak the Beast's name to quiet its tantrums—but
be sure to begone from the house before it
awakens at midnight.
So long as the Beast draws breath, it—not you—
is the heart of this house, and no meal shall ever
sate its appetite. Should you linger in its domain, it
will mean doom for you all.
Elisabeth
A player can present the shard and speak Walter's name as a
bonus action while within 30 feet of the flesh mound in the
Ritual Chamber (see below) to force the mound to make a
DC 13 Wisdom saving throw or be dazed until the start of the
player's next turn. (A dazed creature can move or take one
action on its turn, not both. It also can’t take a bonus action or
a reaction.)
3. Bathroom
This room is as described in Bathroom (p. 215).
4. Storage Room
This room is largely as described in Storage Room (p. 215).
When the players enter it, read:
Dusty shelves line the walls of this room. A few of the shelves
have folded sheets, blankets, and old bars of soap on them. A
cobweb-covered broom leans against the far wall.
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.
5. Nursemaid’s Suite
This room is largely as described in Nursemaid’s Suite (p.
217). When the players enter it, read:
Dust and cobwebs shroud this elegantly appointed bedroom.
A large bed stands against the far wall, its once-opulent
coverings now faded and threadbare.

Beside the bed, a mildew-covered towel covers most of a
dusty yellowed book on one of its two end tables. On the far
side of the room, you can see a pair of two more stained-glass
doors, their windows flecked with dirt and grime.
To the left stands an empty wardrobe, its doors slightly ajar.
Mounted beside it stands a full-length mirror, its wooden
frame carved to resemble ivy and berries.
To the right, an empty doorway leads into a darkened
nursery. You can see the silhouette of a crib, its quiet form
veiled by a hanging black shroud. A strange substance seems
to cover the floor beneath it.
As you look around the room, you notice that the blankets
atop the bed lift slightly away from the mattress, as though
something is lying atop the mattress beneath. As you watch,
you can see the coverings, almost imperceptibly, slowly rise
and fall with low, rhythmic rustling.
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 Doors. A player that exits the bedroom through the
stained-glass doors and onto the balcony sees that the town
of Daggerford has vanished. Instead, the balcony looks out
over an endless, mist-filled chasm.
The Book. The book is a cobwebbed copy of a raunchy
romance novel titled Blue-Blooded Lips. It tells the story of a
peasant woman's romance with a wealthy duke.
The Nursery. If a player enters the nursery, read:
The air in this small nursery is strangely warm and tinged with
a coppery scent. Blood-red runes cover the walls, arranged in
concentric circles around the crib in the center, which seems
to have a name carved into its side. Strange, flesh-like tumors
have grown along the floor around it in sparse clusters, and
slowly pulsate as if they're breathing.
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.
The object is a severed human finger with several pieces of
flesh stripped from it. Tiny toothmarks can be seen around
the wounds. A DC 12 Wisdom (Medicine) check identifies the
finger as a woman's, and the teethmarks as a human child's.
The name "Walter" has been lovingly carved into the head
of the crib. A successful DC 14 Intelligence (Arcana)
identifies the runes around it as dark necromantic magic.
The Mirror. The nursemaid’s specter does not appear in
this room. Instead, when a player approaches the mirror, the
nursemaid’s spirit appears as an apparition in the glass.
The spirit resembles a pale, skeletally thin young woman,
with all of her fingers and toes removed, her eyes sewn shut,
and her lips and teeth torn from her mouth. Countless knife-
thin scars line her entire body, including the flesh around her
wrists and ankles, and her hair has been carelessly hacked to
stubble.
Though its appearance is disturbing, players observing the
spirit feel that it is simply watching them with shy curiosity.
The spirit can neither speak aloud nor exit the mirror.
However, it shows no hostility toward the players, and can
answer basic questions by nodding or shaking its head. It
knows everything that the nursemaid did in life. It shows fear
at any mention of Mrs. Durst’s name, sorrow at any mention
of Mr. Durst’s, melancholic fondness at any mention of Rose
or Thorn, and despair at any mention of Walter.
If the players ask the spirit for aid in reaching the
basement or finding the “monster,” the spirit steps aside—
vanishing from sight—and the secret door behind the mirror
slowly swings open. The spirit does not return.
A2e. The Attic
1. Attic Hall
This room is largely as described in Attic Hall (p. 215). When
the players enter this room, read:
This bare hall is choked with dust and cobwebs. Several doors
lead from this attic corridor, including a door held shut with a
padlock.
A low creak cuts through the air as one of the unlocked
doors slowly creaks open.
The door leads to the Spare Bedroom (see below).
2. Spare Bedroom
This room is largely as described in Spare Bedroom (p. 215).
When the players first enter it, read:
This cold, dust-choked room contains a slender bed, a
nightstand, a small iron stove, a writing desk with a stool, an
empty wardrobe, and a rocking chair. A frowning doll in a lacy
yellow dress sits in the northern window box beside a
tarnished old music box, cobwebs draping it like a wedding
veil.
The players can recognize the doll as the same doll that Rose
was holding in the family portrait in the Main Hall.
The music box contains a rusted, bloodstained skinning
knife as well as the key to the padlock on Rose and Thorn's
bedroom door.
The music box also contains two curled-up pieces of
parchment. The first parchment shows a basic floor plan split
into three rectangles labeled QUARTERS, SHRINE, and
ALTAR. QUARTERS and SHRINE are connected at the top
by a single line, and at the bottom by a double line, which
connects both to ALTAR. The second parchment contains a
list of unfamiliar names beneath the word RECRUITMENT.
As the players exit the room, the rocking chair begins to
rock softly and the music box opens and begins to play. The
sound of motherly humming floats through the air for two
measures, but grows off-key and distorted before coming to a
violent, screeching halt. The rocking chair then stops rocking.
3. Children’s Room
This room is largely as described in Children’s Room (p.
215-16).
63

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.
In life, Rose was a budding wizard who discovered a small
spellbook in her father’s library, and took great care in
copying the mending, light, and shocking grasp cantrips into
her diary.4
As the ghost children speak with the players, Thorn
levitates one of his toys into the air, which falls and breaks.
Rose swiftly uses her mending spell to repair it. If her use of
magic is remarked upon, she shyly shares her diary’s
location, which can be found hidden in the cobweb-covered
pillowcase on her bed.
64
In addition to her cantrips, Rose’s aged and faded diary
also contains entries regarding her studies, her friends, her
younger brother, her nursemaid (“Miss Klara”), and
arguments between her mother and father. (Rose doesn't
know anything about the content of those fights.)
Rose knows the way down to the basement, but “isn’t
supposed to go down there.” If the party convinces her to
show them the way, she points them toward the dollhouse,
revealing the secret entry. In exchange, she asks the players
to take her and Thorn's bones with them when they escape,
burying them in the garden outside.
The dollhouse contains small dolls that depict tiny, twisted
molds of any characters and creatures currently visible in the
house. The dolls are made of painted resin. Any character
looking inside the dollhouse while in Rose and Thorn’s room
can see the appropriately-placed dolls of all living creatures
within the manor. The dollhouse only contains rooms within
the house itself, and does not depict the dungeon levels
below.
When the secret door is revealed, Thorn shyly asks the
players if he and Rose can accompany them downstairs to aid
them, and attempts to possess a friendly player if permitted.
When Rose or Thorn attempts to possess a player, describe it
as “a child’s tiny hand, desperately seeking the touch of
another soul.”
A player possessed by Rose can cast the cantrips in her
diary, while a player possessed by Thorn can gain the effects
of the mage hand cantrip as an action, without the use of
components. (The spectral hand is invisible.)
4. Storage Room
This room is largely as described in Storage Room (p. 215).
When the players enter this room, read:
This dusty chamber is packed with lumpy, squat shapes
draped in dusty white sheets. An old iron stove stands against
the right-side wall, next to what looks to be a large trunk
covered by a sheet.
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.
5. Guest Bedroom
This room is as described in Spare Bedroom (p. 215).
6. Secret Stairs
This room is largely as described in Secret Stairs (p. 217).
However, opening the secret door reveals only a stone slab on
the opposite side, inset with a small bronze panel at
approximately chest level. A small hollow niche identical to
the one in the library lies at the panel's center, emanating a
faint amber glow. When the niche is exposed, the amber
shard from the Master Suite glimmers faintly and swings in
the air toward it, as though held aloft by an unseen force.
To allow the stone slab to swing open and reveal the
hidden stairs on the opposite side, the players must place the
amber shard into the niche.
When the players enter this room, read:
The secret door opens to reveal a narrow spiral staircase built
of aged-looking wood within a tight shaft of mortared stone.
Thick cobwebs fill the staircase as it descends into the
darkness below.
As the players descend the stairs, read:
The broken cobwebs around you sway like a gossamer
wedding veil, beckoning you forward as the ancient stairs
creak and groan underfoot. The gaping maw of the stairwell
draws you deeper, swallowing you up as you descend further
down its gullet. You descend one floor—two floors—three.
The walls of the stone shaft narrow around you, forcing you
to hunch your shoulders and pull in your elbows to continue
downward. In the darkness, you can only hear the shuffle of
your feet, the choking groan of the stairs, and the pounding of
your blood in your ears.
Finally, after what feels like hours, the descent levels out,
and the spiral staircase ends at a darkened landing of packed
earth. A narrow tunnel supported by aged timber braces
stretches ahead of you, its stone walls seeming to bleed with
deposits of streaked, red clay. Eight feet ahead, the tunnel
splits, branching to the left and right.
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 Basement
1. Family Crypts
These rooms are largely as described in Family Crypts (p.
217-18).
As the players approach the Empty Crypt and Walter’s
Crypt, read:
This side-corridor branches again to the left and right. On
either side, large standing stone slabs have been set aside to
lean against the walls, opening the way to a pair of dark, quiet
crypts. The slab to the right is etched with the name "Walter
Durst"; the slab to the left is blank.
If the characters enter the Empty Crypt, read:
You peer past the leaning stone slab to see an empty earthen
crypt.
If the characters enter Walter’s Crypt, read:
Swollen, bloody cysts cover the walls of this crypt like tumors.
From time to time, they pulsate and burst, streams of pus
oozing down to collect on the floor. In the distance, you can
hear an infant's quiet whimpers.
As the players approach Gustav’s Crypt and Elisabeth’s
Crypt, read:
This side corridor branches again to the left and right. Large
standing stone slabs seal the entrance to the tunnels on either
side, blocking the way forward. The slab to the left is etched
with the name "Gustav Durst"; the slab to the right is etched
with the name "Elisabeth Durst." The tunnel here is unnaturally
quiet, and a thin mist clings to the floor.
If the characters enter Gustav’s Crypt, read:
The crypt beyond the slab contains a stone coffin lying atop a
dusty stone bier. Silence hangs heavy over the lonely chamber.
If the characters enter Elisabeth’s Crypt, read:
A thick, acrid miasma hangs over the interior of this crypt,
which holds a stone-carved coffin resting atop a stone bier.
The floor before it is littered with the bodies of hundreds of
dead termites. Many cling to the elongated, bloated body of a
dead termite queen, while others appear to have died atop the
scarred, mutilated bodies of four larger beetles not far away.
As the players approach Rose’s Crypt and Thorn’s Crypt,
read:
This side-corridor branches again to the left and right. Large
standing stone slabs seal the entrance to the tunnels on either
side, blocking the way forward. The slab to the left is etched
with the name "Rosavalda Durst"; the slab to the right is
etched with the name "Thornboldt Durst." Each slab exudes
the silence of a forgotten grave.
65
 If the characters enter either crypt, read:
This small chamber contains a stone coffin resting on a stone
bier. The air in this crypt hangs heavy with sorrow.
The players cannot help Rose or Thorn’s ghosts find peace by
placing their remains in their coffins. Neither Rose nor Thorn
finds these crypts comforting. Both prefer to leave as quickly
as possible.
2. Cult Initiates’ Quarters
This room is largely as described in Cult Initiates’ Quarters
(p. 218).
As the characters move to descend to the Well and Cultist
Quarters (p. 218), a sudden splashing sound can be heard—
which then quickly subsides.
2. Well and Cultist Quarters
This room is largely as described in Well and Cultist
Quarters (p. 218). When the players enter this room, read:
The ceiling of this dark, earthen chamber rises a foot higher
than the cramped tunnel. It's supported by thick wooden
posts and cross beams that have rotted with age and bear
deep holes indicative of hungry insects.
Here, a lonely well stands at the center of the room,
surrounded on three sides by several smaller, alcove-like
chambers that have been carved into the walls. Old footprints
criss-cross the floor, leading into the alcoves, around the well,
up a staircase on the other end of the room, and back upstairs
the way you came.
An old hempen rope attached to a rusted pulley descends
past the mouth of the well, swaying gently in the stagnant air
as if just abandoned by an unseen occupant.
The well comprises a 4-foot-diameter well shaft with a 3-foot-
high stone lip, and descends 30 feet to a water-filled cistern.
A wooden bucket hangs from a rope-and-pulley mechanism
bolted to the cross beams above the well. The interior of the
shaft is covered with an ash-black species of fungi.
If the players toss an object down the well and then turn
away, they hear loud splashing and tearing sounds coming
from below. When they turn back, the object has been torn to
pieces, with large parts missing.
Replace the silvered shortsword in footlocker 25E with a
book bound in grimy black leather. This journal, which one of
the cultists kept as a log of the cult’s victims, contains a list of
names and physical descriptions associated with each name.
Each entry includes gruesome details describing the victim’s
sacrifice, such as “struggled profusely” or “no sedative
given,”1 and ends with the phrase, "Fed to Walter."
3. 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:
66
The staircase leads to a quiet landing. To the front, the stairs
continue upward and vanish around a bend. To the right, the
landing continues straight into a lonely corridor. This tunnel
hallway seems surprisingly clean and bereft of debris; at its far
end, another earthen staircase descends into darkness.
The incessant chanting that has filled the air of this
underground complex grows stronger toward the far end of
this corridor. Its source seems to lie beyond the descending
stairs.
If the characters enter this area from Dining Hall, read:
The staircase descends to a quiet landing. To the front, the
stairs continue to descend, opening into a broader chamber.
To the left, the landing continues straight into a lonely
corridor. This tunnel hallway seems surprisingly clean and
bereft of debris; at its far end, another earthen staircase
descends into darkness.
The incessant chanting that has filled the air of this
underground complex grows stronger toward the far end of
this corridor.
If the characters enter this area from Ghoulish Encounter,
read:
The staircase descends to a quiet landing. To the left, the stairs
continue to descend, rounding a bend before vanishing into
darkness. The incessant chanting that has filled the air of this
underground complex appears to be echoing from below.
To the right, the landing continues straight into a lonely
corridor. This tunnel hallway seems surprisingly clean and
bereft of debris; at its far end, the corridor branches left and
right.
4. Dining Hall
This room is largely as described in Dining Hall (p. 218).
When the players enter this room, read:
This room contains a plain wooden table flanked by long
benches. Moldy humanoid bones lie strewn on the dirt floor. A
thick stench of rot and gore fills the chamber, so coppery with
blood that you can taste it on your tongue.
A few dozen moldy bones have been piled into a grotesque
and misshapen pyramid in a dark alcove to the south.
5. 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:
A horrific creature—a long, flesh-like worm the breadth and
length of a human man—drops from the ceiling. Its flayed
muscles split open to reveal a flapping, gaping maw ringed by
hundreds of tiny, humanlike teeth and a gnashing, bony beak.
It lets out a high-pitched, gurgling squeal as it hurls itself
forward, writhing, tendon-like tentacles lashing toward your
face.
6. Ghoulish Encounter
This area is largely as described in Ghoulish Encounter (p.
218). When the players first approach this area, read:
A deathly stench emanates from this corridor. The stone walls
bear cracked, red stains, and a trail of old bones leads deeper
down the tunnel.
When a player first enters one of the 5-foot squares at the
entrance of the corridors (marked T on the map), three
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.”
If the players continue down the corridor, read:
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.
7. Stairs Down
This room is largely as described in Stairs Down (p. 218).
When the players approach this area, read:
A dark set of chiseled stone steps descends into darkness. It's
clear that the origin of the muffled chanting you've been
hearing lies below.
8. Darklord’s Shrine
This room is largely as described in Darklord’s Shrine (p.
218). When the players enter this room, read:
This room is festooned with moldy skeletons that hang from
rusty shackles against the walls, their mouths hanging open in
silent screams.
A wide alcove in the south wall contains a painted wooden
statue carved in the likeness of a gaunt, pale-faced man
wearing a voluminous black cloak, his pale left hand resting on
the head of a wolf that stands beside him. The statue's right
hand holds a smoky-gray crystal orb, and its painted gaze
stares down toward you, a cold and cruel glint to its eye.
Five ashen shadows are burned into the walls, with soot
marks stretching across the floor toward the statue.
The room has exits to the west and north. Chanting can be
heard coming from the west.
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:
This old wooden door is covered in ancient red stains.
67
 If the players have not already seen this door from the
opposite side, add:
The half-eaten body of a rat lies at its base, its head torn off
and half of the spine poking from its severed lower torso.
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.
9. Hidden Trapdoor
This room is largely as described in Hidden Trapdoor (p.
219). When the players find and enter this area, read:
The clay staircase ends at a cramped landing. Six feet above
the ground, a half-rotted ceiling of close-fitting planks holds a
closed wooden trapdoor leading to an upper floor. The
trapdoor is bolted shut from this side.
10. Cult Leader’s Den
This room is largely as described in Cult Leaders’ Den (p.
219). When the players enter this room, read:
This quiet room contains a wooden table flanked by two high-
backed chairs and holding a clay jug and two flagons. Above
the table is suspended an unlit cast-iron chandelier. Iron
candlesticks stand in two corners of the chamber, their
candles long since melted away. A short corridor at the north
end of the room leads to a darkened chamber beyond.
See Darklord’s Shrine for more information on running the
mimic here.
11. Cult Leader’s Quarters
This room is largely as described in Cult Leaders’ Quarters
(p. 219). When the players enter this room, read:
This room contains a large wood-framed bed, the feather
mattress rotted by years of disuse. An old wooden wardrobe
carved with demonic faces stands against the wall to the left,
and a faded wooden footlocker stands quietly at the foot of
the bed.
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.
68
The wardrobe contains several old robes, a pair of iron
candlesticks, and an open crate containing thirty torches and
a leather sack with fifteen candles inside it. A rotting aroma
also emanates from a pair of rotted organs—a half-eaten liver
and a gnawed intestine—lying hidden beneath the hems of
the robes.
Folded inside the foot locker, on top of its other contents, is
a boneless (Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft, p. 228) made
of the recognizable flayed skin of Gustav Durst. When the
foot locker is opened, the boneless springs out to attack the
nearest creature.
No ghasts attack if a player removes any items from the
foot locker, and there are no hidden cavities behind the walls.
A2g. The Dungeon
1. Reliquary
This room is largely as described in Reliquary (p. 219). When
the players enter this room, read:
The dusty stone steps descend past a landing and around a
bend until they end at a cold, rectangular chamber. A thin,
wafting mist clings to the ground, and the wooden cross
beams that support the ceiling groan beneath the weight of
the house and underground complex above.
The walls of this room are cut with small, chiseled alcoves,
each holding a strange, ghastly trinket or relic. A corridor with
a sagging ceiling exits the chamber and bends out of sight to
the right. Past it, you can see a stone slope that descends into
black, murky water. The ghostly chant you've heard since
entering the basement is strongest here, and seems to be
emanating from the other side of a rusted, closed portcullis.
You can finally understand the words.
They say, over and over again, in a ceaseless refrain:
"He is the Ancient."
"He is the Land."
2. Prison
This room is largely as described in Prison (p. 219). When
the players enter this room, read:
The sound of clinking chains melds with a quiet, near-
imperceptible rustling as you round the bend into a long,
darkened dungeon. Rusted shackles hang patiently from the
walls, as if waiting to bite into prisoners' flesh once more.
3. Portcullis
This area is largely as described in Portcullis (p. 219). When
the players approach this area, read:
The floor is submerged beneath two feet of dark, murky water
that sloshes around your calves and boots. The tunnel forward
is blocked by a rusty iron portcullis. Beyond its iron bars, you
can make out the dark outline of a half-submerged chamber, a
raised stone dais, and a thick cloud of rolling mist.

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.
The wooden wheel that opens the portcullis remains on the
western side of the gate (i.e., the side facing the Ritual
Chamber). However, the chain-link mechanism to open the
portcullis has broken, preventing the players from proceeding
without repairing it (e.g., by using Rose’s mending cantrip) or
lifting the portcullis by hand. (If the players lift the portcullis
by hand and then release it, its weight causes it to shut once
more unless propped open.)
4. Ritual Chamber
This room is largely as described in Ritual Chamber (p.
219). When the players enter this room, read:
The smooth masonry walls of this forty-foot-square room
provide excellent acoustics. Featureless stone pillars support
the ceiling, and murky water covers most of the floor. Stairs
lead up to dry stone ledges that hug the walls. In the middle of
the room, more stairs rise to form an octagonal dais that also
rises above the water. Rusty chains with shackles dangle from
the ceiling directly above a stone altar mounted on the dais.
The altar is carved with hideous depictions of grasping ghouls
and is stained with dry blood. A small, white bundle lies atop
it, surrounded by pulsating, fleshy tendrils.
The tendrils run to a breach in the far wall that leads to a
dark cave, their fleshy masses connecting to a dark, hulking
shadow that lies within, its bloated mass rising and falling with
a slow, shuddering rhythm.
As soon as you step foot into the chamber, the ghostly
chanting you've heard suddenly falls silent.
A player that approaches the altar sees that the words "FEED
HIM" are carved into its flat stone surface just below the
white bundle, surrounded by several fleshy tendrils inset with
human teeth. The tendrils belong to the flesh mound (see
below), which awakens and attacks if the tendrils are
damaged.
The bundle atop the altar is the size and shape of an infant
wrapped in swaddling clothes. If unwrapped, the players
instead find it to hold a rusted, serrated dagger stained red
with ancient blood.
The dark shadow in the cave is a flesh mound containing
Walter’s spirit and remains.1 It is a swollen, bloated mound of
bones, flesh, and gore that seems to breathe as its mass rises
and falls. A player that observes it concludes that it appears
to be sleeping.
The cultists' shadows described in “One Must Die!” (p.
220) do not appear when a player climbs the altar. Instead,
the players have two choices: sacrifice a living creature on the
altar, or attack the flesh mound.
If a creature is sacrificed on the altar, the flesh mound's
tendrils accept its corpse and pull it to the mound's lair.
There, the mound messily devours it before returning its
tendrils to the altar once more. Feeding the mound does not
free the players, because its hunger cannot be sated.
The flesh mound awakens if attacked. When it does, its
subsequent screeching wail causes the earth to tremble,
sending the Portcullis crashing to the ground if it's been
opened and damaging the mechanism responsible for
opening it.
In combat, the flesh mound begins in its first form. For
one minute after it has awoken, the flesh mound’s heavy
sleeper feature prevents it from using its multiattack actions
in either form.
A creature engulfed by the mound’s first form can hear the
faint sound of a baby crying at the center of its swollen bulk.
69
 Elisabeth's Amber Shard
Remember that a player in possession of
Elisabeth's amber shard from the Master Suite can
present the shard and speak the name "Walter"
while within 30 feet of the flesh mound, forcing the
mound to make a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw or
be dazed until the start of the player's next turn. (A
dazed creature can move or take one action on its
turn, not both. It also can’t take a bonus action or a
reaction.)
A2h. Escape From Death House
When the flesh mound dies, the players can hear the sound
of the house’s front door opening far overhead, and the
distant thunderstorm beyond.
When the players next begin to move toward the exit, read:
A guttural moan ripples through the air—and a terrifying
apparition manifests before you: the spirit of Elisabeth Durst,
her once-beautiful features now grotesquely distorted. Her
lustrous hair is a wild, disheveled mess, her skin a deathly
pallor, and her lips peeling back to reveal sharp, yellowed
teeth. An amber shard glows ominously on a cord around her
spectral neck, a shadowed wisp swirling within its depths.
The spirit levitates high above the floor, sunken eyes blazing
with malice and mouth twisted into a snarl. "You may have
evaded my pet," it rasps, "but I will tear this house apart
before I let you escape." It throws its head back and lets loose
a blood-curdling scream that reverberates across the stone
walls—and sets the very foundations of the house trembling.
Far above, the grandfather clock begins to chime, the sound
mounting to a thunderous cacophony. Dust and debris rain
down as the floor shakes beneath you, the wooden cross
beams of the ceiling starting to splinter and crack. Elisabeth's
spirit fixes you with a feral grin—and then dissipates into thin
air, leaving only echoes of its spiteful laugher as the house
rumbles, shifts, and groans.
70
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.
The players must flee from the ritual chamber to the
Entrance of Death House before the entire structure
collapses upon their heads. However, they don't need to roll
initiative, and the architectural changes described in The
Cult is Denied are not present.
Instead, as the players escape the crumbling Death House,
they face two additional obstacles.
Gustav's Ghost. As the players move to exit the Reliquary,
the ghost of Gustav Durst (use the statistics of a poltergeist,
but without its invisibility feature) confronts them. Read:
An ethereal apparition appears before you, obstructing the
stairs—the ghost of a man. He is a gaunt and pale figure, with
sunken, haunted eyes and trembling hands, wearing once-fine
clothing now tattered with age.
"Please," the spirit says, tears beading at the corners of his
eyes. "You have to stay here and die. She won't accept
anything else."
The spirit is recognizable as Gustav Durst. Gustav pleads
with the players to give up, insisting that Elisabeth's spirit is
simply too powerful—too fearsome—to disobey. A DC 10
Wisdom (Insight) check reveals that Gustav is terrified of
Elisabeth—and ridden with guilt, doubt, and self-loathing.
If the players attempt to bypass or attack Gustav, a swarm
of levitating debris and shrapnel arises around him. He
pleads with the players again, insisting that he doesn't want
to fight them, but that he doesn't know that he has any other
choice.
The players can convince Gustav to step aside with a
successful DC 20 Charisma (Intimidation) check.
Alternatively, if the players reference Gustav's history with
Elisabeth and Klara, they can convince him to stand aside
with a DC 10 Charisma (Persuasion) check, succeeding
automatically if they show him empathy or kindness.
If the players successfully persuade Gustav to stand aside,
he warns them that "her other servants" are lying in wait
ahead to block the players' escape. "Don't fear them," he says.
"Their only power is fear." He then vanishes.
The Cult's Return When the players first reach the Family
Crypts or (if they have previously found and opened the
hidden trapdoor described in 32. Hidden Trapdoor, p. 219)
the Darklord's Shrine, the spirits of the cult arise to stop
them. Read:
The changing rises once more as thirteen dark apparitions
appear around you, obstructing the way forward—as well as
the way back. Each one resembles a black-robed figure holding
a torch, but the torch's fire is black and seems to draw light
into it. Where you'd expect to see faces are voids. "He is the
Ancient!" they chant, over and over. "He is the Land!"
The apparitions are harmless and intangible figments that
can't be damaged, turned, or dispelled. At the end of each
round, each player that remains between the apparitions
must succeed on a DC 10 Dexterity saving throw or take 2
(1d4) bludgeoning damage from falling debris.
A2i. 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. Night has long since fallen, and the waning
moon is high in the sky.
Most surprisingly, the players now find themselves in a
dark forest clearing at the beginning of the Old Svalich Road
(p. 33), rather than in the streets of Daggerford. The road
travels west. To the east lie dark, endless woods filled with
the Mists of Ravenloft (p. 23).
The house then collapses into the earth, leaving a dark and
bottomless pit behind. If the players still have it, Elisabeth
Durst's amber shard then crumbles into dust. The pit
vanishes the first time the players depart the clearing.
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.
As the players explore their surroundings, they can quickly
see the top of an old, ruined stone tower poking up through
the treetops. The architecture of the tower is as described in
Will-o'-Wisp (p. 33), but the interior is not desecrated ground,
there is no wooden chest on the ground, and there are no
zombies or will-o'-wisps inside or around the tower.
The players can easily surmise that this ruin appears to be
a safe place to spend the night. Rose and Thorn offer to serve
as sentries while the players rest, watching the woods and
awakening the players should any threats emerge.
The night passes without issue. When the players awaken
the following morning, Rose and Thorn 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.
The players can find the beginning of the Old Svalich Road
a short ways through the woods away from the tower. Arc B:
Welcome to Barovia then begins.
Milestone. Escaping Death House completes a story
milestone. When the party begins their first long rest after
escaping the house, award each player 400 XP. (This should
allow the players to advance to 3rd level.)
Death House Design Notes
The Arrival. The illusory Rose and Thorn have been
intentionally removed from this version of Death House in
order to ensure that the players enter the house of their own
volition and trust the real Durst children upon meeting them.
The countdown and poem have been added to provide the
players with a clear sense of direction and purpose while
exploring the house, and to prevent the players from taking a
long rest (and therefore disrupting the balance of subsequent
combat encounters) while doing so.
The First Floor. The feast in the dining room has been
made intentionally harmless in order to encourage the
players to trust the safety of Strahd's dinner invitation when
they later receive it. Additional clues have been added to
convey to the players the relationships within the Durst
family, including Mr. Durst's affair.
The Second Floor. Clues have been added to ease the
discovery of the library's secret room and to convey the depth
of Mr. Durst's affair, as well as the nursemaid's pregnancy.
71
 The dog Lancelot, a popular community character, has been
intentionally cut from Death House to avoid providing the
players with an easy sacrifice to make at the altar in the ritual
chamber—a sacrifice that is no longer functional (because the
cult no longer releases the players upon making a sacrifice)
and which rings hollow when compared to the campaign that
procedes it (because Strahd's "hunger" cannot be sated.)
The Third Floor. The nursemaid's specter now serves as a
vital tool that allows the players to find the attic staircase
without undue frustration or delay. Additional clues have
been added to convey the fate of Walter, Mr. Durst, and the
nursemaid.
The Attic. Clues have been added to convey the
nursemaid's fate and the founding of Mrs. Durst's cult.
The Dungeon. Several of the encounters in this area have
been changed to reduce the probability of a TPK and to teach
the players to act cautiously and make wise decisions. In the
ritual chamber, the cult is no longer willing to accept the
sacrifice of a beast (e.g., Lancelot), foreshadowing that Strahd
will not be content with Ireena alone. The shambling mound
has been replaced by a two-stage flesh mound, whose
statistics have been calibrated to provide a challenging fight
without risking a TPK.
Escape From Death House. The original "escape from
Death House" sequence has been replaced with a pair of
social encounters that reward the players for investigating the
history of the house, and which serve to foreshadow the
characterizations of Sergi von Zarovich, Lady Fiona Wachter,
and Strahd's brides and servants in the adventure to come.
The frequent community addition of a skill challenge to
escape the house has been removed to ensure a smooth and
simple transition from the flesh mound's death to the players'
exit from the house, to remove any friction with players who
may struggle to learn the mechanics of a new system of
gameplay in the heat of the moment, and to preserve the
players' immersion in the narrative of the escape, rather than
its gameplay.
This guide has intentionally foregone a popular community
addition that places a bottle of wine—courtesy of Strahd—at
or near the exit of the house. Strahd is not omniscient, and
the players' efforts to avoid or foil his spies will prove a
recurring aspect of gameplay through the adventure.
Moreover, Death House is too far from Barovia proper for
Strahd to have obtained and delivered a fresh bottle of wine
to its location. A villain is only as evocative as their
limitations, and Strahd has many. Finally, it is an intentional
design choice of this guide that the players do not encounter
Strahd directly until their meeting at the River Ivlis
Crossroads, which ensures that their relationship with
Strahd before then is built solely on rumor, second-hand
knowledge, and superstition. Earlier direct exposure would
wholly spoil this effect.

72
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.

73
 More visions come, fleeting and ephemeral, like whispers on
the wind. A tall, slender figure looms in the darkness,
feathered wings spreading elegantly from its back before it,
too, melts into the shadows. In the distance, a broad-
shouldered silhouette lurks among the moss-covered trunks,
the shadow of an axe across its shoulder as it slowly curls a
clawed, swollen hand. It hold your gaze for a moment, then
fades back into the fog from whence it came.
A final figure—a tall, cloaked silhouette sitting atop a horse
whose shadowed mane seems to ripple like flames—flickers
in the fog betwixt three ancient yews. It seems to appraise
you, its presence palpable even from a distance—and then a
roll of distant thunder echoes across the skies. Before you can
even blink, the figure is gone, the forest falling silent once
more.
These silhouettes depict, in order: Madam Eva, the Roc of
Mount Ghakis, Argynvost, the Keepers of the Feather, the
Abbot, Izek Strazni, and Strahd von Zarovich. The figures are
illusions of the mists, and bear no deeper bond to the
individuals they represent.
When the last silhouette disappears, the mists part on the
road ahead, revealing the Gates of Barovia.
B2. Gates of Barovia
This scene unfolds as described in the Gates of Barovia
section (p. 34).
B3. Svalich Woods
This scene begins as described in the Svalich Woods section
(p. 34). However, when the players find the corpse of Dalvan
Olensky, he is not holding a crumpled envelope, and his
clothes appear to have been torn by brambles and thorns,
rather than claw marks. He doesn't appear to have any visible
wounds, but a successful DC 10 Wisdom (Medicine) check
reveals that he died of exhaustion.
Instead of the envelope, Dalvan is now holding an old,
tarnished copper compass, whose needle trembles strangely
even when held still. (The compass is an ordinary compass,
but acts strangely the closer it gets to the vicinity of the
borders of Barovia.)
Dalvan's hand holding the compass is now splayed out in
the direction of a nearby tree, which bears forty-three tally
marks and an arrow that points deeper into the woods, along
what seems to be a well-traveled footpath.
If the players follow the footpath in the direction of the
arrow, they soon come to a second tree, which bears another
forty-three tally marks and an arrow that points further along
the direction of the footpath. The edge of the footpath here
bears the corpse of a horse, which is in a similar state of
decay to Dalvan's.
If the players continue to follow the footpath in the
direction of the arrows, they come to a third tree, which bears
another forty-three tally marks and an arrow that points
further along the direction of the footpath, which visibly
vanishes into a wall of impenetrable fog.
74
What Happened to Dalvan?
In the wake of Strahd's attack on the village of
Barovia, one of the survivors—a young man named
Dalvan Olensky—was overcome with terror and
despair.
Determined to find a way free from Barovia,
Dalvan traveled to the Vistani encampment at Tser
Pool, seeking out the reputed Vistani seer Madam
Eva. There, Madam Eva read his future in the
Tarokka cards, and drew the Horseman—a card
that predicted that he would die in the Barovian
valley.
Panicked, Dalvan returned to the village of
Barovia under cover of night, stole a horse and
compass, and set off for the eastern road out of
Barovia. When the Svalich Road seemed to end,
Dalvan delved into the woods, crossing through
the mist and reemerging on the opposite side of
the road.
A terrified, desperate, and delirious Dalvan
repeated the loop forty-three times, his stolen
horse expiring of exhaustion halfway through. It
wasn't long before Dalvan succumbed to the
effects of the Barovian fog as well—though not
before inscribing his own epitaph in the form of
the carving on the fourth tree.
Madam Eva regrets Dalvan's fate—but as the
avatar of the Seeker, she is bound to read the
future when asked, and knows that no efforts to
escape can unravel a future that she has foreseen.
The fog is part of the Mists that surround and entrap Barovia.
If the players brought Dalvan's compass with them, the
needle is now spinning wildly in circles.
If the players follow the footpath through the fog, they
emerge after 2d4 minutes in an unfamiliar portion of the
Svalich Woods. Each time the players emerge from the wall
of fog around Barovia, they must make a DC 5 Constitution
saving throw or take 1 level of exhaustion, as the fog saps
their energy and drains their life force. (The DC increases by
5 each time that the players pass through the fog again.)
Upon emerging from the fog, the players can see a fourth
tree, which bears another forty-three tally marks an an arrow
that points further along the direction of the footpath. In
addition, the fourth tree appears to bear a carving and has an
object protruding from its trunk. If the players inspect it,
read:
Someone has stabbed an old, dagger in the trunk of this old,
gnarled tree. Beside it lies a rough carving of a figure atop a
horse, just above two sets of rough-hewn words:
"THE HORSEMAN RIDES.
"THE SEER SPOKE TRUE."
If the players follow the footpath in the direction of the arrow,
they find that it crosses the Svalich Road before returning to
the location of Dalvan's corpse.
If the players then leave Dalvan's corpse and return, they
find that both his and the horse's remains have vanished.
B4. Barovian Overlook The statue bears a weather-worn plaque at its base. It reads:
“ISMARK ANTONOVICH THE GREAT. Burgomaster of
When the players emerge from the Svalich Woods, read: Barovia. Bane of Vampires. 618—662 B.C.” (“B.C.” stands for
“Barovian Calendar.”)
The dark woods fall away, revealing a misted, gloomy valley
dotted with thick clouds of fog.
Rolling thunderclouds cast a gray pall over the land below,
no sun visible in the cold, grey light. Evergreen trees climb the
sides of the mountains that enclose the valley. To the north
rises a stony mount with tufts of trees; to the south, a snow-
capped peak with rugged slopes towers imperiously above the
land below.
The muddy road continues on ahead, passing through
yellowed grasses and farmland until it reaches a small, humble
settlement hunkered down in the earth. Alongside the road, a
river flows as clear as a blue winter sky through the valley.
Far above the village looms a dark, twisted castle, standing
alone atop a pillar of sheer stone. For an instant, a distant
spear of lightning crackles, illuminating the towering keep in
harsh lights and shadows—and then a thick bank of fog rolls
in, concealing the village and castle from view.

B5. The Village of Barovia

B5a. The Raven’s Guidance
This scene largely unfolds as described in Approaching the
Village (p. 41). Modify the description as follows:
Tall shapes loom out of the dense fog that surrounds
everything. The muddy ground underfoot gives way to slick,
wet cobblestones. The tall shapes become recognizable as
village dwellings. The windows of each house stare out from
pools of blackness. Not a sound cuts the silence, save for the
quiet flapping of wings.

The flapping is made by a raven with blue-tipped wings,

which perches atop one of the houses flanking the street.
This raven is Muriel, a disguised wereraven and member of
the Keepers of the Feather.
Once noticed by the players, Muriel caws and takes off
once more into the air, attempting to lead them through the
misty streets to the Blood of the Vine tavern, where she
perches atop its sign.
The players do not encounter Morgantha, the night hag
peddler, while exploring the village of Barovia. (They will
meet her later on the Old Svalich Road instead.)
B5b. The Blood on the Vine Tavern
This area is largely as described in Blood of the Vine Tavern
(p. 43). However, insert the following at the beginning of this
area’s description:
An old, chipped stone statue stands at the center of this town
square, depicting a man wearing leather armor and holding a
sword.
Entering the Tavern
Instead of Alenka, Mirabel, and Sorvia—the three Vistani
found here in the original module—Arik is the sole owner and
proprietor of the tavern. Alenka, Mirabel, and Sorvia are
merely patrons, visiting from Tser Pool to drink and gather
news.
When the players enter, these Vistani eye them with brief
interest, but soon return to their drinks, departing the tavern
soon after. (Alenka and Mirabel return to Tser Pool. Sorvia, a
spy for Strahd, travels to Castle Ravenloft to report that new
outsiders have entered Barovia.)
As the PCs speak with Arik, Ismark approaches, offers to
pay for their drinks, and invites them to his table. He notes
that the players appear to be newcomers to Barovia,
apologizes for the state of the village, and asks
sympathetically how they've come to arrive in the valley.

75

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.
As Ismark and the players await their drinks, read:
The door to the tavern swings open once more, and a woman
steps through, clad in a tattered and threadbare cloak. Her hair,
tied into two loops that fall around her neck, is unkempt and
tangled, and her wide eyes dart across the room with fearful
energy.
Her gaze falls upon Ismark, and she steps shakily forward.
As her features come into the light, you see that her face is
pale, her eyes blotchy, with dried tears staining the flesh
across her cheeks. Her voice is a ragged, haunting whisper as
she says, "Burgomaster Kolyanovich—I apologize for
interrupting you and your guests. I need your help."
Ismark greets her, addressing her as Mary. He gently reminds
her that he is not yet burgomaster—not until the village elects
him to replace his father—but asks how he can aid her. Read:
Mary swallows, sways, and—for a moment—appears as
though she's about to faint. "It's Gertruda," she says. "I think
she's gone to the castle."
Though her voice is little louder than a whisper, the tavern
immediately falls silent.
76
Ismark reels back as if struck, then his eyes crease with
worry. He gives Mary his condolences, and promises that he
will organize a search party as soon as the last one returns.
Mary thanks him, gives the players a pale, wide-eyed look,
and departs swiftly through the door.
Arik then delivers the players' drinks, and the taproom
slowly fills once more with murmurs of conversation and the
occasional clinks of tankards. Among them, the players can
hear someone spit into a mug and snarl, "Ismark the Lesser."
(Ismark stiffens at the epithet, but refuses to discuss it
further.)
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.
If the players ask about the statue outside the tavern, Ismark
can share the following information:
In life, Ismark Antonovich, also known as Ismark the
Great, was a mighty warrior and the burgomaster of the
village of Barovia. In his prime, he fought scores of
vampires and other undead left behind when Strahd
vanished from public view. He eventually died defending a
group of trappers from a dire wolf attack at the age of 44,
and the statue outside was erected in his honor.
Ismark Antonovich was Ismark Kolyanovich's great-
grandfather. Ismark's father gave him that name in the
hopes that he would one day become a great warrior.
Ismark doesn't believe that the players will be able to find
either answers or protection in the village of Barovia, but
suggests that they might find both in the town of Vallaki to
the west. In the meantime, he is glad to offer the players
room and board at his own home. (The Blood on the Vine
Tavern doesn't have rooms for rent.)
If the players indicate an interest in traveling to Vallaki, he
asks if they would allow Ireena to accompany them, escorting
her to St. Andral's Church in Vallaki.
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.)
The Argument
Ireena is surprised to see the players and assumes them at
first to be merely travelers. If Ismark informs her that they
are to escort her to Vallaki, however, Ireena asks the players
to excuse them and has a brief conversation with Ismark in
private.
The entire conversation takes no more than five minutes. If
the players do not choose to listen in, they are free to wander
around the manor, talk amongst themselves, or simply wait
for Ireena and Ismark to finish.
The players can eavesdrop on this conversation with a
successful DC 13 Dexterity (Stealth) check or a successful
DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check. Read:
The murmurs from the next room are largely indistinct,
obscured by the low groans of the old house's timbers. As you
strain your ears, however, the siblings' words come slowly into
focus.
Ireena's voice, sharp with indignation, pierces the silence.
"You had no right, Ismark. You can't just decide to send me
away without even discussing it with me first! The village still
needs help with rebuilding. We can't just abandon them."
Ismark's reply is measured, though laced with an
unmistakable note of worry. "Strahd still has his sights set on
you—and even if we don't believe the legend about women
with red hair, others might. Barovia just isn't safe for you
anymore."
A snort of defiance echoes from the other side of the thin
wooden partition. "I am no coward, Ismark, and I will not
abandon our friends and neighbors in their hour of need."
There's a pause. Then, Ismark says, quietly, "Gertruda is
gone."
You hear a choked sob from Ireena's direction. "No."
"She must have gone after Doru," Ismark murmurs. "I told
her to give up on him—to accept that he must simply be dead
—but I don't think she ever could."
There's a long, suffering silence. Then—
Ismark seems to hesitate, his words slightly fumbled. "I'm
not asking you to abandon them. But there are others who
need your help. Think about our neighbors who fled for Vallaki.
They need guidance, advocacy—and perhaps a leader to bring
them home one day."
There is a long pause, filled only with the muffled sounds of
low, haggard breaths. Ireena's voice is low when she finally
speaks—barely even audible. "Do you truly see no other way?"
Ismark's response is quiet. "It's your choice. I can't take that
away from you. But after losing Father, I can't... I can't bear the
thought of losing you too."
The silence that follows is palpable, weighted with
unspoken emotions. Finally, Ireena's voice breaks it, fragile and
quiet. "I will go. If only for you. But on one condition."
Ireena's next words are too quiet to hear. When Ismark and
Ireena emerge a few moments later, a player with a passive
Wisdom (Insight) score of 12 or more notices that both have
blotchy, red eyes, as if from crying.
Ireena’s Fate
If the players refused Ismark’s request and chose to
proceed alone, he and Ireena set off to bury their
father two nights after the players depart. Torn
between his village and his sister, Ismark chooses
the latter, promising himself that he will soon
return to aid his broken village. Soon after
departing Barovia, however, Ismark is fatally
wounded by wolves on the road to Vallaki, and
Ireena buries him by the Barovian Gates near Castle
Ravenloft.
Despite finding lodging at St. Andral’s Church,
Ireena is frightened after an encounter with Izek
Strazni and flees Vallaki for Krezk. Before she can
arrive, however, Rahadin spirits her away to Castle
Ravenloft by means of Strahd’s black carriage.
Before Strahd can turn her into a vampire spawn,
however, Ireena hears the voice of the Dark Powers
luring her to K59. High Tower Peak (p. 73). There,
an emotional outburst drives her to offend
Pidlwick II, who pushes her down a flight of stairs
shortly therafter, killing her.
77

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.
Settling In
Ismark soon departs to gather a search party to locate
Gertruda—one that he clearly fears will be in vain. As he
does, Ireena offers to help the players get settled in, setting
them up in the mansion's two guest bedrooms and providing
them with basic supplies.
If the players are looking to purchase additional supplies,
Ireena offers them directions to Bildrath’s Mercantile, but
warns them not to mention Ismark's name. If the players ask
her why Ismark is called "the Lesser," Ireena winces, and can
share the following information:
78
When Strahd's dusk elf servant—a cruel-looking man
named Rahadin—delivered his warning three months ago,
many Barovians were prepared to flee the village for
Vallaki.
Ismark, however, delivered a thundering and inspiring
speech, invoking the memory of Lugdana and Ismark the
Great to encourage them to stay and fight for their homes.
Most did so.
In the aftermath of Strahd's siege, many who had lost
homes or loved ones in the battle blamed Ismark, who
they felt had led them astray with his foolish fantasies of
heroism and valor. They now call him "Ismark the Lesser"
in mockery of his ancestry.
No one feels more guilty or ashamed than Ismark himself,
who has taken the weight of every death incurred in the
siege on his own shoulders—and the weight of the
rebuilding that followed.
If the players ask about their parents, Ireena freely shares
the following information while asking after the players' own
families:
Ismark and Ireena's parents were Kolyan Indirovich and
Korina Targolova. Korina died of a sickness fourteen years
ago, but Kolyan has done his best since then to continue
raising both children alone. (The scarf Ireena wears is her
last memory of her mother.)
Kolyan, their father, was the one who found Ireena when
she was a young girl, by the edge of the Svalich Woods
near the Pillarstone of Ravenloft. Ireena doesn't
remember anything of her past before then, but is grateful
to her parents for taking her in and loving her dearly.
A few hours later, dusk arrives over Barovia. Ismark
returns, weary and somber, but carrying a small bag in his
hands. He joins Ireena to prepare a meal for the players: a
stew of turnips and rabbit-meat, plus a somewhat stale loaf of
bread. Ismark apologizes for the sparse meal, but the players
can clearly see that the siblings' pantry is nearly bare, and
can surmise that Ismark purchased the rabbit while out.
Over dinner, Ismark and Ireena ask the players about their
interests and lives outside of Barovia. Ireena especially is
fascinated by tales of the world beyond the mists. When the
meal has finished, Ismark and Ireena retire to bed, leaving the
players to their own devices.
Night at the Mansion
That night, as the players rest in the mansion, each of them—
including those who do not ordinarily sleep—are drawn into a
shared dream.
In the dream, the players find themselves within Madam
Eva's Tent (p. 37), seated across from an old crone—Madam
Eva—whose face is concealed by the cowl of her cloak.
Madam Eva greets them and delivers the following
message, pausing after every paragraph to allow the players
to interject:
"Welcome, weary travelers," she says, "to my humble tent. You
may call me Madam Eva. I have been expecting you.

"The winds of fate have brought you to this land, but do not
be fooled—they are not winds of change, but winds of doom. I
can see a shroud of darkness descending upon you. The lord
of this land knows that you have trespassed into his domain,
and he has set you in his sights. He is a creature of eternal
hunger, and he will not rest until he has claimed your souls.
"But there is yet hope. I have been blessed with the gift of
foresight, and I can see the twisting paths that lie ahead. Seek
me, in my tent at Tser Pool, so that I may read the cards for
you and decipher the strands of fate. Together, we may yet
escape this darkness.
"But be warned: Time is running out, and the shadows are
growing longer. Will you find me at Tser Pool?"
If the players appear suspicious of Madam Eva's motives, she
says, "Your fates are more than your own. My vision is
obscured, but I can see that your futures are intertwined with
the very destiny of the land itself. In conquering this shadow,
you may yet find salvation for others as well—and, in failure,
deliver damnation instead."
If the players ask for directions to Tser Pool, Madam Eva
says only, "I am not far. Travel west. The path to my tent
begins at a place of death."
Soon after Madam Eva delivers her warning, the "light" in
the tent visibly dims, as though a shroud of darkened mist
has descended upon it. In response, Madam Eva stirs and
says, "He has sensed me. He cannot know of our meeting.
Fly, travelers! I shall await you at Tser Pool!"
The players then violently awaken, hearts beating fast and
covered in sweat. Outside, the pale, ethereal light of the
March of the Dead—just now beginning the march to Castle
Ravenloft—is visible from the Old Svalich Road. The players
can also see two swarms of bats—Strahd's spies—gathered
on the eaves of a nearby house, watching silently from the
darkness.
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:
As Ismark's knock echoes through the cold air, a voice rings
out from the darkened street: "He won't come out."
A hulking silhouette steps forward from the mist—a young
man, tall and brawny. His shaggy brown hair falls messily
across his face, and his crooked teeth glint in the moonlight.
Though muscles ripple beneath his tunic, there's a lightness
and immaturity to his posture that belies his strength and size.
The young man fidgets with the hem of his tunic as your
eyes fall upon him. "Not since two weeks ago," he mumbles.
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 alongside the stranger,
Alanik. (Parriwimple also misses Alanik’s pet monkey,
which he loved to play with.) Despite his uncle telling him
that Doru died at Castle Ravenloft, Parriwimple hopes
that he somehow survived.
79

Profile: Parriwimple
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, take care of his Uncle
Bildrath, and honor his late parents’ memories.
Inspirations. When playing Parriwimple, channel
Lenny Small (Of Mice and Men) and Forrest Gump
(Forrest Gump).
Character Information
Persona. To the world, Parriwimple is a cheerful,
simple-minded young man. To those he trusts,
Parriwimple is a thoughtful, insightful, yet grieving
orphan, desperate to move past his parents’ deaths
by proving useful to others.
Morale. In a fight, Parriwimple would hold up his
hands and plead for peace. If ignored, however, he
would swiftly use his strength to restrain any
combatants—with righteous fury if defending his
uncle Bildrath.
Relationships. Parriwimple is an orphan and the
nephew of the general-store owner Bildrath
Cantemir.
80
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.
Inside the Church
This area is largely as described in Church (p. 45). However,
modify the descriptive text for E5a. Hall (p. 45) to remove
Doru’s scream:
The doors open to reveal a ten-foot-wide, twenty-foot-long hall
leading to a brightly lit chapel. The hall is unlit and reeks of
mildew. Four doors, two on each side of the hall, lead to
adjacent chambers.
You can see that the chapel is strewn with debris, and you
hear a soft voice from within reciting a prayer.
Doru does not cry out to his father when the players enter the
chapel. Instead, when the players first approach the chapel,
Donavich’s prayers halt. Add the following line to the chapel’s
description in place of Doru’s cry:
The sound of mumbled prayer stops, and a hoarse, tired voice
rings through the chamber from the figure kneeling behind
the altar. “I cannot offer the blessing you seek. Go, and leave
this accursed place in peace.”
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.
If he learns that Ismark is with the players, Donavich acts
more warmly toward them and apologizes for the chapel’s
state of disrepair.
As the conversation unfolds, the following exchanges might
occur:
If Ismark or a player asks about burying the deceased
burgomaster, Father Donavich informs them that he
would be glad to oversee a burial, but that he cannot
perform the holy rites that would sanctify Kolyan’s
remains. (Donavich is sorrowful to hear of Kolyan’s death,
and expresses his condolences for his passing.)
If Ismark or a player notes the damage done to the church,
Father Donavich informs them that it was caused by a
vampire spawn that attacked amidst the siege—the
undead husk of his son, Doru.
If the players inquire further, Donavich can share the
following information:
When Doru set off for Castle Ravenloft, Father Donavich
gave him his holy symbol of the Morninglord—a bronze
sunburst on a leather cord—to keep him safe in the face of
darkness. When Doru failed to return, however, Donavich
feared the worst.
Two weeks ago, as the siege was beginning, Doru returned
to the church at midnight, now transformed into a
vampire spawn. Donavich managed to lure Doru into the
undercroft and trap him there.
81
 Ever since Doru returned, Donavich hasn’t been able to
cast spells or feel the Morninglord’s presence. He believes
that this is because Doru still has his holy symbol, and
that Strahd’s foul influence has corrupted Donavich’s
connection to the gods.
Donavich believes that his son is dead, and that the
creature that wears his skin is a mockery that must be
destroyed.
Donavich knows that he can’t defeat Doru and can’t bear to
see his son’s face again. If the players are willing, however,
Donavich asks them to descend to the undercroft, destroy
Doru’s body, and retrieve his holy symbol. In exchange,
Donavich offers to complete the proper burial rites and to tell
the players of a place where they can find safety from the
Devil Strahd.
If the players agree, Donavich produces the key to the to
the padlock in E5d. Trapdoor (p. 45) and allows them to
enter. (Ismark accompanies them unless told otherwise, but
allows the players to take the lead when interacting with
Doru.)
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:
Candlelight from the chapel above slips through the cracks,
but there's no sign of any creature in the gloom.
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.
A young man’s voice, strained and tired, echoes from the
darkness above. “You’ve come to kill me, haven’t you?”
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:
From the darkness of the cross beams above, a figure unfurls
itself like a moth from its cocoon, moving like a spider as it
lowers itself slowly to the ground. As it comes into the faint
light, the shadow resolves into the form of a young man, his
youthful features strikingly reminiscent of Father Donavich.
His skin is ghostly pale, with dirt and grime streaked across
his face. His clothes are ripped and worn, and his hair is an
unkempt mess of tangles and knots. His eyes are red and
bloodshot, his gaze darting from face to face. A leather cord
hangs around his neck, holding a bloodstained bronze
sunburst that rests against his chest. He swallows and licks his
lips—and a pair of pointed fangs pokes through.
"If you want to kill me, I won't stop you," he says, his voice
cracking. "But I just have one request first."
82
Profile: Doru
Roleplaying Information
Resonance. Doru should inspire sympathy for his
struggles against his vampiric nature, mild
discomfort with his occasionally inhuman
mannerisms, and endearment for his clear
dedication to his father and Gertruda.
Emotions. Doru most often feels grief, guilt,
shame, desperation, resignation, and hope.
Motivations. Doru wants to reconcile with his
father and ensure Gertruda's safety.
Inspirations. When playing Doru, channel Theon
Grejoy (Game of Thrones), Zuko (Avatar: The Last
Airbender), Jesse Pinkman (Breaking Bad), and
Steve Harrington (Stranger Things).
Character Information.
Persona. To the world, Doru is a monstrous,
bloodthirsty vampire spawn. To those he trusts,
Doru is a broken, guilty man who is desperate to
avoid hurting those he loves.
Morale. In a fight, Doru would seek to flee to
avoid hurting anyone—but if his father or Gertruda
were endangered, he would fight savagely to
protect them.
Relationships. Doru is Father Donavich's son,
Escher's former friend, and Gertruda's betrothed.
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 Vampires 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 amusement.)
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.
Doru's Trial
If the players agree to fulfill Doru’s request by exposing him
to fresh blood, he asks them to remain silent while he resists
—and to strike him down if he succumbs. When the trial
begins, read the following:
Doru’s muscles tense and he squeezes his eyes shut. A few
moments later, his nostrils flare, and a thin line of saliva begins
to run down his lips. He whimpers, his clawed fingers flexing
and twitching.
"When the shadows come,” he whispers, “I will not yield.
Darkness is the destroyer, and temptation its weapon. I will
face the night and its horrors and await the horizon. For in the
light of the Morninglord's love, only light can remain."
Doru's voice shakes, his emaciated body trembling. One fist
is clenched at his side, the other squeezing the bloodstained
sunburst that lies across his neck.
"In the light of the Morninglord's love," he repeats, gasping
for breath. "In the light of the Morninglord's love. Gertruda.
Gertruda. Gertruda—"
If Doru succumbs to the bloodlust (see Doru Will
Remember That above), he pauses, then attacks. Roll
initiative.
Otherwise, if Doru successfully resists the bloodlust, read:
After what seems like an eternity, Doru's body finally relaxes.
His tense muscles seem to uncoil, his breath grows steadier,
and the look of strain fades from his face. His eyes remain
closed a moment longer, then flutter open.
"I have not yielded," he whispers hoarsely. "Not yet."
Doru thanks the players and relinquishes the holy symbol
without protest.
Doru also warns the players that Strahd will likely take an
active interest in newcomers to his land, and that they should
therefore be careful. As a token of his gratitude, he provides
the players with the location of a hidden weapons cache that
Van Richten kept in case of emergencies. To reach it, the
players must cross the River Ivlis Bridge and travel down the
Old Svalich Road three hundred paces south into the woods,
until they arrive at an ancient oak tree. They'll find the cache
nestled in a hollow beneath the tree's roots.
Before the players depart, Doru asks them once more to
tell Father Donavich that his son is still alive.
83
 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:
Donavich's eyes well up with tears as he clasps the symbol in
his hands, holding it so tightly his knuckles begin to turn
white. A strangled sob escapes him as he sinks to his knees,
cradling the sunburst like an infant.
"My boy—my dear, precious boy," he murmurs, his voice
barely above a whisper. "May the Morninglord forgive me for
what I've done—and for what I couldn't do."
He swallows and his face tenses, his expression growing as
hard as stone. "It had to be done. For his sake—and ours."
Otherwise, if the players spared Doru and relay his final
message, read:
Donavich stumbles back as if he's been struck, his face pale
and his eyes wide with shock. For a moment, he simply stands
there, silent—and then the silence is broken by a pained noise,
a cross between a gasp and a sob, as he clutches the symbol
to his chest.
His eyes glisten as he runs a trembling hand through his
hair, a myriad of emotions playing across his face in quick
succession: disbelief, rage, grief, shame, and—finally—hope.
He sags against a nearby pew, his body shaking with exertion.
"My boy," he chokes out. "He's—he's still my boy?"
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:
O Morninglord
Lord of blessed light and patron of new beginnings
We commend into thy mercy and thy radiance Master
Kolyan Indirovich
Now departed hence from us and gone evermore into
your glory.
We beseech thee to grant unto him thy mercy and
everlasting peace
As thou deliver'st him from this everlasting darkness into
infinite light
From pestilence into growth
From shadow into day
And from death into new life.
84
Grant him entrance into Your land of light and joy
In the fellowship of thy saints
And the brilliance of thy presence
By Your will and grace.
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 meets them with a hot breakfast
prepared. She and Ismark then engage the players in a
discussion of their next steps, which largely proceeds as
follows unless redirected by the players:
Ismark confirms that St. Andral's Church in Vallaki is
Ireena's destination.
Ireena asks the players about their destination or plans in
Vallaki, as well as whether they expect to make any stops
along the road there.
If the players have mentioned their intent to visit Tser
Pool, Ismark notes that the journey to Vallaki is more than
a day's travel if the players plan to visit Tser Pool first, and
that Ireena and the players will likely need to spend a
night on the road. He recommends doing so at Tser Pool
itself.
If the players haven't mentioned their intent to visit Tser
Pool, Ismark notes that the Svalich Road can be
dangerous, and advises the players to set a waypoint to
rest and recuperate along the way. (Better to be cautious,
he says, than to rush into a more taxing journey than
necessary.) He suggests Tser Pool as a potential waypoint.
In either case, Ismark notes that Tser Pool is a bit under
two hours' journey from Barovia. (Though some Vistani
are rumored to be in league with Strahd, Tser Pool is
known to be a safe place for travelers to spend the night,
especially given the reputation of the Vistani leader,
Madam Eva.)
Given the short distance to Tser Pool, Ireena tells the party
that she'll be ready to leave at noon. Until then, the players
are free to explore the village, shop at Bildrath's Mercantile,
or otherwise pass the time.

Ireena's Detour
Approximately an hour before noon, Ireena quietly slips out
of the mansion, walking to Lugdana's Knoll, a small, quiet hill
to the north of Barovia. (The hill is named for the paladin
Lugdana, who, according to legend, first met Burgomaster
Ismark Antonovich the Great upon that hill.)
Shortly before noon, if the players haven't been keeping
track of her, Ismark—who's currently briefing a pair of
Barovian scouts regarding Gertruda's disappearance—notes
Ireena's absence with minor concern and asks the players to
find her and bring her home.
Because Strahd and his servants have only visited at night,
Ismark isn't notably alarmed by Ireena's absence, but still
wants to see her brought home as quickly as reasonably
possible. Ismark advises that the players check Lugdana's
Knoll first—one of Ireena's favorite spots around the village—
and provides brief directions to get there.
If the players visit the knoll, read:
As you pass through the sea of tall grasses north of the village,
a gentle knoll rises before you, bordered on the far side by the
clutches of the dark Svalich Wood. Plants with white, feathery
flowers and a sweet, earthy scent seem to dance amidst the
grass atop the hill, their leaves rustling in a whispering wind.
A lonely tree stands atop the hill, its gnarled branches
reaching skyward like outstretched arms. Beneath its shade
kneels a female figure, her gaze fixated upon the ground.
The figure is Ireena, who has adorned her chestplate and
rapier. As the players approach, they can see that she is using
a trowel to dig a hole in the earth between the tree's roots.
Ireena, fixated upon her work, doesn't notice the players until
they call out to her or otherwise enter her field of view.
Ireena greets the players with warmth, though with some
embarrassment for having driven them to come search for
her. She shares freely that she is digging for a small wooden
chest that she and her mother, Korina Targolova, buried here
before her mother's death fourteen years ago—a coffer whose
contents she hopes to take as a keepsake when she departs
for Vallaki, given that she doesn't know when, if ever, she'll be
able to return home.
If allowed to finish unearthing the chest, Ireena opens it,
revealing its contents. The chest contains a silver bracelet set
with gemstones, a pressed aster flower, a wooden charm in
the shape of the yarrow flower on a leather cord, and a
handkerchief with floral patterns.
The flower (which Ireena found and her mother pressed),
charm (which Ireena's mother wore as an apprentice to the
town's healer), and handkerchief (which Ireena's mother
helped her to sew) are all mementos of Ireena's childhood
with her mother. The bracelet is an item that Ireena was
found carrying when Kolyan found her in the Svalich Wood,
which Korina kept as a memento of their "miracle child" after
she learned that she could bear no more children.
The bracelet holds no sentimental value for Ireena, and
she doesn't remember why she was carrying it when Kolyan
first found her, or where she obtained it. She offers it to the
players as a gift for their agreement to escort her to Vallaki,
as compensation for their trouble.
The silver bracelet, which is tarnished and clearly
hundreds of years old, is worth 100 gp and bears an intricate
pattern of the moon and stars along the exterior, with a
moonstone gem embedded at the center of the moon and five
lapis-lazuli serving as the stars. On the inside of the bracelet,
in tiny, elegant script, the following message is engraved in
Common: "Tatyana: May you find your path, and may you find
light even in the darkest places—Mother & Father."
Ireena doesn't know who Tatyana is. (Unbeknownst to
Ireena, the bracelet was a gift from Tatyana Federovna's
parents on Tatyana's eighteenth birthday. It was lost in the
Svalich Wood when Tatyana leapt to her death from the
Castle Ravenloft overlook.)
Ireena gladly returns to the mansion with the players, or
returns on her own shortly after noon if the players failed to
find her. She then retrieves a packed traveling bag from her
room.
When the players are ready to leave, Ireena bids Ismark a
heartfelt 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.
Ireena Joins the Party
Ireena has the statistics of an expert sidekick
(Tasha's Cauldron of Everything, p. 142), using the
base stat block of a noble.
Ireena's starting level is the same as the average
level of the party at the time she first joins them.
She begins with additional proficiencies in History,
Medicine, Perception, Religion, and Stealth.
Ireena also gains a level whenever the party does,
whether or not she accompanied them, ending the
adventure at 10th level. (See Tasha’s Cauldron of
Everything, p. 142 for more information about how
to run and level sidekicks.)
By default, Ireena chooses the following sidekick
options as she gains levels:
3rd Level. Ireena gains expertise in the Insight
and Medicine skills.
4th Level. Ireena’s Dexterity score increases by
2 to 14.
8th Level. Ireena’s Dexterity score increases by
2 to 16.
10th Level. Ireena’s Dexterity score increases by
2 to 18.
None of Strahd's servants or monsters—
regardless of their intelligence, and least of all
Strahd himself—ever attack Ireena.
85
 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.
Design Notes: Village of Barovia
The Raven's Guidance. This scene has been added to
foreshadow the Keepers of the Feather, to inform the players
that ravens are helpful, to provide guidance and comfort to
players who have recently entered a strange and alienating
land, and to introduce the players to Muriel, a recurring
member of the Keepers of the Feather who will accompany
the players on multiple occasions in the future.
Morgantha has been relocated from the village of Barovia
to the Barovian refugee camp outside of Vallaki to ensure
that the players do not develop an antagonistic relationship
with her too early and to make her more accessible in future
arcs.
The Blood on the Vine Tavern. The statue of Ismark the
Great has been added to clearly set up Ismark's personal
struggles to define himself apart from his ancestor, and to
foreshadow the tale of Lugdana and the Holy Symbol of
Ravenkind that the players will hear at Tser Pool.
Arik has been made the sole owner of the tavern to create a
sharper distinction between the Barovians and the Vistani.
Ismark has been intentionally made a friendlier and more
sympathetic character to encourage the players to build a
warm and trusting relationship with him and his sister,
Ireena.
86
Mad Mary's plea has been relocated to the tavern and
combined with Ismark's introduction to create a more
dramatic and engaging opportunity for the players to learn
about the village's plight.
Gertruda has been changed to be Doru's betrothed to
provide her with a more rational reason to have willingly
gone to the castle, and to add additional tragic irony to Doru's
secret imprisonment in the undercroft of the church.
It is intentional that Ismark neither offers payment for
Ireena's escort, nor requests it for allowing the players to stay
at his home. By graciously offering the players a place to stay,
free of charge, Ismark should easily earn goodwill from the
players, thereby encouraging them to accept his request
when he asks if Ireena can accompany them to Vallaki.
The Burgomaster's Mansion. Ireena and Ismark's
conversation has been added to make Ireena a more
sympathetic character.
Ireena now knows that she was adopted and bears no ill
will or melancholy regarding this fact. Her ignorance of her
adoption in the original module serves no narrative purpose,
and her devotion to Kolyan Indirovich is far more endearing if
her love is undiminished by their adoptive relationship.
Knowledge of her adoption also foreshadows her relationship
to Izek Strazni later on, thereby ensuring that the reveal of
their connection packs a greater dramatic punch.
Madam Eva's dream invitation has been added to provide
the players with a clear, urgent, and meaningful reason to
travel to Tser Pool before traveling to Vallaki. The players'
vision of the March of the Dead from the burgomaster's
mansion also establishes the danger of opposing Strahd,
raising the tension for when the players first encounter him
at the River Ivlis Crossroads.
This sequence intentionally foregoes a popular community
modification involving an overnight siege of the mansion
staged by Strahd's forces. Such a dangerous experience
would make the players less comfortable with escorting
Ireena to Vallaki, would establish Strahd as a savage and
hostile antagonist, and would deny the players their first
opportunity for rest and recovery since the campaign first
began.
Ireena Kolyana is intentionally not offered as a potential
player character—despite an occasional community interest
in making her so—because providing the players with a
Barovian player character diminishes the "fish-out-of-water"
experience of exploring Barovia; because few players are
willing or able to endure Strahd's abusive relationship with
Ireena (along with Izek's stalking and kidnapping of her);
because, for the first half of Act II: The Shadowed Town,
the adventure relies upon Ireena's nature as a generally
passive character whose path diverges from the party's; and
because Ireena's particular arc throughout the campaign is
likely to conflict with player expectations and preferences for
their own character's arc.
Bildrath's Mercantile. Bildrath has been changed to be
slightly more reasonable and far more sympathetic, aiming to
discourage players from attacking him and thereby alienating
Ismark and Ireena.
The Barovian Church. Parriwimple has been placed by
the entrance to the church to inspire curiosity regarding
Donavich's strange behavior and Doru's ultimate fate, and to
further develop the tragedy endured by the residents of the
village.
The plotline involving Donavich's holy symbol and Doru's
blood trial has been added to provide the players with an
opportunity to interact with Doru, to enhance the exposition
with dramatic tension, and to teach the players that NPCs
generally should be aided, not attacked. The players'
conversation with Doru also sets up Gertruda's and Escher's
presence in Castle Ravenloft and introduces Dr. Rudolph van
Richten.
The Burial. This guide intentionally foregoes two popular
community additions to the burgomaster's burial: Rahadin's
delivery of Strahd's condolences and Strahd's silent
observation of the ceremony
Throughout this campaign, it is critical to remember that
Strahd is not omniscient. In fact, the players' efforts to avoid
and foil his spies serves as a recurrent source of tension and
gameplay as they travel through Barovia. As such, from a
practical matter, it is important to note that neither Strahd
nor Rahadin would have any way of knowing that the
burgomaster would be buried on this precise date and time.
More significantly, Strahd views Ireena with neither
romance nor regret. He has no illusions that he might win
her hand for his own, nor does he believe that such efforts
might prove worth his while. A message expressing his
condolences to his prey—or a silent vigil observing the burial
—are sentiments that Strahd would never express.
Finally, this guide also foregoes a popular community
modification that adds an attack by Strahd's wolves and
undead during the ceremony. In addition to the fact that
Strahd, unaware of the date and time of the burial, would
have no opportunity to send it, such an overt attack would
immediately antagonize the players and ensure that they feel
actively unsafe around Strahd. It is a delicate balancing act to
ensure that the players hate and fear Strahd while still feeling
safe enough to accept his invitation to dine at Ravenloft. An
outright assault on the players destroys that fragile balance
utterly.

87
 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 ringmaster Rictavio and the sons of
Lady Fiona Wachter. 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.

88
C1. The Svalich Woods
The journey from the village of Barovia to the River Ivlis
Crossroads is three miles long and takes one hour.
C1a. The Barovian Scouts
As the players travel, read:
You set off from the silent village of Barovia, the fog creeping
around your feet as you pass onto the Old Svalich Road. A sea
of tall, pale-green grasses stretches out before you on either
side of the road, all the way up to the edge of the Ivlis River.
The sky above is a dull grey, the clouds heavy with the promise
of rain.
It's not long before you can see the old arched stone bridge
in the distance that spans the clear blue river ahead. Crossing
it, you find yourselves on a muddy road that winds its way
through the trees. The air is thick with the scent of damp earth
and decaying leaves, and the trees press in close, casting deep
shadows that carve dark gouges across the road.
If any players have a passive Wisdom (Perception) score of
16 or higher, they hear a rustling noise and see a silhouette
crouching in the misty underbrush. Otherwise, the players
simply hear a voice call out, muffled and diffuse in the fog:
“Who goes there? Name yourselves.”
The voice belongs to a gruff female Barovian scout named
Kereza, who is joined by a second, soft-spoken male scout
named Korga. The two warily demand to know if the players
are spies or servants of Strahd. If reassured, the scouts warn
the players that Strahd’s spies are numerous throughout the
Svalich Woods, including wolves, bats, and—at times—the
very trees themselves. (If asked about the trees, the scouts
can describe seeing animate vines, saplings, and bramble-
patches that wander through the woods with hostile intent.)
If Ireena is with the players, she can aid the players in
reassuring the scouts, who recognize her and greet her with
quiet respect. The scouts are surprised to see Ireena
venturing forth from the village, but agree that Vallaki is likely
a safer place than Barovia—assuming, of course, that she can
make it there safely. (Ireena stubbornly insists, however, that
her journey is a diplomatic and humanitarian one, and that
the players are her escorts and bodyguards.)
The scouts are searching for the Lansten family: two
parents and three young children—a girl and two boys—who
went missing during the zombie attack on the village and
haven’t been seen since. After asking whether the players
have seen their quarries on their journey, the scouts warn
them not to stray from the road, noting that dead and dark
things lurk beneath the treetops. Kereza and Korga then
respectfully depart.
Shortly after the players resume their trek down the Old
Svalich Road, a light drizzle begins to fall, stirring a fine mist
that drifts through the underbrush.
89
 C1b. Van Richten’s Cache
As the players continue down the road, read:
You travel further into the woods, the muddy road guiding you
deeper and further away from civilization. As the road bends,
the river brushes up against you once more. Here, the river is
wider, its waters dark and calm. You can see the reflection of
the trees and fog in its surface. The sound of the quiet,
trickling water is met only by the rustling of leaves and the
drizzle of soft rain. No birdsong breaks the silence that hangs
over the woods.
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:
You step from the road and into the woods, crossing the
treeline as your feet squelch into mud and loamy soil. Wisps of
fog curl across the earth around you, gnarled trees reaching
their arms overhead as gray light filters through the canopy.
You walk for three hundred paces, stepping softly through the
mulch and mist until you arrive at a clearing, the woods
parting to make room for a tall, ancient oak whose knotted
black trunk rises far above its peers.
You soon realize, however, that you’re not alone. Five
figures shamble or stand aimlessly within the clearing, their
clothes muddied and torn and their flesh just beginning to
turn pallid and gray. A sixth figure, bearing the remnants of
tattered leather armor, stands just beside the tree, its white
eyes staring dully into the canopy overhead. This figure’s flesh,
though rotting, is a smooth, sickly white, its skin run through
with raised, crimson veins. A faint cloud of reddish mist spills
from its mouth and down onto the forest floor around it
before dissipating into the air.
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.
90
C2. River Ivlis Crossroads
As the players approach this area, the drizzling rain stops.
Read:
Soon, the river bends once more out of sight and the dark
woods surround the road once again. Finally, though, the trees
pull away, revealing a tall cliff at the base of a foggy mountain
slope. The air is cold and damp here, and soft wisps of fog
swirl around the base of the cliff.
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.
C2a. Strahd’s Arrival
The players can see a driver sitting in the coach box: the
vampire spawn Escher, as described in K49. Lounge (p. 70).
An ugly red scar now runs across Escher’s right cheek. (The
scar was left by Dr. Rudolph van Richten in a recent skirmish.
See Arc E: The Missing Vistana for more information.) If
present, Ireena gasps at the sight of him, whispering that she
thought that he was dead.
What If The Players Flee?
The players should have little time to attempt to
conceal themselves before Strahd’s carriage comes
into view. However, if the players attempt to flee
the carriage into the woods, Strahd’s dire wolves—
one for each player—emerge from the fog behind
them and snarl, obstructing the players' escape.
The carriage then comes to a stop. Read the following,
modifying the text as necessary if Ireena isn’t present, and
pausing briefly after each paragraph to allow the players a
short opportunity to act or react:
The driver releases the reins, steps down from the coach box,
and moves to open the side door of the carriage, bowing
deeply. A moment passes—and then a man steps out from the
carriage.
He is tall, gaunt, and dressed in finery befitting a man of
aristocratic, even royal stature. A black cloak is pulled neatly
around his shoulders, tied at the neck by a blood-red brooch.
A longsword rests ensheathed at his hip, its polished hilt
gleaming beneath the dim light. His scarlet tunic is worked
with intricate designs, and his hair is pulled back into a sharp
and immaculate widow's peak.
 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.
If Ireena is with the party, add:
Ireena rocks backward, as if slapped. She averts her eyes from
the man's gaze, her entire body tightening. "Don't look into
his eyes," she chokes out.
The man's gaze rests briefly on Ireena, and he smiles—
though no warmth reaches his eyes. "Lady Kolyana," he says.
"What a pleasant surprise." He then turns his gaze to you.
Whether Ireena is with the party or not, add:
"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, an intriguing but inanimate trinket—a prey
animal spotted by a predator in the bush.
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.
Strahd’s Foretelling
At the time that he encounters the players, Strahd
is returning from a visit to Madam Eva’s tent at the
Tser Pool Encampment. Finding the Forest Fane’s
power difficult to control due to Baba Zelenna’s
interference during his slumber, he sought Madam
Eva’s counsel in his preparations for the Grand
Conjunction. He received the following fortune:
"The Darklord—the master of shadows, the beast
in the labyrinth that tears at his chains.
"The Six of Stars, the Evoker—the power you
covet, a force untamed by mortal hands, raw and
wild with burning fury.
"The Artifact—the token you seek, the key to
power. Divinity’s heart waits, but where?
"The Innocent. I see a maid of raven hair and
twilit eyes. She is one way to the token.
"But there is another—the Broken One. The path
of sacrifice opens another door. The wall that
whispers awaits your tribute.
"The threads of fate yet spin. The Seven of
Swords, the Hooded One, is next. Strangers walk
the land—their presence a riddle, their intentions
a maze. They dwell in the dusk, their role yet
unclear.
"But the One of Stars, the Transmuter, is last.
Change comes on newcomers’ wings, the dusk of
an era upon us. As one age ends, another is
born."
Much of Strahd’s foretelling was overheard by
Muriel Vinshaw, an eavesdropping wereraven, until
Strahd detected her presence and drove her away.
Both Muriel and Strahd were unaware that Madam
Eva knew of Muriel’s presence all along. As the
hidden avatar of the Seeker, Eva bears a special
bond with Barovia’s wereravens, and deliberately
continued her foretelling to allow Muriel to hear it.
Muriel heard the first five cards that Madam Eva
read, but doesn’t know the last two. More
information about Muriel and her escape from
Strahd’s minions can be found in C3. The Strix
below.
(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.
C2c. Strahd's Questions
During the conversation, at moments when it seems natural
to do so, Strahd poses the players the following questions (in
no particular order):
91
 "Ismark Kolyanovich defied me by keeping his sister from
me. Why should I, as his lord, not punish him for his
disloyalty?"
"I have claimed Ireena Kolyana, and twice marked her as
my own. Why should I not take her with me to Castle
Ravenloft right now?"
"You are trespassers in my lands, and the last outsider
that entered Barovia fostered sedition and treachery. Why
should I not dispatch with you now, in the same way that I
dispatched with him?" (Strahd's question is referring to
Dr. Rudolph van Richten.)
If the players buried Walter's bones and put the spirits of
Death House to rest, Strahd poses an additional question:
"Immediately prior to your entry to my lands, you caused
great damage to a group of my servants—the occupants of
a particular house on the borders of my domain. I had
relied upon those servants to bring me specimens of
interest, but your activities have left them indefinitely
indisposed. Why should I not punish you for your crimes
against them?"
Strahd frames each of these questions as a hypothetical. In
asking them, his tone is inquisitive, curious, and at least
somewhat amused. If the players despair at the prospect of
answering these questions at all, Strahd notes, "I am not an
unreasonable man. If there is some reason or rationale that I
might have missed, then by all means do enlighten me."
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.
92
The Players Misbehave
If any of the players act rudely toward Strahd, he
doesn't feel a need to "punish" or "discipline"
them. Instead, he responds with amusement, like a
parent soothing a child throwing a tantrum. Strahd
doesn't view the players as a threat to either his
ego, his person, or his reputation, and treats them
accordingly.
In such a situation, Strahd might draw upon the
following lines of dialogue when responding to a
misbehaving player:5
"Do not imagine that you are the first to invade
my realm."
"If you are trying to impress me, you have
failed."
"What lies do you tell yourself before you close
your eyes at night?"
"There is none in all of Barovia whose honor
you have more cause to trust."
"Faith is that faculty which enables us to
believe things which we know to be untrue."
If, at any point during the encounter, the players
move to threaten Strahd or flee, read:
From behind Strahd, you hear a chorus of low,
feral growls. Multiple pairs of eyes glint from the
underbrush—each one the height of a man's
shoulder.
Slowly, from the shadows, slinks a pack of
massive wolves, each one as tall as a horse and
twice as muscled, measuring nine feet in length
from head to haunches. Their fur is a thick,
mottled grey, and saliva drips from their yellowed,
sharpened teeth.
They take up positions behind and around
Strahd, flanking him like a noble's honor guard.
"You must forgive my pets," Strahd says. "They
can be . . . overenthusiastic at the sight of new
friends."
The wolves are dire wolves, as described in Dire
Wolves (p. 30). (The number of dire wolves in the
pack is equal to the number of players in the party.)
If the players appear to need further persuading,
the dire wolves step forward, growling with their
hackles raised. If the players proceed to attack
Strahd or flee, the wolves attack.
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.)
Lycanthropy in Barovia
In Barovia, the curse of lycanthropy spreads as described
in Player Characters as Lycanthropes (Monster Manual, p.
207). However, an infected player or other creature does
not automatically receive any changes to their ability
scores or Armor Class, nor do they automatically receive
the benefits of the lycanthrope's stat block (e.g.,
immunities or regeneration).
Instead, an infected creature only receives the benefits
of lycanthropy upon transforming into their hybrid form
on the night of the full moon. During this time, the
creature becomes an NPC under the DM's control until
dawn, at which point the creature loses the benefits of
lycanthropy.
An infected creature can embrace the curse of
lycanthropy—and so gain its full benefits—by
completing a certain task, depending on the nature of
their curse:
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 were 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 the players plan to travel to Vallaki,
Muriel 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 at this time.
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.
C4a. Arrival at Tser Pool
This area is largely as described in G. Tser Pool
Encampment (p. 36). However, none of the Vistani at the
camp are intoxicated, and only one—a Vistana woman named
Eliza—serves as a spy for Strahd.
An infected werewolf must voluntarily kill another
humanoid and devour their flesh.
An infected wereraven must be knocked unconscious
while voluntarily attempting to protect another
humanoid from (what they believe to be) near-certain
death.
An infected lycanthrope can be recognized by the scar
of the wound that originally transmitted the curse. The
wound will never entirely heal, and remains raw and
bloody until the curse is lifted.
The child of two lycanthropes possesses the full
benefits of lycanthropy from birth, and may learn to
control their curse as they age.
Finally, while the mists remain, the lunar cycle is
accelerated in Barovia: the full moon arrives once every
two weeks, instead of once every four. The first full moon
that the players experience takes place on the sixth night
after they first arrive in Vallaki.
93
 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.
C4b. The Tarokka Reading
This scene unfolds largely as described in Madam Eva’s Tent
(p. 37). After greeting the players, Madam Eva names each
player character personally, giving them one or more
symbolic epithets related to their histories, their goals, and/or
their capabilities.
She thanks the players for making the journey to Tser Pool.
If asked about Strahd’s visit, she says only that each person’s
future is their own to know, and that, while her duty binds her
to seek the whispers of Fate for any who invoke her name,
she is bound not to reveal what she sees to anyone else.
If Muriel is with the players in raven form, Madam Eva
regards her with an emotion nearly resembling fondness and
asks to inspect her. She strokes Muriel’s wings and notes that
she once had a beloved pet raven named Turul long ago.
94
“I have only seen him once these past ten years, however,”
Eva adds, somewhat mournfully. “Doubtless, he has gone
wild without me.” (Madam Eva is referring to the Roc of
Mount Ghakis, which served her when she retained the
mantle of the Seeker of the Ladies Three.)
If the players ask Eva about Dalvan Olensky's corpse, she
shares only that he was a Barovian named Dalvan Olensky
who came to her tent in the aftermath of Strahd’s siege on
the village of Barovia, and that he insisted upon hearing—
and then defying—his fate, a choice with tragic consequences.
(As with Strahd, Eva can’t disclose the nature or content of
Dalvan’s foretelling.)
Madam Eva then asks the players if they would like their
fortunes read, and produces a worn deck of cards if so. She
then pauses and closes her eyes, though they flash wide open
again soon after. Read:
Madam Eva’s voice is a low hiss as she speaks, her silhouette
dancing in the flickering candlelight. "A shadow is
approaching my tent: a lone servant of Darkness. They seek
knowledge of your future—secrets that I am sworn never to
reveal to any but their keepers.
“Do not look, child, nor rush to greet them; if they learn the
import of what we have discussed, all may be lost. Do not
reveal, even, that you know of their true nature, for their
master will know that I have told you, and his wrath will
descend upon us all. I will read the cards as swiftly as I dare
before they arrive, and you will listen closely, for I shall never
again repeat what they say. Are you ready?"
If the players respond affirmatively, read the following text,
choosing the appropriate descriptions and narration where
appropriate:
 The crone then moves her wrinkled hand to the left-most card
Profile: Madam Eva —the first. She closes her eyes and tilts her head, as if
Roleplaying Information listening to an unspoken word. The arcane lights swirl and
Resonance. Madam Eva should inspire then shift, their colors changing to a deep, piercing blue.
discomfort with her intimate knowledge of the "This card tells of history. Knowledge of the ancient will
players’ pasts, gratitude for her dedication to the
help you better understand your enemy."
players’ journey, and reassurance with her
confident predictions. She flips the card.
Emotions. Madam Eva's most frequent emotions The cerulean light dances across its surface, revealing an
are amusement, solemnity, concern, and illustration of:
contemplation.
Motivations. Madam Eva wants to see the land of Nine of Swords—Torturer. A scowling, bearded man, clad in
Barovia healed and freed from Strahd's corruption. leather armor and a hood tipped with spikes, his calloused,
Inspirations. When playing Madam Eva, channel gnarled hands turning the wheel of a grisly device. “The
The Ancient One (Doctor Strange) and the Fates
Nine of Swords—the Torturer.” Her dark pupils shift from
(Hercules).
side to side, as though reading from an unseen text. (See
Character Information Swords (Spades), p. 12, for this card’s foretelling.)
Persona. To the world, Madam Eva appears as a Nine of Glyphs—Traitor. A smirking guardsman looking up
wise, yet maddened crone who speaks in
at a haughty priest, the priest’s pointing fingers mere
prophecies and riddles. To those she trusts, she
appears as a kind, yet frustratingly opaque and inches from the guardsman’s nose as the guardsman
stubborn old woman. readies a wickedly curved dagger behind his back. “The
Morale. In a fight, Madam Eva would calmly insist Nine of Glyphs—the Traitor.” Her dark pupils shift from
that her opponent cease their attacks, then—if her
side to side, as though reading from an unseen text. “Look
Vistani aides prove unable to stop her assailant—
weaken them with the harm spell before for a wealthy woman. A wary servant of the devil, she keeps
demanding their surrender. the treasure under lock and key, with the bones of an
Relationships. Madam Eva alone knows that she ancient enemy.”
is an avatar of the Seeker.
She moves her hand to the second card, this one at the top
of the cross. As she closes her eyes and listens once more, the
candlelight flares, its color bursting into a fierce, cheery
Her old hands working deftly, the ancient seer removes
yellow.
fourteen cards from the top of the deck, setting them aside.
"This card tells of a powerful force for good and protection,
The remaining cards, she shuffles nimbly twice, three times,
a holy symbol of great hope." She flips the card.
four.
This time, the light reveals a new illustration: an armored
Madam Eva sets both decks upon the surface of the velvet
warrior clutching a cracked iron sword and a leather-bound
table. Closing her eyes, she places her right hand over the
wooden shield, his face obscured by a heavy iron helmet. “The
surface of the larger deck. The crimson flames dim and swirl in
Five of Swords—the Myrmidon.” Her eyes stare deep into the
eldritch patterns as her lips move silently, a distant tension
shadows that lurk in the corners of the tent. (See Swords
spreading through the air. The sounds of the rustling trees and
(Spades), p. 12, for this card’s foretelling.)
rippling pool beyond the tent's walls begin to dim, the external
She moves her hand to the third card, at the right arm of the
world growing mute and insubstantial as the space within
cross, her eyelids closing like a trance, her lips pursed in quiet
grows more solid—more real.
contemplation. The candlelight vanishes, for a heartbeat—and
Slowly, reverently, the crone draws three cards from the top
then returns in a nova of fierce, burning white, so pure and
of the deck, laying them face down separately on the table,
strong and clean that it hurts to look at, burns to see—
with the second laid between and above its partners. She then
Madam Eva's eyes snap open, burning with a fierce
moves to the smaller deck, drawing two more cards. The first,
determination.
she places below the first three, forming a cross. The second,
"This is a card of power and strength. It tells of a weapon of
she places in the center.
vengeance: a sword of sunlight." She flips the card.
The lights of the candles sway like silhouettes, leaning in
The light reveals a third illustration: a solemn-faced man
toward the cards like anxious watchers—yet the air in the tent
clad in holy vestments, one hand clutching the chain of a
is perfectly still. No light intrudes through the seams in the
bronze censer that billows with burning smoke. “The Eight of
tent's walls; no voice rings out in the silence. Shadows and
Glyphs—the Bishop.” The crone's voice is strong with
mist swirl at the boundaries of the tent, where the darkness of
purpose. (See Glyphs (Hearts), p. 14, for this card’s foretelling.)
deepest night dwells—but here, at its center, light yet reigns.

95

She moves to the fourth card, at the bottom of the cross, and
listens once more, tracing small circles across its back as she
hums a contemplative note. The magic flames leap and dance
upon their wicks, now casting swirling violet embers into the
air as the walls of the tent gleam with the shimmer of twilight.
"This card sheds light on one who will help you greatly in
the battle against darkness."
She flips the card.
This time, the illustration revealed is a quiet graveyard
choked with fog, its entrance sealed with a sharp iron fence.
"The Mists." Madam Eva leans forward. (See Strahd’s Enemy, p.
15, for this card’s foretelling.)
Finally, she moves her hand to the fifth card—and nearly
recoils, her brow furrowing until the wrinkles split her
forehead like a trench. Behind her, shadows encircle the
candlelight until the light is very nearly swallowed by the
creeping dark. When next she speaks, Madam Eva's rasping
voice is scarce above a whisper.
"Your enemy is a creature of darkness, whose powers are
beyond mortality. When the hour of judgment arrives, this
card will lead you to him!"
Her hand trembles above the card for a silent moment—and
then deft, ancient fingers reveal its opposite side.
In the darkness, the fifth and final illustration is only barely
visible through the smoke and unnatural murk. Upon the
card's surface dwells a depiction of a crowned, grinning
emperor clad in royal finery and reaching for a goblet of wine
—though his limbs are wooden puppet’s limbs, lashed to
corded strings that disappear into the darkness overhead.
Madam Eva slowly exhales. "The Marionette." (See Strahd’s
Location in the Castle, p. 17, for this card’s foretelling.)
As the last syllable passes her lips, the old woman freezes—
and then rocks back in her chair, her eyes rolling until their
whites gleam like pearls in the darkness—and then she snaps
back, the candlelight burning down to its ordinary crimson
glow.
The sound of the outside world returns—the voices of the
Vistani, the crackling of the bonfire, the whisper of the wind,
and the lapping of the waves against the shore of the pool.
Light, grey and insubstantial, filters in once more through the
canvas walls of the tent, and you feel yourselves breathe for
the first time since the reading began. Beyond the tent’s walls,
you think you can hear the sound of footsteps approaching.
Madam Eva says nothing. She only regards you silently with
dark, heavy eyes.
Madam Eva refuses to elaborate on the players’ readings or
provide any additional information or assistance. If asked to,
she says only, “The threads of Fate cannot be beckoned like a
servant or conjured like a magician’s trick. I see only what the
cards show me, and no more.” Before the players leave, she
whispers to them again to tell no one of what they have just
heard.
96
Milestone. Receiving the Tarokka reading completes a
story milestone. When the party exits Madam Eva’s tent,
award each player 500 XP.
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.
Unless the players intervene, the conversation unfolds as
follows:
Eliza greets the players immediately, giving them a warm
welcome to the Tser Pool Encampment.
As Stanimir approaches, Eliza clicks her tongue and
scolds him for his lack of hospitality, noting that the
players seem to have traveled a long way.
Stanimir amusedly reminds Eliza that fate waits for no
one, but nonetheless invites the players to rest their weary
feet at the camp’s central fire, offering wine, food, and
song should the players join.
If the players accept and move to accompany Stanimir,
Arturi hesitates, then asks if the players would mind if he
accompanied them. He notes that he has heard that they
have just arrived from Barovia, and has recently arrived
himself from the west to seek information regarding the
village. (He adds, somewhat awkwardly, that it has been
some time since he had last shared a Vistani fire, and
apologizes for imposing upon them and the others.)
Arturi and Eliza
Arturi Radanavich, a close friend of Dr. Rudolph van
Richten, has recently arrived at the Tser Pool
encampment. He has now heard that travelers have
arrived from the village of Barovia and hopes to
hear whether the Barovians have obtained any
information regarding Dr. Van Richten’s
whereabouts. (See The Curse of Arturi Radanavich
below for more information about Arturi's
connection to Dr. Rudolph van Richten.)
Arturi is a thoughtful, soft-spoken man in his late
thirties with a distant, almost absent-minded
countenance and a near-painful sincerity.
Meanwhile, Eliza, one of Strahd’s spies, has heard
that outsiders have entered the pool from beyond
the Mists, and hopes to glean information about
their goals, capabilities, and weaknesses. (Eliza had
hoped to eavesdrop on the players’ Tarokka
reading as well, but was foiled by Madam Eva’s
foresight.)
In sharp contrast to Arturi, Eliza is a cheery,
excitable woman in her early thirties, always glad to
insert herself into a conversation with a brash or
witty comment.
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 by 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 would 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 emerged in Arturi’s heart—
hope that, together, their two curses might be lifted.
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.
97
 If the players make their way to the Vistani fire, Eliza—and
Arturi, if he is present—introduce themselves. Eliza also asks
the players’ names in return. (If asked why he has not shared
a Vistani fire until recently, Arturi winces and admits only
that the situation is complicated.)
While seated around the fire, the players are given wine
and food, including a midday meal of bread, cheese, and
pickled beets. As they eat, Eliza asks the players about their
next destination. If the players note that they are headed
toward Vallaki or otherwise indicate an interest in staying the
night, Stanimir invites them to rest at the camp overnight,
noting that the roads can be long and dangerous beyond
Madam Eva’s wagons.
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.
Arturi’s Manuscript
Arturi’s manuscript—authored by Dr. Rudolph van Richten—is two pages long. It is titled “A Study of the Werewolf’s
Curse,” and reads as follows:
Werewolves are among the most fearsome lycanthropes,
bearing a curse as ancient as it is terrifying. For them, the
affliction of lycanthropy transforms even the most
civilized individual into a monstrous beast, warping the
lines betwixt man and nature.
In its humanoid form, a werewolf retains many of the
characteristics of its original identity, save for certain
nuances such as heightened senses, an explosive
temper, and an odd preference for rare meats. Over time,
subtle features that hint at their animalistic nature begin
to manifest. Nevertheless, it is in their wolf and hybrid
forms that the true horror of the curse is revealed. A
werewolf's hybrid form is particularly terrifying, with a
muscular humanoid body crowned by the head of a
ravenous wolf. It is capable of wielding weapons, though
its favored means of attack are its devastating claws and
powerful bite.
Werewolves typically abandon civilization soon after
their transformation. Those who reject the curse flee in
fear of harming their loved ones, whereas those who
accept it fear exposure and the repercussions of their
violent deeds. Out in the wild, they form packs, living in
cohesion with ordinary wolves and dire wolves alike.
The most tragic aspect of lycanthropy is its
transmission. A humanoid can contract this curse
through a wound inflicted by a lycanthrope or through
inheritance if one or both of its parents are lycanthropes.
98
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.
The cursed have two paths: they may resist the beast
within or embrace it. Those who resist bear unending
strain—until the rising full moon triggers a compulsory
and horrific transformation. These individuals often
experience bloody, haunting dreams: echoes of the
carnage wrought in their madness.
Some twisted souls, however, choose to accept their
beastly nature. With time, they can master their abilities,
calling upon the wolf's resilience and strength as they
will. To do so, however, they must first perform a
gruesome act: to murder another and consume their
flesh.
One sure way to identify an afflicted individual is the
presence of a perpetually raw, bloody wound: the scar of
the initial curse transmission. This wound never fully
heals until the curse is lifted.
Beyond this mark, however, these creatures bear an
extraordinary resilience. Conventional methods of harm
prove ineffective in permanently subduing a werewolf.
Only through the bite of silver or the chill of death's
power can a werewolf be truly put to rest.
A spell of removal can also cure an afflicted
lycanthrope, though those who accept the beast may
fight it bitterly. As for those unfortunate souls born
under the curse, they are doomed to bear their affliction
for life. As far as my research has shown, there exists no
cure, no respite for such individuals. They are caught in
an eternal struggle, forever haunted by the wolf within.

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:
“It is said that within each raven flutters a lost soul, and that
each raven’s song tells a tale of ages past. They whisper, so
listen closely.”
She takes a deep breath; when she speaks again, her voice is
quiet, with an eerie, melodic quality to it.
“Sing, ravens, of Barovia, birthed from the mists and bathed
in twilight. Sing of Lugdana, the Morninglord’s stalwart, dawn-
touched foe to the deep-lurking dark. The Holy Symbol of
Ravenkind, her radiant testament, the warrior’s beacon of
faithful resolve.
“Sing, ravens, of Chernovog’s rise, named Green-God and
Demon-Lord upon Yester Hill. Lugdana, gray-haired, weary of
battle, her longsword and shield yet polished and ready.
Guided through shadows, toward sacred ground, she clashed
with the demon, their tempest-like dance.
“Sing, ravens, of Lugdana’s last fury, of Ravenkind’s token
now blazing with light. The battle’s tide turning, a hero’s brave
cry, a final onslaught with divinity’s grace. The Demon-Lord
banished, the warrior now fell, the wound at her side gouged
too deep to bear.
“Sing, ravens, of light’s final moments, a shadow
descending from radiance on high. Sing of the angel, black-
feathered and beaked, the Morninglord’s angel reclaiming its
gift. The Symbol retaken, in ravens’ claws held.
“Sing, ravens; you are the keepers, the watchers, the tellers
of stories untold. Sing, ravens, of Lugdana’s memory, the
shadows that lurk, and heroes to come.”
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:
“There was once a silver Fox, renowned among all for his
curative touch. On a cold, moonlit night, however, a rustle of
wings disturbed his peaceful reprieve. A flock of Sparrows
brought him one of their own, the tendrils of Death clutching
its small, shivering body. The Silver Fox took the sickly
sparrow into his den, but with all his wisdom and skill, he
could not cure its ailment, and it breathed its last in his paws.
“Fearing the Sparrows’ anger, the Fox begged them to take
anything in exchange for peace. The Sparrows, hearts filled
with grief, departed into the moonlit night. It was only at dawn
that the Fox realized what they had taken: His beloved kit had
vanished, taken by the Sparrows’ claws.
“The Fox pursued the sparrows through barren lands and
shadowed woods. He found them slumbering amidst the
branches of a gnarled tree—and, in his cleverness, snatched
two of their flock in the jaws of his teeth.
“‘Where is my kit?’ the silver Fox roared. The Sparrows, now
prey in his claws, shared the terrible truth: they had given his
kit to the Kingdom of Night, where the cursed Sovereign of
Dusk dwelled in the darkness.
“And so the Fox passed from light into dark, his legs aching
and sore, his paws bramble-pricked and bloody. It was in the
keep of Dusk’s Sovereign that he found his lost quarry—and
uncovered his kit’s dreadful fate. His kit now shared the
Sovereign’s curse, the features of life now twisted and warped,
his once-lively eyes now deadened and cold.
The kit begged for reprieve—for his father to free him from
his cursed existence. And the silver Fox, with a heart heavier
than the mountains, with eyes stinging with tears, did the
unthinkable—and ended his kit’s torment. As the Fox’s
anguished howl shattered the night, so, too, did his heart. A
father had entered the Kingdom that day, but it was a
phantom, born of anguish and rage, that vanished into the
shrouded night.”
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:
99
 "When I was a child, my father took me and my brother to a
vast, tranquil lake. I remember the sand beneath my bare feet,
and the lapping of the waves against the shore.
"But then, something broke the silence—a low growl that
echoed through the wind. As I turned, I saw a beast emerge
from the fog: a wolf, far larger than any I'd ever seen. I still
remember its eyes—yellow, cold, and hungry.
"My father screamed for me to run. I took off for the woods,
and the wolf followed, its snarls echoing through the
underbrush. I remember branches whipping against my face,
thorns cutting at my feet as my legs burned and my breath
grew ragged, but my fear drove me forward.
"It was only much later, when my heart had quieted in my
chest and the wolf's footsteps had faded into silence, that I
finally allowed myself to stop. By then, though, the woods
were strange to me, and my father's shouts had faded.
"A heavy mist had descended around me, and shadowed
shapes lurked in every corner. I stepped forward, one hand
reaching fearfully into the fog—and a wolf made of mist leapt
forth, its jaws opened wide to devour me. And then—
everything went black.
"The next thing I remembered, I awoke in my own bed, my
father's humming echoing from the kitchen. I don't know how
I got there, or what became of the wolf, but I can still
remember its teeth as clearly as ever."
When her tale has ended and all participants have made their
guesses—Stanimir voting “True” and Eliza and Arturi voting
“False”—Ireena reveals that her story was false. With a quiet
laugh, she shares that the story is a dream that she’s had
since childhood, noting that there are no lakes near the
village of Barovia and that she’d never seen a dire wolf until
recently.
If challenged on his vote, Stanimir merely says, with a
mysterious smile, that many dreams have a kernel of truth.
He then thanks Ireena for sharing her tale.
Confronting Arturi
If one of the players confronts Arturi after the
Game of Stories has ended and suggests that the
Silver Fox of his tale is a pseudonym for Dr.
Rudolph van Richten, Arturi graciously admits it.
He notes, wistfully, that Van Richten has suffered
many pains in life—some just, some unjust—but
that, in due time, he found healing and redemption
for both his sins and the sins of others. Arturi says,
however, that the continuation of Van Richten’s
tale is not for him to tell.
Arturi does note, though, that Van Richten did
later find precious friends who began to heal his
broken heart, including his student Ezmerelda
d’Avenir. He concludes by sharing his hopes that
Van Richten still lives, if only so that he may one
day find the peace he has long searched for.
100
C4e. A Gift for Arabelle
As the players prepare to depart Tser Pool, they are
approached by Madam Eva, who greets them with a friendly
cackle. Once pleasantries are disposed of, she proffers a
velvet pouch containing 10 gp and asks the players to bring it
to Blinsky Toys, in Vallaki, to purchase a toy for her great-
grand-niece, Arabelle. (Blinsky’s are Arabelle’s favorites.) She
adds that the players are welcome to keep any change as
payment for their efforts.
Madam Eva asks the players to deliver the toy to the
Vistani encampment to the southwest of Vallaki by the end of
Arabelle’s tenth nameday, which is in two days’ time. Eva
claims that she would go herself, but that long journeys are
simply too taxing for her old bones. She adds, with a cryptic
smile, that the players may enjoy speaking with Arabelle, as
she is “a most interesting child.”
Madam Eva concludes the conversation by wishing the
players well on their journey. She then returns to her tent.
C5. The Skeletal Rider
When the players return to the River Ivlis Crossroads after
receiving the Tarokka reading, they encounter a skeletal rider,
as described in Skeletal Rider (p. 31). If the players saw
Dalvan Olensky’s corpse upon entering Barovia, they notice
that the rider’s clothing is recognizably similar to his.
C6. The Watchtower
As the players travel west from the River Ivlis Crossroads,
read:
You leave the crossroads behind and resume your westward
journey. You follow the road as it bends around, then ascends
the cliff, trudging up its steep, rocky incline.
The fog is thick here, obscuring the top of the cliff
overhead. The road itself grows narrow and treacherous, with
loose stones and deep ruts that make it difficult to maintain
your footing.
Soon enough, though, the road levels out, continuing past a
ruined three-story watchtower perched atop the edge of the
cliff.
The tower's old stone walls are covered in moss and ivy, its
rotten wooden door hanging off its hinges. Nearby, two fresh
graves sit against the road. An animal's corpse seems to lie in
the tall grass not far away.
Pause to allow the players to act or react. If the players
remain silent, continue to Tser Falls below. Otherwise, allow
the players to explore the area.
The Watchtower
The ruined watchtower was built as a lookout post by the
Order of the Silver Dragon long ago. It has the same
structure as the Guard Tower (p. 157) at Tsolenka Pass, with
the following changes:
The tower door has been half-pulled from its hinges and
can be opened easily.
The temperature and wind in the tower are far less
severe.
 There is no dire wolf's head mounted above the hearth.
There are neither statues nor skeletons atop the
battlements.
If the players explore the watchtower, they find a broken
pendant of a silver dragon lying on the ground of the first
floor, close to the entrance. The pendant is always cold to the
touch.
From atop the battlements of the watchtower, the players
can see Tser Falls to the northwest and Tser Pool to the
northeast. To the south, above and beyond the slopes of
Mount Ghakis, they can see only an impenetrable wall of
thick, gray fog.
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.
The High Road
As the players travel west on the Old Svalich Road, read:
You continue down the winding mountain road, the jagged
peaks looming ominously through the fog far above.
The air grows colder as the road passes through a dark
evergreen forest, the thick canopy once more blocking out
much of the sky's dim light. The only sounds that follow you
are the crunching of fallen leaves and an occasional rustling in
the underbrush.
While traversing this section of the Old Svalich Road, the
players are stalked by one of Strahd's spies: a wolf. (See
Strahd's Spies on pg. 29 for more information.)
If the players dispatch, ignore, or fail to notice the wolf,
continue:
As you curve around the edge of the mountain, the right-hand
cliffs fall away, leaving a sheer drop to a forested gully below.
The road bends, doubling back around this ravine before
plunging dramatically and winding around a smaller mountain
peak.
The players then arrive at Tser Falls (p. 37).
Tser Falls
This area is largely as described in Tser Falls (p. 37).
Additionally, when the players arrive, they can see a revenant
(p. 31) standing alone at the midpoint of the bridge with its
hands resting on the pommel of its sword, the blade of which
is planted firmly on the ground.
If the players call out to this nameless revenant or step
onto the bridge, it hails them in a raspy voice and asks their
business. Upon hearing their response, it says, "Old things
are stirring and the lord of Castle Ravenloft roams the valley.
Tell me: Do you serve him?"
If the players claim to serve Strahd, the revenant visibly
stiffens, but stands aside, saying coldly, "Then be gone on
your way, and may your foul work bring you ruin and despair."
If the players deny serving Strahd, the revenant is visibly
relieved and invites them to approach so that it may "get a
closer look at them." It introduces itself as a knight of the
Order of the Silver Dragon, but claims to have long forgotten
its name in life.
If the players' weapons are clearly visible, it asks the
players if they oppose the lord of Castle Ravenloft. If the
players claim to oppose Strahd, the revenant advises them to
travel to Argynvostholt to the west, where Sir Godfrey
Gwilym awaits those who would raise their swords against
the darkness that lurks in the castle's depths.
If the players inquire about the Order of the Silver Dragon,
the revenant shares only that the knights of the Order
opposed the lord of Ravenloft in life and suggests that the
players speak with Sir Godfrey to obtain further information.
If the players obtained the silver pendant in the watchtower
by the River Ivlis Crossroad, the revenant recognizes it, but
refuses to comment further on its significance.
If the players ask the revenant why it is guarding the
bridge, it says only, "Because I raised my voice against my
commander and was banished. Now, I stand like my brothers-
and sisters-in-arms, watching the dark places of this land and
awaiting an order that will never come."
Vladimir’s Fury
This nameless revenant was banished, along with a
dozen of its peers, from the ruins of Argynvostholt
shortly after the failure of Doru’s rebellion three
months ago.
When news of Strahd’s planned counterstroke
reached them, the knights of the Order of the
Silver Dragon raised their voices, begging Vladimir
Horngaard to allow them to lend their swords to
the cause.
Vladimir denied them and, when the knights
grew enraged and unruly, banished them from the
manor and forbade them from raising their swords
against Strahd or any of his creatures. Now, only Sir
Godfrey Gwilym, Vladimir Horngaard, and the
spirits of the phantom warriors that once fought for
the Order remain in Argynvostholt.
101
 If the players ask why it cannot take up arms against Strahd
itself, it says only, "Because my commander forbids it, and my
spirit is bound from disobeying his will." It is willing to share
that its commander's name is Sir Vladimir Horngaard, but is
unwilling to share more, advising the players to speak with
Sir Godfrey instead.
If the players ask for directions to Argynvostholt, the
revenant advises them to travel "west, beyond the walled
town, then south upon the ash-gray path."
If the players mention Strahd's carriage, the revenant notes
its disgust for "the beast von Zarovich" and advises the
players to be cautious of him and his servants and spies. If
the players mention the skeletal rider, the revenant recalls
that "the Wandering One has long sought a road to freedom
through the mists. It has never succeeded."
The revenant will not leave its post on the bridge under any
circumstances.
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:
You continue down the winding road, which climbs a short
distance north before bending west to avoid a bald-headed
peak on the right, its craggy cliffs bearing an array of sharp
rocks that jut out over the roadway.
It's not long before the road bends north once again, a
second hill arising from the fog on your left. Twisted trees dot
its steep slopes, their branches reaching out like gnarled
fingers.
As you travel deeper between the hills, the road narrows and
the cliffs grow taller. Soon, though, the hills fall away once
more, the road continuing forth into a small, fog-choked basin.

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 continues forward, passing between a patch of dark
woods. The air here is as quiet as the grave, the trees standing
perfectly still in the unnerving silence.
Not far from the road, nestled in the overgrown underbrush,
stands a mossy stone slab standing just under six feet in
height. It rests on an old, cracked stone circle, and seems to
bear some kind of carving.

102
Briefly pause to allow the players to act or react. If the players
choose to investigate the slab, they find that it bears a crude
carving of a raven over an engraved three-pointed star, the
grooves lined with lichen and moss. (The slab is an ancient
monument to the Seeker, and the three-pointed star the
symbol of the Ladies Three.)
If the players remain silent or continue ahead, 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.
The players emerge at the base of the hill upon which Old
Bonegrinder rests, as described in Approaching the
Windmill (p. 125).
As the windmill comes into view, the players also notice
Morgantha approaching from the opposite direction with her
cart, as described in Dream Pastries (p. 48).
This scene largely unfolds as described in Dream Pastries
(p. 48), but Morgantha is coming from the town of Vallaki, not
the village of Barovia, and she doesn't have a child stuffed
into a sack in her peddler's cart. (Because her shapechange
ability is a polymorph effect, a paladin’s divine sense and
similar abilities don’t detect her fiendish nature.)
Morgantha greets the players warmly, calling them "weary
travelers," and shares her hope that the road has not been too
hard on them. She freely shares the following information if
asked:
She is a peddler who sells baked wares to the "good
people of Barovia."
She is just returning from a day peddling her goods to the
townsfolk of Vallaki and the "poor, hungry dears" camped
outside the gates. (Her latter comment is referring to a
camp of Barovian refugees that has not been allowed to
enter the town.)
She lives in the old windmill up the hill with her two
daughters, Bella and Offalia. (She kindly declines to share
what happened to her "husband," saying only, "Now, that's
an old woman's business, meant to be shared only if she
chooses.")
Morgantha has a few "dream pastries" left from her
workday—"filled with the light and love of dreaming"—which
she offers to the players for free as a "first sample." She
advises the players that the dream pastries taste best after a
warm meal, "especially with a nice bit of wine to wash them
down." (The dream pastries, if eaten, affect the players as
described in Dream Pastries, p. 125.)
If asked how she manages to travel the roads safely,
Morgantha only smiles and promises the players that "an old
woman has her tricks." ("But," she complains, "my back and
poor feet do complain from time to time. I can't wait to soak
them in a tub of nice, hot water once I'm home.")
When the conversation runs out of steam, Morgantha bids
the players a safe journey, and lets them know that they can
find her outside of Vallaki's gates in the future, should they
like to purchase additional pastries.
Before she departs, Morgantha warns the players that the
guards at the Vallaki gates are confiscating silver coins and
visible silver items from travelers as a tax. "But," she says,
tapping her nose with a cheeky, half-toothed grin, "you didn't
hear it from me."
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:
The winding valley road hugs the mountainside as it meanders
north. The dark woods cling to the opposite side of the road,
the tall, gnarled trees creeping as close as they dare. You can
hear the sound of the wind rustling through the leaves and the
occasional creak of branches. From time to time, it almost
sounds like the trees are whispering among themselves, or
stirring their ancient roots in the old, rotten mulch.
As the road continues, the forest swallows it up on both
sides. The trees towering far above your heads, blocking out all
but the barest hints of gray light. The air grows thick and heavy
with the scent of moss and rotting leaves; in the distance, you
hear a raven's gurgling croak, followed by the sound of
fluttering wings.
Before long, it becomes clear that your presence in this
dreary land has not gone unnoticed. A raven follows you for
several minutes while keeping a respectful distance.
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:
Ahead, the trees to the north break, revealing a grassy field.
The tall grasses sway in the chill air, the field stretching until it
reaches the shores of a dark, distant lake. Fog clings to the
shoreline. Even from a distance, you can hear the faint sound
of water lapping against the rocks.
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.
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 C11. The Werewolf's Hunt
As the players continue down the road, read:
As quickly as it appeared, the field is swallowed up by the
forest again, the trees closing in around you once more. The
dark undergrowth rustles and stirs in the wind, and the weight
of the forest presses in from all sides. You're unable to shake
the sense that, somehow, you're being watched.
If one of the players has a passive Wisdom (Perception) score
of 14 or higher, or if one of the players makes a successful
DC 14 Wisdom (Perception) check, add:
As your footsteps squelch into the old, muddy road, you
glimpse a flicker of movement in the underwood: a flash of
gray fur, amber eyes, and sharp, white teeth. Then, as soon as
it appeared, it vanishes, skulking back into the shadows.
The movement belongs to a wolf. Its six wolf packmates—led
by a single werewolf (in wolf form)—are not far behind.
Soon after the first wolf appears, the pack attacks. Read:
The woodland road takes you through a small, forested
clearing, the circular treeline littered with dense thickets,
moss-covered boulders, and craggy ridges.
104
Then, without warning, eight snarling shadows launch from
the underbrush, fangs bared and claws outstretched!
Have the players, wolves, werewolf (in wolf form), and (if
they are with the party) Ireena, the two swarms of ravens,
and Muriel (a wereraven in raven form) roll initiative. Any
character with a passive Wisdom (Perception) score lower
than 14 is surprised.
Use the statblock below for the werewolf, rather than the
one in the Monster Manual.
Each wolf gains the following additional action option:
Maul. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target. Hit: 7 (2d4 + 2) piercing damage. Instead of dealing
damage, the wolf can grapple the target (escape DC 11).
In combat, the wolves work together, using their Bite to
knock characters prone, then using their Maul to grapple
prone targets. Once the wolves have dragged a grappled
character away from the party, the werewolf shifts its
attention to target them with its bite. The first character
targeted in this way notices that the werewolf is slightly
larger than the rest and has intelligent, disturbingly human
eyes.
The werewolf flees if it begins its turn with 20 hit points or
fewer and doesn’t regenerate, or if it begins its turn with 0 hit
points on three turns in a row. Any surviving wolves follow
soon after.
 Werewolf
Medium Humanoid (Human, Shapechanger), Chaotic
Evil
Armor Class 11 in humanoid form, 12 (natural armor) in
wolf or hybrid form
Hit Points 84 (13d8 + 26)
Speed 30 ft. (40 ft. in wolf form)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
16 (+3) 13 (+1) 14 (+2) 10 (+0) 11 (+0) 10 (+0)
Saving Throws Str +4
Skills Perception +4, Stealth +3
Senses darkvision, passive Perception 14
Languages Common (can't speak in wolf form)
Challenge 3, or 2 without its regeneration
Proficiency Bonus +2
Keen Hearing and Smell. The werewolf has advantage on
Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or
smell.
Pack Tactics. The werewolf has advantage on an attack
roll against a creature if at least one of the werewolf's
allies is within 5 feet of the creature and the ally isn't
incapacitated.
Regeneration. The werewolf regains 10 hit points at the
start of its turn. If the werewolf takes necrotic damage
or bludgeoning, piercing, or slashing damage from a
silvered weapon, this trait doesn't function at the start
of the werewolf's next turn. The werewolf dies only if it
starts its turn with 0 hit points and doesn't regenerate.
If the werewolf dies, it reverts to its true form: a young man
with pale, freckled skin and a lean, muscled frame. A bloody,
raw, and blighted wound is visible on his side—the source of
the young man's lycanthropic affliction.
Any players who failed their saving throw against the curse
of lycanthropy soon find that, although they regain hit points
normally, the original wound remains cosmetically bloody
and raw—just as described in Van Richten's manuscript on
the werewolf's curse. The next full moon takes place on the
night of the sixth day after the players’ arrival in Vallaki.
Actions
Multiattack. The werewolf makes two attacks: two with
its spear (humanoid form) or one with its bite and one
with its claws (wolf or hybrid form).
Bite (Wolf or Hybrid Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack:
+5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3)
piercing damage. Instead of dealing damage, the
werewolf can grapple the target (escape DC 11).
Additionally, if the target is a humanoid, it must
succeed on a DC 13 Constitution saving throw or be
cursed with werewolf lycanthropy.
Claws (Wolf or Hybrid Form Only). Melee Weapon
Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 8 (2d4 +
3) slashing damage. If the target is a creature, it must
succeed on a DC 13 Strength saving throw or be
knocked prone.
Spear (Humanoid Form Only). Melee or Ranged Weapon
Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one
creature. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage, or 6 (1d8 +
2) piercing damage if used with two hands to make a
melee attack.
Bonus Actions
Shapechange. The werewolf polymorphs into a wolf-
humanoid hybrid or into a wolf, or back into its true
form, which is humanoid. Its statistics, other than its
AC, are the same in each form. Any equipment it is
wearing or carrying melds into the new form. It reverts
to its true form if it dies.
C11. The Town of Vallaki
C11a. The Vallakian Gates
The road continues forward to the Town of Vallaki, largely
as described in Approaching the Town (p. 95). However,
remove the first sentence of the descriptive text and add the
following text at the end of the first paragraph:
More than a dozen ramshackle tents have been set up against
the palisade wall. Among them, dozens of ragged, emaciated
people mill about or sit by low-burning campfires and bedrolls,
their hollow gazes watching silently as you approach.
If Ireena is visibly traveling with the party, add:
Some of them regard Ireena with dull recognition, but none lift
a hand in greeting or make any gesture of warmth.
This area, the Morning Gate, is largely as described in Town
Gates (p. 95). The tents are a camp of Barovian refugees,
housing those who survived the trek from the village of
Barovia in the wake of Strahd's siege.
105

The Refugee Camp
If she is with the party, Ireena is heartbroken and enraged at
the sight of the refugee camp. She suggests that she meet
with the refugees while the players find lodging in town, and
promises to join the players later. The players can dissuade
her with a successful DC 10 Charisma (Persuasion) check.
Otherwise, Ireena approaches one of the cookfires, either
alone or—if the players have insisted on joining her—with
company.
The members of the refugee camp, which include Emeric,
a melancholy older man, and Magda, a grief-stricken young
woman, can share the following information:
The Barovian refugees arrived at Vallaki's gates a few days
ago, but were barred from entering. When they attempted
to breach the gates by force, the guards summoned a man
they called Izek, who bore a twisted devil's arm and
conjured fire to drive the refugees back.
Since then, the refugees have set up camp outside the
town's walls, clustering together for protection and
warmth. They've managed to secure some minor
necessities, such as the tents, by bribing the guards at the
gates, but have been unable to persuade the guards to
allow them entry or to even invite the town's Baron to
discuss their plight.
Swarms of bats and packs of wolves have plagued the
camp each night since they've arrived. Thankfully, no one
has died yet, but several refugees have been wounded.
Due to losses they suffered on the road and the threat of
the Devil in Castle Ravenloft, the refugees are unwilling to
risk the journey back home, instead hoping to wait until
the Baron sees reason and allows them to enter the walls.
Roughly one-quarter of the refugees have become
addicted to "dream pastries," a foodstuff sold by the
peddler Morgantha. These refugees seek an escape from
the misery and despair of their situation. Those who eat a
dream pastry fall into a trance as described in Dream
Pastries (p. 125).
The refugees are lost in despair. Many are cold toward
Ireena, and all are unwilling to accept her offers of help.
Some blame her, as well as Ismark "the Lesser" and the late
Burgomaster of Barovia, for their failure to protect them from
Strahd's awakening and invasion. Others recall a superstition
that red-haired Barovian woman bring misfortune, and
suggest that Ireena herself has brought a curse upon their
people. None have any wish to deal with her further.
Following her interaction with the refugees, Ireena is
enraged by the Baron's callousness, and vows to make her
best efforts to secure entry for the refugees into Vallaki.
The Guards at the Gates
The guards at the gates largely act as described in Town
Gates (p. 95). One has a silvered spear, while the other has a
quiver containing a dozen crossbow bolts, half of which are
silvered.
The guards demand that each person first identify
themselves, then pay 1 gold piece as a toll in order to enter
the village. (The Baron has imposed this law to prevent
werewolves or Vistani from entering the town.)
106
The guards refuse to accept payment on behalf of the
refugees, who the Baron has specifically barred from
entering, claiming concerns of "sickness, unruliness, and
malicious unhappiness."
If the players pay the toll, the guards also insist that each
entrant opens their purse (or equivalent) and surrender any
silver pieces in their possession. (If the players complain, the
guards assure them that the silver is needed to produce the
silvered weapons necessary to defend the town from
werewolves.) In exchange for any silver coins that they give
up, the players receive an amount of copper coins of equal
value—minus a ten percent tax.
If asked about lodging, the guards can share information
about the Blue Water Inn, as described in Vallaki Lore (p.
96). The guards are also willing to provide additional
directions to other landmarks in the town in exchange for a
bribe of 1 gold piece.
Each time the players pass through the gates, including the
first, the guards nod at them and intone the Baron's favored
phrase: "All will be well."
Entering the Town
As the players pass down Vallaki's main avenue, read:
You pass from the earthen road onto cobblestone streets,
mud staining your boots and the bottoms of your pants.
Behind you, the gates close with a slam, and you can see the
guards resume their posts behind it. In the distance, you can
see two other figures bearing pikes, patrolling the walls as they
look down on the twisted forest beyond.
The eaves of the buildings hang with old banners and
tattered fabrics that flap and twist in the chill breeze. The
banners are painted with faded words and illustrations, but
time has robbed them of both their legibility and any beauty
they may have once had.
If the players arrive during the day, add:
The streets are filled sparsely with townsfolk, many wearing
drab, patched grey clothes that have faded with age. They
shrink back toward the sides of the streets as you pass, their
pale faces growing paler with faint fear at the sight of you.
Their frightened eyes linger on your strange appearances, and
quiet whispers fill the air.
A few townsfolk bear strained, silent smiles, but no mirth
reaches their eyes. There's not a glint of hope or joy—only
weariness, tainted with fear.
As you pass by them, the tension leaves the townsfolk and
they return quietly to their business.
Otherwise, if the players arrive at night, add:
Flickering candlelight lingers behind the shuttered townhouse
windows, and humanoid shadows move beyond closed
curtains.

Long shadows lurk in the alleyways, where the grass grows
long and twisted beneath the stained and sagging wood of the
buildings above.
The streets are empty, though you can see a single cloaked
figure traveling away from you down the central road. In the
distance beyond the walls, a lone wolf howls, and a cold gust
of wind cuts through the night like a knife.
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.
Entering the Inn
When the players first enter the inn, Danika greets them and
asks them to wait at the bar while she tends to other patrons.
If the characters approach the bar, Urwin exits the kitchen
carrying a tray of fresh-baked bread, hot beet stew, and wolf
steaks, which he sets down on the bar. (The food smells
mouthwateringly delicious.)
Urwin greets the players warmly and welcomes them to
the Blue Water Inn. If the players don't direct the
conversation elsewhere, he notes that they look like travelers
and asks if they need rooms for the night.
Before Urwin can reply to the players, Danika returns and
apologizes to the players for her delay. Assuming the players
do not interrupt, the conversation then proceeds as follows:
Danika lightheartedly accuses Urwin of plotting to rent
rooms to guests "for free" again, an allegation that Urwin
cheerfully denies.
Danika tells the players that Urwin has already let one
other guest stay for free for almost a week, and would
"bankrupt the inn" with generosity if she weren't there to
keep the books. (Urwin graciously concedes the point.)
"After all," Urwin says cheekily, "why else did I marry you?"
With a smile, Danika replies, "A rare instance of common
sense, I imagine."
Danika pecks Urwin's cheek with a kiss and says, "The
table by the window is getting hungry." Urwin winks at the
players, picks up the tray again, and exits the bar to deliver
the food.
Danika then tells the players the rates for room and board,
as listed in N2. Blue Water Inn (p. 98). (Both the large guest
room, N2m. Guest Room (p. 102), as well as the two small
guest rooms, N2l. Guest Rooms (p. 102), are available for
rent.) When Urwin returns, he offers to take the players'
orders for dinner, assuming they're hungry.
The players then have a few minutes to talk with Urwin
and Danika or amongst themselves. During this conversation,
Urwin and Danika can provide the players with information
about Rictavio, the Festival of the Blazing Sun, and the
nearby Vistani camp, as described in Vallaki Lore (p. 96).
Both Urwin and Danika can provide directions to any
major landmark inside of Vallaki, including N1. St. Andral's
Church, N5. Arasek Stockyard, and N8. Town Square. If
the players ask about the inn's other guest, Urwin and Danika
can also share information about Rictavio, which is largely as
described in N2c. Taproom (p. 100), except that Rictavio first
arrived that same morning.
The inn's most recent shipment of wine is slightly late, but
has not been sufficiently delayed as to make Urwin alarmed.
As such, he does not ask the players to investigate the Wizard
of Wines at this point. (This quest will not become available
until the players reach level 5. See Arc K: The Stolen Gem
for more information.)
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 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).
107
 Profile: Urwin Martikov
Roleplaying Information
Resonance. Urwin should inspire amusement 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.
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.)
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:
Danika sharply (though not unkindly) addresses Brom
and Bray by their full names. Both children snap to
attention.
Danika asks the boys, "What did your father tell you about
wearing those masks in the taproom?" Both boys remove
their masks, flushed, and Brom says, sheepishly, "We're
not supposed to do it."
108
Profile: Danika Dorakova
Roleplaying Information
Resonance. Danika should inspire amusement 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 the 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.
Danika then asks the boys, "And what did I tell you about
running in the taproom?" The two are quiet, then Bray
pipes up, " . . . we're not s'posed to do it?" Danika replies,
"Exactly."
If the soup was spilled, Danika directs Bray to fetch a pail
of water from N2a. Well outside, and Brom to fetch a mop
from the kitchen to clean up the mess. If the soup wasn't
spilled, Danika reminds the boys that they're supposed to be
helping their father cook dinner, and shoos them into the
kitchen.
In either case, Danika apologizes to the players and offers
them free meals the following evening. If the players ask
about Brom and Bray, Danika smiles fondly and says, "They
can be a handful sometimes, but they're good boys."
If the players ask about the children's masks, Danika tells
them that Urwin bought them from the local toymaker,
Gadolf Blinsky, who works at N7. Blinsky Toys (p.118).
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 A few patrons around the bar pick up the cry, and Rictavio
fellow Vallakians! All is not well!" The room abruptly turns, flourishing his cape, and beams, vowing, "Who would
becomes quiet and tense. If the players do not interrupt, a Rictavio be if he did not quench his fans' thirst for revelry?"
beat later, Karl steps forward, leaning on his brother, and Unless interrupted, Rictavio then leaps halfway up the
booms, " . . .at least, not until I've got a bellyfull of wine!" A staircase leading from the taproom to N2j. Great Balcony,
tense, humorless chuckle rolls through the taproom, and the where he delivers the following tale:
other patrons return to their business.
Karl and Nikolai then stumble toward the bar, where I was making my way through the forest on Drusilla, my trusty
Danika is regarding them skeptically. If the players do not steed, along with my coterie of carnival companions, when I
interrupt, they can overhear the following conversation: heard something carried to me on an errant breeze. A voice it
Danika greets Karl and Nikolai by name, and asks, was, singing a melody so beautiful it brought a tear to my eye.
"Haven't you already had too much to drink, boys?" I couldn't help but follow the sound, leading Drusilla deeper
Nikolai waves away her words and says, "Nonsense— into the woods. And soon enough, I found the source of the
we've only begun! Two pints of wine to start, and keep
them coming." singing.
Danika replies, "We're starting to run a bit low on some of There, before my very eyes, was a plant quite unlike anything
our vintage stock—can I start you with some Purple I had ever seen. It was gigantic, towering high above me with a
Grapemash No. 3?" Nikolai scoffs and says, "What do you mouth that could swallow a grown man whole. And yet, there
take us for—tasteless peasants? Red Dragon Crush, and it was, singing with a voice that could fill an angelic choir with
don't be stingy."
As she pours their wine, Danika says idly, "Does your jealousy.
mother know what you're up to this evening?" Karl waits By all the gods, I could not believe my luck. A singing plant!
until he receives his pint, then grunts, "Mother's far too This was just the kind of oddity I had been looking for.
busy these days. And what she doesn't know can't hurt I approached it, trying to get a better look at it. That's when I
her." ("Or us," Nikolai charms in, elbowing his brother. The saw one of my companions from the carnival—a man by the
two chuckle, then return to their drinks.) name of Wilfred—approaching the plant with a mischievous
Shortly after the Wachter brothers arrive, Urwin exits the grin on his face.
kitchen carrying a tray of food, which he sets down at a "What are you doing, Wilfred?" I asked.
nearby table. On his way back to the kitchen, he stops at the He laughed and replied, "I'm going to give this plant a taste
players' table and asks their opinions on the food. of what it's been missing."
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.)

109
 Before I could stop him, Wilfred dropped his trousers and
began to, ah, "water the bushes"—right on the plant's stalk.
Well, let me tell you, that was not the wisest move on
Wilfred's part. The plant, it seems, was not amused. It opened
its giant mouth and, with one swift movement, swallowed
Wilfred whole. There was a moment of stunned silence, and
then the plant continued to sing as if nothing had happened.
Despite what I had just seen, I couldn't help but burst out
laughing at the absurdity of it all. And as I looked around at my
carnival members, their faces a mixture of shock and disbelief,
I knew: This singing, man-eating plant would be the star of our
next show.
And so it was. "Ladies and gentlemen," I announced not
long thereafter, curtain rope in hand. "It is with equal parts
caution and excitement that I present to you, the singing
carnivorous plant! And do remember, folks—keep your
distance, and try not to pour out any libations on it, lest you
wind up on the menu."
The carnival erupted in giddy laughter and applause. In a
moment, I knew that this would be one of our greatest hits.
And, as for poor Wilfred—well, I suppose he'll be singing in a
different kind of choir now.
The patrons of the inn burst into laughter and applause—a
welcome respite from the previous dreary mood. Rictavio
takes another flourishing bow and excuses himself, retiring
for the night to N2n Private Guest Room.
Any player who watches as Rictavio makes his way along
N2j. Great Balcony sees him pass Brom and Bray, who are
crouched along the balcony in front of N2o. Boys' Bedroom.
(The boys are dangling the stuffed bat described in N2o.
Boys' Bedroom (p. 102) over the bar below, giggling while
Nikolai and Karl drunkenly swat at it. The boys used the N2i.
Secret Stairs and Hall (p. 101) to scamper quietly from the
kitchen to the balcony during Rictavio's tale, unseen by the
inn's patrons.)
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
Urwin's Advice
When the players next awaken in the Blue Water Inn, Urwin
knocks on their door and asks to speak with them.
110
Profile: Rictavio
Roleplaying Information
Resonance. Rictavio should inspire amusement
for his flamboyant dress, his ringmaster’s
extravagance, and his colorful manner of speech,
which most often includes referring to himself in
the third person.
Emotions. To onlookers, Rictavio most often
appears to feel amused, delighted, or satisfied.
Motivations. Rictavio wants to maintain his
reputation as an amusing, though somewhat
outrageous carnival ringmaster.
Inspirations. When planning Rictavio, channel
Varrick (Avatar: The Legend of Korra) or a
stereotypical carnival barker.
Character Information
Persona. To the world, Rictavio appears as a
flamboyant, irreverent, and occasionally narcissistic
carnival ringmaster.
Morale. In a fight, Rictavio would attempt to fast-
talk his way out of trouble, fleeing from battle if
hostilities seem unavoidable. (He might, however,
step in to defend an innocent from harm at the
hands of the supernatural—though doing his best
to preserve his secret identity.)
Relationships. Rictavio is secretly Dr. Rudolph
van Richten, the famed vampire hunter.
After exchanging pleasantries, Urwin warns the players that
they must be cautious in Vallaki—both due to the town's
harsh system of law enforcement and recent political
tensions. Urwin can share the following additional
information, as described in Vallaki Lore (p. 96):
The date of the Festival of the Blazing Sun,
Vallaki's recent history of festivals,
The Baron's strict rules regarding his festivals—and the
fates of those who speak ill of them,
The brutish nature and terrible strength of Izek Strazni,
the baron's henchman. ("Many have tried to test his
strength," Urwin notes grimly. "All have failed.")
Urwin quietly notes, however, that the Baron is known to
be highly susceptible to flattery—and that should the players
ever need to win his favor, his ego may be a prime target.
If the players ask whether the Baron has any enemies in
Vallaki, Urwin can also share the information about Lady
Fiona Wachter described in Vallaki Lore (p. 96).
Exiting the Inn
As the players exit the Blue Water Inn on their first morning
in Vallaki, they find the street full of townsfolk. Assuming the
players do not interfere, the following scene then unfolds:
The players hear the sound of a whinnying horse from
down the street—and the townsfolk freeze and fall silent.
A small procession lies to the south: Baron Vargas
Vallakovich (as described in Roleplaying the Vallakovich
Family, p. 105) riding upon his chestnut horse, flanked by
his two mastiffs named Claw and Fang, and followed by
three guards. Izek Strazni leads the procession.
 The players can see that an old, frightened-looking woman
wearing threadbare commoner’s clothes has just
stumbled away from the horse and fallen into a puddle of
mud a few feet away from the horse. The horse has come
to an abrupt halt, and the procession has stopped along
with it. Izek’s devilish arm is outstretched, suggesting that
he has just pushed—or flung—the old woman into the
mud. (The woman is Willemina Rikalova, the mother of
the imprisoned shoemaker Udo Lukovich.)
The Baron angrily scolds the woman for getting mud on
his cloak with her “filthy peasant’s hands.” The old
woman, her voice quavering, apologizes and pleads with
the Baron to release her son, Udo, claiming that he meant
no harm with his “foolish joke.”
The Baron insists that Udo needs “rehabilitation” for his
“malicious unhappiness,” and suggests that the woman
does as well. He commands Izek to seize her and lock her
in the stocks, suggesting that “a few days in the stocks
ought to tighten her tongue.” Izek steps forward, flexing
his devilish arm with a cruel glint in his eye.
Izek grabs the woman, hauls her to her feet, and thrusts
her rudely into the guards’ waiting arms. Two of the
guards pull the old woman’s arms behind her back and
begin to pull her south as she struggles, weeps, and
pleads for her son’s freedom. No townsfolk dare to help
her.
As the old woman is hauled away, the Baron turns to the
townsfolk surrounding him and announces: “Let that be a
lesson as to the dangers of malicious unhappiness! The
Devil’s hand is long, but our joy shall overcome his
shadow.”
If the players interrupt Willemina’s arrest, the Baron greets
them as outsiders and asks, with amusement, whether they
seek to claim responsibility for the “old fool’s” rehabilitation
themselves.
Diplomacy. If the players make a successful DC 10
Charisma (Persuasion) check or make an argument that
sufficiently flatters the Baron’s ego, he directs the guards to
release her into their custody. He welcomes them to Vallaki
and pompously commands them to ensure that they educate
themselves as to the town’s rules and traditions.
Hostility. If the players indicate a willingness to start a
fight, the Baron’s eyes narrow and his mastiffs begin to growl.
Meanwhile, Izek’s arm burns with a crimson flame, his grip
tightening around the haft of his silvered battleaxe.
The Baron first demands to know whether the players are
“spies of the Devil Strahd.” The players can attempt to calm
the situation and secure Willemina’s arrest peacefully, but any
subsequent Charisma checks made to sway the Baron are
made with disadvantage.
If it appears that combat is imminent, Father Lucian
Petrovich (as described in N1. St. Andral's Church, p. 97)
steps forth from the crowd and urges peace. The Baron
greets him warmly by name, and Father Petrovich apologizes
for Willemina’s behavior, noting that she has been troubled in
recent days at his congregations. He promises to escort her
to St. Andral’s Church and see that her troubled mind is
eased—a proposition that the Baron reluctantly accepts.
Profile: Baron Vargas Vallakovich
Roleplaying Information
Resonance. Vargas should inspire frustration with
his obstinance, disgust for his narcissistic
arrogance, and mild amusement 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, sadistic, obsessed, or bored.
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.
111
 The Baron also wonders aloud whether he should punish the
players for their insolence. Father Petrovich assures the
Baron that they are merely outsiders, untaught in Vallaki’s
ways, and that he shall see to it that they are properly
educated.
The Baron imperiously orders that he see to it, then
informs the players that they have caught him “in a good
mood,” and that they should be grateful for “the Morninglord’s
mercy.” He warns them, however, that future lawbreaking
shall be met with harsh punishments.
Departure. As the Baron departs the scene, he announces
to the crowd: “I shall expect to see you all at the Festival of
the Blazing Sun four days hence. All will be well!”
The townsfolk, bearing smiles that better resemble
grimaces, grimly intone, “All will be well.” The Baron nods,
evidently satisfied, and continues riding north, followed by
Izek, his mastiffs, and any remaining guards. The activity of
the street resumes shortly thereafter.
If Ireena is with the party, she has drawn up the cloak of
her hood upon exiting the inn. Nonetheless, unless the party
has taken specific action to prevent Izek from noticing her, he
catches Ireena’s eye and holds her gaze for a long, lingering
moment before ultimately departing, leaving Ireena feeling
uncomfortable and cold. Arc H: The Strazni Siblings then
begins.
If asked, Ireena notes with uncertainty that something
about Izek seemed almost familiar, though she can’t
remember why.
If the players defied Vargas or Izek in any way, or otherwise
assisted Willemina, Ernst Larnak reports their actions to
Lady Fiona Wachter at Wachterhaus. Arc G: Lady Wachter’s
Wish then begins.
End of an Act. When the players set off from the Blue
Water Inn for their first full day in Vallaki, Act I ends and Act
II begins.
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 the Mists.
Encounter with Strahd. Many community 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
circumstance 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.
112
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.
The Dancing Fire. The Game of Stories has been
introduced to provide the players with an opportunity to Design Notes: Welcome to Vallaki
decompress in a relatively safe location while engaging with The Refugee Camp. The Barovian refugee camp has been
and exploring one anothers' histories and interests. The placed here to provide the players with an additional reason
Game itself—along with its wagers—introduces an aspect of to hate Baron Vallakovich and Izek, and to provide
dramatic tension to the encounter, ensuring that players Morgantha with a natural constituency for her dream
remain invested and engaged with each story told. pastries. By rejecting Ireena's efforts to help them, the
Stanimir's tale indicates the relationship between Strahd refugees progress her character arc by allowing her to realize
and the Vistani, thereby foreshadowing Arrigal's loyalty to that she cannot help her people so long as Strahd survives,
him. Eliza's tale introduces the Holy Symbol of Ravenkind which fuels her ultimate decision to join the party in their
and the sympathetic nature of ravens, as well as Baba fight.
Zelenna's interference with the Forest Fane at Yester Hill (i.e., The Tax. The guards' tax gives the players an additional
by using it to summon Chernovog). Arturi's tale colorfully reason to hate Baron Vallakovich. The silver tariff also
introduces the tragedy of Dr. Rudolph van Richten, building indicates to the players the wealth of silvered weapons and
the suspense for a character that the players will soon have ammunition that the Baron has hoarded.
an opportunity to meet. Finally, Ireena's tale foreshadows her The Blue Water Inn. This sequence has been intentionally
relationship to Izek Strazni and her true origins in Vallaki. structured to slowly and manageably introduce the players to
A Gift for Arabelle. Madam Eva's request has been added several of the key players in Vallaki: the Martikovs, the
to create a hook to Blinsky Toys in Vallaki (allowing the Wachters, the wolf-hunters, and the ringmaster Rictavio.
players to observe Izek's commissioned Ireena-shaped doll) Rictavio's tale has been written to be as baudy and comedic
and to the Vistani encampment outside of Vallaki (allowing as reasonably possible in order to discourage the players
the players to begin the quest to find the missing Arabelle). from taking him seriously until the reveal of his identity in
The Skeletal Rider. The encounter with the skeletal rider Arc E: The Missing Vistania.
is a short, but evocative scene that aims to resonate with the Exiting the Inn. The players' encounter with Baron
themes of undeath, loneliness, and mystery that infuse this Vallakovich and Izek on the roads of Vallaki has been added
arc. to provide the players with an immediate reason to dislike
The Watchtower. This short landmark serves to them, to introduce the players to Father Lucian Petrovich, to
foreshadow the tragedy of the Barovian refugees, the fate of set up the core dramatic tension of the Baron's tyrannical
the Order of the Silver Dragon, and the bloodstained history rule over Vallaki, to kick off Izek's pursuit of Ireena, and to
of the valley. provide Lady Fiona Wachter with an actionable reason to
Tser Falls. The encounter with the revenant has been invite the players into her machinations. It is essential that
added to provide the players with a clear, though non-urgent the players do not fight Izek here, and all reasonable
hook to Argynvostholt. The revenant's responses are precautions have been taken to ensure this.
intentionally kept terse in order to ensure that the players
learn little of the Order of the Silver Dragon until their
meeting with Sir Godfrey Gwilym.
Meeting Morgantha. This scene has been intentionally
structured to discourage the players from uncovering
Morgantha's true identity, attacking the night hags, or
entering Old Bonegrinder. (They will have a full opportunity
to do so later in Arc I. The Lost Soul.) Instead, this scene
merely introduces Morgantha as a character, foreshadows
her domain over dreams, and informs the players that she
lives in the old windmill with her two daughters (i.e., her
coven).
The Deep Woods. The swarms of ravens have been added
to ensure that the players view ravens (and, by extension,
wereravens) as friends and allies. Ireena's reaction to Lake
Zarovich has been added to further foreshadow her
relationship to Izek and her origins in Vallaki.
The Werewolf's Hunt. This brief combat encounter
introduces werewolves and provides the swarms of ravens
(and Muriel) with an opportunity to assist and defend the
players. The wolves' Maul action option has been added to
create a more tense and dynamic combat scenario.

113
 Act II: The Shadowed
Town

I
n this act, the players are left to explore the
shadowed town of Vallaki—a Barovian settlement
that has found itself embroiled in tension, tragedy,
and intrigue in the wake of Strahd's awakening.
As the players seek to complete lingering
obligations—obtaining the Tome of Strahd in Arc D:
The Tome of Strahd, escorting Ireena to St.
Andral's Church in Arc E: St. Andral's Feast, and delivering
a toy to the Vistani child Arabelle in Arc F: The Missing
Vistani—they'll meet new allies and enemies, including
Victor Vallakovich, the son of Baron Vargas Vallakovich; Lady
Fiona Wachter, the Baron's rival for power; Father Lucian
Petrovich, the priest of St. Andral's Church; Luvash and
Arrigal, the leaders of the Vallakian Vistani camp; and Dr.
Rudolph van Richten, the veteran vampire hunter and lone
survivor of Doru's rebellion.
At St. Andral's Church, the players will be tasked with
recovering the stolen bones of St. Andral before the night of
St. Andral's Feast in order to sustain the church's hallowed
defenses. At the Vallakian Vistani encampment, the players
will be asked to find and rescue Arabelle following her
mysterious disappearance. And, depending on the location of
the Tome of Strahd—at the Baron's mansion or in
Wachterhaus—the players will be asked to help restore Stella
Wachter's missing soul or kill Izek Strazni, the Baron's brutal
enforcer.
Soon after the players' arrival in Vallaki, Lady Wachter may
invite them to dine with her personally at her family estate,
Wachterhaus, seeking to recruit them into a dangerous
conspiracy in Arc G: Lady Wachter's Wish. Meanwhile, Izek
Strazni prowls Vallaki's streets for his long-lost sister, Ireena,
in Arc H: The Strazni Siblings. And following a close
encounter with the spirit of Erasmus van Richten, the players
will be tasked with obtaining a heartstone from the night
hags of Old Bonegrinder—a mission that ultimately
culminates in an ethereal combat with the vengeful ghost of
Leo Dilisnya in Arc I: The Lost Soul.
Act II ends when the players reach 5th level. (See
Milestones below.) However, the players can still complete
unresolved arcs from this act even after Act III begins—
assuming, of course, that those arcs are still possible to
complete.
Milestones
The players begin this act at 4th level and end it at 5th level,
with each player gaining an equal amount of milestone XP
when they successfully do any of the following:
restore the bones of St. Andral (1,250 XP)
find the missing Arabelle (1,250 XP)
defeat Izek Strazni (1,250 XP)
obtain the Tome of Strahd (750 XP)
restore the soul of Stella Wachter (1,750 XP)
gain entry to the gates of Krezk (750 XP)

114
Timeline
Once the players arrive in Vallaki and Act II begins, the
timeline of events unfolds as follows.
Day of Arrival
Before the players arrive, the ringmaster Rictavio reserves a
room at the Blue Water Inn. That night, the church
groundskeeper, Milivoj, steals the bones of St. Andral and
delivers them to the local coffin-maker, Henrik van der Voort.
First Day After Arrival
At dawn, Father Lucian Petrovich discovers the missing
bones. Players who bring Ireena to St. Andral's Church after
this point begin Arc E: St. Andral's Feast.
Izek Strazni and two guards put up posters in the Vallaki
Town Square advertising the Festival of the Blazing Sun.
Players who bring Ireena to the Town Square at this point in
time begin Arc H: The Strazni Siblings if Izek has not
already seen Ireena.
Ireena Kolyana seeks an audience with Baron Vargas
Vallakovich in order to obtain aid for the Barovian refugees.
She is denied, but learns that the Baron's household has
experienced a series of recent hauntings. Players who seek to
speak with the Baron about these problems after this point
begin Arc I: The Lost Soul.
Second Day After Arrival
If the players defied Baron Vallakovich or aided Willemina
Rikalova on their first morning in Vallaki, the players receive
an invitation left by Ernst Larnak inviting them to dine with
Lady Fiona Wachter at Wachterhaus. Players who accept
Lady Wachter's invitation at this point begin Arc G: Lady
Wachter's Wish.
If Izek Strazni saw Ireena outside of the Blue Water Inn on
the players' first morning in Vallaki, he visits the Inn while
the players are away—preferably at dusk, during Lady
Wachter's dinner—and ransacks it in a search for Ireena. Arc
H: The Strazni Siblings then begins.
Third Day After Arrival
If the players accepted Lady Wachter's mission to kill Izek
Strazni, Ernst Larnak meets them at the Blue Water Inn with
a poisoned bottle of wine and a burlap sack for Izek's head.
That night, if the players completed Arc F: The Missing
Vistana and have not yet begun Arc I: The Lost Soul, the
spirit of Erasmus van Richten appears to the players as a
poltergeist and invites them to meet with Victor Vallakovich.
Fourth Day After Arrival
If the players have not restored the bones of St. Andral to St.
Andral's Church, the church's protective wards fail at dawn.
If Baron Vallakovich is still in power, Vallaki observes the
Festival of the Blazing Sun in N8. Town Square (p. 119) at
noon as described in Festival of the Blazing Sun (p. 123).
At sundown, the parishioners of St. Andral's Church attend
a service observing the holiday of St. Andral's Feast.
If the protective wards of St. Andral's Church have not
been restored, Strahd's vampiric bride Volenta Popofsky
attacks the church during the service, killing dozens of
Vallakians and Baroness Lydia Petrovna.
Fifth Day After Arrival
If the players failed to prevent Volenta's attack or otherwise
defend St. Andral's Church in Arc E: St. Andral’s Feast, an
angry mob forms outside of Baron Vallakovich's manor. The
hunter Szoldar Szoldarovich also finds Milivoj, the church
groundskeeper, hanging from a tree outside Vallaki—dead by
apparent suicide—and returns his body to his family.
Shortly after sundown, if the players failed to prevent
Volenta's attack or otherwise defend St. Andral's Church in
Arc E: St. Andral’s Feast, the angry mob assaults the manor,
capturing the Baron and lynching him in the town square.
Victor Vallakovich escapes, taking shelter in one of the
abandoned houses abutting Vallaki's western walls. If he still
lives, Izek Strazni also escapes, taking shelter in Q9.
Servants' Quarters (p. 133) in Argynvostholt.
Sixth Day After Arrival
At sundown, the full moon rises over Vallaki. (Due to
Barovia's strange cosmology, the next full moon will arrive
just two weeks later.)
Seventh Day After Arrival
If the players have not yet restored Stella Wachter's soul to
her body, her spirit vanishes into the Ethereal Plane at dawn,
and is reincarnated into a newborn infant in the village of
Krezk. If he's still alive, a grieving Victor Vallakovich hears
the call of an amber shard buried in the cemetery of St.
Andral's Church. Upon unearthing it, he travels to the Amber
Temple in search of a means of restoring Stella to life.
Ireena's Diplomacy
The day after she speaks with the refugees for the
first time, Ireena attempts to meet with the Baron,
using her noble birth as a means of obtaining his
attention. Though she expects to meet with him
alone, she welcomes the players' support and
assistance if offered.
If Ireena has already encountered or heard of the
Baron’s temperament, she is under no illusions as
to the difficulty of winning his favor. However, she
is determined to do her best to at least try to help
her people—and, as a noble, she is no stranger to
the realities of negotiation, compromise, and
manipulation.
During Ireena’s meeting with the Baron—
whether the players are present or not—the Baron
dismisses out of hand any suggestion that the
refugees be allowed to enter the town. However,
he is willing to allow Ireena to come and go from
the town into the refugee camp without requiring
her to pay the toll at the gates. If the players are
present at this meeting and befriend or antagonize
the Baron, he responds as described in Roleplaying
the Vallakovich Family (p. 105).
115

Diverging Paths
The town of Vallaki can be a tangled web of assorted paths in
the original module. While this guide aims to present it in a
more streamlined and predictable manner, DMs may still find
the number of possible events, characters, and outcomes to
feel overwhelming. To help you digest this act, two of many
potential paths have been provided below to guide you in
understanding how your players' choices might drive the
narrative forward.
The Zealous Crusaders
In this potential narrative, the players are passionate, quick-
moving characters with a penchant for action over thought.
Day Zero. After reserving rooms at the Blue Water Inn on
their first night in Vallaki, the players befriend Karl and
Nikolai Wachter and learn of the Wachter family's hatred of
the Vallakoviches.
Day One. Upon encountering Izek Strazni and Baron
Vargas Vallakovich for the first time, the players leap to
Willemina Rikalova's defense, nearly inciting an all-out brawl
until Father Lucian Petrovich steps in to calm the tension.
Their decision to act draws the attention of Lady Fiona
Wachter in Arc G: Lady Wachter's Wish.
The players and Ireena accompany Father Petrovich to St.
Andral's Church, where they receive the hook for Arc E: St.
Andral's Feast. After investigating and interrogating Milivoj,
the players recruit Father Petrovich and travel to the coffin-
maker's shop, where they do battle with Volenta Popofsky
and recover the stolen bones.
Later that same afternoon, the players visit Blinsky Toys to
purchase a toy for Arabelle, followed by the Vistani
encampment. There, they learn of Arc F: The Missing
Vistana, and accept the signet ring from Kasimir Velikov.
That night, the players break into the Baron's Mansion,
hoping to investigate the ring's history—only to be caught by
Victor Vallakovich, who leads them to his workroom and
informs them of Khazan's tower at Lake Baratok. A chance
sighting of Stella Wachter's silhouette in Victor's spirit mirror
sparks a conversation, and the players begin Arc I: The Lost
Soul.
Day Two. The players receive a dinner invitation from Lady
Fiona Wachter at the Blue Water Inn, thereby beginning Arc
G: Lady Wachter's Wish. While waiting for Szoldar and
Yevgeni to return, the players visit the Barovian refugee camp
outside of Vallaki's walls, meeting the refugee Franz and
learning of Morgantha's true night hag nature in Arc I: The
Lost Soul.
After contriving an excuse to speak with Victor again, the
players travel north to Szoldar and Yevgeni's dressing shack
to obtain directions to Lake Baratok in Arc F: The Missing
Vistana. The players venture forth on their own, and quickly
discover Rictavio's true identity. The players return to Vallaki
by evening, confronting Dr. Rudolph van Richten and Arrigal
in Arasek Stockyard, where they hear Arabelle's prophecy.
That night, the players dine with Lady Wachter at
Wachterhaus, continuing Arc G: Lady Wachter's Wish.
Though receptive to her hostility to the Baron, they're
suspicious of her loyalty to Strahd, and decline her
assassination mission.
116
Upon returning to the Blue Water Inn, however, the players
find it ransacked by Izek himself—thereby beginning Arc H:
The Strazni Siblings. Enraged, the players return to
Wachterhaus and accept Lady Wachter's offer of aid in killing
Izek once and for all. Ireena, upon learning of Izek's attack,
demands the right to assist them.
Day Three. The players continue Arc G: Lady Wachter's
Wish when they meet Ernst Larnak in the taproom of the
Blue Water Inn, where they receive the poisoned wine for
Izek. The players sneak into the Baron's Mansion and
persuade Tereska, the Baron's cook, to include the poisoned
wine as a "gift" to Izek. The players stalk Izek for the rest of
the day, eventually killing him on the shores of Lake Zarovich
and delivering his severed head to Lady Wachter. That night,
Lady Wachter intimidates Baron Vallakovich into
surrendering power.
Day Four. The players learn of the night hag binding ritual
from Victor in Arc I: The Lost Soul. Following Lady
Wachter's speech in the town square at the end of Arc G:
Lady Wachter's Wish, the players convince her to lower the
protective circle around Wachterhaus, allowing Stella
Wachter's spirit to manifest there and recruiting Lady
Wachter as an ally.
Together with Lady Wachter and her cult fanatics, the
players set off for Old Bonegrinder. There, they steal the
night hag coven's contract, allowing Lady Wachter to bind
the hags to the Material Plane. The players vanquish the hags
and take their heartstones for use in Victor's etherealness
ritual.
Day Five. With the full moon—and, in Arc I: The Lost
Soul, Victor's etherealness ritual—just over twenty-four hours
away, the players take a daytrip to the village of Krezk in Arc
J: The Walls of Krezk, hoping to pick wolfsbane that Dr.
Rudolph van Richten can use to quell the curse of
lycanthropy for one among them.
After receiving Baron Krezkov's quest, the players travel
south to the ruins of Berez, where the witch Baba Lysaga
scries on Ilya Krezkov in exchange for Baron Krezkov's gift.
The players then return to Krezk to pick wolfsbane. Given the
proximity of the Abbey of Saint Markovia, the players also
ascend to the Abbey's gates, where they meet the Abbot and
are informed to return in two days to meet with Ezmerelda
d'Avenir, their foretold ally in Arc M: Strahd's Enemy.
Day Six. The players return to Vallaki and spend a day of
downtime exploring the town and acquiring gear. That night,
the players join Victor and Lady Wachter to travel to the
Ethereal Plane in Arc I: The Lost Soul, where they do battle
with the spirit of Leo Dilisnya while Victor restores Stella's
soul to her body.
The Cautious Explorers
In this potential narrative, the players are cautious, soft-
spoken characters with a preference for passivity over
boldness.
Day Zero. After reserving rooms at the Blue Water Inn on
their first night in Vallaki, the players watch the half-elf
Rictavio carefully, viewing him with suspicion.
Day One. Upon encountering Izek Strazni and Baron
Vargas Vallakovich for the first time, the players remain quiet
along the sidelines, unwilling to risk their necks for a
stranger.
The players bring Ireena to St. Andral's Church, where With Ireena freed, the players and Victor discuss the
Father Petrovich delivers them the hook for Arc E: St. prospect of defeating the night hag coven through a binding
Andral's Feast. Agreeing that the night of the feast is far in ritual in Arc I: The Lost Soul. The players visit Wachterhaus
the future, the players, leave Ireena at the church and depart and convince Lady Wachter to lower the protective circle
for Blinsky Toys, followed by the Vistani encampment outside around Wachterhaus, allowing Stella Wachter's spirit to
of Vallaki, where they begin Arc F: The Missing Vistana. manifest there and recruiting Lady Wachter as an ally.
After accepting the signet ring from Kasimir Velikov, the Day Six. Together with Lady Wachter and her cult
players visit the Baron's mansion to research its origins. fanatics, the players set off for Old Bonegrinder. There, they
There, Baron Vallakovich agrees to allow them access to his steal the night hag coven's contract, allowing Lady Wachter to
library in exchange for their investigation into a series of bind the hags to the Material Plane. The players vanquish the
paranormal events that have lately plagued the mansion. hags and take their heartstones for use in Victor's
As the players investigate the attic, they meet Victor etherealness ritual.
Vallakovich and the spirit of Stella Wachter, beginning Arc I: That night, the players join Victor and Lady Wachter to
The Lost Soul. The players decide to bargain with the night travel to the Ethereal Plane, where they do battle with the
hag coven, rather than fighting the hags, and agree to set off spirit of Leo Dilisnya while Victor restores Stella's soul to her
toward Old Bonegrinder after rescuing Arabelle and body.
retrieving St. Andral's bones.
Late that afternoon, the players travel to Szoldar and
Yevgeni's dressing shack, where they recruit Szoldar as a
guide to Lake Baratok in Arc F: The Missing Vistana. When
they return to the Blue Water Inn, they find that Izek Strazni
has ransacked it in search for Ireena.
Day Two. The players and Szoldar travel west to Lake
Baratok, where they uncover Rictavio's true identity. They
return to Vallaki and confront Dr. Rudolph van Richten and
Arrigal in Arasek Stockyard, where they hear Arabelle's
prophecy.
That afternoon, the players return to St. Andral's Church in
Arc E: St. Andral's Feast. After investigating and
interrogating Milivoj, the players recruit Father Petrovich and
travel to the coffin-maker's shop, where they do battle with
Volenta Popofsky and recover the stolen bones.
Day Three. The players travel to Old Bonegrinder alone,
where they attempt to bargain with the night hag Morgantha
for the loan of her heartstone in Arc I: The Lost Soul.
Because the players are unwilling to pay her price, however,
Morgantha dismisses them without a deal. The players
attempt to take her heartstone by force, but are easily
dispatched by the coven, which locks them in the attic and
infects them with cackle fever.
That night, the players escape from Old Bonegrinder and
return to Vallaki, where they learn that the Abbot of the
Abbey of Saint Markovia in Krezk can cure their cackle fever.
Day Four. The players set off for the village of Krezk in Arc
J: The Walls of Krezk. After receiving Baron Krezkov's
quest, the players travel south to the ruins of Berez, where
the witch Baba Lysaga scries on Ilya Krezkov in exchange for
Baron Krezkov's gift.
The players then return to Krezk and ascent to the Abbey
of Saint Markovia, where they meet the Abbot. The Abbot
heals their cackle fever in exchange for a promise to
undertake Arc N: Something Borrowed. The players are
informed that their foretold ally in Arc M: Strahd's Enemy,
Ezmerelda d'Avenir, will return to the Abbey in two days.
Day Five. The players return to Vallaki and find that Ireena
has been kidnapped by Izek Strazni in Arc H: The Strazni
Siblings. The players gain entry to the Baron's mansion with
Victor's help and do battle with Izek in the corridors of the
manor.

117
 Arc D: The Tome of Strahd
In this arc, the players must locate and retrieve the Tome of
Strahd from one of two locations, depending on which
Tarokka card Madam drew in Tser Pool: the attic in Baron
Vallakovich’s mansion or the master bedroom closet of
Wachterhaus. To obtain the Tome, the players must somehow
gain access to its hiding spot through subterfuge, infiltration,
or by performing a task for Victor Vallakovich or Lady
Wachter, respectively. Upon finding it, the players must either
bypass the magical lock securing it or uncover the
passphrase that unseals its secrets . . .
What Happened to the Tome?
One hundred years ago, Strahd used his Tome as a
repository for his secret plans involving the Grand
Conjunction and the Fanes of Barovia. When he
began his hibernation amidst the crypts of
Ravenloft, he did his best to hide his Tome away,
safe from prying eyes. Nonetheless, it was found—
by the wereraven Livius, who was searching for the
legendary Sigil of the Sun (later renamed the Holy
Symbol of Ravenkind) while Lugdana and Ismark
Antonovich kept the guardians of the castle
occupied.
When the trio escaped the castle, Livius shared
with them the Tome, wondering aloud which of
Strahd’s secrets it might hold. Because they could
not open its magical lock, however, Lugdana took
the Tome to a bookbinder in Vallaki with a
reputation for puzzle-solving and lockpicking,
hoping that he might be able to open it instead.
Lugdana, however, was betrayed. The
bookbinder’s apprentice—a scion of House
Wachter—overheard their conversation and made
plans to steal the Tome instead:
The Tome in Wachterhaus. If the modern Tome is
located within the master bedroom closet of
Wachterhaus, the apprentice hid the Tome away in
the bookbinder’s desk, then returned that night to
steal it. The Tome has remained locked away in
Wachterhaus ever since. (Because her parents died
while she was still a teenager, Lady Fiona Wachter
never learned of the Tome’s true origins.)
The Tome in the Baron's Mansion. If the modern
Tome is located within the attic of the
Burgomaster’s mansion, the apprentice hid the
Tome away in a pile of books with the intent to
later return to steal it—but didn’t realize that that
particular pile included an assortment of books
that Baron Vallakovich’s ancestor had dropped off
at the shop for re-binding. The pile of books was
picked up later that day, before the apprentice
could return and steal the Tome. The Tome itself
was soon discarded and forgotten amongst the
many items scattered in the Vallakovich attic,
where it remained until Victor Vallakovich found it
using the detect magic spell. (Victor hasn’t been
able to successfully unlock it yet, but is curious to
know what the book contains.)
118
D1. Burgomaster’s Mansion
D1a. Entering the Mansion
The players can gain access to the attic of the Burgomaster’s
Mansion through persuasion or infiltration. See F3a.
Entering the Mansion for more information. (Because the
players are likely to visit the mansion on multiple occasions—
either during Arc F: The Missing Vistana, Arc G: Lady
Wachter’s Wish, Arc H: The Strazni Siblings, or Arc I:
The Lost Soul—it is likely that they will obtain the Tome of
Strahd on one such occasion.)
D1b. Obtaining the Tome
The Tome of Strahd can currently be found on the edge of
Victor Vallakovich’s workdesk. A player viewing it through a
detect magic spell can see that it is surrounded by magic, and
can use an action to discern that the magic is of the
abjuration school.
Victor won’t relinquish the Tome willingly. After finding it in
his parents’ attic and recognizing the Von Zarovich crest, he
is determined to one day unlock and read its contents.
However, he is willing to surrender it to the players if they
first help him restore the soul of Stella Wachter to her body.
See Arc I: The Lost Soul for more information on this quest.
D2. Wachterhaus
As with the Burgomaster’s Mansion, the players can obtain
the Tome of Strahd in Wachterhaus through persuasion or
infiltration.
Wachterhaus is largely as described in N4. Wachterhaus
(p. 110), but with the following changes:
Lady Wachter’s late husband, Nikolai, was buried in the
cemetery after his death several years ago and is no
longer in Lady Wachter’s bed in N4o. Master Bedroom
(p. 113).
Stella Wachter doesn't scratch at her door or call out to
the players in N4l. Upstairs Hall (p. 113). If found, she is
dull-eyed and non-responsive, incapable of speaking to the
players or even moving of her own volition. (This is
because she has lost her soul, which is currently trapped
in the Ethereal Plane. See Arc I: The Lost Soul for more
information.)
Stella's room is neither musty nor dark, and her bed is not
fitted with leather straps. Instead, her room is well-
appointed, including a woven lavender rug, a comfortable
armchair with floral patterns, and a small bookcase with a
collection of carved wooden cats atop it. (The cats were
whittled by her older brother, Karl, as get-well gifts
following Stella’s illness.)
The manuscript and treatise contained in the iron chest in
N4q. Storage Room (p. 114) are now titled Voices of the
Mist (a religious text written by Lady Fiona Wachter
attesting that the worship of Ezra, goddess of the Mists,
can bring peace, understanding, and solemnity), and The
Grimoire of Night's Whispers, a ritual book and religious
text to Mother Night written by the witch Baba Lysaga.
The high shelf in N4o. Master Bedroom (p. 113) also
holds a thirteen-inch scale model of Wachterhaus, crafted
of twigs, clay, and painted thatch.
Additionally, while Lady Wachter still has the statistics of a
priest, she has a different list of prepared spells:
Cantrips (at will): light, toll the dead, thaumaturgy
1st level (4 slots): command, sanctuary, bane
2nd level (3 slots): blindness/deafness, zone of truth, hold
person
3rd level (2 slots): animate dead, spirit guardians
D2a. Persuading Lady Wachter
The players can persuade Lady Wachter to give them the
Tome of Strahd by:
bargaining for it as a condition to killing Izek Strazni, or
requesting it as a gift after killing Izek Strazni or restoring
the soul of Lady Wachter’s daughter, Stella. (See Arc I:
The Lost Soul for more information.)
Because Lady Wachter was an adolescent at the time of
her family’s tragic death, her parents never had an
opportunity to reveal to her the true nature and origins of the
Tome. As a result, while Lady Wachter is aware that the sigil
on the cover is the crest of House Zarovich, she has always
assumed that the book itself is a record of House Wachter’s
service to Strahd, rather than Strahd’s own journal.
If the players make explicit reference to an item kept
“under lock and key,” or an item kept “with the bones of an
ancient enemy,” Lady Wachter immediately knows that
they’re referring to the Tome of Strahd.
If she feels cordial toward the players, Lady Wachter plays
coy, pretending to dismiss the idea of keeping “bones” in
one’s home and slyly asking the players how they came upon
such knowledge. If pressed further, however, she carefully
concedes the hypothetical existence of such a book and
attempts to bargain with the players as a means of securing
it.
If she feels warmly toward the players (e.g., because they
have killed Izek for her), Lady Wachter instead gladly
retrieves the Tome from her closet and presents it to them.
In either case, Lady Wachter warns the players that she
cannot be held responsible for what the book contains.
Before handing the Tome over, she also exacts a promise that
the players tell no one of where they obtained it.
D2b. Infiltrating the Estate
The players may choose to infiltrate Wachterhaus, rather
than obtaining the Tome with Lady Wachter’s permission.
The NPCs in the mansion behave as follows:
Lady Wachter can generally be found in N4p. Library (p.
113) in the mornings, N4i. Parlor (p. 112) in the
afternoons, N4t. Cult Headquarters (p. 114) in the
evenings, and N4o. Master Bedroom (p. 113) at night.
(Lady Wachter is, however, a light sleeper; treat her
passive Perception while asleep as the same as her
passive Perception while awake.)
Karl and Nikolai Wachter can generally be found in N4m.
Brothers' Room (p. 113) in the mornings and late at
night, and spend much of their remaining time out of the
house carousing.
Stella Wachter can generally be found sitting on a sofa in
N4i. Parlor during the day, and lying in N4n. Stella's
Room (p. 113) at night.
Dhavit, Lady Wachter’s cook, can generally be found in
N4c. Kitchen (p. 112) or N4d. Storage Room (p. 112)
during the day, and N4h. Servants' Quarters (p. 113) at
night.
The four cult fanatics can be found in N4t. Cult
Headquarters (p. 114) in the evening.
Madalena, one of Lady Wachter’s maids, can generally be
found on the first floor during the morning, in the gardens
outside of the house in the afternoon, and in N4h.
Servants’ Quarters (p. 113) at night.
Amalthia, the other maid, can generally be found on the
second floor during the morning, assisting Lady Wachter
or Dhavit in the afternoons, and in N4h. Servants’
Quarters (p. 113) at night.
Haliq, Lady Wachter’s valet, can generally be found
assisting Lady Wachter in the mornings, running errands
in town in the afternoons, and in N4h. Servants’
Quarters (p. 113) at night.
Ernst, Lady Wachter’s spy, can generally be found in N4k.
Den (p. 112) in the mornings, and spends much of his
remaining time out of the house spying.
1. Raising the Alarm
Each of Lady Wachter’s servants carries a small, spherical
wax bauble on a cord around their neck. Each wax bauble
contains a small iron ingot carved with arcane runes. When a
servant crushes or breaks the wax around their bauble and
exposes the ingot to air, the runes flicker with grey light and
cast a single thaumaturgy spell, creating the sound of a crow’s
caw that echoes through the house. If she is in the house,
Lady Wachter hears the crow's caw and quickly moves to
confront the intruders.
Alternatively, if the players activate the skeleton trap in
N4s. Cellar (p. 114), Lady Wachter senses it and arrives from
N4r. Cellar Entrance (p. 114) in the second round of combat
to command any remaining skeletons to halt.
In either case, Lady Wachter arrives with a crow (her
disguised imp, Majesto) perched upon her shoulder, retaining
a cool, diplomatic head at all times. (She doubts her ability to
defeat the players through force, even with the aid of her cult,
and prefers to resolve their differences peacefully. Despite
her arcane power, Lady Wachter is no warrior.)
First, Lady Wachter greets the players warmly and asks
them their business. If the players refuse to tell her what
they’re looking for, she guesses aloud that, because they
haven’t assassinated or kidnapped her yet, they’re not here on
Baron Vallakovich’s orders, and are therefore looking for an
item in her possession. (She further wonders aloud that it is
either something incredibly valuable which they seek to steal
to enrich themselves, or something non-valuable that they
want, but which they don’t trust her to barter for.)
If she has previously met the players at dinner and
asked them to kill Izek, Lady Wachter sadly mourns their
lack of trust in her and notes that she had hoped to work with
them, and in fact still does. She then offers to obtain the item
that they seek if they are willing to speak with her as equals.
If she has not met the players before, Lady Wachter
instead offers a bargain in exchange for the item that the
players seek. (If the players express interest in such an
arrangement, she offers their desired item in exchange for
the head of Izek Strazni. Negotiations proceed as described
in G2d. The Vallakovich Problem.)
119

Profile: Lady Fiona Wachter
Roleplaying Information
Resonance. Lady Wachter should inspire wariness
for her loyalty to Strahd, grudging respect for her
streak of pragmatic rationality, endearment for her
dedication to her children, and pity for the tragedy
of her family.
Emotions. Lady Wachter most often feels
concerned, apprehensive, irate, melancholic,
satisfied, thoughtful, determined, stern, or (with
her children) compassionate and loving.
Motivations. Lady Wachter wants to keep Vallaki
—and especially her children—safe from harm. To
that end, she hopes to see Baron Vargas
Vallakovich removed from power and to reassure
Strahd von Zarovich that Vallaki is no danger to his
rule.
Inspirations. When playing Lady Wachter, channel
Moiraine Damodred (The Wheel of Time), Olenna
Tyrell (Game of Thrones), Minerva McGonagall
(Harry Potter), and Lady Jessica (Dune).
Character Information
Persona. To the world, Lady Wachter is a cold,
cunning, and cordial noblewoman. To those she
trusts, Lady Wachter is a melancholic, wry, yet
fiercely determined advocate for what she sees as
the good of Vallaki. Only Lady Wachter herself
appreciates the depth of love she feels for her
children—and her shattered sense of faith and
hope.
Morale. In a fight, Lady Wachter would attempt
to negotiate or flee, seeking any means necessary
to quell hostilities, up to and including outright
surrender. If necessary to save her life or those of
her children, however, she would fight to the death
with bitter ferocity.
Relationships. Lady Wachter is the widow of the
deceased Nikolai Wachter I, and the mother of
Nikolai Wachter II, Karl Wachter, and Stella
Wachter. She is the employer of the spy Ernst
Larnak, and an outspoken critic of Baron Vargas
Vallakovich.
If the players indicate or imply that they don’t trust her,
Lady Wachter asks the players for their permission to cast
two spells: one to ensure that they are alone and away from
prying eyes, and one to prove to them that she is telling the
truth. (If permission is granted, she immediately casts detect
evil and good, her eyes flashing briefly gray as she confirms
that none of Strahd’s undead servants are currently watching
them.)
2. Lady Wachter’s Offer
The second spell that Lady Wachter seeks to cast is zone of
truth, which she explains aloud to the players. To prove her
credibility, she suggests casting the spell and stepping inside
of it, permitting the players to question and interrogate her to
their hearts’ content. By doing so, she hopes, they will be able
to assuage any of their fears regarding her loyalty to Strahd.
120
Lady Wachter is more than glad to permit the players to tie
her up during the interrogation, and even suggests that the
players move their conversation to N4p. Library (p. 113) so
that they may question her free from prying eyes and ears.
She freely offers the key to the library—both so that the
players can unlock the door and lock it behind them—and
suggests that the players restrain her to a chair and hold a
dagger to her throat if it puts them at greater ease.
If the players point out her extraordinary nonchalance,
Lady Wachter asks them, quite mildly, if panicking or arguing
would help her situation. “I am entirely at your mercy,” she
observes. “Armed foreigners have broken into my house,
evidently for nefarious or criminal purposes, and taken me
prisoner. Would you have me fight back and die, or attempt to
flee and be restrained nonetheless?”
If the players refuse Lady Wachter’s offer and continue
their burglary, she makes no effort to resist them. If, however,
the players accept Lady Wachter’s offer and choose to
restrain her during the interrogation, she asks only that her
hands be kept free, so that she may perform the somatic
components necessary to cast zone of truth.
Lady Wachter is well-aware that the players may not trust
that her spell is legitimate. As such, she invites the players to
test the spell in two ways: first, by stepping into the zone of
truth and experiencing its effects themselves; and second, by
compelling her to share her deepest, darkest secrets.
If asked her secrets when under the effects of zone of truth,
Lady Wachter shares any or all of the following pieces of
information:
She has intentionally gathered a conspiracy of Vallakians
dedicated to the worship of Ezra, the goddess of the Mists.
These conspirators are all fervently loyal to her and aim to
overthrow Baron Vargas Vallakovich should Izek be killed.
The cellar of Wachterhaus, the cult’s headquarters, is
protected by nearly a dozen skeletons, which Fiona stole
from the town cemetery and animated with dark magic.
For one full year after her husband’s death, Fiona kept the
corpse of her late husband, Nikolai, magically preserved in
the bed of her master bedroom. (He eventually received a
proper burial when she moved past her grief.)
The crow upon Fiona’s shoulder is an imp named
Majesto, who Fiona summoned and bound using the
profane teachings of her mentor, the swamp witch Baba
Lysaga.
If questioned regarding her allegiance to Strahd, Lady
Wachter truthfully tells them the following:
The Wachter family owes a debt of allegiance to Strahd,
who rescued their ancestors from a slaughter many
centuries ago.
Lady Wachter herself considers Strahd to be a dangerous
individual, but one whose temper can and must be
managed and controlled through strategic shows of fealty.
Lady Wachter will obey Strahd’s direct orders for as long
as necessary to ensure the peace, prosperity, and safety of
the people of Vallaki.
Lady Wachter bears no ill will toward the players, even if
they consider themselves to be enemies of Strahd, and
will lift no hand against them unless compelled to do so.
 She has heard rumors from Strahd’s servants among the
Vistani (relayed to her through her spy, Ernst) that he
intends no harm toward the players, at least for now, and
has in fact ordered that they be kept alive for his own
purposes. (Lady Wachter isn’t sure why, and admits as
much.)
If questioned regarding her proposed bargain, Lady
Wachter truthfully tells them that she will provide them with
the item they seek, if it is within her physical power to do so,
as soon as Izek Strazni is dead. (She is glad to assist them in
doing so. See Arc G: Lady Wachter’s Wish for more
information.) If the players describe Madam Eva’s reading to
her—specifically by mentioning an item “kept under lock and
key” or “with the bones of an ancient enemy,” Lady Wachter
instantly realizes that they are referring to the magical book
locked in the trunk in the closet of N4o. Master Bedroom (p.
113) and promises to deliver it to them once they fulfill their
end of the bargain.
If the players refuse her bargain, Lady Wachter takes no
action to resist them, but will not disclose the Tome’s location
under any circumstances, even under threat of physical harm.
She remains cold and unhelpful toward the players for the
remainder of the adventure (though she takes no actual
hostile action against them), until and unless they restore the
soul of her daughter, Stella. (See Arc I: The Lost Soul for
more information.)
D3. Unlocking the Tome
The Tome of Strahd is kept closed by a locked steel clasp
enchanted with an arcane lock spell cast at 5th level. The
pass phrase to suppress it is "I come in Dostron's memory."
(Only Strahd and his eldest bride, Sasha Ivliskova, know this
pass phrase. See Arc L: Dinner with Strahd for more
information about Sasha Ivliskova.)
The clasp ordinarily takes a successful DC 15 Strength
check to break, but requires a successful DC 25 Strength
check instead while under the effects of the spell. Similarly,
the lock itself ordinarily requires a DC 15 Dexterity (Thieves’
Tools) check to open, but requires a successful DC 25
Dexterity (Thieves’ Tools) check instead while under the
effects of the spell. An attempt to pick the lock takes 1 minute
to complete.
The lock is also enchanted with a magical trap. A character
that fails to break, pick, or dispel the lock must make a DC 19
Constitution saving throw, taking 10 (3d6) necrotic damage
on a failure or half as much on a success.
Reading the Tome
Once successfully opened, the contents of the Tome now read
as follows: 6
I am the Ancient. I am the Land. My beginnings are lost in the
darkness of the past. I was the warrior, I was good and just. I
thundered across the land like the wrath of a just god, but the
war years and the killing years wore down my soul as the wind
wears stone into sand.
All goodness slipped from my life. I found my youth and
strength gone, and all I had left was death. My army settled in
the valley of Barovia and took power over the people in the
name of a just god, but with none of a god's grace or justice.
I called for my family, long unseated from their ancient
thrones, and brought them here to settle in the castle
Ravenloft. They came with a younger brother of mine, Sergei.
He was handsome and youthful. I hated him for both.
From the families of the valley, one spirit shone above all
others: a rare beauty, who was called 'perfection,' 'joy,' and
'treasure.' Her name was Tatyana, and I longed for her to be
mine. But 'Old One' was my name to her—'elder' and 'brother'
also. Her heart went to Sergei. They were betrothed. The date
was set.
With words she called me "brother," but when I looked into
her eyes they reflected another name: "death." It was the
death of the aged that she saw in me. She loved her youth and
enjoyed it, but I had squandered mine. And so I came to hate
death—my death.
But I would not be called "death" so soon. I made a pact
with Death. On the day of the wedding, I killed Sergei, my
brother, and sealed my pact with his blood.
I found Tatyana weeping in the garden east of the chapel.
She fled from me, and I pursued. Finally, in despair, she flung
herself from the walls of Ravenloft, and I watched everything I
ever wanted fall from my grasp forever.
It was a thousand feet through the mists. No trace of her
was ever found, and not even I know her final fate. Arrows
from the castle guards pierced me to my soul, but I did not
die. Nor did I live. I became undead, forever.
I have studied much since then. 'Vampyr' is my new name. I
still lust for life and youth, and I curse the living that took
them from me. Even the sun is against me, but little else can
harm me now. Even a stake through my heart does not kill me,
though it holds me from movement. But the sword, that
cursed sword that Sergei brought! I must dispose of that awful
tool! I fear and hate it as much as the sun.
I have learned much, too, about this land of Barovia. Ancient
are its ways, ancient beyond the knowledge of the simple folk
of the valley. Ancient gods dwelt in this valley long before my
coming, and three hidden fanes still give tribute to their
memories. I visited the Swamp Fane, the Forest Fane, and the
Mountain Fane, and claimed their power for my own. Their
servants now serve me, and thus I have become the Land.
Since my passage into eternity, I have often hunted for
Tatyana. I have even felt her within my grasp, but each time,
she flees from me again. But she cannot run forever—and I
have nothing but time.
I now reside far below Ravenloft. I live among the dead and
sleep beneath the very stones of this hollow castle of despair. I
have abandoned the riches of my conquests beneath the toll
of the belfry, sealed behind a reminder of the treasure I once
lost. Yet one day, I shall rise again from the ashes of my glory,
and reclaim what is rightfully mine.
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 The pages following the legible text are filled with diagrams, The Tome's contents have been revised to foreshadow the
equations, and thousands of strange symbols. The symbols existence of the Fanes of the Ladies Three and to guide the
are not written language, but a cipher devised by Strahd to players to Ravenloft's hidden treasury, which they will have
conceal his secret plans. (Only the lich Exethanter knows the an opportunity to raid in Arc T: Ravenloft Heist. The Tome
key to decode Strahd's cipher. See Arc T: The Amber has also been revised for tone in order to remove traces of
Temple for more information about Exethanter.) Several romantic sentiment and to make Strahd's cold, predatory, and
diagrams appear to depict a large, crystalline human heart, sociopathic character more apparent.
while others depict circles of standing stones. The Tome also contains a coded section discussing
Players who read through these sections find numerous Strahd's plot to escape the Mists, as well as the means by
annotations referencing (in Common) an individual named which Strahd corrupted the Fanes of Barovia. This section
Exethanter. Multiple instances of Exethanter’s name are has been included to ensure that the Tome remains useful to
accompanied by the symbol of the Amber Temple: a thick- the players through the latter portions of the campaign,
bordered equilateral triangle containing an inverted ensuring that it retains equal weight to the Sunsword and
equilateral triangle, which in turn contain a vertical wavy line. Holy Symbol of Ravenkind.
(The triangle represents the god of secrets, the inverted This guide intentionally foregoes any other additions to the
triangle the amber sarcophagi, and the wavy line the vestiges Tome, including any modifications that implement its history
sealed within.) as "visions" that the players can experience or any
The symbol can be identified by the dusk elf Kasimir modifications that turn the Tome into a combat-ready item.
Velikov (who has seen it in his dreams), by the revenant Sir In the former case, this guide aims to keep Strahd as a
Godfrey Gwilym (who once guarded the Temple), or by Victor pseudo-mythic figure whose exploits are less seen than
Vallakovich (who has seen the symbol in his spellbook). Of heard, and works to lay the seeds of his past as quickly as
these three, only Kasimir and Godfrey know what the Amber possible to drive the plot forward and build player intrigue,
Temple is and where it can be found, and only Kasimir is rather than sowing them slowly over the course of many
willing to tell the players how to get there. sessions.
In the latter case, Madam Eva's reading regarding the
Design Notes: The Tome of Strahd Tome of Strahd specifically states that "Knowledge of the
This arc has been intentionally written to draw the players ancient will help you better understand your enemy," not that
into one of Vallaki's two largest arcs: Arc I: The Lost Soul (if knowledge will assist them in defeating him. The Tome is
the Tome is located within Victor Vallakovich's workroom) or unique in that its value is derived from knowledge, not
Arc G: Lady Wachter's Wish (if the Tome is located within martial power. This guide seeks to preserve that uniqueness.
Lady Wachter's master bedroom closet). (In addition, in a campaign built upon defeating Strahd
What Happened to the Tome? This brief history of the through defying his philosophy—selfishness—it would be a
Tome aims to explain how it was retrieved from Strahd's strange thing indeed for the players to defeat Strahd through
castle, tying it together with the history of the Holy Symbol of a tool of his own making.)
Ravenkind and providing two possible alternative paths that
it took once retrieved.
Burgomaster's Mansion. The Tome has been placed to
encourage the players to interact with Victor and to naturally
entice them to begin Arc I: The Lost Soul.
Wachterhaus. The Tome has been placed to encourage the
players to interact with Lady Wachter and to naturally entice
them to begin Arc G: Lady Wachter's Wish.
Should the players decide to steal the Tome from Lady
Wachter (e.g., because they mistrust her as a servant of
Strahd), this section has been written to provide Lady
Wachter with a believable and in-character approach to
winning the players' trust, while introducing her relationship
to the cult and Baba Lysaga (both of which will prove
essential later on in Arc I: The Lost Soul).
Unlocking the Tome. The Tome of Strahd has been made
somewhat more difficult to open in order to ensure that the
players have an appreciate for the importance of its contents,
and to explain why Victor Vallakovich and Lady Wachter are
ignorant of its content. (The Tome should generally be simple
to open, though some parties may be unable to do so until
learning or preparing dispel magic upon reaching 5th level.
Parties unable to do so might be able to obtain the aid of
Sasha Ivliskova in doing so in Arc L: Dinner With the
Devil).

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Arc E: St. Andral's Feast
In this arc, the players escort Ireena Kolyana to St. Andral's
Church in Vallaki, fulfilling their vow to her brother, Ismark.
However, Father Lucian, the church's priest, informs them
that the bones of Saint Andral—the source of the church's
protective magic—have recently been stolen, placing its
wards and parishioners at risk.
The players have until the night of their fourth day after
arriving in Vallaki to identify the thief (the church
groundskeeper, Milivoj), track down the bones to their hiding
place (the Vallaki coffin maker's shop), and return them to
their rightful place in the church. Their mission will bring
them into direct conflict with Volenta Popofsky, Strahd's
most sadistic vampiric bride, and her vampiric minions.
Can the players defeat Volenta's plan and restore the
church's protection? Or will the church be lost in darkness
and blood, its flickering light snuffed out in the shadows?
E1. St. Andral's Church
The church is largely as described in N1. St. Andral's
Church (p. 97). Milivoj, the church groundskeeper, isn’t
present when the players arrive.
The church's occupants follow the following schedule
unless interrupted:
At dawn, Yeska joins Father Lucian for prayers in the
chapel and assists him in preparing breakfast.
In the morning, Yeska runs errands around Vallaki while
Father Lucian sweeps the chapel, dusts the pews, polishes
the altar, and tidies up the kitchen.
In the afternoon, Father Lucian teaches Yeska how to
read, and educates him in basic history and theology.
In the evening, with Yeska's assistance, Father Lucian
leads the congregation in prayer and delivers a sermon
promising sanctuary and comfort.
E1a. Meeting Father Lucian
When the players first meet Father Petrovich , he greets them
warmly, recognizing them as newcomers to Vallaki,
welcoming them to St. Andral's Church, and asking if they
have come seeking fellowship or to pray to the Morninglord.
If informed that Ireena is seeking sanctuary in the church
from Strahd or other monsters, Father Petrovich first
ensures that no other congregants are present—shooing away
Yeska if present—and swears the players to secrecy.
If the players agree not to spread his words beyond the
church, Father Petrovich sorrowfully informs them that,
while he would love nothing more than to extend Ireena an
offer of permanent shelter, recent events have left the
church's wards in a precarious state. He can also share the
following additional information at the players' prompting:
The church is ordinarily hallowed ground, as though the
building was protected by a hallow spell. This magical
ward prevents fiends and undead from entering the
church, and keeps them from magically charming,
frightening, or possessing those within it.
The source of this protection is the crypt of Saint Andral,
which has historically held the blessed bones of Andral
himself, the founder of Vallaki's church and a great cleric
of the Morninglord.
123
 Originally, only Father Petrovich knew of the bones'
existence. However, after news the siege of Barovia
reached Vallaki a few days ago, he shared the knowledge
of the bones with Yeska, as described in Bones of St.
Andral (p. 97).
To retain the church's protection, Father Petrovich must
invoke a particular rite of protection over Saint Andral's
bones once every year, at dawn on the morning of Saint
Andral's Feast—a holy day that memorializes Andral's life.
If the rite cannot be carried out at that time, the wards will
fall until the rite is completed on a subsequent dawn.
Last night, someone broke into the church's crypt and
stole St. Andral's bones. Without them, Father Petrovich
can't complete the protective rite, and the wards will fall at
dawn on the day of St. Andral's Feast.
Father Petrovich is fearful that some fell creature or
wicked soul has manufactured this crisis as an
opportunity to cause his congregation harm; though the
Baron is confident that no monsters could breach Vallaki's
walls, Father Petrovich fears that the town is not as safe
as it appears.
Father Petrovich can also share the date of St. Andral's
Feast, which will take place on the fourth day after the
players arrived in Vallaki. He has not reported the theft of the
bones for the reasons described in Bones of St. Andral (p.
97).
Father Petrovich does not know that Yeska has told anyone
of the bones' existence, and firmly believes that the boy would
not be capable—physically or otherwise—of stealing them. He
does not suspect Milivoj of stealing the bones either, having
no reason to do so.
If the players express an interest in doing so, Father
Petrovich is glad to allow them to inspect the crime scene—
having made neither heads nor tails of it himself—and to
interview Yeska, so long as they promise to be patient and
gentle with the boy.
If the players ask for the identities of other possible
witnesses, Father Petrovich notes that the only other
employee of the church is the groundskeeper, Milivoj.
However, Milivoj hasn’t come into work today. Father
Petrovich can give the players directions to Milivoj’s house,
which is located in the northwestern quarter of Vallaki.
Before allowing the players to begin their investigation,
Father Petrovich asks them to promise to retrieve him as
soon as they learn of the bones' location. He takes personal
responsibility for their disappearance, and—given his
connections across the town and his service to the
Morninglord—wishes to assist the players in recovering them
if necessary.
E1b. The Scene of the Crime
Father Lucian is glad to lead the players to the location of the
crypt if prompted. The players can inspect the replaced
floorboards behind the altar for clues, and Father Lucian will
also reluctantly allow them to pry up the floorboards again if
they want to investigate the crypt itself.
The crypt is as described in Bones of St. Andral (p. 97),
lying beneath the chapel's altar and concealed by the chapel
floorboards. The interior of the crypt is a dark and damp
chamber, its walls made of rough-hewn stone blocks that are
stained with age and moisture. Its center contains a small
stone slab, which held the bones until recently.
124
Profile | Father Lucian Petrovich
Roleplaying Information
Resonance. Father Petrovich should inspire
gratitude with his hospitality, flattery with his
willingness to listen and empathize, comfort with
his warmth, serenity, and wisdom, and sympathy
for his anxiety regarding the missing bones and the
safety of his congregation.
Emotions. Father Petrovich’s most frequent
emotions are thoughtfulness, hopefulness,
concern, and compassion.
Motivations. Father Petrovich wants to keep
Vallaki's spirits up, to keep the church a place of
sanctuary and comfort, and to raise Yeska as best
as he can.
Inspirations. When playing Father Petrovich,
channel Uncle Iroh (Avatar: The Last Airbender),
Michael Carpenter and Father Forthill (The Dresden
Files), and Mr. Rogers (Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood).
Character Information
Persona. To strangers, Father Petrovich is a
serene, humble, and compassionate priest who is
always happy to share a word of praise or a few
pearls of wisdom. To those he trusts, Father
Petrovich is a dedicated and stalwart defender of
his community, who nonetheless worries about his
ability to keep his congregants safe. Deep down,
Father Petrovich harbors a twinge of doubt about
the Morninglord's providence and power,
wondering if Strahd's awakening is a test of
Barovians' faith or a sign that the land is forsaken
forever.
Morale. In a fight, Father Petrovich would prefer
to dissuade his attackers, surrendering peacefully if
necessary to avoid unnecessary bloodshed.
However, if an innocent life or the members of his
congregation were threatened, he would fight to
the death with a prayer on his lips and peace in his
heart.
Relationships. Father Petrovich is a mentor and
father figure to the orphan and altar boy Yeska, the
employer of the groundskeeper Milivoj, the brother
of Baroness Lydia Petrovna, and the distant
descendant of Tasha Petrovna, an ancient cleric of
the Morninglord whose remains are kept in the
catacombs of Castle Ravenloft.
The players can find the following information by
investigating the area around the crypt:
While investigating the floorboards, the players can find a
torn piece of gray wool fabric snagged on a nail with a
successful DC 15 Intelligence (Investigation) check, and a
line of rust-stained dirt smeared across a floorboard with
a successful DC 20 Wisdom (Perception) check.
While investigating the interior of the crypt, the players
can find several clumps of earth with a successful DC 10
Wisdom (Perception) check. Each clump is in the shape of
a large bootprint, and contains several blades of pale
green grass and white flower petals.
 While investigating the altar or the stone slab in the crypt,
the players can find a few strands of dark black hair with a
DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check.
The fabric was torn from Milivoj's shirt as he lowered
himself down, and the rust was left when he used his shovel
to pry up the floorboards.
The clumps of earth were left when Milivoj's boots hit the
floor of the crypt. Father Lucian can inform the players that
the petals are from the ramson plant, which grow in several
patches in the church graveyard.
The hair is Milivoj's.
E1c. Interviewing Yeska
If the players choose to interview Yeska, Father Lucian asks
them not to press him too hard for information. The boy is
still emotionally fragile from the death of his parents three
months ago, and Father Lucian doesn't wish to harm his
mental well-being over a mere suspicion of danger.
If one of the players asks Yeska whether he has told anyone
else about the bones and makes a successful DC 10
Charisma (Persuasion) check, he admits to telling Milivoj
about the bones three days ago. If the players first tell Yeska
that the bones have been stolen, however, the DC increases
to 15, and Yeska begins to cry upon admitting his actions.
E2. Milivoj’s House
Milivoj’s house is located in the impoverished northwest
quarter of Vallaki, a short walk from St. Andral’s Church.
The muddy road that leads into the town’s northwest quarter
is rough and uneven, chilled by a persistent fog that seems to
cling to the soaked earth beneath your feet. As you move
further from the town’s center, the streets narrow and the
houses grow grimier and more dilapidated, the smell of damp
wood and mildew filling your nostrils.
Your path leads you to a leaning, decrepit structure that
seems to sag beneath its own weight. Its timbers are rotting,
the windows cracked and filthy. At its front, a ramshackle
wooden door stands slightly askew in its frame atop a small,
mud-spattered porch.
If the players knock on the door, it’s answered a few moments
thereafter by Jarzinka, Milivoj’s mother. Read:
The door groans open, revealing a gaunt, glassy-eyed woman
standing on the other side. Her hair is matted with grease and
hangs in knots across her shoulders, and a painted beaded
necklace hangs around her neck, its colors faded and chipped
with age.
Behind her, a trio of young children wrestle and shout as
they roll across a cramped living space stuffed with old,
threadbare furniture and an old, stained rug. Two other
children—a near-adolescent boy with long, shaggy hair, and a
freckled girl of similar age wearing cracked, oversized glasses
—peer curiously around a pair of overstuffed, patchwork
armchairs at the sight of you.
The woman at the door grunts, her hollow gaze scanning
you expectantly.
The children in the armchairs are a twelve-year-old boy
named Bogan and a ten-year-old girl named Zondra. The
three children wrestling on the ground are named Lazlo
(eight years old), Grilsha (seven years old), and Dargos (five
years old).
Jarzinka is a woman of few words, and is annoyed because
she has just finished the last of her dream pastries. If the
players ask to speak with Milivoj, she turns to Bogan and
Zondra, then grunts at them. The conversation then proceeds
as follows:
Bogan cheerfully informs the players that Milivoj is sick
and doesn’t want to talk to anyone today.
If the players succeed on a DC 10 Charisma (Persuasion)
check or insist that the matter is urgent, Zondra turns and
hollers, “Milo! Someone wants to speak to you.”
A few moments later, Milivoj exits a swollen wooden door
at the back of the room, with his three-year-old brother Jirko
giggling delightedly from atop Milivoj’s shoulders and his
four-year-old twin sisters, Victoria and Vasha, hanging from
his biceps.
Profile: Milivoj
Roleplaying Information
Resonance. Milivoj should inspire scorn with his
gruff, cynical, and stubborn personality, sympathy
for his frustration at his parents' addiction to
dream pastries, and endearment to him for his
wholehearted dedication to provide for his siblings,
no matter the cost to himself.
Emotions. Milivoj's most frequent emotions are
annoyance, worry, frustration, boredom, bitterness,
and cynicism, and (when with his siblings)
compassion, mirth, and joy.
Motivations. Milivoj wants to provide for himself
and his siblings.
Inspirations. When playing Milivoj, channel
Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games), Arya Stark
(Game of Thrones), and Carl Fredericksen (Up).
Character Information
Persona. To strangers, Milivoj is a quiet, gruff,
and hardworking groundskeeper. To those he
trusts, Milivoj is a loving and dedicated elder
sibling, a frustrated and bitter son, and a desperate
and confused young man.
Morale. In a fight, Milivoj would brandish his
shovel in an attempt to get his attacker to back
down, but would quickly surrender if seriously
wounded. (If defending his siblings, however,
Milivoj would fiercely and gladly fight to the death.)
Relationships. Milivoj is employed by Father
Lucian Petrovich, secretly works for the coffin
maker Henrik van der Voort, and is the eldest of
nine children belonging to Oleg and Jarzinka, two
dream pastry-addicted Vallakians.
125
 Upon spotting the players, Milivoj’s face visibly falls, and he
gently shakes Victoria and Vasha from his arms and sets
Jirko down in Bogan’s lap. A successful DC 10 Wisdom
(Insight) check reveals his body language has grown tense,
and that he is shifting uncomfortably.
As Milivoj reaches the door, he tersely addresses Jarzinka
as “Mother” and gives her a grudging nod. Jarzinka grunts
and shuffles away from the door, disappearing into the room
from which Milivoj came.
If the players inform Milivoj that they want to speak with
him about St. Andral’s bones, he scowls, insists that he
knows nothing about the matter, and attempts to close the
door. A player can prevent him from doing so with a
successful DC 10 Strength or Dexterity check. (If Milivoj
successfully closes the door, the players can make him open
it again by making a sufficient nuisance of themselves, by
succeeding on a DC 10 Charisma (Intimidation or
Persuasion) check, or by forcing the door down with a
successful DC 10 Strength check.)
Milivoj denies any knowledge of the bones or their theft if
asked about them outright. However, he claims to have seen a
cloaked figure watching the church two days ago from an
alleyway. (The description of the cloaked figure coincidentally
matches the appearance of Ernst Larnak, Fiona's spy, though
Milivoj doesn't know Ernst or the nature of his employment.)
A successful DC 10 Wisdom (Insight) check reveals that he is
speaking slightly too quickly.
If the players accuse Milivoj of stealing the bones and
succeed on a DC 15 Charisma (Intimidation) check, Milivoj
admits to stealing them, as described in Bones of St. Andral
(p. 97). Players who confront Milivoj with evidence from the
crypt or Yeska's confession automatically succeed. Milivoj
can't take the players to the coffin maker's shop himself, but
notes that Father Petrovich can lead them there.
If asked his motive for stealing the bones, Milivoj shares
the reasons described in Bones of St. Andral (p. 97). He can
also share that, after his father—a former Vallakian guard—
was wounded in a recent wolf attack, both of his parents
began regularly purchasing dream pastries from the peddler
Morgantha outside of the gates. With both parents addicted
to Morgantha's wares, Milivoj sees himself as his siblings'
sole means of avoiding total poverty. (If asked, Milivoj can
provide a basic description of the effects of dream pastries, as
described in Dream Pastries (p. 125).)
If informed that the bones may have been stolen to allow
an attack upon the church, Milivoj dismisses the idea,
insisting that the bones are just a "moldy old relic" and that
"he doesn't have time to believe in fairy tales."
Milivoj’s Revelation
If he is later informed that Henrik's actions were
directed by one of Strahd's vampire spawn, and
that the theft of the bones could have allowed a
slaughter at the church, Milivoj is overcome with
anxiety, horror, and guilt. He prostrates himself
before Father Petrovich and begs for his
forgiveness, offering to exile himself to the Svalich
Woods if doing so will make up for the harm he
has caused. (Father Petrovich, of course, declines,
tearfully embracing and forgiving Milivoj instead.)
126
E3. Return to the Church
Once Milivoj has admitted to the bones' theft, Father
Petrovich can lead the players to the coffin maker's shop. (He
knows the owner, Henrik, well, and hopes that he can reason
with the man.) If the players appear skeptical, Father
Petrovich—who has the statistics of a priest—reveals that he
bears the holy symbol of Tasha Petrovna—his ancestor and a
mighty follower of Saint Markovia—and promises them that
he is more than capable of defending himself.
If the players suggest reporting the theft of the bones to the
burgomaster, Father Petrovich is reluctant to do so, fearing
the possibility of raising a panic. With a successful DC 15
Charisma (Persuasion) check, however, the players can
convince Father Lucian to join them in reporting the theft to
Baron Vallakovich, who responds as described in N6. Coffin
Maker's Shop. (If the players don't have Father Petrovic with
them, the burgomaster refuses to believe that the bones are
responsible for the church's divine protection or to assist the
players in recovering them.)
Reporting the Theft
If the players report the theft to Baron Vallakovich
and do not accompany his guards, the four guards
gain access to the coffin maker's shop as
described in N6. Coffin Maker's Shop, but are
slaughtered when they accidentally trigger
Volenta's trap and alert the vampires to their
presence.
One day later, Baron Vallakovich responds by
sending Izek to summon the players to N3.
Burgomaster's Mansion, where he accuses them of
causing his faithful guards to disappear and
threatens to exile them from Vallaki. (The players
can win back his good graces by promising to
recover the bones themselves.)
E4. Arasek Stockyard
Arasek Stockyard is largely as described in N5. Arasek
Stockyard (p. 115). However, while Rictavio's wagon is
mostly covered by old and faded paint, the Carnival of
Wonders sign on its side is brand new and fresh-painted.
If one of the players expresses an interest in breaking into
the wagon, Father Petrovich discourages them from doing so
if he is present.
If a player nonetheless attempts to unlock or force open the
door to the wagon, the entire wagon suddenly rocks violently
from side to side. The players can also hear the sound of
something with large, heavy claws scratching against the
interior of the wagon. (The rocking and scratches are made
by the ghost of Erasmus van Richten, a poltergeist seeking to
protect Arabelle by scaring visitors away.)
If the players successfully break the door to the wagon or
pick its padlock, they find that the wagon’s interior contains a
soft bed of straw, a comfortable woolen blanket, a few books,
and a young Vistana girl—Arabelle—who is clutching a plush
saber-toothed tiger to her chest and wearing a beaded
necklace with a carved copper amulet. (For more information
about Arabelle, see Arc F: The Missing Vistana.)
E4. Coffin Maker's Shop
The coffin maker's shop is largely as described in N6. Coffin
Maker's Shop (p. 116). However, the crates in N6f. Vampire
Nest now contain only two vampire spawn, as well as
Volenta Popofsky, one of Strahd's vampiric brides.
Henrik van der Voort, the coffin maker, follows the
following schedule:
In the morning, he sleeps in, remaining in bed in N6e.
Henrik's Bedroom.
In the late morning, he anxiously checks that the
wardrobe containing St. Andral's bones hasn't been
disturbed, and then prepares breakfast in N6d. Kitchen.
In the afternoon, he builds coffins in N6c. Workshop.
In the evening, he prepares an evening meal in N6d.
Kitchen.
At night, he sleeps in N6e. Henrik's Bedroom.
E4a. Entering the Shop
The players cannot access the shop through persuasion,
deception, or intimidation; in each case, Henrik will respond
as described in N6. Coffin Maker's Shop.
Additionally, note that the windows are locked from the
inside and the doors are barred. As such, the players cannot
open a window or door by use of thieves tools. Instead, the
players can enter the shop by either of the following means:
They can break down one or both of the barred doors with
a successful DC 20 Strength (Athletics) check. Doing so
alerts Henrik, who comes to confront them.
They can use magic (e.g., mage hand or misty step) to
open the windows or doors from the inside. Doing so
avoids alerting Henrik, who remains in his current
location.
In either case, Henrik offers no resistance as soon as he
sees that the players have entered the shop. Instead, he
rightfully guesses that they have come to recover the bones
and informs them of the bones' location and the danger of the
vampire nest, as described in N6. Coffin Maker's Shop. In
exchange, he pleads with them to protect him from the
vampires, who he rightfully fears will butcher him for his
betrayal. He won't retrieve the bones alone, but will
accompany the players upstairs if demanded.
Henrik does not know that Volenta has secretly installed a
poison needle trap and tripwire bell in the wardrobe secret
compartment where the bones are kept. He assumes that the
players will be able to quietly recover the bones, depart the
shop, and escort him elsewhere to safety.
E4b. Recovering the Bones
The bones have been concealed as described in N6e.
Henrik's Bedroom (p. 117). However, Volenta Popofsky has
added two additional safeguards to the secret compartment:
a poison needle trap (Dungeon Master's Guide p. 123),
which triggers unless a particular wooden panel is pushed
before the compartment is opened, and
a hidden wire attached to the compartment's opening,
which connects to a noisemaker at the base of the
compartment shaped vaguely like the head of the
toymaker Gadof Blinsky, including his jester’s cap and
bells.
The poison needle trap can be identified and disarmed as
described in the Dungeon Master's Guide (p. 123).
The hidden wire can be identified before the compartment
is fully opened with a successful DC 20 Intelligence
(Investigation) check, and disarmed with a successful DC 20
Dexterity (Thieves' Tools) check.
Opening the compartment without disabling the wire or
unsuccessfully attempting to disarm the wire causes the
noisemaker to loudly screech, “Is no fun, is no Blinsky!”
repeatedly for 1 minute, alerting the vampires in N6f.
Vampire Nest.
E4c. Volenta's Trap
If the players allow the bell to ring, Volenta and her two loyal
vampire spawn arise to confront them one round later, either
by forcing their way into N6d. Kitchen or (if the players have
already exited N6e. Henrik's Bedroom) by obstructing the
players' path down the stairs. When the vampires appear,
they use their spider climb to clamber across the walls
before dropping down to the players’ level, with Volenta
crouching upside-down on the ceiling behind them.
Volenta uses the two vampire spawn with her as cover,
placing them between her and the players. After briefly
taunting the players, she playfully notes that it's lucky that
they're in a coffin shop, adding, "After all, they'll need
somewhere to put your parts when I'm through with you."
She then directs the other vampires to attack.
Profile: Volenta Popofsky
Roleplaying Information
Resonance. Volenta should inspire revulsion with
her obsession with pain and gore, discomfort with
her sadistic and psychotic personality, and a
strange sort of flattery with her flirtatious—if
eccentric—attitude.
Emotions. Volenta most often feels amused,
curious, irritated, bored, fascinated, enraged, and
gleeful.
Motivations. Volenta wants to impress Strahd and
earn her place as foremost among his brides, to
satisfy her frequent sadistic urges, and to find
novel ways to cause suffering and pain through
tinkering and innovation.
Inspirations. When playing Volenta, channel Jinx
(Arcane), Ty Lee (Avatar: The Last Airbender), and
Harley Quinn (Batman).
Character Information
Persona. To strangers, Volenta is a manic,
impulsive, and trigger-happy sadist with a flair for
invention and innovation.
Morale. In a fight, Volenta would gleefully relish
the opportunity to test her custom-made weapons
on hostile subjects—and, when pushed far enough,
to tear those subjects apart with her bare hands
and teeth.
Relationships. Volenta is fanatically loyal to
Strahd von Zarovich, and views his other brides
and consosrts—especially Anastrasya, Ludmilla,
and Escher—with deep resentment, jealousy, and
suspicion.
127
 Volenta, First Form
Medium undead, chaotic evil
Armor Class 15 (natural armor)
Hit Points 82 (11d8 + 33)
Speed 30 ft., climb 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
16 (+3) 18 (+4) 16 (+3) 16 (+3) 14 (+2) 14 (+2)
Saving Throws Dex +7, Wis +5
Skills Perception +5, Stealth +10
Damage Resistances necrotic; bludgeoning, piercing,
and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 15
Languages Common
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
Proficiency +3
Regeneration. Volenta regains 10 hit points at the start
of her turn if she has at least 1 hit point and isn't in
sunlight or running water. If Volenta takes radiant
damage or damage from holy water, this trait doesn't
function at the start of her next turn.
Spider Climb. Volenta can climb difficult surfaces,
including upside down on ceilings, without needing to
make an ability check.
Sunlight Hypersensitivity. While in sunlight, Volenta
takes 20 radiant damage at the start of her turn, and
she has disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks.
Nimble Escape. Volenta can take the Disengage or Hide
action as a bonus action on each of her turns.
1. Volenta
Volenta begins combat in her first form, preferring to start
the fight by lobbing her alchemist's firebomb. Afterward, she
alternates between using her multiattack to use tanglefoot
and thunderstone.
When using her hail of daggers, Volenta prefers to target
the players instead of Father Petrovich. As she fights them,
she taunts Father Lucian gleefully, noting, "I'd intended to rip
out your throat in front of your cute little congregation, but I
guess decorating the church steps with your friends' heads
and entrails isn't a bad second place!"
Volenta flees from combat, smashing through a nearby
window and galloping across the rooftops like a four-legged
beast, if either of the following happens:
both of her vampire spawn are defeated and her first form
is reduced to 0 hit points; or
her second form is reduced to 50 hit points or fewer.
128
Awakened Bloodlust. When Volenta drops to 0 hit
points, her statistics are instantly replaced by the
statistics of her second form. Her initiative count
doesn't change.
Actions
Multiattack. Volenta uses hail of daggers twice, or uses
hail of daggers once and either tanglefoot or
thunderstone.
Hail of Daggers. Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, 15
ft., one target. Hit: 9 (2d4 + 4) piercing damage.
Tanglefoot (1/day). Volenta hurls a bag of writhing,
sticky black tar at a point on the ground within 30 feet.
The bag bursts on impact, covering up to two creatures
within 5 feet of one another with sticky tar and forcing
each target to succeed on a DC 14 Strength saving
throw or be restrained. A target can repeat the saving
throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect
on a success.
Thunderstone (1/day). Volenta hurls a crystalline shard at
a creature, object, or surface within 30 feet. The shard
shatters on impact with a blast of concussive energy.
Each creature within 10 feet of the point of impact
must succeed on a DC 14 Constitution saving throw or
be knocked prone and pushed 10 feet away from that
point. A creature that fails the save is also deafened
until the start of Volenta’s next turn.
Alchemist's Firebomb (1/day). Volenta hurls a flask of
concentrated alchemist's fire and hurls it at a point
within 30 feet. The vial shatters on impact and
detonates in a 10-foot radius. Any creature in that area
must succeed on a DC 14 Dexterity saving throw or
take 2d6 fire damage and be set ablaze. A creature set
ablaze in this way takes 1d4 fire damage at the start of
each of its turns, and can make an additional DC 14
Dexterity saving throw at the end of each of its turns to
extinguish the flames.
In either case she first snarls, “You think your precious
little church can keep you safe? He'll burn down the rest of
Vallaki to get to you, and kill the rest of this stinking vermin
to force you out!” Before departing, she sneers at the players
and promises to see them again soon.
2. Father Petrovich
Father Petrovich retains the statistics of a priest. However,
his divine eminence feature now reads as follows:
Divine Eminence. As a reaction when he sees another
creature within 30 feet hit with a weapon attack, Father
Petrovich can expend a spell slot to cause that attack to
magically deal an extra 10 (3d6) radiant damage to a
target on a hit. If Father Petrovich expends a spell slot of
2nd level or higher, the extra damage increases by 1d6 for
each level above 1st.
 Volenta, Second Form
Medium undead, chaotic evil
Armor Class 15 (natural armor)
Hit Points 82 (11d8 + 33)
Speed 30 ft., climb 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
16 (+3) 18 (+4) 16 (+3) 16 (+3) 14 (+2) 14 (+2)
Saving Throws Dex +7, Wis +5
Skills Perception +5, Stealth +10
Damage Resistances necrotic; bludgeoning, piercing,
and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 15
Languages Common
Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)
Regeneration. Volenta regains 10 hit points at the start
of her turn if she has at least 1 hit point and isn't in
sunlight or running water. If Volenta takes radiant
damage or damage from holy water, this trait doesn't
function at the start of the vampire's next turn.
Spider Climb. Volenta can climb difficult surfaces,
including upside down on ceilings, without needing to
make an ability check.
Sunlight Hypersensitivity. While in sunlight, Volenta
takes 20 radiant damage at the start of her turn, and
she has disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks.
Blood Frenzy. Volenta has advantage on melee attack
rolls against any creature that doesn't have all its hit
points.
In combat, Father Petrovich directs the players to form a
defensive line around the door, hoping to funnel the vampires
one-by-one into a choke point in order to dispatch them
individually. Father Petrovich himself attempts to end his
turns behind full cover on each round of combat, ducking out
only briefly to target vampires with his offensive spells.
On his first turn, Father Petrovich uses his action to cast
spirit guardians, filling the air with a galaxy of swirling, fiery
suns that burn with fierce golden light. He stands as near to
the front lines as possible while remaining behind full cover,
seeking to ensure that any attacking vampire spawn will
inevitably be drawn into range of his spell.
On his second turn, Father Petrovich casts spiritual
weapon, summoning and attacking with a golden ethereal
mace whose head resembles a sunburst—a facsimile of the
mace that his ancestor, Tasha Petrovna, once wielded in
battle. He then casts sacred flame, targeting any vampire that
is currently attacking the players.
On his third and subsequent turns, Father Petrovich uses
his action to cast guiding bolt and his bonus action to attack
with spiritual weapon once again.
Actions
Multiattack. Volenta makes two attacks, only one of
which can be a bite attack.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
willing creature, or a creature that is grappled by
Volenta, incapacitated, or restrained. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3)
piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) necrotic damage. The
target's hit point maximum is reduced by an amount
equal to the necrotic damage taken, and Volenta
regains hit points equal to that amount. The reduction
lasts until the target finishes a long rest. The target dies
if this effect reduces its hit point maximum to 0.
Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
creature. Hit: 8 (2d4 + 3) slashing damage. Instead of
dealing damage, Volenta can grapple the target (escape
DC 13).
Bonus Actions
Leap. Volenta moves up to her speed without
provoking opportunity attacks. As she does, she can
replace 10 feet of movement with a 10-foot high jump.
Reactions
Spit Blood. In response to taking damage from a melee
attack, Volenta spits a wad of blood at the attacking
creature’s eyes, forcing it to make a DC 15 Dexterity
saving throw. On a failure, the creature is blinded until
the end of its next turn.
Aggress. In response to taking damage from an attack
or spell, Volenta moves up to her speed toward a
hostile creature she can see without provoking
opportunity attacks.
If any of the players are reduced to 0 hit points, Father
Petrovich spends his action casting cure wounds on them. If
his concentration is ever disrupted, he spends his action to
renew spirit guardians instead.
Dying NPCs
Because Volenta and her vampire spawn prefer to
target the players instead of Father Petrovich, it's
unlikely that Father Petrovich will be reduced to 0
hit points in this battle.
However, as noted in Monsters and Death
(Player's Handbook, p. 198), allied non-player
characters—such as Father Petrovich, Ireena
Kolyana, and any other NPC fighting alongside the
players—should fall unconscious upon being
reduced to 0 hit points. When they do, they follow
the same rules for death saving throws as player
characters, described further in Death Saving
Throws (Player's Handbook, p. 197).
129

3. The Vampire Spawn
The two vampire spawn fight by using their claws to grapple
enemies, who they then drag away to feast upon in private—
preferably by hauling grappled prey out of the windows and
onto the rooftop of the shop. Both spawn are prepared to
fight to the death, but retreat with Volenta if she does.
E5. Retrieving the Bones
If the players and Father Lucian successfully return the
stolen bones to St. Andral’s Church by dawn of the fifth day
after the players arrived in Vallaki, Father Lucian thanks the
players and invites Ireena to remain under their protection
for as long as she desires. Volenta’s attack is averted, and the
celebration of St. Andral’s Feast begins without a hitch.
Milestone. Restoring the bones of St. Andral completes a
story milestone. If the church is successfully reconsecrated,
award each player 1,250 XP.
A Peaceful Recovery
If the players recover the bones of St. Andral
without alerting or defeating Volenta and her
vampire spawn, Volenta is enraged by Henrik’s
failure to stop them and humiliated by her plan’s
failure. That same night, she uses her alchemist’s
firebomb to burn down the shop, causing a fire that
also damages two nearby warehouses before it’s
extinguished.
If Henrik still dwells within the shop, Volenta
spirits him away to Castle Ravenloft. There, she
locks him in a cage in K76. Torture Chamber and
visits painful torments upon him each night as
punishment for his betrayal.
Arasek Stockyard. Erasmus's ghost has been added to
discourage the players from investigating the wagon while
also carefully avoiding encouraging them to do it out of spite.
The fresh paint for the Carnival of Wonders sign has been
added to intentionally foreshadow that Rictavio (who the
players will confront in Arc F: The Missing Vistana) is not
all that he seems.
Coffin Maker's Shop. Volenta's two traps have been added
to increase the probability that the players do battle with the
vampires, thereby introducing them directly to Strahd's
minions and the threat posed by vampires. The number of
vampire spawn has been reduced from six to three,
including Volenta, to ensure that the encounter is balanced
for a 4th-level party.
Volenta has been placed as the mastermind of this scheme
in order to provide the players with a low-level boss that they
can reasonably defeat—but who will recur as an antagonist
throughout the adventure.
Volenta's statblock has been designed to provide the
players with a dynamic, tactical experience while ensuring
that she is not the first of her minions to die.
Meanwhile, Father Petrovich's divine eminence feature
has been modified to allow the players to reap its benefits
and ensure that the encounter is not too deadly, as well as to
ensure that martial characters without access to magical
weapons can deal substantive damage despite the vampires'
resistances to nonmagical weapon damage.

Design Notes: St. Andral's Feast

St. Andral's Church. The original module's requirement that
one of the players be a cleric or paladin to receive this quest
has been removed to make it more accessible.
Though it doesn't exist in the original adventure, the holy
day of St. Andral's Feast has been added to provide a clear
deadline for the players' efforts to recover the bones, and to
ensure a safe place for Ireena to stay while the arc unfolds.
The date of the bones' theft has been moved to the night of
the players' arrival in Vallaki to ensure that the scene of the
crime is sufficiently undisturbed for the players to do
substantive detective work while investigating. An assortment
of clues has been added to clearly point the finger at Milivoj.
Milivoj himself has been relocated to his family home—
both to show (not tell) his motivation for stealing the bones,
to provide dramatic distance between the players'
investigation and their confrontation with its prime witness,
and to accentuate the appearance of Milivoj's guilty
conscience.
Return to the Church. Father Petrovich asks to
accompany the players to the coffin maker's shop in order to
ensure that the party has the benefits of his spirit guardians
spell during the fight with Volenta's vampire spawn (i.e., to
counteract their regeneration).

130
Arc F: The Missing Vistana
In this arc, at Madam Eva’s request, the players visit Blinsky
Toys, the home of Vallaki's resident toymaker, to purchase a
nameday gift for Eva’s great grand-niece, Arabelle. There, the
players learn new information about the traveling ringmaster
Rictavio, and the Baron's brutish enforcer, Izek Strazni.
After obtaining a toy for Arabelle, the players visit the
Vistani encampment located a short distance away from
Vallaki's walls. There, the players can meet the camp’s
leaders: Luvash and Arrigal, Arabelle’s father and uncle,
respectively.
When the players learn that Arabelle has recently
disappeared, Luvash asks them to retrieve a clue from the
scene of her disappearance—a strange platinum signet ring—
from Kasimir Velikov, one of the dusk elves whose hovels
circle the encampment. Luvash believes that the ring may
hold the key to finding his daughter, and promises the players
a wealth of treasure if they research its secrets in the Baron’s
personal library in Vallaki and uncover Arabelle’s location.
Upon obtaining the ring from Kasimir and returning to
Vallaki, the players must gain access to Baron Vargas
Vallakovich’s personal library—either by cunning, diplomacy,
or subterfuge. Once inside, they are soon met by the Baron’s
son, Victor Vallakovich, whose spellbook bears the same sigil
as the signet ring.
In exchange for the players’ promise to bring back any
relics found therein—including, if possible, a proper wizard’s
staff—Victor tells them that the sigil was the personal symbol
of the archmage Khazan, whose abandoned tower sits on the
shores of Lake Baratok. Though Victor doesn’t know how to
get there, he can direct the players to Szoldar Szoldarovich, a
Vallakian wolf-hunter who knows the Svalich Woods well.
The players can hire Szoldar as a guide, or simply buy him
a drink to get directions to Lake Baratok. Upon arriving at the
lake, the players can find the trapped wagon of the Vistana
monster hunter Ezmerelda d’Avenir, as well as the ancient
mage’s tower of Khazan himself. After bypassing the tower’s
magically locked door, the players can find clues revealing
Arabelle’s fate—and suggesting that the ringmaster Rictavio
is not all he appears.
If the players return to Vallaki, confront Rictavio, and
persuade him that they’re friends, rather than foes, he
reluctantly reveals his identity and leads them to Arabelle’s
hiding place: the carnival wagon stored in the Arasek
Stockyard. Unbeknownst to the players, however, Arabelle’s
uncle, Arrigal, has followed them into Vallaki—and when
Arrigal reveals himself and demands her return, the players
must decide which man to trust. And even once the tension
has settled, Arabelle delivers a dark and cryptic prophecy . . .
F1. Blinsky Toys
After receiving Madam Eva’s request in Arc C: Into the
Valley to purchase and deliver a toy for her great grand-niece,
Arabelle, the players can get directions to Vallaki’s local toy
shop, Blinsky Toys, by asking Urwin Martikov, Danika
Dorakova, or most native Vallakians for directions. Blinsky
Toys can now be found on the northern edge of Vallaki's town
square, which is as described in N8. Town Square (p.119).

131

Profile: Gadof Blinsky
Roleplaying Information
Resonance. Blinsky should inspire amusement
with his accent, attire, and morbid aesthetic,
endearment for his loneliness and sincerity, and
sympathy for his terror of Izek.
Emotions. Blinsky most often feels cheerful,
frightened, anxious, lonely, joyful, or melancholy.
Motivations. Blinsky wants to use his macabre
toys to bring joy to Barovia’s children and to
succeed Fritz von Weerg as the greatest toymaker
of history.
Inspirations. When playing Blinsky, channel Olaf
(Frozen), Rubeus Hagrid (Harry Potter), and
Gepetto (Pinocchio),
Character Information
Persona. To the world, Gadof Blinsky is a cheerful
toymaker with a love for the macabre. To those he
trusts, Blinsky is a lonely and anxious man, fearful
that his work will never be good enough to win his
customers’ love.
Morale. In a fight, Blinsky would plead for peace,
stumbling over himself and babbling for mercy
while looking for an opportunity to flee.
Relationships. Blinsky owns Piccolo, a pet
monkey that was given to him by Rictavio, the
traveling ringmaster. Blinsky also makes dolls
resembling Ireena Kolyana for Izek Strazni, and
receives a humble stipend to craft decorations for
Baron Vallakovich’s weekly festivals.
Blinsky Toys is as described in N7. Blinsky Toys. As the
characters explore the shop, Blinsky cheerfully tells them
about his inspiration for making toys: the legendary toymaker
Fritz von Weerg, and his greatest invention that was lost to
the ages: a clockwork man said to lie somewhere in Castle
Ravenloft.
If the players ask Blinsky about the doll resembling Ireena
Kolyana (see Creepy Dolls, p. 118), he anxiously insists that
it is not for sale and asks them to choose another toy. If the
players demand an explanation for its eerie resemblance,
they can coax a fearful Blinsky to share what he knows with a
successful DC 10 Charisma (Persuasion or Intimidation)
check or by taking the doll for themselves. Blinsky is clearly
terrified of Izek’s wrath, and will do anything to ensure that
the doll is delivered on time.
If the players ask Blinsky about Piccolo, he can inform
them that he received the monkey only a few days ago from
Rictavio, a traveling ringmaster who recently arrived in
Vallaki.
As the characters exit Blinsky Toys, they can see Izek
Strazni and two guards arrive to post new proclamations, as
described in N8. Town Square (p. 119).
F2. Vistani Camp
The path from Vallaki to the Vistani Camp is as described in
N9. Vistani Camp (p. 119).
132
When the players arrive at the camp, they can choose to
either ascend the hill to the ring of wagons at the top (see
E2a. The Vistani Encampment) or speak with one the dusk
elves guarding the hovels at the base of the hill (see E2b.
Dusk Elf Hovels below).
F2a. The Vistani Encampment
Entering the Vistani Camp
The Vistani are largely as described in Roleplaying the
Vistani and the Elves (p. 119), with the encampment largely
as described in N9c. Vistani Tent, N9d. Horses, N9e.
Luvash's Wagon, N9f. Wagon of Sleeping Vistani, N9g.
Wagon of Gambling Vistani, N9h. Vistani Family Wagon,
and N9i. Vistani Treasure Wagon (pp. 121-23).
When the players first enter the tent, modify the descriptive
text as follows:
As you duck inside the tent, you hear the sound of splintering
wood and shattering ceramic. Blinking through the haze of
smoke that fills the interior, you see three sputtering
campfires burning low with embers. A total of six Vistani sit
around the hearths, watching the source of the commotion
with solemn, sympathetic looks.
A shirtless young man kneels on the dead grass by the
center of the tent, his eyes downcast and his face pale. Beside
him, a broken wooden crate sits amidst a pile of broken
pottery shards, several of which are still wobbling from the
force of impact.
A dozen feet from the kneeling youth stands an older, larger
man wearing studded leather armor and a thick, well-trimmed
beard. His eyes are bloodshot, and his right hand is trembling.
He appears to be leaning his weight against a makeshift
wooden crutch for support; looking down, you see that his
lower right leg is wrapped in blood-stained bandages.
"You were supposed to keep her safe!" the larger man
bellows hoarsely. He whirls, his hand grabbing blindly as if for
something else to throw. Sweat beads on his forehead, and he
chokes back a sob of rage. "My little girl! And now—"
He wavers unsteadily—and stumbles. In a blink, a third man,
also clad in studded leather and wearing a fine-trimmed
goatee, steps out from his shadow and catches the larger man
on his shoulder before he falls. "Easy, brother," the third man
murmurs. "You've lost a lot of blood." He glances up and
catches sight of you, his brow tightening imperceptibly. "And
it would appear that we have company."
If the players do not respond first, Luvash hails them warily
and—leaning back on his crutch to conceal any weakness—
asks them their business. If the players share that they have
come to deliver Madam Eva’s gift, Luvash tells them that
Arabelle—his daughter—has recently gone missing.
 Profile: Luvash
Roleplaying Information
Resonance. Luvash should make the players feel
sympathetic to his grief, endeared to his dedication to
his daughter, irritated with his stubbornness, and mildly
uncomfortable with his hot temper.
Emotions. Luvash most often feels angered,
melancholy, anxious, guilty, desperate, frustrated, joyful,
content, amused, or grateful.
Motivations. Luvash wants to ensure that his daughter,
Arabelle, is safe and loved, and that the families of the
Vistani encampment can thrive and prosper.
Inspirations. When playing Luvash, channel Boromir
(The Lord of the Rings), Robert Baratheon (A Game of
Thrones), Bob Parr (The Incredibles), and Wolverine (X-
Men).
Character Information
Persona. To the world, Luvash is a gruff, stubborn
brawler with an impatient spirit and a heart of gold. To
those he trusts, Luvash is a fiercely devoted father with a
soft and gentle compassion—but near-overwhelmed by
anxiety for the safety of his daughter.
Morale. In a fight, Luvash would draw his blade to
protect his people without a moment’s hesitation, but
would swiftly sheathe it if necessary to keep Arabelle
safe.
Relationships. Luvash is the elder brother of Arrigal,
one of Strahd’s spies. (Luvash doesn’t know that Arrigal
is a spy for Strahd.) Luvash is also the father of Arabelle,
whose mother was one of Madam Eva’s descendants,
and—along with Arrigal—one of the two leaders of the
Vistani camp outside of Vallaki.
Luvash can share the following information with the players:
Three days before the players’ arrival in Vallaki, Luvash’s
nephew, Alexei, was tasked with watching Arabelle play in
the nearby woods while Luvash mediated a dispute
between two Vistani families.
Instead of watching Arabelle, Alexei got drunk on wine.
When he woke up, Arabelle was gone.
Alexei claims that Yan, a long-time member of the
encampment, gave him the wine and had vanished when
Alexei awoke.
Luvash led the search for Arabelle, joining more than a
dozen Vistani and nearly that many dusk elf scouts from
the hovels below the hill. Luvash himself had to return to
the encampment after his right leg was caught in a wolf
trap, leaving him too wounded to walk.
The search parties haven’t yet found Arabelle. However, a
dusk elf named Savid found Yan’s decapitated body lying
in bloody grass near the Luna River, surrounded by signs
of a fight.
Savid also found a strange signet ring lying in the grass,
which seemed to have been dropped in the struggle.
Luvash gave it to Kasimir, the dusk elves’ leader and
foremost scholar, to identify, but hasn’t received any useful
news or information.
Profile: Arrigal
Roleplaying Information
Resonance. Arrigal should make the players feel
insulted by his slight condescension, unnerved by his
intense curiosity and veneer of cheerful courtesy, and—
when they learn of it—both disgusted by and
sympathetic to his decision to serve Strahd.
Emotions. Arrigal most often feels curious, suspicious,
frustrated, resentful, relaxed, or amused.
Motivations. Arrigal wants to protect his family and
ensure a bright future for Barovia’s Vistani, free of the
resentments of the small-minded Barovians—a goal
which he intends to accomplish by serving Strahd.
Inspirations. When playing Arrigal, channel Loki (Thor),
Littlefinger (A Game of Thrones), and Hannibal Lecter
(The Silence of the Lambs).
Character Information
Persona. To the world, Arrigal is Luvash’s enforcer and
adviser: a cautious, cheerful, and curious man who
prefers to remain aloof from the troubles of others. To
those he trusts, Arrigal is a dedicated uncle, a fierce
advocate for the Vistani, and a duelist with a slew of
deadly skills. Only Arrigal knows that he serves Strahd
von Zarovich faithfully as one of his spies—and that he
would go to great lengths to serve the vampire’s will in
exchange for the prosperity of his family and people.
Morale. In a fight, Arrigal would act with ruthless
cunning, retreating as necessary before striking from the
shadows, using deceit, manipulation, or dirty tricks to
ensure an advantage.
Relationships. Arrigal is Luvash’s younger brother and
Arabelle’s uncle. He is also a spy for Strahd and makes
regular reports to Anastrasya, one of Strahd’s vampiric
brides.
Luvash believes that the sigil on the signet ring may lead
him to Arabelle’s location. Though Kasimir has been unable
to make sense of it, Baron Vargas Vallakovich of Vallaki is
rumored to own an impressive library of books, which could
hold the key to identifying the ring. However, the Vistani and
dusk elves are forbidden from entering the town.
Luvash asks the players to recover the ring from Kasimir,
then research its sigil in Baron Vallakovich’s library. Should
the players return to him with actionable information about
Arabelle’s whereabouts—or, better yet, Arabelle herself—
Luvash promises to give them a valuable reward. (If pressed,
Luvash can promise the players a sum of 500 gp—or an
assortment of treasure worth as much or more.)
If the players accept Luvash’s mission, he directs them to
E2b. Dusk Elf Hovels to meet with Kasimir.
133

Strahd’s Bounty
When Strahd received Madam Eva’s most recent
fortelling, he learned that he could not control the raw
power of the Fanes without a token of the Rozana’s
divinity. Strahd also learned of two means by which he
could obtain such a token: by sacrificing a memento of
his past at the Whispering Wall by Yester Hill, or by
securing a mortal descendant who bore a divine spark of
the Ladies Three themselves. Strahd’s preference is, of
course, the latter.
Strahd knows that a descendant of one of the Ladies
lives somewhere in the valley, and knows which signs
will lead him to them. To this end, he has dispatched his
spies across Barovia in search of them. Though Strahd
doesn’t know it, his cupbearer and most recent consort
—the vampire spawn Escher—has taken it upon himself
to pursue the descendant as well.
Though Escher joined Strahd’s court freely, he has
recently grown anxious that Strahd might soon discard
him—especially if Strahd’s vampiric brides, Ludmilla,
Anastrasya, and Volenta, succeed in winning back his
favor. As such, when a Vistana named Yan—one of
Strahd's many spies—visited Castle Ravenloft for a
report, Escher struck a deal with him. Yan agreed to
assist in locating the Ladies' descendant; in exchange,
once Escher became Strahd’s favored consort, he would
provide Yan with riches and power.
Arabelle’s Disappearance
Yan returned to the Vistani encampment outside of
Vallaki—and it wasn’t long before he struck gold. Upon
recognizing that Luvash’s daughter, Arabelle, bore many
of the signs that Escher had described, Yan summoned
Escher to the camp and prepared to make his move.
Alexei, a Vistana youth and Arabelle’s older cousin,
was ordinarily tasked with watching her while her father,
Luvash, worked. While Arabelle played in the woods near
the encampment, Yan approached Alexei and shared
with him copious amounts of wine—more than enough
to get him exceedingly drunk. Once Alexei was asleep,
Yan grabbed Arabelle, gagged her, and stuffed her into a
sack.
Yan moved quickly to bring Arabelle to Escher’s pre-
arranged meeting point: an innocuous spot along the
banks of the Luna River nearby. Yan found Escher there
as expected—but as Escher retrieved Yan’s payment,
disaster struck.
Dr. Rudolph van Richten, the vampire hunter who had
fled Castle Ravenloft after Strahd’s awakening, had been
staying nearby at the old tower on Lake Baratok. Today,
Van Richten was searching the marshy riverside grasses
for a particular medicinal herb he’d run out of—and it
was there, crouching hidden in the underbrush, that he
noticed Yan and Escher’s clandestine meeting.
Ordinarily, Van Richten would have been loath to
reveal his location—even in the presence of one of
Strahd’s foul spawn—and risk blowing his cover.
However, when he noticed Yan’s sack moving and heard
a child’s whimpering within, Van Richten’s mind flashed
back to the kidnapping and death of his late son,
Erasmus—and his body moved without thinking.
134
Within seconds, Yan was dead and a wounded Escher
had fled for Castle Ravenloft. Van Richten swiftly rescued
Arabelle from her restraints, and was astounded to see
that she was a young Vistana herself. When Van Richten
used his talisman of echoes to cast speak with dead on
Yan’s severed head and learnt of Escher’s plan, he and
Arabelle realized that the Vistani encampment was no
longer safe from Strahd’s spies.
Taking Yan’s head with them to prevent investigation
and wading upstream through the Luna River to mislead
the dusk elves’ scouts, Van Richten and Arabelle
returned to Chapter 11: Van Richten's Tower (p. 167) to
hatch a plan. Remaining at the tower was infeasible—
Strahd now knew Arabelle’s face and location, and would
surely attempt to scry her. Though the tower’s antimagic
field would hinder Strahd’s efforts, it would also be the
first place he would look when his scrying spell
inevitably failed.
Van Richten himself had an amulet of nondetection to
avoid Strahd’s watchful eye—as well as a spare amulet
that his student, Ezmerelda d’Avenir, had returned to
him when the two parted ways. The two amulets would
suffice to protect them from Strahd’s magic, but
Arabelle still needed a place to live and sleep away from
the eyes of Strahd’s spies—at least until Van Richten
could find a better alternative.
Laying Low
The nearby town of Vallaki, with its large and bustling
population, could provide a far better place for the two
to lose themselves in the crowd. However, while Van
Richten could disguise himself with his hat of disguise,
he had no such disguises for Arabelle, and any effort to
transport her into or around Vallaki would risk alerting
Strahd’s spies.
Fortunately, Van Richten still had an old Vistani wagon
hidden away in the woods from when he had first
entered Barovia—one with ample space for Arabelle to
reside. While Vistani weren’t welcome in Vallaki, Van
Richten decided that a different disguise—one that
would allow them to hide in plain sight—could serve
just as well.
Disguising himself as Yan, Van Richten used Arabelle’s
advice to sneak into the Vistani camp itself, stealing
several of the colorful paints that the Vistani used to
decorate their wagons. That night, Rictavio’s Carnival of
Wonders was born—and Van Richten himself became
Rictavio, ringmaster of the “carnival.”
As Van Richten worked, Arabelle—who had stowed
the card in her pocket following a vague premonition
that morning—felt her inner Sight flare once more.
Without understanding entirely why, she hid a copy of
the Hooded One Tarokka card in her pillow alongside a
silvered dagger that Van Richten had given her, leaving
her beaded charm bracelet wrapped around them.
In the morning, Van Richten hid Arabelle in the back
of the wagon, which he hitched to Drusilla, his horse,
and rode it into Vallaki. There, he struck a deal with the
Gunther and Yelena Arasek to store the wagon (still
holding Arabelle) in Arasek Stockyard, and took up
residence in the private guest room of the Blue Water
Inn.

Aftermath of the Kidnapping
Arabelle’s absence, didn’t go unnoticed for long. By
dusk on the night she’d been kidnapped, Luvash
had discovered the hungover Alexei and learned of
his daughter’s disappearance. The Vistani and dusk
elves spread out among the nearby woods,
searching in vain for any sign of the missing girl.
At nearly the same time that Van Richten and
Arabelle were riding through Vallaki’s gates, a dusk
elf named Savid found Yan’s decapitated body
amidst the reeds of the Luna River amid signs of a
struggle. Savid also found a strange trinket atop the
bloodied grass: a platinum signet ring stamped
with a strange sigil. He returned it to Luvash, who
ordered Savid to deliver it to Kasimir Velikov—the
dusk elves’ leader and scholar—for inspection
upon Kasimir’s return. Luvash has continued the
search for Arabelle, though his personal efforts
came to a bloody and brutal halt when his right leg
was caught in a well-hidden wolf trap.
Meanwhile, Van Richten delivers Arabelle food
from the Blue Water Inn’s kitchens once each
morning and night, claiming to nosy onlookers that
he is merely delivering snacks to the “ferocious
saber-toothed tiger” he has locked up in his
wagon. Van Richten’s lie, however, is more true
than he knows. The wagon is haunted by the kindly
ghost of his son, Erasmus van Richten (see Van
Richten's Guide to Ravenloft, p. 180)—and
Erasmus, in his youthful exuberance, has already
scared onlookers away more than once by shaking
the wagon and scratching against its wooden
interior.
Both Van Richten and Arabelle know that this is
a temporary solution at best. Van Richten, who first
heard of the mysterious Keepers of the Feather
during Doru’s rebellion, is quietly investigating the
members as described in N2c. Taproom (p. 100).
He hopes to determine whether the secret society
is friend or foe—and, if friend, whether its agents
can be trusted.
F2b. Dusk Elf Hovels
The dusk elf hovels are as described in N9b. Dusk Elf
Hovels (p. 121). The dusk elves themselves are as described
in Roleplaying the Vistani and the Elves (p. 119). If the
players approach one of the guards and inquire about the
Vistani, the guard directs them to the ring of wagons at the
top of the hill.
If the players inquire about Luvash’s mission, the guard
directs them to Kasimir's hovel. The guard notes, however,
that Kasimir has recently returned from a long and arduous
journey and that the players must not disturb him beyond
what is reasonably necessary.
F2c. Kasimir’s Hovel
Kasimir’s hovel is largely as described in N9a. Kasimir's
Hovel (p. 121). If the players enter it, read:
You enter into a small, cozy vestibule several degrees warmer
than the chill mists outside. The walls of this small chamber
are decorated with hanging sketches and portraits of proud
and wise-looking elves with dark skin, tree-borne spires carved
of dark wood, and artistic depictions of constellations and
celestial bodies. Two curtains of dark brown fabric obscure the
entrance to another chamber beyond.
Beyond the curtains lie a larger chamber, lit and heated by a
fireplace at the north end. An old green rug sits facing the fire,
just beside an old wooden table flanked by several chairs. The
left-side wall of this comfortable room bears a dozen
cubbyholes bearing leather-bound books and small wooden
statuettes of elven figures, while the wall to the right bears a
faded tapestry of a lush and beautiful forest beneath a
noonday sun.
The players can find Kasimir sitting on the green rug facing
the fire, meditating. He is as described in Kasimir Velikov (p.
232), but has recently sustained a black eye and several cuts
across his cheek.
135
 Profile: Kasimir Velikov
Roleplaying Information
Resonance. Kasimir should make the players feel
grateful for his competence and genuine interest in
assisting them, mildly insulted by his slight
condescension, mildly suspicious of his caginess,
and sympathetic to his sorrow for the plight of his
people.
Emotions. Kasimir most often feels curious,
frustrated, suspicious, excited, melancholy,
nostalgic, somber, or regretful.
Motivations. Kasimir wants to ensure the safety
of the dusk elves and resurrect his sister, Patrina,
once he’s freed her of Strahd’s dark influence and
seen Strahd destroyed.
Inspirations. When playing Kasimir, channel
Stephen Strange (Doctor Strange), Sherlock
Holmes (Sherlock), Spock (Star Trek), and the
Twelfth Doctor (Doctor Who).
Kasimir notes that the runes are the symbols of the evocation
Character Information (left) and necromancy (right) schools of magic, respectively,
Persona. To the world, Kasimir is a quiet and but confesses that the ring has shown no reaction to any kind
withdrawn scholar, with a powerful curiosity and a of magic.
fierce dedication to his people. To those he trusts, If the players ask Kasimir about his injuries, he claims that
Kasimir is a lost and broken man, guilt-ridden for he had been hiking across Mount Ghakis, but fell when the
his role in Patrina’s death and resigned to somber frozen bluff he’d been walking on crumbled beneath his
despair for the dusk elves’ future. Only Kasimir weight. If the players ask him why he was visiting Mount
knows the lengths to which he is willing to go to Ghakis, he discloses only that he was searching for
resurrect his sister—and the price he is willing to something of personal significance. (If the players push
pay. harder, Kasimir politely asks them to avoid intruding too
Morale. In a fight, Kasimir would attempt to
negotiate a peace, but would not hesitate to
deeply into his private matters.)
unleash his most powerful spells—or use his
If the players ask Kasimir about the history of the dusk
magic to escape—if a diplomatic solution proved
elves, Kasimir shares the following tale:
untenable.
Relationships. Kasimir is the leader of the dusk elf Even now, nearly five centuries past, the memories are sharp
encampment and the younger brother of the late and clear in my mind, like shards of broken glass. I was a mere
Patrina Velikovna, a banshee who resides in the century old when my people lost their freedom—when the
catacombs of Castle Ravenloft. Kasimir is also the
tyranny of the Von Zarovich clan rose like a shadow across the
cousin of Rahadin, Strahd’s chamberlain, and the
nephew of the late dusk elf prince, Erevan land.
Löwenhart. (Kasimir is not a direct blood relation of It was not Strahd that shattered the peace, but his father,
Erevan, who married Kasimir’s aunt, Lorelei.) King Barov von Zarovich II. In those days, our people dwelled
in Othrondil, the Forest of Twilight. A council of princes ruled
us, led by Erevan Löwenhart, my uncle and a master in the art
His right hand and forearm are a pale bluish-white, with
much of the skin puffy and blistered. (A successful DC 12 of bladesong. When King Barov's eyes fell upon our lands, he
Wisdom (Medicine) check identifies the symptoms of demanded our fealty—our tribute to the borders of old
frostbite.) Zarovia, the kingdom his ancestors once ruled. Erevan, who
Kasimir welcomes the players warmly, though obviously practiced the style of the lion and bore the lion's sigil, was
with some discomfort. If the players ask for the signet ring, never one to bow, however, and refused. His act of defiance
he produces it from his cloak and wishes them luck, noting ignited the fires of war.
that he could not identify it himself—odd, he thinks, given his
knowledge of pre-Barovian heraldry and his long history in Barov's conquest was swift and brutal. His forces, joined by
the valley. (He isn’t sure whether the Baron’s library might Rahadin, my cousin, and a traitor to our people, laid waste to
hold more information, but believes it a lead worth pursuing.) our kingdom. I was a mage and scribe in Erevan's court—I saw
The symbol on the signet ring resembles the connected Rahadin shatter Erevan’s blade and execute his family, marking
series of lines depicted on V2. Tower Door (p. 169), but the end of the royal line. My people were subjugated; those
rotated counterclockwise such that the shape is vertically that resisted were hunted like rabbits.
symmetrical. A tiny arcane rune has been carved into the
metal above each of the two unconnected ends of the series
of lines.

136
 Barov ruled over us with an iron fist—and when he died and
his son, Strahd, came to power, we rose in rebellion, leading
the charge for freedom. But Strahd was even more cunning
and cruel than his sire. He quashed our revolt in a matter of
days, and slaughtered our people in a genocide that left less
than a hundred alive. He left us, the survivors, to the mercies
of the Vistani, who took us into their caravans and led us to
sanctuary in this valley.
Strahd's hunger for conquest, however, was endless. Within
a year, the last of his enemies had fallen, and he had claimed
the valley for his own, naming it "Barovia." We found ourselves
trapped, imprisoned in the heart of our conqueror's new
empire. By then, however, we had built a home here, and
chose to remain—hoping, in our heart of hearts, that the
Vistani's kindness would keep us safe. And so here we have
remained ever since.

F3. Burgomaster’s Mansion

The burgomaster's mansion is largely as described in N3.
Burgomaster's Mansion (p. 103). However, the magic mirror
in N3p. Bridal Gown and Spirit Mirror (p. 108) has been
modified and moved to N3s. Attic Storage (p. 109). See
Speaking with Victor below, or Arc I: The Lost Soul for
more information about the mirror.
If the players visit the burgomaster’s mansion openly, they
are greeted by Clavdia, the Baron’s maid, and led to the den
as described in N3. Burgomaster's Mansion (p. 103) and
N3e. Den (p. 106). The Baron arrives to speak with them a
few minutes later, joined by his twin mastiffs named Fang
and Claw, as described in **N3l. Library (p. 107).
F3a. Entering the Mansion
If Ireena Kolyana has already visited the mansion alone and
obtained an audience with the Baron regarding the Barovian
refugees, the Baron is glad to grant her and her companions
access to his library. Otherwise, the players can attempt to
persuade the Baron to grant them entry, or try to gain access
by subterfuge if all else fails.
If the players visit the library, proceed to Searching the
Library below.
1. Persuading the Baron
If the players ask Baron Vallakovich for access without
Ireena’s aid, he demands to know their background, their
purpose in Vallaki, and their intentions for using his library.
While he is not generally inclined to grant their request, if
the players indicate that they are adventurers, mages, clerics,
scholars, or otherwise up to the task, Vargas is willing to
allow them entry into the library if they agree to resolve a
problem his household has been facing. He can share with
them the following information:
For the past two months, a spirit has haunted the
Vallakovich mansion.
Servants have seen its reflection in mirrors or darkened
windows, and have reported cold drafts, strange sounds,
and objects that move of their own volition.

137
 The mansion’s butler and the baroness's lady-in-waiting
have already left the Baron's employment, too fearful of
the ghost to continue working in the house.
The Baron’s wife, Baroness Lydia Petrovna, hosts daily
lunches for a group of Vallakian women, who Vargas uses
to prepare costumes and decorations for his weekly
festivals. Vargas is desperate to ensure that the women
remain ignorant of the spirit’s existence.
The Baron's cook, a doughty woman named Tereska, has
seen the spirit most recently, and nearly quit her job
before the Baron convinced her to stay by (reluctantly)
increasing her pay.
The Baron doesn’t mind allowing the players to use the
library before they’ve solved the case, but will only grant them
access if they agree to take it on.
The Baron cannot be convinced with appeals to Arabelle’s
safety, insisting that he cares little for the plight of a “Vistani
whelp.”
If the players wish to visit the library, the baron summons
Clavdia, the maid, to escort them to the library before
departing. (Proceed to Searching the Library below.) If the
players wish to interview Tereska, the baron asks Clavdia to
escort them to the kitchen instead. In both cases, as the
Baron departs, he asks them to avoid discussing the spirit
with anyone who lives outside the household.
The kitchen is largely as described in N3g. Kitchen (p.
106). The cook, Tereska, is a broad-shouldered, rough-hewn
woman with a tough, no-nonsense attitude who wears her
heart on her sleeve. She is reluctant to discuss the spirit, but
can share the following information if asked:
The spirit has mostly been seen on the second floor,
though strange sounds have been heard coming from the
attic at night.
Tereska experienced one particularly bad haunting while
retrieving an old pot from the attic last week—an eerie
presence, coupled with a cold draft and the unmistakable
sound of breathing—which nearly pushed her to quit her
job.
The Baroness’s lady-in-waiting, a quiet woman named
Valentina, reported seeing the spirit in the Baroness’s
mirror on multiple occasions. The Baroness hid the
mirror away in the attic shortly thereafter.
Valentina described the spirit’s appearance as the
distorted silhouette of a young woman. All of the servants
agree that its hauntings universally carry a sense of
sorrow, loneliness, and longing.
Few members of the household enter the attic anymore,
though the Baron’s son, Victor Vallakovich, has been
known to disappear into it for hours or even days at a
time. When he does, Tereska usually leaves his meals on a
table by the entrance to the attic and knocks on the
trapdoor to alert him.
If the players ask about Victor, Tereska notes that he eats
too little and seems strangely isolated and terse for a
young man his age, especially since the strange illness
that struck “that Wachter girl” nearly three months ago.
(Tereska doesn’t remember her name, but knows that the
girl was Lady Fiona Wachter’s daughter, and that she and
Victor got along well.) Tereska declines to elaborate,
insisting that the Baron’s family matters are none of her
business.
138
If the players express an interest in investigating the attic,
Tereska provides them with directions to the entrance in
N3o. Master Bedroom (p. 108). She also prepares a small
plate of bread and cheese, which she asks them to bring to
Victor. Proceed to Speaking with Victor below.
2. Infiltrating the Mansion
The players may choose to infiltrate the mansion rather than
obtain Baron Vallakovich’s permission. If they are found,
however, one or more NPCs can raise the alarm by shouting
for aid. If the alarm is raised, twelve guards arrive at the
mansion two minutes later, followed by Izek Strazni one
minute afterward.
The NPCs in the mansion behave as follows:
Baron Vallakovich can generally be found in N3l. Library
(p. 107) during the day, and in N3o. Master Bedroom (p.
108) at night. He is accompanied by his two mastiffs,
Fang and Claw, at all times. If he finds the players
trespassing, he sets Fang and Claw to attack them, but
raises the alarm if the dogs are defeated.
Baroness Lydia Petrovna can generally be found in N3c.
Dining Room (p. 106) during the day and in N3o. Master
Bedroom (p. 108) at night. If she finds the players
trespassing during the day, she assumes that they are
guests of her husband, Vargas, and greets them
accordingly; otherwise, she screams, then faints.
Victor Vallakovich can generally be found in N3t. Victor's
Workroom (p. 109) both day and night. If he finds the
players trespassing, he greets them warily and demands
to know their names and business. (He won’t raise the
alarm if his curiosity is satisfied.)
Tereska, the cook, can generally be found in N3g. Kitchen
(p. 106) during the day, and in **N3f. Servants' Quarters
(p. 106) at night. If she finds the players trespassing, she
gives them an opportunity to leave, but raises the alarm if
they refuse.
Clavdia, the maid, can generally be found on the second
floor during the morning, on the first floor during the
afternoon, and in N3f. Servants’ Quarters (p. 106) at
night. If she finds the players trespassing, she immediately
raises the alarm.
F3b. Searching the Library
If the players gain access to N3l. Library (p. 107), they can
attempt to search the shelves for information regarding the
platinum signet ring. With a successful DC 15 Intelligence
(Investigation) check or a full hour spent searching, the
players can confirm that no books contain any information
about the ring.
In the course of the players’ search, one of the players
identifies a familiar name in a genealogical tome archiving
births and deaths to Vallakian families: Ireena Strazni, the
younger sister of Izek Strazni and the daughter of Grygori
and Fatima Strazni. According to the records, however,
Ireena Strazni died more than eighteen years ago at the age
of four, with Grygori and Fatima dying shortly thereafter.
Grygori and Fatima’s deaths are marked as Suicide by
hanging, while Ireena’s cause of death is marked as
Unknown (presumed devoured by wolves).
 Shortly after the players discover these records, however,
they are interrupted by the arrival of Victor Vallakovich, who
has come to the library in search of a particular book:
Ethereal Entities: Denizens of the Unseen Realm, written by
the archmage Mordenkainen.
Victor, who is largely as described in N3t. Victor's
Workroom (p. 109), is carrying his spellbook with him. The
players can easily see that the cover of the book displays the
same symbol as the platinum signet ring.
If the players ask about Victor’s spellbook, he demands to
know their names and purpose. The players can persuade
him to aid them by sharing the story of Arabelle’s
disappearance or by making a successfuly DC 15 Charisma
(Persuasion) check.
If Victor agrees to aid the players by sharing information
about his book, he first obtains Ethereal Entities from one of
the shelves, then invites the players upstairs to N3t. Victor’s
Workroom to speak further. He won’t share any information
outside of his workroom.
F3c. Speaking with Victor
Victor’s workroom is largely as described in N3t. Victor’s
Workroom (p. 109), except that the glyph of warding on the
door, rather than dealing lightning damage, casts fear in a 30-
foot cone away from the door when activated. Additionally,
Victor’s spellbook contains the sending spell, rather than
remove curse.
Profile: Victor Vallakovich
Roleplaying Information
Resonance. Victor should make the players feel
annoyed at his suspicion and condescension,
sympathetic to his anxiety, frustration, and
desperation, and endeared to his stubborn
determination to see Stella healed.
Emotions. Victor most often feels curious,
frustrated, suspicious, excited, bored, anxious,
desperate, or determined.
Motivations. Victor wants to restore Stella’s soul
to her body and escape Barovia.
Inspirations. When playing Victor, channel
Jonathan Byers (Stranger Things), Prince Zuko
(Avatar: The Last Airbender), Raven (Teen Titans),
and Perrin Aybara (Wheel of Time).
Character Information
Persona. To the world, Victor is a quiet, moody,
and isolated young man with an awkward manner
and a total lack of social graces. To those he trusts,
Victor is a devoted and compassionate friend, with
a spark of brilliance and the stubbornness of a
mule. Only Victor knows that he secretly fears
losing Stella’s friendship—both due to the harm
caused by his teleportation circle and due to the
time she’s spent with Erasmus van Richten in the
Ethereal Plane.
Morale. In a fight, Victor would attempt to flee,
but would resort to his most dangerous spells with
wanton and amateurish abandon if cornered or if
defending his friends or family.
Relationships. Victor is the only child of Baron
Vargas Vallakovich and Baroness Lydia Petrovna.
He is a close friend to Stella Wachter, and a friendly
(though wary) acquaintance to the ghost of
Erasmus van Richten. Victor despises and fears
Izek Strazni, who killed Victor’s childhood cat,
Miska, by kicking it across a room when it
wandered into his path two years ago. (Victor has
since reanimated Miska’s skeleton through the use
of his animate dead spell.)

Additionally, Victor has only one skeleton cat, which is the

animated remains of his childhood cat, Miska. Victor’s
teleportation circle is perfectly constructed, and Victor has
leaned the full-length mirror from N3p. Bridal Gown and
Spirit Mirror (p. 108) against the wall beside the rug.
The mirror is a spirit mirror, a magical item that reflects
both the Material Plane and creatures in the Border Ethereal.
Upon entering the room, a player who looks into the mirror
sees a flash of a young woman’s silhouette that swiftly
vanishes—the spirit of Stella Wachter.
If the players have not already met Victor, he casts greater
invisibility as described in N3t. Victor’s Workroom (p. 109)
if alerted to their arrival, but clumsily knocks over a pile of
parchment as the players enter the room in his haste to hide.
A player who inspects the parchment sees that they are
covered with elaborate diagrams of teleportation circles.

139

Ethereal Entities
Ethereal Entities: Denizens of the Unseen Realm by
Mordenkainen is a slim hardback book with a
leather cover dyed a deep, midnight blue. Its title
and author's name are embossed in silver script
along the spine and front cover, and the corners of
the book are adorned with small, silver filigree
resembling ethereal wisps. Its pages are filled with
neatly-written text and beautifully detailed
illustrations.
The book is a treatise on the Ethereal Plane and
the creatures that dwell within or visit it. It contains
all of the information provided in Ethereal Plane
(Dungeon Master's Guide, p. 48), as well as a
bestiary divided into the following three sections:
Etherborn: Natives of the Deep Ethereal,
containing information about creatures that are
said to dwell solely in the Deep Ethereal, such
as the mythological mistfiends, ethershades,
and shimmerlings.
Phantomfolk: Travelers from the Border Ethereal,
containing information about incorporeal
creatures that dwell in the Border Ethereal and
often cross into the Material Plane, such as
ghosts and phantom warriors.
Veil-Walkers: Visitors to the Ethereal, containing
information about physical creatures that can
cross into the Ethereal Plane, such as night
hags, nightmares, and phase spiders. (See
Matrons of Malevolence in Arc I: The Lost Soul
for an excerpt of the chapter regarding night
hags.)
The subsection discussing night hags includes a
brief sidenote discussing a ritual that uses a night
hag’s heartstone and the energies of a leyline to
replicate the effects of the Etherealness spell for
up to ten individuals for one hour on the night of
the full moon.
If the Tome of Strahd is located within Victor’s workroom, it
can be found atop Victor’s desk among his other papers. If
the players attempt to pick up the Tome of Strahd, Victor
immediately casts mage hand to retrieve it, revealing his
position.
Otherwise, shortly after the players enter the room, they
can hear the sound of a sneeze from the corner where Victor
is hiding. Victor then reveals himself—including his spellbook
and the recognizable sigil upon it—and proceeds to speak
with the players as described in Searching the Library
above.
If persuaded to aid the players in finding Arabelle, Victor
can share the following information:
Three years ago, he found an old spellbook in his father’s
library. He’s used it to study magic ever since.
The original owner of the spellbook was a mage named
Khazan. The symbol on the cover of the spellbook was his
personal sigil.
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Long ago, Khazan built a wizard’s tower, which he imbued
with powerful enchantments, including a protective field
that prevented any other spellcasters from using magic
within its reach.
If the players agree to investigate Khazan’s tower and give
Victor any artifacts they find, he tells them where the tower
can be found: a gravel causeway on Lake Baratok, to the
west.
Victor isn’t sure how to get to Lake Baratok from Vallaki.
However, he does know someone who will: Szoldar
Szoldarovich, one of the town’s most skilled hunters. (Last
year, in an effort to encourage Victor to develop more
masculine hobbies and traits, Vargas forced him to
accompany Szoldar on a hunting trip in the woods by
Vallaki’s walls. Victor detested the experience, but came away
with a healthy respect for Szoldar’s knowledge of Barovia’s
wilderness.)
If the players are interested in speaking with Szoldar,
Victor directs them to a ramshackle hut at the mouth of the
Luna River to the west, which Szoldar and his partner,
Yevgeni Krushkin, have turned into a dressing shack for
skinning, gutting, and butchering their kills. To get there, the
players should travel north, past Vallaki’s Zarovich Gate, and
then travel west along the shores of Lake Zarovich.
Victor can tell the players that, while Szoldar and Yevgeni
spend most mornings checking their traps for captured
game, they usually return to the dressing shack by early
afternoon to clean their weapons, reset their traps, and
whittle and fletch fresh arrows.
If the players ask Victor about the haunting of the
burgomaster’s mansion, or inquire too deeply about the
silhouette in the spirit mirror, the players begin Arc I. The
Lost Spirit. Otherwise, Victor tries to avoid discussing Stella
or the haunting, preferring to keep his involvement as quiet
as possible.
Khazan’s Staff
While reading Khazan’s spellbook, Victor learned
that Khazan was the owner of a powerful wizard’s
staff, which Victor believes may still be somewhere
in his tower.
According to the spellbook, a magical binding
allowed Khazan to summon it by merely speaking
his own name. With the aid of Khazan’s staff,
Victor believes he may be able to rescue Stella’s
soul from the Ethereal Plane and restore it to her
body.
Victor is, however, mistaken. Unlike the
archmage’s spellbook, Strahd recovered Khazan’s
staff from the remnants of his body. It is now
concealed in Crypt 15 (p. 88) in Castle Ravenloft.
See Arc T: Ravenloft Heist for more information
about Khazan's staff.
F4. Lake Zarovich
Lake Zarovich is largely as described in L. Lake Zarovich (p.
38). However, Bluto is not present.
As the players journey west toward Szoldar’s shack, read:
The path ahead is uneven, littered with pebbles and overgrown
in parts by moss and wild grass. To the left, the trees of the
Svalich Wood stand tall and foreboding; to the right, a chill
breeze sweeps in from the lake, tinged with a faint, brackish
scent and the damp earthiness of old silt. Other than the
mournful croak of a distant raven, the only sound that breaks
the eerie silence is the squelching of mud beneath your feet
and the quiet lapping of the waves against the shore.
It's not long, however, before the air is tinged with the faint
scents of fur and a familiar, metallic tang. Ahead, you can hear
the sound of rushing water, and see a place where the dark
waters of the lake flow swiftly into a river that disappears
southward into the dark woods. A small, crudely built shack
stands tucked away near the water's edge, its timbers worn
and weathered with age.
If the players arrive between the hours of noon and dusk,
Szoldar and Yevgeni can be found inside. Szoldar is cleaning
the blood from an old rusted hunting trap, while Yevgeni is
halfway finished with skinning a large dead wolf.
When Szoldar and Yevgeni are away, the door to the shack
is locked with a padlock. (Both wolf hunters carry a key.) If
either wolf hunter is inside, the door is unlocked and hangs
ajar.
If the players enter the shack, read:
The walls of this cramped shack are stained dark with age and
use. Knives, cleavers, traps, and chains hang from the walls,
each one well-cleaned and oiled. Animal pelts hang from the
rafters, their empty eyes seeming to watch you as you pass.
Whether or not the players have already spoken with him,
Szoldar instantly recognizes them as the newcomers residing
at the Blue Water Inn. As described in N2c. Taproom,
Szoldar and Yevgeni are glad to serve as guides if paid, or to
provide directions to Lake Baratok in exchange for a promise
of free drinks when the players return.
If the players choose to set off on their own, Szoldar gives
the following directions:
Exit Vallaki from the western Sunset Gate, then cross the
bridge that fords the Luna River.
Take the northern branch of the Luna River crossroads,
which is marked “Lake Baratok” on a nearby signpost.
Continue down the path as it bends through the woods,
before ultimately arriving at the lake.
Szoldar also warns the players to be cautious of
werewolves on the Svalich Road and northern path. The
woods to the west of Vallaki—and especially the woods
around Lake Baratok—are the preferred hunting grounds of a
local werewolf pack.
The werewolves's recent flurry of activity has made Szoldar
suspect that the pack has come under the leadership of a
new, more reckless alpha. He doesn’t know where the
werewolves’ den is, but he cautions the players to keep an eye
out for anything strange or unusual.
F5. The Svalich Road
As the players exit Szoldar’s shack, any characters with a
passive Wisdom (Perception) score of 19 or higher notice a
silhouette watching them from the southern treeline. If the
players approach, look toward, or otherwise attempt to
interact with the silhouette, it vanishes.
The silhouette is Arrigal, who has decided to spy on the
players on Strahd’s behalf and to ensure that Arabelle is
safely returned should the players find her. Though he
remains out of sight for the remainder of the journey, Arrigal
continues to track the players from afar.
F5a. Luna River Bridge
As the players cross the bridge over the Luna River, read the
following:
The path narrows, flanked by dense, towering trees. Up ahead,
you can see an old wooden bridge come into view, its age-
worn planks spanning the rushing river below. As you
approach, you can see the dark river tumbling over the smooth
stones of the riverbed, bordered on either side by gnarled
bushes and trees.
As you step onto the bridge, your boots echo against the
old, damp wood. To the north, you can see the river meander
upstream around the tree line before vanishing around a curve.
To the south, the river winds like a ribbon between its banks,
then gradually vanishes into mist.
Halfway across the bridge, you notice something odd: a
small scrap of white material fluttering on the surface of the
far side of the river, caught on a tree root a dozen yards
downstream.
If the players retrieve the scrap of material, they find it to be a
small, soaked white handkerchief, monogrammed with the
embroidered red initials “R.V.R.”
F5b. Luna River Crossroads
The Luna River Crossroads are largely as described in P.
Luna River Crossroads (p. 40).
If this is the first time that the players have visited the Luna
River Crossroads, four twig blights and two scarecrows are
lying in wait here. Modify the area description as follows:
The road comes to an X intersection, with branches to the
northwest, northeast, southwest, and southeast.
Scattered across the intersection are four, small dead
saplings, their branches and trunks blackened and gnarled.
Some lean at slight angles, while others stand stubbornly
upright, their twig-like structures idle and quiet in the windless
air.
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Nearby, a pair of scarecrows appear to have been mounted
along two separate trees, bodies hewn of rough straw and
weathered cloth clinging to twisted, low-hanging branches.
Their painted sackcloth eyes seem almost mocking, and black
raven's feathers poke from their stuffed guts.
The lower half of a snapped wooden signpost thrusts
upward at an angle near the eastern elbow of the intersection.
The top half of the sign, featuring arms pointing in four
directions, lies in the weeds nearby.
If Szoldar is accompanying the players, he warns them that
the saplings and scarecrows are new additions to the
crossroads, and that recent rumors have reported sightings
of scarecrows moving of their own volition through the
woods.
If the players approach the snapped signpost or move to
leave the intersection, the blights and scarecrows attack.
F6. Lake Baratok
Lake Baratok is as described in Approaching the Tower (p.
167). The tower itself is largely as described in Chapter 11:
Van Richten's Tower (p. 167).
F6a. Ezmerelda’s Wagon
Ezmerelda’s wagon is largely as described in V1.
Ezmerelda's Magic Wagon (p. 168). However, rather than a
single wooden sign, a trio of wooden signs has been arranged
vertically in a haphazard diagonal across the back door.
The signs read, in order: “Keep out!”, “Home & Property of
Ezmerelda d’Avenir,” and “Trespassers will be immediately
incinerated.”
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Beneath the warning on the third sign, someone has drawn a
small frowning face with crossed-out eyes, surrounded by a
stylized flame.
A player who approaches the wagon detects a faint scent of
sulfur, and notices that the grass around it appears to have
been tramped down by many feet. A player who makes a
successful DC 14 Wisdom (Survival) check learns that the
tracks were left by a pack of wolves the previous night, which
evidently inspected the wagon before leaving it alone. (If he is
with the players, Szoldar points this out after a brief
investigation, and advises them against interfering with the
wagon.) The player also learns that the wagon has been
parked here for no more than forty-eight hours.
A Chance to React
As noted in The Order of Combat (Player's
Handbook, p. 189), combat is a "clash between
two sides." A participant in combat need not seek
to harm one another—merely obstruct another
participant from taking some sort of action or
achieving some sort of goal.
As such, when one player states their intent to
take an action that another player might seek to
oppose—such as opening the door to Ezmerelda’s
wagon—ask other nearby players if they’d like to
intervene to prevent that action. (For example, a
player might wish to shove the first player away
from the wagon, or grapple them and pull them
forcefully away.)
If so, have all involved players roll initiative. (The
first player is, of course, free to change their mind
and cease their original action at any time.)
A player that inspects Ezmerelda’s wagon also learns that it
was not the only one that has parked here recently. A second
set of wagon tracks lies nearby, leading from the eastern
woods to a spot nearby Ezmerelda’s wagon, then south along
the path away from the lake. A player who follows the tracks
south finds that they reach the Old Svalich Road then turn
east, toward Vallaki. A player who makes a successful DC 14
Wisdom (Survival) check can ascertain that the second set of
tracks was made approximately three days before the players
first arrived in Vallaki.
A player who makes a successful DC 10 Wisdom (Survival)
check can follow the second set of tracks into the woods,
where they end in a dark, sheltered hollow. Much of the forest
floor around the hollow is stained with bright yellow and
white paint. A successful DC 14 Intelligence (Investigation)
check reveals that the paint was left fairly recently—
approximately three days before the players first arrived in
Vallaki.
If the player has previously seen Rictavio’s wagon in Arasek
Stockyard, they recognize the paint as the same shade as
yellow as the sign on the wagon.
If the players successfully enter Ezmerelda’s wagon, it does
not contain the burned page of Van Richten’s journal.
F6b. The Tower
1. The Tower Door
The tower door is largely as described in V2. Tower Door (p.
169). However, modify the descriptive text as follows: The two possible proper sequences are:
evocation, divination, illusion, transmutation, conjuration,
The tower door is made of iron, with no visible handles or abjuration, enchantment, necromancy
hinges. In the middle of the door is a large, embossed, blank necromancy, enchantment, abjuration, conjuration,
red seal. Carved into the lintel above the door is a word: transmutation, illusion, divination, evocation
Khazan. Each time a button is pressed, its symbol glows with the
color of its corresponding school of magic: evocation (red),
The seal appears to be blank. However, if a character divination (silver), illusion (purple), transmutation (green),
approaches within 5 feet of the door, eight fist-sized buttons conjuration (brown), abjuration (yellow), enchantment (pink),
grow from its waxlike surface in the same positions as the and necromancy (blue).
stick figures depicted in V2. Tower Door (p. 169). If the A creature that touches any part of the door other than
character then moves away from the door, the buttons vanish buttons without first unlocking it receives a mild, but painful
once more. The buttons emerge in different places each time, electric shock. A creature that attempts to break down the
but the order of the buttons as they move around the seal door must succeed on a DC 25 Strength check; on a failure, a
always stays the same. stroke of lightning blasts out from the door in a straight line
Each of the eight buttons depicts a different arcane rune. A 100 feet long and 5 feet wide. Each creature in the line must
player with proficiency in Arcana, or who makes a successful make a Dexterity saving throw, taking 8d6 lightning damage
DC 10 Intelligence (Arcana) check, identifies the runes as the on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
symbols of the eight schools of magic. The order of the (Triggering the lightning multiple times doesn't cause the
symbols, moving clockwise around the seal, is always: door to collapse.)
illusion, abjuration, necromancy, conjuration, divination, If eight different symbols are pressed in an incorrect
enchantment, transmutation, evocation. sequence, their lights briefly flicker, then go out again. The
A player who compares the platinum signet ring to the first time this happens, the griffon statues atop the tower roof
symbols notices that the evocation and necromancy runes —four disguised gargoyles—come to life and attack. The
exactly match the appearance of their corresponding symbols gargoyles fight to the death.
on the door. To unlock the door, the players must press the
buttons in the order given by the pattern of crossed lines on 2. The Scaffolding
the signet ring, beginning with either the evocation or The scaffolding is as described in V3. Rickety Scaffolding. If
necromancy symbol and moving along the lines in the proper a creature climbs the scaffolding to the second floor, the four
sequence. gargoyles on the roof come to life and attack. (Remember
that the scaffolding leads to a hole in the wall on the third
floor, and therefore has no entry point into the second floor.)

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 3. Inside the Tower
The interior of the tower is largely as described in V4. Tower,
First Floor, V5. Tower, Second Floor, V6. Tower, Third
Floor, and V7. Tower, Fourth Floor (pp. 170-71). However,
the wooden box containing Yan's severed head has been
removed from the tower.
A successful DC 15 Intelligence (Investigation) check or a
ten-minute search of the room reveals two clues:
A colorful beaded bracelet with several wooden charms
sized for a child, wrapped around a silvered dagger and a
Tarokka card (the Hooded One).
Two burned pieces of parchment amidst a pile of charred
ashes in the stove, including a burned page from Van
Richten's journal and a singed sketch of a sign
proclaiming Rictavio’s Carnival of Wonders. (The sketch
appears to have been made far more recently than the
journal entry.)
A player who makes a successful DC 13 Intelligence
(History or Arcana) check recalls that the Hooded One
represents mysteries, newcomers, and hidden identities.
As the players search the room, any character who looks
out one of the windows toward Lake Zarovich notices
something odd: a patch of lily pads approximately fifteen feet
from the shore stained a bright, flamboyant yellow, at clear
odds with the muted greens of the lily pads nearby.
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The Lily Pads
A player who investigates the stained patch of lily
pads can find a trio of ceramic pots sunk ten feet
below the surface of the water. The pots are each
half-filled with rocks; two bear traces of dried
yellow paint along their rims and interior, while the
third bears traces of dried white paint along its rim
and interior.
If the player has previously seen Rictavio’s
wagon in Arasek Stockyard, they recognize the
paint as the same shade as yellow as the sign on
the wagon.
If read, the burned journal page now reads as follows:
For nearly two decades now, I have undertaken to investigate
and expose creatures of darkness to the purifying light of truth
and knowledge. "Hero" I am named in some circles; "sage"
and "master hunter" I am called in others. That I have survived
countless supernatural assaults is seen as a marvel among my
peers; my name is spoken with fear and loathing among my
foes.
In truth, this "virtuous" calling began as an obsessive effort to
destroy a vampire that murdered my child, and it has become
for me a tedious and bleak career. Even as my life of hunting
monsters began, I felt the weight of time on my weary
shoulders. I expect that those who think me a hero will change
their minds when they know the whole truth about my life as a
hunter of the unnatural. Nevertheless, I must reveal, here and
now, the truth of my fate—and the fates of those I have loved.
I have related the tragic story of how my only child Erasmus
was taken by Vistani and sold to a vampire. I explained how
Erasmus was made a minion of the night stalker, and how it
was my miserable part to free him from that fate at the point
of a stake. What I have neglected to illuminate before,
however, is how I returned to track Erasmus's kidnappers once
more across the land—and the terrible choice that I made
when I found them.
In fact, the Vistani took Erasmus with my own, unwitting
permission. They had brought an ill member of their tribe to
me one evening and insisted that I treat him—but I was unable
to save the young man's life. In fear of their retribution, I
begged the Vistani to take anything of mine if only they would
withhold their terrifying powers, of which I knew nothing. To
my lasting astonishment, they chose to surreptitiously take my
son in exchange for their loss! By the time I realized what had
occurred, they were already an hour gone.
Incensed beyond reason, I strapped the body of the dead
young man to my horse and doggedly followed the Vistani
caravan through the woods, naively allowing the sun to set
before me without seeking shelter from the night. But when I
found them and demanded my son, they replied that he had
been sold to the vampire, Baron Metus.
A short time later, I found my dear Erasmus made into a
vampire. He begged me to end his curse, which I did with a
heavy heart. The darkness had torn him from my loving arms
forever, and I foolishly believed that the curse had exacted its
deadly toll. I wept until an insatiate desire for vengeance filled
the bottomless rift in my heart. I set off into the twilight, in
search of the Vistani caravan once more.
When I found that they had gone, I found the grave of the
man who had died and carried his corpse with me, in search of
his family or one who could tear the secrets from his dead lips.
I searched for many months, alone and driven by the fury of
the damned.
As I traveled, I was beset by undead that would have slain
me, had not their master—a lich—intervened and spared my
life, for reasons that I do not completely understand. He
somehow detected me and, with his powerful magic, took
control of a pack of zombies that wandered in the forest. He
spoke to me through the mouths of the dead things and
placed a magic ward against undead on me, then animated the
dead Vistana and bade it tell me where I could find its people.
Unfortunately (I say in hindsight), the plan worked. I found the
child-stealers, and my unwelcome entourage included a
growing horde of voracious undead that could not touch me,
thanks to the lich's ward. When I finally found the caravan,
something inside me snapped. I released the zombies, and the
entire tribe was eaten alive.
Yet the story had not yet ended. Before she died, the leader
cursed me, saying, "Live you always among monsters, and see
everyone you love die beneath their claws!" Even now, so
many years later, I can hear her words with painful clarity,
haunting me still.
After nearly two decades of bloodshed and agony and loss,
it slowly dawned on me that the Vistana’s curse had never
slaked its thirst for revenge—and that all the true and stalwart
friends I had come to know and lost were victims, not of
ourtageous fortune, but of my own actions. True to the words
of the dying Vistana, my life had been shielded from fate again
and again, while those I esteemed above any treasure had
taken my place!
When the horrifying enormity of my revelation swept over
me, I railed bitterly at the cruel irony of my life. I contemplated
deliberately ending my wretched existence in the most violent
of ways—but, thankfully, patience and wisdom stayed my
hand. Drained of all spirit, I cast myself into bed and wept, as I
had not done since my former, blissful life was forever ripped
from me.
But fate had not finished with me yet. When the dawn next
came, it brought with it a man whose name invoked terror in
me above all else: Arturi Radanavich, a sole survivor of the
massacre I had perpetrated. Yet he came not to destroy me,
but to heal me—and himself.
I learned that, in commanding the death of his family, I had
cast a deadly curse of my own: “Undead take you, as you have
taken my son!” As my hands had been stained with the blood
of my friends, so, too, had Arturi been pursued those many
years by the walking dead, leaving him an exile in the eyes of
his people.
For one year, I traveled with him—learning the ways of the
Vistani that I had come to hate, so that I could learn their ways
and comprehend life through their eyes. When the year had
ended, joy and despair filled my breath—joy at the realization
that those I had dreaded as my longtime enemies had never
truly been enemies at all, and despair for all the wasted years
of bitter anger and resentment.
I offered my life to Arturi as forfeit for my crimes against his
family, insisting that he must consider my curse on his tribe
null and void, for there was little left to forgive. He drew a
knife from his boot—but instead of delivering judgment,
pulled his blade across our palms, opening them, then clasped
our hands together until our blood mingled as brothers.
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 There was but one task left to complete. Together, we
journeyed to the wreckage of the Radanavich caravan, where
we both had left it so many years ago. We burned it, defending
its blazing husk as undead fell upon us—and when dawn
shone over the ashes, there was nothing left there, for them or
for us.
F7. The Road Back
The players’ activities at Lake Baratok attract the attention of
a pair of werewolves, who lurk in the woods east of the lake,
silently waiting for the players to return to the road.
When the players begin the trek back to Vallaki—either by
the northern path or the Old Svalich Road to the south—the
werewolves follow. Fifteen minutes after the players depart
the lake, they encounter the two werewolves in human form.
The scene unfolds largely as described in Werewolves (p.
32), but revise the descriptive text as follows:
A deep voice calls out, "Who goes there?" Through the chill
mist you see a large man in drab clothing wearing a tattered
gray cloak. He has shaggy, black hair and thick mutton chops.
He leans heavily on a spear and has a small bundle of animal
pelts slung over his shoulder.
Just behind him, barely visible in the gloom, stands a grim-
faced woman, her long, dark hair loosely braided. She holds a
spear of her own, the tip glinting in the scarce light, and wears
a cloak wrapped tightly around her chest.
The two werewolves introduce themselves as Zsolt and
Mathilda, trappers from Krezk. (If Szoldar is with the players,
he whispers warily that he recognizes neither "trapper's"
name.) Zsolt is warm and friendly, while Mathilda is sullen
and quiet.
Zsolt warns the players that the road has become
dangerous for travelers, and suggests traveling together.
Whether the players accept or reject his offer, Zsolt then
shares the following story:
A light glints in Zsolt’s amber eyes. "There's been a tale
echoing through these woods of late. A tale of a Vistana
woman, a kind of phantom, who stalks the paths under the
moon's gaze. They say she's not of this world, but from the
realms of death itself.”
He licks his lips. "She's said to be a frightful sight, with eyes
that burn like embers in the darkness. They say she's clad in a
patchwork of cloaks, like a wandering vagabond, but don't let
that fool you. For in her hand, she carries a wicked blade—a
weapon that thirsts for the blood of innocents.”
He chuckles lightly. "And oh, does her blade drink well!
She's been butchering good folk in the woods, they say. Men,
women—it matters not. Whip! goes her blade, and off come
their heads, trophies for her dark desires.”
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He pauses, and his lips spread into a wolfish grin, "But I'm
sure we'll have naught to worry about with fine, strong folks
like you on the roads. And besides—how deadly can a tale
truly be?"
When his story is complete, Zsolt playfully asks the players
whether they have good steel to defend themselves, should
the murderess find them upon the road.
If at least two characters show that they’re carrying
silvered weapons or ammunition, the playful light fades from
Zsolt’s eyes, and the playful light fades from Zsolt's eyes,
replaced by a momentary glint of wariness. His grip tightens
around his spear, and his gaze meets Mathilda's for a brief,
near-imperceptible moment. He congratulates the players on
entering the woods well-prepared, but the joviality in his voice
has become hollow. Unless stopped or provided with a
suitable excuse, Zsolt and Mathilda accompany the players in
silence as far as the Luna River Crossroads, then depart
south toward Berez.
Otherwise, if no characters show that they’re carrying
silvered weapons or ammunition, a mocking smirk creeps
onto Zsolt's face, and he says, "You seem to be mighty
warriors indeed! But it seems you've forgotten something
important." If the players ask what they've forgotten, Zsolt's
eyes flash with hunger, and he hisses, "Silver." He and
Mathilda then assume their hybrid forms and attack.
In battle, the werewolves prioritize players wielding
silvered weapons, if any. If one werewolf is killed or both are
bloodied, they flee into the Svalich Woods.
The players experience no other encounters on their
journey to Vallaki.
F6c. Return to Vallaki
When the players return, they can pursue their leads either
by seeking out Rictavio at the Blue Water Inn, or by directly
investigating Rictavio’s wagon in Arasek Stockyard.
As the players return to Vallaki’s Sunset gate, a player with
a passive Wisdom (Perception) score of 19 or higher notices
the same silhouette as before watching them—this time, from
the northwestern woods. The silhouette vanishes into the
trees if looked at, spoken to, approached, or otherwise
interacted with. (This is, again, Arrigal, who has tracked the
players back to Vallaki. If the players enter Vallaki, Arrigal
uses his two daggers as makeshift pitons to climb over
Vallaki’s palisade walls and sneak past the patrolling guards.
He then continues stalking the players through the streets in
the hopes that they’ll lead him to Arabelle.)
1. Confronting Rictavio
If the players visit the Blue Water Inn first, they can learn
from Danika Dorakova that Rictavio recently departed the
inn and that he mentioned “inspecting his wagon for some
necessary repairs.” If the players ask where Rictavio has kept
his wagon, Danika recalls hearing him mention keeping it in
Arasek Stockyard.
If the players indicate an interest in following Rictavio to
the stockyard, Danika jokingly warns them to be on the
lookout for dangerous beasts—local rumors suggest that the
ringmaster is keeping something big and deadly in his
wagon.
If the players wait for Rictavio to return before confronting
him, Rictavio greets them warmly and feigns ignorance of
their allegations and claims. However, he invites them to his
guest suite to discuss the matter in private if the players insist
that they wish to help Arabelle, show him the burned journal
page, or otherwise threaten to blow his cover.
Once he and the players are alone in his guest suite,
Rictavio draws his sword-cane and demands proof that the
players are not servants of Strahd von Zarovich. If the players
muster sufficient evidence or succeed on a DC 15 Charisma
(Persuasion) check, Rictavio reluctantly stows his blade,
checks the window and corridor for Strahd’s spies, and shuts
the window shutters tight. He then removes his hat of
disguise, and confesses his identity as Dr. Rudolph van
Richten.
Van Richten can share the following information:
Until recently, he had been laying low in the tower at Lake
Baratok. However, that changed when he saw a Vistana
man bringing a wriggling sack to a golden-haired vampire
spawn on the banks of the Luna River. (Van Richten
recognized the vampire as a man named Escher, a bard
from Barovia who had joined the Barovians’ revolt.)
Van Richten attacked the pair, killing the Vistana and
scarring the vampire, who fled. Upon opening the sack, he
found a young Vistana girl within.
The girl, who introduced herself as Arabelle, was
uncertain of why she had been kidnapped. Van Richten
used his talisman of echoes to interrogate the dead
Vistana’s severed head, and learned that Strahd had
issued a bounty on young girls matching Arabelle’s precise
and unique description: dark-haired and olive-skinned,
with lavender irises. Van Richten and Arabelle agreed that
returning her to the Vistani camp would leave her
exposed to Strahd, and was therefore too dangerous.
The two returned to the tower at Lake Baratok, where Van
Richten had previously hidden his horse, Drusilla, and a
covered Vistani wagon that he had first used to enter
Barovia. Using his hat of disguise, Van Richten adopted
the dead Vistana’s guise and snuck into the Vistani camp
by Vallaki to steal three pots of paint, which he used to
disguise his wagon as “Rictavio’s Carnival of Wonders.”
Van Richten and Arabelle then traveled to Vallaki, with
Van Richten adopting the identity of Rictavio to hide in
plain sight. Arabelle has remained concealed in his wagon
ever since.
While the tower at Lake Baratok contains a permanent
antimagic field that would block Strahd’s scrying, Van
Richten believed that Strahd would be well-aware of this
fact, and that the tower would therefore be among the first
places he looked. As such, Van Richten, who already wore
one such amulet, gave Arabelle a spare amulet of proof
against detection and location that he had once given to—
and then received from—one of his students. (If pressed,
Van Richten admits that the amulet once belonged to
Ezmerelda d’Avenir, but does not discuss the matter in
further detail.)
If the players ask Van Richten about his arrival in Barovia
or the revolt against Strahd, he can also share the following
information:
When Van Richten first arrived in Barovia, he hoped to
face Strahd alone, taking advantage of the vampire’s
hibernation to destroy him in his coffin.
His plans were foiled when an undead direwolf attacked a
trio of Barovia children, and the resulting battle revealed
his identity to the onlooking Doru.
Doru blackmailed Van Richten into leading a full-scale
revolt on the castle, threatening to bring an untrained mob
to Ravenloft’s doors if Van Richten didn’t lead them there.
Van Richten, fearful that such a mob could awaken Strahd
and destroy his own plans, reluctantly agreed.
Shortly after entering the castle, however, they were
betrayed. Escher, Doru’s “lieutenant,” vanished from the
group as they explored the catacombs. Not long thereafter,
the mob found Strahd’s coffin empty—and Strahd himself
attacked shortly thereafter. Van Richten fled, knowing
from his long studies of Strahd that victory was
impossible.
Upon escaping Castle Ravenloft and recovering his horse,
Van Richten began the journey to warn the Barovians of
the vampire’s awakening. However, he was stopped by the
Vistani seer Madam Eva, who warned him: “The message
you bring shall be born by another. Should you return to
the village while light lingers in the valley, you shall surely
meet your grave.”
Knowing full well of Eva’s reputation, Van Richten
reluctantly set forth for Lake Baratok instead, weeping
bitter tears for the sons and daughters of Barovia.
If the players demand it, Van Richten agrees to bring them
to his wagon at Arasek Stockyard to see Arabelle for
themselves. Proceed to F7c. Van Richten's Wagon below.
2. Following Rictavio
If the players follow Rictavio to Arasek Stockyard instead of
waiting for him at the Blue Water Inn, they can find him
kneeling by the wagon, where he appears to be adjusting the
spokes of the wagon’s rear left wooden wheel. A player with a
passive Wisdom (Perception) score of 16 or higher notices
that Rictavio is repeatedly adjusting and re-adjusting the
same spoke, and that Rictavio’s lips are moving, as if he is
speaking with someone. If the players watch him, he
continues his task for a full five minutes—far longer than such
a task should ordinarily take—before standing and moving to
depart.
If the players confront him, Rictavio greets them warmly,
but feigns ignorance of their allegations and claims. If the
players insist that they wish to help Arabelle, show him the
burned journal page, or otherwise threaten to blow his cover,
Rictavio’s gaze hardens, his fist tightens around his cane, and
his voice lowers to a near-whisper. He demands to know if
they are spies of Strahd, and calmly threatens to “dispatch”
them if they serve the Devil’s will.
If the players muster sufficient evidence of their good faith
or succeed on a DC 15 Charisma (Persuasion) check,
Rictavio sighs and commands the players to form a protective
wall around the rear of the wagon. If the players antagonize
Rictavio instead, or otherwise fail to convince him, a young
girl’s voice quietly rings out from the wagon: “They mean me
no harm. Please, open the door.”
147
 F7c. Rictavio’s Wagon
Once the players or Arabelle have convinced him to do so,
Rictavio produces a key from his sleeve and opens the door.
When he does, the players can see that the wagon contains a
soft bed of straw, a comfortable woolen blanket, a few books,
and a young Vistana girl—Arabelle—who is clutching a plush
saber-toothed tiger to her chest and wearing a beaded
necklace with a carved copper amulet.
Unless diverted by the players, the conversation unfolds as
follows:
Arabelle greets the players warmly, thanks them for their
efforts to find her, and shares her regret for the wounds
they have sustained along the way.
Van Richten is surprised to learn that Arabelle was
expecting them, and Arabelle admits that she had a
premonition that someone would follow in their tracks
and that she left multiple clues—the Tarokka card, the
bracelet, the handkerchief, and the ring—to guide the
players in their path.
Arabelle thanks Van Richten for his efforts to keep him
safe, but gently reminds him that they both knew that their
plan could not last forever—and that, with the players
present, a long-term solution is more likely within reach.
During this conversation, Van Richten can also reveal the
following information if he hasn't already:
Until recently, Van Richten had been laying low in the
tower at Lake Baratok. However, that changed when he
saw a Vistana man bringing a wriggling sack to a golden-
haired vampire spawn on the banks of the Luna River.
(Van Richten recognized the vampire as a man named
Escher, a bard from Barovia who had joined the
Barovians’ revolt.)
Van Richten attacked the pair, killing the Vistana and
scarring the vampire, who fled. Upon opening the sack, he
found a young Vistana girl within.
The girl, who introduced herself as Arabelle, was
uncertain of why she had been kidnapped. Van Richten
used his talisman of echoes to interrogate the dead
Vistana’s severed head, and learned that Strahd had
issued a bounty on young girls matching Arabelle’s precise
and unique description: dark-haired and olive-skinned,
with lavender irises. Van Richten and Arabelle agreed that
returning her to the Vistani camp would leave her
exposed to Strahd, and was therefore too dangerous.
The two returned to the tower at Lake Baratok, where Van
Richten had previously hidden his horse, Drusilla, and a
covered Vistani wagon that he had first used to enter
Barovia. Using his hat of disguise, Van Richten adopted
the dead Vistana’s guise and snuck into the Vistani camp
by Vallaki to steal three pots of paint, which he used to
disguise his wagon as “Rictavio’s Carnival of Wonders.”
Van Richten and Arabelle then traveled to Vallaki, with
Van Richten adopting the identity of Rictavio to hide in
plain sight. Arabelle has remained concealed in his wagon
ever since.
While the tower at Lake Baratok contains a permanent
antimagic field that would block Strahd’s scrying, Van
Richten believed that Strahd would be well-aware of this
fact, and that the tower would therefore be among the first
places he looked.
148
As such, Van Richten, who already wore one such amulet,
gave Arabelle a spare amulet of proof against detection
and location that he had once given to—and then received
from—one of his students. (If pressed, Van Richten admits
that the amulet once belonged to Ezmerelda d’Avenir, but
does not discuss the matter in further detail.)
As the conversation draws to a close, Arrigal emerges from
the shadows of a nearby alley. If the players do not divert the
conversation, it proceeds as follows:
Arrigal thanks Van Richten for the “fascinating story,”
thanks the players for their “aid and guidance,” and
commands Arabelle to exit the wagon and return with
him.
Van Richten immediately accuses Arrigal of being a spy
for Strahd, noting that, while stealing the pots of paint, he
saw Arrigal whispering to a bat in the woods nearby. He
demands that Arabelle remain in the wagon, and asks the
players to defend her from Arrigal.
Arrigal’s hands go to the shortsword and daggers on his
belt, while Van Richten prepares to draw his sword-cane
for battle. Arabelle quietly asks the players to help them
see reason.
Arrigal is ignorant of Strahd’s bounty on Arabelle and
truthfully shares this if asked, finding the notion
preposterous. If asked whether he would give Arabelle up to
Strahd if commanded, he fiercely and truthfully rejects that
he would ever do such a thing.
If the players ask Van Richten for proof that Strahd sought
to kidnap Arabelle, Van Richten retrieves the wooden box
containing Yan’s severed head from the hidden compartment
of his wagon, as described in V7. Tower, Fourth Floor* (p.
171), and casts speak with dead upon it using his talisman of
echoes. (Because Van Richten was disguised at the time of
Yan’s death, the head doesn’t recognize Van Richten as his
killer.)
Van Richten asks the following five questions and receives
the following five answers:
What is your name? Yan.
What lord did you serve in life? The vampire, Strahd von
Zarovich.
Did that lord command you to kidnap the girl Arabelle? He
did, through his servant, the vampire Escher.
What did he ask you to do with her? He bade me to take
her to the Luna River, where she would be brought to
Castle Ravenloft.
How did you die? A man’s sword cut my head from my
shoulders.
Arrigal is shaken by Yan’s apparent testimony, but not
entirely convinced—until Arabelle speaks up to confirm Van
Richten’s story, calmly reporting that Yan kidnapped her, that
Van Richten rescued her, and that she overheard Yan asking
another man whether “Castle Ravenloft” would pay its debts
in exchange for the “whelp’s delivery” before hearing the
exchanging of coins shortly thereafter.
Van Richten is unwilling to allow Arrigal to take Arabelle
back to the Vistani encampment. However, Arrigal is
unwilling to allow Van Richten to keep Arabelle hidden in
Vallaki, away from her family. It is up to the players to broker
an agreement between them.
As they do, keep the following interests in mind:
Van Richten wants to prevent Strahd’s spies from finding
Arabelle.
Arrigal wants to keep Arabelle with her family—and
especially her father, Luvash.
Both Van Richten and Arrigal want to keep Arabelle
comforted and safe.
Because neither Van Richten nor Arrigal will concede any
of these priorities; the players will need to find a solution that
satisfies all of then simultaneously. Van Richten and Arrigal
will reluctantly accept any reasonable proposal that does so.
(For example, the players might propose that “Rictavio”
relocate his wagon to the woods near the Vistani camp,
where Luvash can visit her daily, while Arrigal feeds Strahd
false information about Arabelle’s whereabouts.)
When a final agreement is reached, Arabelle places a small
hand on one of the players’ arms and softly thanks them for
their efforts. If the players do not intervene, she then steps
forward and takes Van Richten’s hand in hers. The following
sequence then unfolds:
Arabelle thanks Dr. Van Richten for helping him, and
informs him that he’s a good man—a sentiment that his
son agrees with.
The blood drains from Van Richten’s face, and he sways
on his feet, as though he’s about to faint. “My son?” he
croaks.
Arabelle pats the back of Van Richten’s hand, and tells him
that his son has been keeping her safe in the wagon. She
promises him that his son loves him very much, and
shares her belief that he has been keeping Van Richten
safe as well. (Van Richten quietly thanks her, now
resembling a weary old man far more than a veteran
monster hunter.)
A few moments later, Arabelle staggers, her eyes rolling
back into her head, and the whites of her eyes becoming the
color of storm clouds. When she speaks, her voice seems to
echo with the sound of a second, far older woman’s voice as
she delivers the following prophecy:
In darkest night, the light shall flee,
No dawn to break, with no reprieve.
From the grave, the dead shall climb,
Their restless march a baleful sign.
At castle’s peak, a heart beats red,
Its hunger deep and ever-fed.
Should silence fall, the skies shall crack,
A thousand souls in torment black.
Arabelle then falls over unconscious. Any character that
makes a successful DC 10 Wisdom (Medicine) check can
easily discern that she is unharmed—merely asleep. Upon
waking, Arabelle retains no memory of the prophecy she
spoke.
Neither Arabelle, Van Richten, nor Arrigal know it, but
Arabelle's prophecy refers to Strahd's ultimate plot to use the
Heart of Sorrow to plunge the valley into eternal night,
summoning a horde of undead across the land and using the
souls of the Barovians to escape the Mists.
Van Richten is troubled by Arabelle’s prophecy, and the
resemblance it bears to Madam Eva’s warning on the Svalich
Road. Nonetheless, in gratitude for the players’ aid, he
bequeaths to them his talisman of echoes.
Arrigal is similarly grateful for the players’ assistance in
recovering his niece. He is glad to promise that,
notwithstanding his oath of loyalty to Strahd, he will refrain
from reporting Arabelle or Van Richten’s true locations to
Castle Ravenloft, and will avoid reporting the players’
movements for as long as he can.
In addition, though he won’t take up arms against Strahd
or cease his work as a spy, Arrigal offers to deliver false
information to Castle Ravenloft once when the players
request it—but no more than that. He won’t deliver any
information that is obviously false, however, and he provides
no guarantees as to how long or whether Strahd will believe
his information.
Milestone. Finding Arabelle completes a story milestone.
When Arabelle delivers her prophecy, award each player
1,250 XP.
Talisman of Echoes
Wondrous item, rare (requires attunement)
This talisman has 4 charges. While holding it,
you can use an action to spend 1 of its charges to
cast the gentle repose spell, or 2 of its charges to
cast the speak with dead spell.
The talisman regains 1d4 expended charges
daily at dawn. If you expend the talisman's last
charge, roll a d20. On a 1, the talisman crumbles
into ashes and is destroyed.
The Werewolf’s Curse
If one of the players was infected by a werewolf’s
bite on the Old Svalich Road, Van Richten shares
that he is capable of brewing an elixir capable of
suppressing the curse of lycanthropy for a single
night, rendering the player a docile wolf during a
full moon, rather than a raging werewolf.
To do so, however, he requires a supply of
wolfsbane, a flowering plant said to grow along the
shores of a blessed pool in Krezk. (See Arc J: The
Walls of Krezk for more information about the
players’ efforts to gain entry to Krezk.) Van Richten
is glad to brew one portion of the elixir for each
wolfsbane flower that the players fetch for him, a
process which requires six hours and a number of
additional ingredients.
Design Notes: The Missing Vistana
The original module's quest to rescue Arabelle provides the
players with no clear motive for her kidnapping, no real
reason to find her, and no clear clues to follow in order to do
so. The original module also provides Dr. Rudolph van
Richten with no clear purpose while in Vallaki, introducing
him as little more than a murderous pseudo-antagonist who
wishes to commit mass homicide against the Vistani of the
nearby encampment with a vague (though undeveloped)
interest in investigating the Keepers of the Feather.
149
 This arc aims to remedy both issues simultaneously,
providing Van Richten with a reason to remain hidden in or
around Vallaki for the duration of the campaign (i.e., to keep
Arabelle safe) while providing the players with a more
comprehensive and engaging storyline for Arabelle's
kidnapping. It also brings closure to Van Richten's troubled
relationship with the Vistani, providing him with a symbolic
opportunity to protect a child of the people that effectively
killed his own.
In the process, the arc provides the players with an
opportunity to venture west beyond Vallaki's walls, alleviating
the sense of suffocating claustrophobia that many parties
describe following several consecutive sessions in the town.
Blinsky Toys. The toy shop has been introduced as a first
stop in this arc in order to discourage the players from fully
completing it on their first day in Vallaki (in favor of
encouraging them to complete Arc E: St. Andral's Feast
instead), and to further develop Izek Strazni's relationship
with Ireena Kolyana, explored further in Arc H: The Strazni
Siblings.
Vistani Encampment. Luvash, Arrigal, and the entire
Vistani tribe have been made more sympathetic in order to
encourage the players to build a long-term relationship with
them, to further develop the adventure's themes of unity and
redemption over selfishness and mistrust, and to further
motivate the players to locate Arabelle and find a solution
that reunites her with her family.
The plotline involving the signet ring has been added to
provide Luvash with a real reason to recruit unqualified
strangers in the search for his daughter (because they are
uniquely capable of entering Vallaki) and to provide the
players with a clear sense of direction as they work to
uncover the mystery of Arabelle's disappearance.
Strahd's Bounty. Strahd's interest in Arabelle has been
added to provide an altruistic motivation for Van Richten to
"kidnap her first." Yan has been changed from an ordinary
Vistana thief to Escher's agent in order to paint Van Richten's
actions in a better light (he was triggered by his traumatic
memories of Erasmus and was working to protect an
innocent), to explain why Arabelle was not immediately taken
to Castle Ravenloft (Yan had to first deliver to Escher at an
isolated, pre-determined spot), and to explain why Arrigal was
ignorant of Strahd's plot (thereby providing the players with a
proper diplomatic moral dilemma at the climax of the arc).
Dusk Elf Hovels. In order to discourage the players from
exploring the Amber Temple too early (and because the
players are strangers that he has only just met, with no
evident qualifications that will help him achieve his goals),
Kasimir Velikov no longer shares Patrina's dreams or his
interest in the Amber Temple upon their first meeting.
Kasimir will later lead the players to the Amber Temple in
Arc U: The Amber Temple after the players learn of his
interest in the temple at the conclusion of Arc R: The
Beacon of Argynvostholt. For now, however, Kasimir's
injuries from his most recent venture up Mount Ghakis have
been shown to foreshadow his involvement in that future arc.
The symbols on the signet ring have been added to provide
the players with the solution to the puzzle door at the
entrance to Van Richten's Tower.
150
Rahadin's relationship to Prince Erevan (relayed in
Kasimir's story) has been added to accentuate his decision to
choose King Barov as his family over his own people, and to
create a more personal antagonistic relationship between
Rahadin and the bearer of the broken blade in the Barovian
Relics adventure hook.
Burgomaster's Mansion. The "haunted mansion" plotline
has been added to provide the players with a hook to Arc I:
The Lost Soul, and as a backup diplomatic option if the
players chose to leave Ireena in the safety of St. Andral's
Church.
The geneology of the Strazni family has been added to
explicitly reveal Ireena's connection to Izek, clarifying and
accentuating the stakes of Arc H: The Strazni Siblings.
Ethereal Entities has been added to provide additional
information to aid the players in restoring Stella's soul, and to
provide Victor Vallakovich with an excuse to visit his father's
library while the players are present. (See Arc I: The Lost
Soul for more information about Stella's fate.)
Victor has been given Khazan's lost spellbook to provide
him with a reason to know of (and a reason to take an
interest in) the tower at Lake Baratok, as well as to explain
Victor's precocious skill as a mage. Victor's interest in
Khazan's staff has been added to foreshadow the means by
which the players can obtain the staff in the Ravenloft
catacombs in Arc T: Ravenloft Heist.
Lake Zarovich. This brief detour to Szoldar and Yevgeni's
dressing shack has been added to make sure that the
Barovian wilderness remains strange and foreboding
(because only experienced hunters know how to navigate it),
to explicitly introduce the players to a pair of individuals able
to point out important paths and landmarks, and to inform
the players of the werewolves' heavy presence along the
western half of the valley.
The Svalich Road. Van Richten's handkerchief has been
left in the Luna River to foreshadow his involvement in
Arabelle's disappearance. The twig blights and scarecrows
have been placed here to foreshadow the druids of Yester Hill
and their alliance with the witch of Berez, Baba Lysaga.
Lake Baratok. The additional clues around Ezmerelda's
wagon (the signs, scent of sulfur, and wolf tracks) have been
added to discourage players from attempting to open it and
thereby activate the alchemist's fire trap. The additional set of
wagon tracks and the paint in the woods have been added to
provide additional clues connecting Rictavio to the tower.
The puzzle on the tower door has been changed to befit a
more dignified archmage like Khazan, and has been
integrated with the signet ring to provide the players with an
easy "Eureka!" moment that nonetheless provides a sense of
satisfaction for deciphering the puzzle.
The gargoyles on the rooftop have been turned into
gargoyles to replace the young blue dragon as a more fitting
enemy for the genre. The gargoyles attack players who climb
the scaffolding in order to ensure that there is no "challenge-
free" entrance into the tower.
The lightning sheath from the original module has been
intentionally removed and replaced with a fairer lightning
trap that foreseeably punishes players who attempt to evade
the puzzle.
The paint-stained lily pads have been added to provide
additional clues regarding Rictavio's connection to the tower,
as has the burned sign for Rictavio's Carnival of Wonders.
The beaded bracelet and Tarokka card have been added to
confirm Arabelle's presence in the tower, and to suggest that
Rictavio is not all that he seems.
Van Richten's journal page has been slightly modified and
extended to include his history with Arturi Radanavich, which
explains why he no longer views the Vistani as his enemies
and explains why he is willing to serve as Arabelle's protector
(because his curse has been lifted). The journal also
introduces the character of Erasmus van Richten, who will
serve a more significant role in Arc I: The Lost Soul.
The Road Back. The encounter with Zsolt and Mathilda
introduces the werewolf pack more formally, foreshadowing
Arc O: The Den of Wolves and ensuring that the players
have an appreciation for the value of obtaining silvered
weapons before their encounter with the coven of Old
Bonegrinder in Arc I: The Lost Soul.
Return to Vallaki. Van Richten's saber-toothed tiger has
been removed from his wagon because it no longer serves a
purpose in the absence of his homicidal plan to kill the
Vistani, because he would have had no place to store it
during his time as "Alanik" in the village of Barovia before
Strahd awoke, and because it is far more overt and
uncontrollable a weapon than his cautious and prudent
characterization would reasonably allow.
Van Richten's confrontation with Arrigal has been added to
provide a suitable climax for the arc—a social encounter,
rather than a combat one. Van Richten's talisman of echoes
has been added to provide the players with a means of
proving their case to Arrigal (and thereby winning his
loyalties) and to provide the players with a material reward
for completing the quest.
Arabelle's prophecy has been provided to accentuate the
importance of deciphering the Tome of Strahd (and,
therefore, of locating the Amber Temple) and to foreshadow
Strahd's final plan, building dramatic tension.

151
 Arc G: Lady Wachter’s
Wish
In this arc, if the players defied the Baron’s will on their first
morning after entering Vallaki, if they or Ireena were
observed visiting with the Barovian refugees outside of the
eastern gate, or if they shared their dislike of Baron
Vallakovich with Nikolai or Karl Wachter at the Blue Water
Inn, the players receive a letter delivered by Ernst Larnak,
Lady Fiona Wachter’s courier and spy, which invites them to
dine at Wachterhaus that evening.
When the players arrive at Wachterhaus that night, Lady
Wachter welcomes them to Vallaki and proceeds to offer
them wine, food, and conversation. Throughout the evening,
she subtly interrogates the players as to their capabilities and
goals, all while working to convince them that Baron Vargas
Vallakovich is a menace who must be deposed.
Iif Lady Wachter determines that the players are suitable
allies, she asks them to kill the Baron’s right-hand man, Izek
Strazni, and to bring her his head. Lady Wachter promises
the safety of the Barovian refugees, as well additional
payment, should the players succeed.
If the players accept Lady Wachter’s assignment, Ernst
provides them with a bottle of poisoned wine for use in
intoxicating Izek, as well as information that the players can
use to track Izek in order to assassinate him. The players can
find Izek in Vallaki’s town square, and eventually track him to
the shore of Lake Zarovich, where—if the players successfully
planted it—he drinks the poisoned wine.
If the players deliver Izek’s severed head to Lady Wachter,
she visits Baron Vallakovich under cover of darkness the
following night, accompanied by a trio of cult fanatics. Upon
viewing Izek’s head, the Baron surrenders peacefully to Lady
Wachter’s rule. The following morning, the Baron publicly
abdicates to Lady Wachter in Vallaki’s town square.
G1. The Blue Water Inn
If the players defied Baron Vallakovich or otherwise
intervened in Willemina’s favor on their first morning in
Vallaki, if they or Ireena visited the camp of the Barovian
refugees at any point while in Vallaki, or if the players shared
their dislike of Baron Vallakovich with Nikolai or Karl
Wachter at the Blue Water Inn, Urwin Martikov delivers them
an envelope upon their return to the Blue Water Inn that
same night.
The envelope is addressed to whichever player first
introduced themselves to Nikolai and Karl Wachter on the
night of their first arrival or, if the players did not interact with
Nikolai and Karl in the taproom, whichever player first
identified themselves to the guards at Vallaki’s gates that
same day.
Urwin doesn’t know who the letter is from, but can tell the
players that it was delivered by a scruffy-looking man wearing
a muddy, but well-made brown cloak who was very insistent
that the players receive it. (The man was Ernst Larnak, Lady
Wachter’s spy.)
The envelope contains the following letter, with the blank
filled with the name of whichever player the envelope was
addressed to:

152

Dear _____ and esteemed companions,
I hope this missive finds you in good health and
high spirits. Vallaki appears to have been blessed
by your presence and the promise of goodwill you
bear with you.
It has come to my attention that our paths,
though they wind through such trying times, bear a
striking convergence. Accordingly, I write to you
today with a humble invitation to dine at my home,
Wachterhaus, at sundown tomorrow evening. You
may find it on Vallaki’s northern road, a short
distance from the Zarovich Gate.
I trust that this setting shall provide a quiet and
welcoming environment to discuss matters of
mutual interest and concern. My doors, as they
have always been, stand open to those who wish
for the best for the good people of Barovia.
Should you choose to accept, simply present
this invitation at the door to my estate. I gladly
await your presence tomorrow evening. Until then,
I remain,
Sincerely yours,
Lady Fiona Wachter
If the players ask Urwin about Lady Wachter, he can share all
of the information about her described in Vallaki Lore (p.
96). He can also share that, according to town legend, Lady
Wachter’s parents and elder brother were killed in a
mysterious accident when she was a teenager. (Urwin, who
only relocated to Vallaki ten years ago, can’t confirm or deny
the story.)
G2. Wachterhaus
Wachterhaus is largely as described in N4. Wachterhaus (p.
110), but with the following changes:
Stella's Bedroom. Stella Wachter doesn't scratch at her
door or call out to the players in N4l. Upstairs Hall (p. 113).
If found, she is dull-eyed and non-responsive, incapable of
speaking to the players or even moving of her own volition.
(This is because she has lost her soul, which is currently
trapped in the Ethereal Plane. See Arc I: The Lost Soul for
more information.)
Additionally, Stella's room is neither musty nor dark, and
her bed is not fitted with leather straps. Instead, her room is
well-appointed, including a woven lavender rug, a comfortable
armchair with floral patterns, and a small bookcase with a
collection of carved wooden cats atop it. (The cats were
whittled by her older brother, Karl, as get-well gifts following
Stella’s illness.)
Storage Room. The manuscript and treatise contained in
the iron chest in N4q. Storage Room (p. 114) are now titled
Voices of the Mist (a religious text written by Lady Fiona
Wachter attesting that the worship of Ezra, goddess of the
Mists, can bring peace, understanding, and solemnity), and
The Grimoire of Night's Whispers, a ritual book and religious
text to Mother Night written by the witch Baba Lysaga.
Master Bedroom. Lady Wachter’s late husband, Nikolai,
was buried in the cemetery after his death several years ago
and is no longer in Lady Wachter’s bed in N4o. Master
Bedroom (p. 113).
Additionally, the high shelf in N4o. Master Bedroom (p.
113) also holds a thirteen-inch scale model of Wachterhaus,
crafted of twigs, clay, and painted thatch.
Lady Wachter. Lady Wachter still has the statistics of a
priest. However, she has a different list of prepared spells:
Cantrips (at will): light, toll the dead, thaumaturgy
1st level (4 slots): command, sanctuary, bane
2nd level (3 slots): blindness/deafness, zone of truth, hold
person
3rd level (2 slots): animate dead, spirit guardians
G2a. Welcome to Wachterhaus
When the players knock upon arrival, Lady Wachter's valet,
Haliq, opens the door and welcomes the players warmly,
using the same form of address used in Lady Wachter's letter.
Haliq, a prim and proper butler, first offers to take the players'
coats and other belongings, which he stores in the eastern
closet of N4a. Front Door and Vestibule (p. 110).
Haliq then leads the players into N4b. Staircase (p. 110),
from which they can smell an assortment of delicious scents,
both sweet and savory, wafting from N4c. Kitchen (p. 112).
(A player who peeks through the open door into the kitchen
can see the cook, Dhavit, hard at work preparing a roast leg
of lamb and assorted stewed vegetables.)
Haliq then guides the players through N4j. Dining Room
(p. 112) and invites them to take seats in N4i. Parlor (p. 112).
After determining which players would like glasses of wine,
Haliq assures the players that Lady Wachter will be with
them shortly and excuses himself.
The players have a few moments to take stock of and
discuss their surroundings. Should they investigate the doors
to N4k. Den (p. 112) or N4h. Servants' Quarters (p. 112),
they find both doors to be locked. Throughout the evening,
Ernst Larnak, Lady Wachter’s spy, silently eavesdrops on the
players’ conversations from the den as described in N4i.
Parlor (p. 112).
G2b. Meet the Wachters
Shortly after the players arrive in the parlor, they notice that a
young woman wearing slippers and a white nightgown,
approximately sixteen years of age, is standing in the open
doorway leading back to the staircase and front entrance.
The woman appears to be staring vacantly into space toward
them, but neither moves nor makes eye contact—even if
approached.
A few moments after the players notice the young woman,
Nikolai Wachter stumbles into view from the staircase behind
her. Assuming the players do not otherwise divert the
conversation, the scene unfolds as follows:
Nikolai greets the young woman as “Stella” and worriedly
wonders aloud how she got here.
Nikolai notices the players and apologizes profusely to
them, assuring them that he’ll get his little sister out of
their hair.
If he previously encountered the players in the Blue Water
Inn, Nikolai might then recognize them and greet them
more personally—either warmly or coldly, depending on
their prior interaction. He will then ask the players why
they have come to Wachterhaus.
Lady Wachter arrives from the kitchen and lightly scolds
Nikolai for allowing Stella to wander off.
153
 Nikolai tells her that he intends to take Stella for a brief
walk around the gardens, and Lady Wachter’s face
softens.
Lady Wachter reminds Nikolai that it’s a brisk evening,
and to ensure that Stella is warmly dressed and that she
neither trips nor injures herself.
Nikolai agrees and departs, leading a vacant-eyed Stella
out the front door.
Lady Wachter then enters the parlor and apologizes to the
players for the disturbance. She then introduces herself as
Lady Fiona Wachter and formally welcomes the players to
Wachterhaus, thanking them for accepting her invitation. She
invites the players to seat themselves upon the couches, if
they haven’t already, and to make themselves comfortable.
Haliq arrives shortly thereafter bearing a tray of wine
glasses for those that requested them. He also offers a glass
to Lady Wachter, who declines and instead requests a glass of
brandy. At Lady Wachter’s request, Haliq informs the group
that dinner will be served in a quarter-hour. Lady Wachter
thanks him, and he bows and departs.
G2c. Drinks in the Parlor
During the following conversation, Lady Wachter can share
the following information:
The young woman was Stella Wachter, her daughter and
youngest child. Stella suffers from a mysterious illness—
one that has left her mind in a vegetative state for nearly
the past three months. Lady Wachter has tried every
means available to her to cure Stella’s sickness, but none
has succeeded.
The man with Stella was Nikolai Wachter II, Lady
Wachter’s eldest son. Nikolai is named for his father,
Nikolai Wachter, who died of a wasting sickness three
years ago.
Nikolai and his younger brother, Karl, can be mischievious
and troublesome louts at times, but Lady Wachter believes
that they both have good hearts—if highly disorganized
ones. (She is fond of her sons, but regrets that both grew
wild and thrill-seeking following their father’s death.)
Lady Wachter also attempts to engage the players in small
talk, asking questions about their histories, their homes, their
interests, and the means by which they came to Vallaki and
the valley of Barovia. Throughout the conversation, she offers
compliments on any visible armor, weaponry, or arcane or
holy foci, and lightly questions the players as to their training
in the martial, arcane, or holy arts.
Lady Wachter may also respond to player questions as
follows:
If asked why she chose to invite the players for dinner,
Lady Wachter notes only that outsiders are a rare sight in
Vallaki, and that she was taken by reports of their apparent
competence. She notes that, “in such troubled times, it is
always wise to find friends”—and that, to the canny eye,
friends may be found in even the most unexpected places.
If asked whether she serves Strahd, Lady Wachter
pauses, considers her words carefully, and calmly replies that
she is, and has always been a realist. As preferable as some
may find it to live in a realm not ruled by Strahd von
Zarovich, Vallakians do live in such a realm, and they must
learn to come to terms with it. Unlike Vargas, Strahd is, at
the very least, capable of reason.
154
If asked how she came to her position, Lady Wachter
notes that she was not always the heir of House Wachter. Her
elder brother, Frederich Wachter, had always been expected
to inherit their mother’s household and title. As a teenager,
Fiona often fought with her mother and brother—and, on one
such occasion, ran away from home in a pique of stubborn
fury. She fled into the Svalich Woods, where she would have
surely died had she not been found by an old woman named
Lysa. Fiona stayed in Lysa’s cottage for six months, until she
learned that her parents and brother had perished in a tragic
accident. Fiona returned to Vallaki against Lysa’s advice and
reclaimed her family’s position.
Dinner is Served
As the cocktail conversation draws to a close, Haliq re-enters
the room to announce that dinner is served. As the players
take their seats, Dhavit and Lady Wachter's two maids,
Madalena and Amalthia, set the table with an assortment of
rich and mouth-watering foods: a roast leg of lamb, stewed
vegetables, boiled and seasoned potatoes, and fresh-baked
bread with butter and cheeses.
Who is Lysa?
“Lysa’s” true identity is Baba Lysaga, the swamp-
witch of Chapter 10: The Ruins of Berez (p. 161).
Fiona’s story is true—as a young woman, she ran
from home and found refuge with Baba Lysaga. For
six months, she joined the ranks of Lysaga’s
witches-in-training, many of whom now serve at
Strahd’s pleasure in K56. Cauldron (p. 72) in Castle
Ravenloft. During this time, Fiona struggled
beneath Lysaga’s tutelage to “hear the voice” of
Mother Night, a task that she ultimately never
achieves.
Upon learning of her family’s death, Fiona chose
to return to Vallaki to claim her birthright. Baba
Lysaga did not take the news well, and warned
Fiona that her departure would be treated as a
personal betrayal—and that she would be banished
from Berez forevermore for her choice. Fiona
returned to Vallaki nonetheless, taking the small
grimoire that Baba Lysaga had given her as a
memento of her studies.
On her first night in the empty, silent
Wachterhaus, Fiona knelt in her parents’ bedroom
—now hers, as the mistress of the house—and
prayed, sobbing, to Mother Night for guidance.
When a voice spoke to her, Fiona asked in disbelief
whether she had heard Mother Night’s voice at
last.
The voice—a woman’s, light yet melancholy—
instead identified itself as Ezra, goddess of the
Mists, and offered Fiona quiet solace in her time of
sorrow. Fiona has been a quiet, but dedicated
worshipper of Ezra ever since, and doesn’t suspect
that Ezra is merely a guise used by the Dark
Powers.
G2d. The Vallakovich Problem
As the players eat dinner, Lady Wachter poses the following
questions:
What do they think of Vallaki, given the time that they
have spent in it so far?
What do they think of the town’s policies and culture, and
how does it compare with the players’ homelands?
As the conversation continues, Lady Wachter notes that
she has heard of the players’ actions in the town streets the
previous morning, and that she was taken with their
willingness to defy the Baron’s will. (If the players mention
additional adventures within Vallaki’s walls, such as a
confrontation with Volenta at the Coffin-Maker’s Shop, Lady
Wachter is suitably impressed.)
Should the players indicate an opposition to the Baron,
Lady Wachter confesses that she has recently found herself
with grave doubts regarding his fitness to rule. She can share
the following information about Baron Vargas Vallakovich:
The Vallakovich family has ruled Vallaki ever since its first
patriarch, Boris Vallakovich, founded the town nearly five-
hundred years ago. The Vallakoviches claim to have royal
blood in their veins, and have always believed themselves
superior to all others in the valley—and the current Baron
is no different.
Baron Vargas Vallakovich first came to power as
burgomaster eleven years ago, when his father, Baron
Valentin Vallakovich, passed away in his sleep. (At the
time, Valentin was barely fifty years old and in near-
perfect health. Fiona has always harbored her suspicions,
but no foul play ever came to light.)
Vargas is a firm believer in the superstition that the Devil
Strahd first arrived as a punishment for the sins of the
Barovians’ ancestors. He has therefore always had a
strange fixation on the idea that “happiness” may one day
allow the Vallakian people to return sunlight to the valley,
hosting monthly “festivals” that most have always
considered to be dull affairs.
Ever since Strahd’s awakening three months ago, Vargas’s
once-harmless beliefs have become an obsessive fixation.
He has instituted weekly festivals and made attendance
mandatory.
Vargas has also criminalized “malicious unhappiness,” as
described in Donkey-Headed Criminals (p. 119). While
most “lawbreakers” wind up in the stocks, a select few
have been taken to his mansion for personal
“rehabilitation”—including Udo Lukovich, a local
shoemaker, who was arrested last week as described in
N3m. Locked Closet (p. 107). Udo hasn’t been seen
since.
Vargas’s fear and paranoia have even driven him to bar the
refugees from the village of Barovia from entering Vallaki
—an enormous abuse of power that has caused significant
and undeserved suffering.
Vargas’s will is enforced by his right-hand man, Izek
Strazni, who serves both as Vallaki’s Captain of the Guard
and as Vargas’s personal enforcer.
Lady Wachter can also share the following information about
Izek:
Izek was orphaned at the age of ten, losing his younger
sister and arm in a wolf attack, and both of his parents to
grief not long thereafter. His sister’s body was never found.
Izek was often mocked for his disability, but after several
of his tormentors went missing, the laughter abruptly
stopped. No bodies were ever found, but rumors persist
that Izek—a large and frequently violent child—murdered
them himself.
Approximately a year after losing his parents, Izek was
arrested by the town guard and brought to the Vallakovich
mansion. No one knows what crime he committed or why
he was released soon thereafter, but Valentin Vallakovich’s
twenty-five-year-old son, then-Baronet Vargas Vallakovich,
all but adopted Izek and took him into their home.
Izek served the Vallakovich family faithfully for the next
five years. When Izek was sixteen, he somehow obtained a
new arm to replace the one he had lost—though his new
limb more resembled a devil’s than any human form.
(Curiously, the day that Izek regrew his arm came the
same day that Baron Valentin Vallakovich was announced
to have passed in his sleep. Lady Wachter is confident that
the two events are connected.)
Izek’s fiendish arm allowed him to wield a proper weapon
—but, more significantly, magically gave him the power to
conjure fire. Vargas soon put both of Izek’s skills to work,
designating Izek his personal enforcer and a ranking
member of Vallaki’s town guard. As time passed, Izek
became a terror throughout Vallaki, committing wanton
acts of battery, arson, and extortion both at the Baron’s
command and to serve his own diabolic whims.
Many of the townsfolk hate and fear Izek—a sentiment
that has slowly spread to Vargas as well in the wake of
Strahd’s revival. However, Izek’s strength protects them
both, swiftly dispatching any person who dares defy them,
and intimidating those that don’t.
Where appropriate, Lady Wachter can also share the
following story about her daughter, Stella:
Six months ago, against her advice, Lady Wachter’s
daughter, Stella, began visiting Victor Vallakovich, the
Baron’s son. Lady Wachter warned her against
entanglement with the Vallakovich family, but Stella
ignored her pleas.
Three months ago, Izek Strazni returned Stella to
Wachterhaus in her current state: mindless and
speechless, unable to walk, eat, or even dress herself
without another’s assistance.
Baron Vallakovich has refused to discuss the matter in
depth, suggesting only that the girl’s fragile constitution
and her family’s exposure to the Devil were to blame.
Victor Vallakovich himself has refused to speak to her at
all.
Fiona is convinced that Izek or the Vallakoviches did
something terrible to Stella—and that, even if they did not,
their cold refusal to assist or even commiserate with her
illness proves their unfitness to rule.
155

Stella’s Illness
If the players reveal the true nature of Stella’s
illness, Lady Wachter’s eyes tighten, and she asks
them for a full explanation of how Stella came to
inhabit her current state.
When the players have finished their story, Lady
Wachter states that she believes them to be
playing a cruel joke upon her and her family, and
asks whether they have any means of proving their
claims. (She refuses to journey to the Vallakovich
manor if the players suggest using the spirit mirror
to allow her to view Stella directly, dismissing it as
a “foolish” suggestion.)
See Arc I: The Lost Soul for more information on
how the players can persuade Lady Wachter of
Stella’s fate.
G2e. The Wachter Conspiracy
If the players appear receptive to her concerns, Lady Wachter
proceeds to ask for their discretion, as well as their promise
that not a whisper of their conversation shall escape this
room. If the players agree, Lady Wachter makes the following
proposal, speaking carefully and making sure to choose her
words delicately:
There are many in Vallaki who are uncomfortable with the
Vallakoviches’ rule, and who would prefer to see fresh
leadership overseeing the town.
However, so long as Izek Strazni serves the Baron’s
household, any attempt to shift the town’s political
leadership would be met with violent brutality.
Izek is utterly faithful to the Baron. His life is the sole
obstacle to the change that Vallaki needs.
The players appear to be capable, intelligent, and good-
hearted individuals—both well-armed and well-trained. If
any group of individuals could aid Vallaki in its hour of
need, they could.
If the players are interested in Lady Wachter’s proposal,
she asks them to perform the following tasks:
Follow Izek and find a time when he is vulnerable—
unaccompanied by the guards that most often seem to
follow him. (Any guards will fight to the death to defend
him and raise the alarm if allowed, which will both make
the players’ fight more difficult and complicate Lady
Wachter’s efforts to ensure a smooth transfer of power.)
Once Izek is dispatched, dispose of the body, but bring his
head to Lady Wachter. (Lady Wachter notes that proof of
Izek’s removal should greatly aid any efforts to encourage
Vargas to step down peacefully.)
When the players have completed their task, Lady
Wachter and her associates will quietly and peacefully
oversee the shift in power.
Lady Wachter also shares that Izek is known to be a heavy
drinker. While he is a formidable foe, she has secured a bottle
of poisoned wine that should dull his senses—imposing the
poisoned condition for 1 hour—shortly after finishing it.
Should the players accept her assignment, she promises to
have one of her associates deliver it to them.
156
Compensation. If the players demand compensation for
their services, Lady Wachter promises them their selection of
silvered weapons and ammunition from the town guard’s
stores, paid once she assumes the Baron’s place. The players
are also welcome to, of course, Izek’s silvered battleaxe and
any valuables they may recover from his person.
If the players demand additional compensation and
succeed on a DC 15 Charisma (Persuasion) check, Fiona
reluctantly agrees to pay an additional 100 gp upon
completion of their task.
Should the players mention the Barovian refugees, Lady
Wachter swiftly, and without reservation, promises to ensure
that the refugees will be permitted to safely enter the town as
soon as Baron Vallakovich has been removed from power.
Fiona’s Loyalty. If the players indicate that they have
concerns about Lady Wachter’s loyalty to Strahd, she shares
the following story:
“Barovia, Vallaki, and Krezk—this land’s three lights of
civilization. Did you know, however, that there was once a
fourth?
“It was a fishing village named Berez, built on the banks of
the Luna River, not far south of here. In its prime, it was a
bustling and thriving place, full of life, hope, and laughter.
“And then, one day, more than three hundred years ago, the
village’s burgomaster defied the will of Strahd von Zarovich.
“The details are lost to time. But the histories make clear
that Berez thought itself able to challenge the Devil’s rule.
Whether it was pride, desperation, or mere foolishness, I
cannot say. But it was, nonetheless, a grave mistake.
“Zarovich did not argue. He did not negotiate. He simply
commanded the river Luna to rise, and it obeyed. The waters
swallowed Berez whole. No building was left standing, and few
lives were spared. The survivors found themselves lost, adrift,
and broken. Most found their way north, to Vallaki, where they
struggled to forge new lives amongst the ruins of the old.
“What did defiance earn Berez? A marsh and some broken
stone. A stark, cold warning to anyone who would follow their
path.
“As a child, I once heard a tale of a sword that shone with
the fury of the sun—a mighty weapon indeed, and one that
would dawn a new age for Barovia in the dreams of a little girl.
But a lady cannot waste time on fairy tales or fools’ errands.
She must take the world as it is, not the way that she wishes it
to be.
“We live under Zarovich’s rule, and survival requires
pragmatism. A lord at peace can be reasoned with—even
ignored, with sufficient assurances paid. But a vengeful lord
cannot be put aside so easily.
“Defiance leads to nothing but destruction. Berez learned
this the hard way. It is our duty—our obligation, to both our
ancestors and to our children—to take that lesson to heart.”
If the players reject Lady Wachter’s argument, she replies
curtly with the following points:
It is a popular thing amongst the Barovian people to
worship the Morninglord—especially now, with Strahd
recently returned. Fervent worshippers proclaim the day
when the Morninglord’s light shall return to the valley, a
new dawn rising with the sun.
Lady Wachter rejects such illusions. Instead, she heeds
the word of Ezra, goddess of the Mists, who teaches her
followers to look past one’s hopes, to recognize them as
the fog that clouds the mind, and to see the world as it
truly is and shall forever be. It is Ezra who teaches her
followers to endure what must be endured. After all, the
oak fights the wind and is broken, but the willow bends
when it must and survives.
Strahd von Zarovich is not so immutable or unreasonable
as he may appear. Centuries ago, Lady Wachter’s ancestor,
Lady Lovina Wachter, served Strahd faithfully as his
vassal. When a traitor and assassin named Leo Dilisnya
murdered Lovina’s husband and attempted to kill Lovina
as well, Strahd defended her, then hunted Dilisnya down
to punish him for his treachery. House Wachter has
remained loyal to Strahd ever since.
Lady Wachter does not begrudge others their hope that
the valley may one day escape Strahd’s control. She does
not seek to destroy that hope, nor bring pain where
unnecessary. But, in the meantime, she believes that her
people must bend like the willow in order to survive. If the
players seek to oppose Strahd, she will lift no finger to
stop them. She merely asks that they bring no harm to
Vallaki as they do.
If the players insist that Madam Eva foresaw the existence
of the Sunsword, she pauses, then notes that, as much as the
“Vistana seer” might believe what she saw, “the future is
notoriously difficult to interpret.” She is willing to concede—
albeit with some amusement—that, despite her doubts, she
may be more willing to believe the players’ arguments should
the sword itself be found.
Accepting the Mission. If the players accept Lady
Wachter’s assignment, she promises that she will send one of
her associates to brief them on Izek Strazni’s schedule—and
provide the bottle of poisoned wine—the following morning.
G3. Return to the Blue Water Inn
The following morning, as the players enter the taproom of
the Blue Water Inn, Danika informs them that a man has
requested their presence at his table by the southern window.
She quietly adds that Urwin has identified the man as the
same cloaked individual who delivered the players’ invitation
the previous day.
The man, Ernst Larnak (described in N4. Wachterhaus, p.
110), is currently enjoying a breakfast of bread, egg, and
cured sausage. In lieu of greeting the players, he reflects
(with his mouth full) on the quality of Urwin Martikov’s
cooking, but mourns that the inn doesn’t carry coffee, a
wonderful foreign drink he once purchased from a Vistana
caravan.
Once he has finished his breakfast, Ernst can inform the
players that Izek Strazni generally receives a delivery of a
midday meal and a case carrying two bottles of wine shortly
after noon in the Vallaki town square, delivered by the
Baron’s cook, Tereska. Izek’s afternoon schedule is highly
variable, but he reliably finishes the first bottle of wine by
dusk and drains the second bottle shortly after settling down
in one of several favored haunts.
Ernst can also provide the players with a burlap sack of
sufficient size to contain Izek’s head, which also contains the
bottle of poisoned wine. (“To carry the goods,” he says,
grinning, as he holds out the sack. As he opens it to reveal the
bottle, he adds, “And a parting gift for their owner.”) The wine
is labeled Red Dragon Crush.
When the handoff is complete, Ernst advises the players to
follow Izek as he leaves the town square to ensure that they
don’t lose sight of him by evening. He then snidely wishes the
players luck before departing.
Ernst’s Preparations
Ernst was able to learn of Izek’s daytime schedule
by stalking Izek himself. However, he was unable to
learn of the inner goings-on within the
burgomaster’s mansion until recently, when the
Baron’s butler and the Baroness’s lady-in-waiting
departed the manor out of fear of its recent
haunting. Ernst took advantage of the situation and
bribed the two former servants to share those
details with him.
The poison that Ernst added to the wine was
purchased from Arrigal, one of the two leaders of
the Vallakian Vistani encampment.
G4. Izek’s Assassination
On the particular day that the players choose to carry out
their plan, Izek follows the following schedule unless
interrupted:
11:00 A.M. Izek wakes from his drunken slumber and
takes his morning meal in the kitchen of the
burgomaster’s mansion, where he is met by two guards
who deliver a morning report.
11:30 A.M. Izek, accompanied by the two guards, travels
to the western Sunset Gate, the northern Zarovich Gate,
and the eastern Morning Gate to receive the guards’
reports and inspect the town’s defenses.
1:00 P.M. The Baron’s cook delivers Izek a midday meal
and a case of two bottles of wine in the Vallaki town
square. Izek eats his lunch and begins drinking the first
bottle of wine while the two guards patrol the
surrounding area.
2:00 P.M. Izek and the two guards visit three or four of
Izek’s “spies” scattered across the town to receive reports
of recent malicious unhappiness. (Ernst notes with
distaste that Izek’s “spies” are mere town gossips who
Izek has intimidated into snitching on their neighbors.)
157
 4:00 P.M. Izek and the two guards travel to the Sunset, Players should be careful, however, to avoid being caught in
Zarovich Gate, and Morning Gate (beginning with the act. Izek is liable to declare—and join—a manhunt for any
whichever gate is closest) to receive the guards’ reports player seen breaking the law. Any manhunt, which will
and inspect the town’s defenses. require Izek to rouse the town’s twelve off-duty guards, will
5:30 P.M. Izek dismisses the two guards and travels last until nightfall. Izek then resumes his normal schedule the
alone to one of a dozen different haunts scattered following day.
throughout the town. He spends the remainder of the
evening consuming the second bottle of wine, staring into G4b. Trailing Izek
space, and occasionally shouting expletives or threats at As the players trail Izek, any or all of the following encounters
bystanders who dare cross his path. may take place. Should the players fail to escape initial notice
10:00 P.M. Izek returns to the burgomaster’s mansion in any of these encounters, they can still avoid detection by
and takes his evening meal, as well as a third bottle of making a successful DC 13 group Dexterity (Stealth) check,
wine, in his bedroom. which may be accompanied by one or more additional skill
checks at your discretion. (See Group Checks on p. 175 of
Once Izek drinks the entire bottle of Lady Wachter’s the Player's Handbook.) For example, a player who seeks to
poisoned wine, he suffers the poisoned condition for 1 hour escape notice by clambering onto the roof of a nearby house
afterward. might attempt a DC 10 Strength (Athletics) check, gaining
G4a. Planting the Poisoned Wine
advantage on their Dexterity (Stealth) check if they succeed.
The players can attempt to plant the poisoned bottle of wine 1. The Town Square
in Izek’s case of wine in multiple ways, including (but not As the players watch Izek eating his lunch in the town square,
limited to) the following: Bluto, the town fisherman, drunkenly approaches them
The players can sneak into the kitchen of the carrying a large, shallow wicker basket lined with river reeds
burgomaster’s manor and distract the cook, Tereska, in and filled with stinking fish. (“Fresh-caught from Lake
order to replace the second bottle with the poisoned Zarovich!”)
bottle. Bluto loudly and belligerently demands to know whether
The players can follow Tereska to the Vallaki town square the players will buy one of his fish for 4 cp, or a half-dozen of
and distract Izek while he’s eating his lunch in order to his fish for 20 cp. He takes any refusals as a personal offense
replace the second bottle with the poisoned bottle. and begins yelling at the players for being “outsiders” and
“looking down at him,” which draws the attention of Izek and
Sneaking Into the Kitchen. If the players choose to swap his guards.
the bottles in the burgomaster’s mansion, Tereska’s schedule
unfolds as follows:
12:00 P.M. Tereska retrieves two bottles of Purple
Grapemash No. 3 wine from the pantry and places them
on the counter in the kitchen beside an empty leather
wine case.
12:15 P.M. Tereska places the two bottles of wine into the
wine case, beginning with the bottle closest to the case. (If
the players have replaced one of the bottles with the
poisoned bottle, which is labeled Red Dragon Crush,
Tereska regards it with surprise and makes a cursory
Wisdom (Perception) check to discern whether anyone
else is in or around the kitchen. If she sees no one, she
chides herself for forgetfulness and assumes that the
bottle was labeled Red Dragon Crush all along.)
12:45 P.M. After preparing and packing Izek’s midday
meal, Tereska takes the leather wine case and walks it to
the Vallaki town square, where she delivers it to Izek.
Tereska cannot be bribed, cajoled, or intimidated into
switching the bottles. (She is too suspicious of strangers and
too fearful of Izek to risk disappointing him.)
However, if the players fake a convincing cover story, they
can convince her to replace one of the Purple Grapemash No.
3 bottles with the poisoned Red Dragon Crush bottle with a
successful DC 13 Charisma (Deception) check.
Distracting Izek. If the players choose to swap the bottles
while Izek is eating lunch, they can distract Izek by, among
other possibilities, causing any apparent breach of the peace,
such as an evident jailbreak by one or more of the prisoners
in the town stocks.

158
 Izek Strazni, 1st Form
Medium humanoid, neutral evil
Armor Class 14 (studded leather)
Hit Points 110 (13d8 + 42)
Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
20 (+5) 15 (+2) 18 (+4) 10 (+0) 9 (-1) 15 (+2)
Saving Throws Str +8, Con +7
Skills Athletics +8, Intimidation +5, Perception +2
Damage Resistances fire
Senses passive Perception 12
Languages Common
Challenge 6 or 5 if poisoned
Legendary Resistance (1/day). If Izek fails a saving throw,
he can choose to succeed instead.
Second Phase. When Izek is reduced to 0 hit points, his
arms and axe are engulfed in flames, the barbs on his
fiendish arm grow longer and sharper, and his skin
grows red and begins to smoke. His statistics are then
instantly replaced by the statistics of his second form.
His initiative count doesn’t change.
Actions
Multiattack. Izek makes two attacks.
The players can calm Bluto with a successful DC 14
Charisma (Persuasion) check or by purchasing one or more
of his fish.
2. Izek’s Spies
As Izek visits one of his spies, the players can overhear a
conversation in which the spy informs Izek that several of
their neighbors have recently visited the Morning Gate to
purchase "pastries that allow you to dream while wide-
awake" from a peddler named Morgantha.
As the conversation continues, the players are noticed by a
small, mangy mastiff standing guard in the alleyway near the
spy’s house. Upon spotting the players, the dog begins to
growl at them, threatening to draw the attention of Izek, his
guards, or his spy. The players can calm the dog with a
successful DC 14 Wisdom (Animal Handling) check or by
providing it with food.
3. Gate Inspections
As Izek visits the eastern Morning Gate, three Barovian
refugees rattle the iron bars of the gate and plead for entry,
claiming that the camp’s food stores are running low and
wolves have been spotted prowling around the edges of the
forest on multiple recent nights—made worse by the fact that
nearly a full third of the camp has grown addicted to the so-
called "dream pastries" sold by the peddler Morgantha.
Silvered Battleaxe. Melee weapon attack: +8 to hit, reach
5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (1d10 + 5) slashing damage
and Izek can push the target up to 5 ft. away.
Flame Hurl. Ranged spell attack: +5 to hit, range 60 ft.,
one target. Hit: 3d6 fire damage.
Bonus Actions
Slicing Whirl. Izek whirls his battleaxe around him. Each
creature within a 5-foot radius must succeed on a DC
16 Dexterity saving throw or take 5 (2d4) slashing
damage and fall prone. A creature that succeeds on the
saving throw takes half damage and doesn’t fall prone.
Flame Volley. Izek conjures a volley of fiery orbs that
rain down on a point within 60 ft. that he can see. Each
creature within 10 ft. of that point must make a DC 13
Dexterity saving throw or take 7 (2d6) fire damage.
Reactions
Izek can take up to three reactions per round, but only
one per turn.
Forceful Retreat. In response to taking damage from a
melee attack, Izek makes a shove attack against the
attacker. He can then immediately move up to 15 ft.
away from the attacker without provoking opportunity
attacks.
Vengeful Strike. In response to taking damage from an
attack or spell, Izek can move up to 15 ft. toward the
attacker without provoking opportunity attacks. He can
then immediately make an attack with his battleaxe.
Izek conjures a flame in his hand and threatens to burn the
refugees unless they disperse, which they do. Izek then snarls
to the guards that if wolves are getting brave enough to
approach the walls, werewolves can’t be far behind.
Izek then commands one of the guards to fetch a dozen
fresh silvered crossbow bolts from a weapons cache stored in
crates near the players’ hiding position. The players can avoid
the guard’s attention with a successful DC 13 group Dexterity
(Stealth) check or by other suitable means.
As Izek is leaving the Morning Gate, he idly commands one
of the guards standing watch to purchase and deliver a dream
pastry for him when the peddler returns the following day.
4. End of the Day
When Izek has finished the evening inspection for all of the
gates, he dismisses his two guards as usual. However,
instead of proceeding to one of his usual drinking spots, he
travels to N7. Blinsky Toys (p. 118), where he attempts to
pick up the doll that looks like Ireena Kolyana.
G4c. Ambushing Izek
Upon retrieving the doll, Izek proceeds north through the
Zarovich Gate until arriving at Lake Zarovich. As he sits upon
the shore, he drains the second bottle of wine in his case—
gaining the poisoned condition for the duration of the
following hour—and regards the doll with obsessive fixation.
159
 Izek Strazni, 2nd Form
Medium humanoid, neutral evil
Armor Class 14 (studded leather)
Hit Points 110 (13d8 + 42)
Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
20 (+5) 15 (+2) 18 (+4) 10 (+0) 9 (-1) 15 (+2)
Saving Throws Str +8, Con +7
Skills Athletics +8, Intimidation +5, Perception +2
Damage Immunities fire
Senses passive Perception 12
Languages Common
Challenge 6 or 5 if poisoned
Legendary Resistance (1/day). If Izek fails a saving throw,
he can choose to succeed instead.
Actions
Multiattack. Izek makes two melee attacks.
Silvered Battleaxe. Melee weapon attack: +8 to hit, reach
5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (1d8 + 5) slashing damage
plus 2 (1d4) fire damage.
Burning Punch. Melee weapon attack: +8 to hit, reach 5
ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d4 + 5) bludgeoning damage
plus 2 (1d4) fire damage, and Izek can push the target
up to 5 ft. away. On a critical hit, the target must also
succeed on a DC 16 Constitution saving throw or be
dazed until the start of Izek’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.)
Flaming Wave. A wave of flames sweeps out from Izek
in a line that is 60 feet long and 5 feet wide. Each
creature in the line must make a DC 13 Dexterity
saving throw or take 11 (2d10) fire damage. The fire
ignites flammable objects in the area that aren't being
worn or carried.
While he is poisoned in this way, treat Izek’s passive Wisdom
(Perception) score as 8.
If Izek is undisturbed, he leaves Lake Zarovich and returns
to the burgomaster’s mansion approximately four hours later.
If Izek is attacked, he defends himself, vowing to destroy the
players for their insolence. Izek always begins combat using
the statistics of his first form. Upon realizing his poisoned
state at the end of his first turn in combat, Izek roars in rage
and demands to know what the players have done to him.
If the players ask the truth behind the Ireena-shaped doll,
Izek snarls that the doll is none of their business.
If the players loot Izek’s body following his death, they can
recover his silvered battleaxe, a pouch containing 35 gp, and
an amber shard of Seriach, the Hell Hound Whisperer. (See
the Amber Shard appendix for more information about
amber shards.)
160
Bonus Actions
Flame Burst. Izek slams his battleaxe into the ground,
causing a torrent of flames to swirl around him. Each
creature within 10 feet must make a DC 13 Dexterity
saving throw or take 11 (2d10) fire damage.
Explosive Blast. A bright streak flashes from Izek’s
clawed hand to a point he chooses within 90 feet and
then blossoms with a low roar into an explosion of
flame. Each creature in a 10-foot-radius sphere
centered on that point must make a DC 13 Dexterity
saving throw. A target takes 9 (2d8) fire damage on a
failed save, or half as much damage on a successful
one. A target that fails the save is also knocked prone.
The fire spreads around corners. It ignites flammable
objects in the area that aren't being worn or carried.
Reactions
Izek can take up to three reactions per round, but only
one per turn.
Hot Pursuit. In response to taking damage from an
attack or spell, Izek propels himself forward with a jet
of crackling flames, moving up to 30 feet without
provoking opportunity attacks. He can then
immediately make a burning punch attack against a
creature within range.
Cinder Sparks. In response to taking damage from a
melee attack, Izek causes the air around him to burst
with swirling cinders. The attacker must succeed on a
DC 13 Constitution saving throw or take 2 (1d4) fire
damage and be blinded until the start of Izek's next
turn.
Retaliatory Burn (1/round). In response to taking damage
from a melee attack made with a metal weapon, Izek
causes the object to glow red-hot until the start of his
next turn. Any creature in physical contact with the
weapon immediately takes 9 (2d8) fire damage and
must succeed on a DC 13 Constitution saving throw or
drop the weapon if it can. If it doesn’t drop the object,
it has disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks
until the start of Izek’s next turn.
The Missing Doll
If the doll is not available for Izek to take, he beats
Blinsky using unarmed strikes until the toymaker is
at 1 hit point, and then uses his hurl flame ability to
burn each of the other toys on display to cinders.
Izek then threatens to kill Blinsky and burn his
shop down unless a replacement doll is completed
by dusk on the following day.
In his fury, Izek forgets the case containing the
poisoned wine on Blinsky’s counter. The players
can persuade Blinsky to help them poison Izek
when he returns by showing Blinsky kindness and
treating his wounds or with a successful DC 15
Charisma (Persuasion) check.
G4d. Aftermath of the Mission
If the players successfully deliver Izek’s severed head to Lady
Wachter, she thanks them and assures them that she and her
associates will “take it from here.” If the players are
concerned about the possibility of further bloodshed, Lady
Wachter assures them that, once shown Izek’s head, Baron
Vallakovich will step down peacefully. She promises to
provide them with any promised compensation the following
evening at Wachterhaus, and invites them to attend a public
transition ceremony in the town square the following
morning.
The Transfer of Power
That night, Lady Wachter, accompanied by her
three cult fanatics, travels to the Baron’s mansion,
requests an audience with the Baron, and presents
him with Izek’s severed head. The Baron, assuming
that he is about to be assassinated, attempts to
flee. However, he is forcefully stopped by the
command spell of one of Lady Wachter’s cultists.
Trapped in Lady Wachter’s clutches, the Baron
spitefully agrees to relinquish his claim to the
position of burgomaster. (Lady Wachter graciously
permits him to retain his noble title, ensuring that
he retains his family’s estate, incomes, and other
trappings of status.)
The following morning, Vallaki’s guards gather the townsfolk
for an announcement in the town square. While standing
atop the wooden scaffold erected for the Festival of the
Blazing Sun, the Baron solemnly abdicates his position as
burgomaster and appoints Lady Wachter to replace him.
If the players attend the announcement, Lady Wachter
does not publicly acknowledge them, but offers them a
knowing look and a small nod of recognition.
Lady Wachter first commands the town guard to release
the prisoners in the stocks, and then proclaims that the town
shall have no further festivals, except those on holy days. She
then delivers the following speech:
“Thank you, Baron Vallakovich, both for your foresight in these
times of trouble, and for your family's long history of service
to the good people of Vallaki. You honor me with this
position, and I vow to do my utmost to carry out the
responsibilities of burgomaster with wisdom and care.
“My fellow Vallakians, we find ourselves in a period of
change. Change is difficult—it can lead us into danger, or into
a period of new and brighter prosperity. To navigate such
murky waters, a steady hand is needed—a hand that
acknowledges the world as it is, not the world as we may wish
it to be.
"It is neither defiance nor abdication that will lead us to
prosperity and peace, but respect, homage, and a sense of
proper duty.
"It is through these three principles that we may secure the
safety of our children, our neighbors, and ourselves—and it is
through these three principles that I will work to ensure a
better future for our beloved town.
“May Vallaki find sanctuary in the mercy of the mists, and may
we come together stronger, more united, and more
prosperous than ever before. Thank you.”
The townsfolk answer her speech with muted applause and
slowly disperse from the square.
If still alive, Father Lucian Petrovich emerges from the
crowd and greets the players. He notes, with dry amusement,
that he has not previously heard the phrase “find sanctuary in
the mercy of the mists” before, but that it is reminiscent of a
passage he once read in a prayer book dedicated to Ezra,
goddess of the Mists. He wonders aloud whether Vallaki shall
soon see a religious revival of a different kind, then chuckles
wryly and moves to return to St. Andral’s Church.
If asked his opinion on Lady Wachter, Father Petrovich
states, carefully, that he believes that her heart is in the right
place, and that he believes that the light of the Morninglord
can guide any soul—even those that believe themselves lost to
the Mists.
Father Petrovich also briefly expresses his regret for his
younger sister, Baroness Lydia Petrovna, who has faced
many challenges over the past several months and years, and
shares his hopes that the Vallakovich family will find a sense
of peace amidst their new circumstances.
If the players return to Wachterhaus to obtain their
promised compensation (if any), Lady Wachter provides it to
them with gratitude. The players are free to take up to thirty
silvered crossbow bolts and four silvered spears, as well as
up to two pairs of any piece of armor worth 100 gp or less,
and up to one of any piece of armor worth 400 gp or less. (All
of the weapons, ammunition, and armor were taken from an
old armory whose location was lost for several years due to
Izek’s chronic mismanagement.)
Milestone. Assassinating Izek completes a story
milestone. When Lady Wachter takes power, award each
player 1,250 XP.
161

Lady Wachter’s Promises
When Lady Wachter’s speech is complete, she
returns to Wachterhaus and there establishes her
seat of government. She summons each of Vallaki’s
town guards and meets with them personally,
reassuring them that their employment will be
protected and their salaries maintained. She further
recruits one dozen members of her cult to serve as
“deputy guards” to assist in patrolling the walls and
keeping the peace throughout the town.
Lady Wachter then commands the guards to
open the gates to the Barovian refugees, resettling
them in the town square until such a time as
housing can be found. (Any Barovian refugees
addicted to dream pastries continue to visit the
eastern Morning Gate daily to purchase fresh
pastries from Morgantha, and are joined by a
number of Vallakians interested in her wares.)
Baron Vargas Vallakovich and his family are
placed under unofficial house arrest, with the
mansion guarded by two of Lady Wachter’s cultists
at all times—one guarding the front door and one
guarding the back. The cultists assure Baron
Vallakovich that they are present for his protection,
both from ungrateful townsfolk and servants of
Strahd, but are under strict orders to bar him and
his family from exiting the manor. Victor
Vallakovich, the Baron’s son, is mildly perturbed by
this development, but takes no action against it.
Udo Lukovich, the shoemaker, is released from
his prison in the Baron’s home and returned to his
mother, Willemina.
Gratitude of the Townsfolk
Yelena Arasek—one of the two co-owners of the
general store at Arasek Stockyard, and Gunther
Arasek’s wife—is the sister of Udo Lukovich, the
man that Baron Vallakovich imprisoned in his
mansion. Should the players ensure the Baron’s
downfall and see that Udo is freed, they receive a
permanent fifty-percent discount at Arasek
Stockyard each time they return, as well as the
Arasek’s gratitude.
162
Design Notes: Lady Wachter's Wish
The Blue Water Inn. The hook to this quest—Lady
Wachter's decision to send the players an invitation to dine at
Wachterhaus—has been tweaked to provide more support for
Lady Wachter's decision to entrust the players with her
conspiracy.
Wachterhaus. The corpse of Nikolai Wachter has been
removed from Wachterhaus to ensure that he does not serve
as a black mark against Lady Wachter—a complicated figure
who the players should have more cause to trust, not less.
(See Arc I: The Lost Soul and Arc S: The Moonlit
Murders for more information about the players' relationship
with Lady Fiona Wachter.)
Lady Wachter's spell list has been updated to include zone
of truth in order to provide her with a powerful tool to
encourage the players to trust her. (See Arc D: The Tome of
Strahd for more information about Lady Wachter's use of
zone of truth).
Toll the Dead, Bane, Blindness/Deafness, and Lesser
Restoration have also been added to Lady Wachter's spell list
to provide her with additional options in the fight against the
specters of the Ethereal Plane and Leo Dilisnya's spirit in
Arc I: The Lost Soul.
Stella's introduction has been added as a prelude to the
dinner to humanize Lady Wachter and to encourage the
players to view her with sympathy, and to foreshadow Stella's
fate in Arc I: The Lost Soul.
Lady Wachter's connection to Baba Lysaga and the tragic
death of her family have been added to provide her with a tie
to the spirit of Leo Dilisnya, and a means to entrap the hags
of Old Bonegrinder in Arc I: The Lost Soul.
Lady Wachter's interest in using Stella to secure power in
Vallaki through marriage with Victor Vallakovich has been
removed to make Lady Wachter a more sympathetic
character, to deepen her internal conflict and guilt in Arc I:
The Lost Soul (because her coldness toward Victor
discouraged him and Stella from seeking her aid sooner), and
to make Victor's friendship with Stella more meaningful to
the two of them.
Lady Wachter's scheme with the poisoned wine has been
added to provide the players with a fuller gameplay
experience in the lead-up to Izek's assassination (thereby
building the dramatic tension and enhancing the impact of
Izek's ultimate death), and to provide the players with a
reason to seek out and benefit from Lady Wachter's aid.
In addition to supporting her argument, Lady Wachter's
tale of Berez has been added to introduce the fate of the
ruined village (which the players can visit in Arc J: The Walls
of Krezk) and to subtly foreshadow her connection to Baba
Lysaga.
Lady Wachter's anecdotes regarding Ezra and Leo Dilisnya
have been added to foreshadow Ezra's connection to the
Dark Powers (which the players will discover in Arc X:
Tatyana's Legacy) and to introduce Leo Dilisnya's hostile
relationship with the Wachter family. (The players will have
an opportunity to fight Leo Dilisnya and learn more about
that relationship in Arc I: The Lost Soul.)
Return to the Blue Water Inn. The players' encounter
with Ernst Larnak has been added to introduce his character
prior to his antagonistic role in Arc S: The Moonlit
Murders.
Izek's Assassination. Izek's wine case has been added to
provide the players with an additional opportunity to explore
the Baron's mansion, and to provide preliminary stealth
gameplay to raise the dramatic tension before the
assassination takes place. The players' encounters with Bluto
in the town square, with the dog in the Vallaki alleyway, and
with the town guard by the eastern Morning gate provide
similar roles.
Izek's spy, as well as the refugees' complaints regarding
Morgantha's dream pastries, has been added to foreshadow
Morgantha's nature as a night hag, which the players will
explore further in Arc I: The Lost Soul.
Ambushing Izek. Izek's statblock has been redesigned to
provide a challenging, yet winnable solo combat encounter
for a balanced party of 4th-level players. Note, however, that
this statblock will likely prove an exceptionally difficult (if not
impossible) fight for such a party if faced in a fair fight—the
players will need to leverage one or more advantages (such as
Lady Wachter's poisoned wine) in order to win.
Aftermath of the Mission. There are intentionally no
direct consequences for Lady Wachter's takeover of Vallaki.
Her role in this guide is as a sympathetic antihero—and,
eventually, as a full-blown heroic ally to the players. The sole
consequences of Lady Wachter's rise to power can be found
in Arc S: The Moonlit Murders, in which Anastrasya
Karelova and Ernst Larnak take advantage of Lady Wachter's
fealty to Strahd to misguide and misdirect her following a
slew of unnatural murders in the streets of Vallaki.

163

Arc H: The Strazni
Siblings
In this arc, shortly after seeing Ireena Kolyana, Izek Strazni
realizes that she is—quite literally—the woman of his dreams.
After learning from his spies that Ireena has most recently
resided at the Blue Water Inn, Izek visits the Inn himself in
an attempt to uncover her location. If his effort is
unsuccessful, he directs the town guard to publish WANTED
posters around Vallaki offering a reward for information
regarding Ireena’s location.
If the players neither stop Izek nor take extraordinary
measures to keep Ireena concealed, Izek finds and kidnaps
Ireena two days later, imprisoning her in his room at the
Baron’s mansion. Can the players free Ireena from Izek’s
clutches—or will they perish in the attempt?
H1. The Blue Water Inn
H1a. Izek’s Visit
Just over a day after catching a glimpse of Ireena Kolyana for
the first time—either in the street outside of the Blue Water
Inn, in Vallaki’s town square, or in some other location—Izek
Strazni recognizes her as the woman that he has seen
repeatedly in his dreams and becomes determined to find
her.
Izek soon comes to believe that Ireena is a guest at the
Blue Water Inn—either because he observed her in the
vicinity of the Blue Water Inn on the players’ first morning in
Vallaki, or, if the players failed to disguise her upon their
entry into Vallaki, because he learned of her recent arrival
from the guards at the gates. (If Izek did not see Izek outside
of the Blue Water Inn and the players kept Ireena disguised
upon entering Vallaki, Izek learns of Ireena’s location from
one of his spies an additional day later, unless the players
have taken extraordinary measures to keep her hidden.)
While the players are away—and preferably during the
players’ dinner with Lady Fiona Wachter in Arc G: Lady
Wachter’s Wish—Izek visits the Blue Water Inn and
demands to know of Ireena’s location, describing her by
appearance. Urwin and Danika deny knowledge of her
current location and insist that she is not a current guest.
Izek demands entry into each room of the inn to search for
her, which Urwin and Danika reluctantly allow.
If Ireena is currently staying at the inn, Urwin quietly
directs Brom and Bray to retrieve and conceal her in N2i.
Secret Stairs and Hall (p. 101) while he and Danika keep
Izek distracted in N2f. Stable (p. 101). To keep Izek busy,
Danika allows him to search N2h. Ravens' Loft (p. 101),
allowing him to find the locked chest buried in the hay. Urwin
reluctantly complies with Izek's demands to open the chest,
and Izek confiscates the 140 ep and 70 pp as "unpaid taxes."
After rummaging through each room of the inn—including
Rictavio’s suite—Izek breaks a table, two chairs, and a
window in a fit of rage and storms out of the inn.
H1b. The Players Return
The next time that the players return to the Blue Water Inn,
they find that the inn is closed to non-guests for the evening,
with all of its shutters and doors closed to the public.
164
The debris from the broken table and chairs have been
placed outside by the shed just outside of the inn’s front door,
and the glass from the broken window has been swept into a
neat pile, though a cold draft is seeping in through the
shutters.
Urwin, who is holding a broom and dustpan as he gathers
splinters and shards from the taproom floor, greets the
players wearily upon their return. He can provide the players
with the following information:
Izek Strazni, the baron’s enforcer and captain of the guard,
visited the Blue Water Inn earlier that day and demanded
the location of a woman matching the description of the
players’ companion.
Izek tore apart the inn in an effort to find her, but was
ultimately unsuccessful. In the process, he damaged some
of the inn’s property and ransacked the inn’s guest rooms.
If Izek took the coins from the Martikovs’ locked chest,
Urwin notes that he also took some items with him, but
that thankfully no one was harmed. If asked, Urwin
dismisses the confiscated coins as “some savings of ours,”
but reiterates his relief that Ireena and the players are
safe.
Urwin sincerely apologizes to the players for the damage to
their rooms, and promises that he and Danika are working
hard to ensure that they will be cleaned up and ready for the
players to sleep in that night.
If the players indicate an interest in attacking Izek for his
transgressions or to stop him from finding Ireena, Urwin
warns them that Izek is a powerful and dangerous foe,
protected by the town guard at nearly all hours of the day.
Should the players challenge him outright, it shall surely be
suicide.
If the players appear dead-set on challenging Izek, Urwin
reluctantly advises them to seek the counsel of Lady Fiona
Wachter, who is known to be a steadfast enemy of the Baron.
He also offers to uncover details regarding Izek’s schedule
and activities in order to assist the players’ efforts.
Urwin declines to reveal his sources, but notes only that
some “friends” of his are adept at finding information without
being detected.
H1c. Ireena’s Aftermath
If Ireena was at the inn when Izek arrived, Urwin further
informs the players that Danika is comforting her in N2e.
Kitchen (p. 101) while brewing a batch of hot mulled wine to
steady her nerves. (Brom and Bray have been sent to their
room for the night—not as a punishment, but to keep them
safe should Izek return. Urwin has promised both new toys
as a reward for their selflessness and bravery.)
Ireena is shaken, confused, and disturbed by Izek’s visit,
but deeply grateful to the Martikovs for their efforts to keep
her from harm. (If asked, she can inform the players of the
existence of the inn’s secret corridor and staircase, but asks
them to promise to keep the Martikovs’ secrets safe.)
Ireena's Choice. Whether Ireena was at the inn or church
during Izek's attack, she is filled with guilt, rage, and
frustration upon learning of it. With a tremble in her voice,
she demands that the players allow her to accompany them
should they decide to put a stop to Izek's rampage. Ireena
doesn't care about Izek's motivation; she simply wants others
to stop suffering for their decisions to protect her.

Urwin’s Aid
If the players request Urwin’s aid in tracking Izek,
Urwin meets them in the taproom the following
morning to share the following information,
though he politely declines to reveal his sources:
Izek is accompanied for most of the day by two
Vallakian guards. The guards keep a close eye on
his surroundings, making it difficult to ambush
him. However, Izek usually dismisses the
guards and retires to one of several preferred
haunts to drink around dusk.
Izek’s day-to-day schedule varies, but he reliably
takes his midday meal in Vallaki’s town square,
delivered by the Baron’s cook. He returns every
night to Baron Vallakovich’s mansion to sleep.
Strange figures have been seen going in and out
of Wachterhaus, the home of Lady Fiona
Wachter, one of the Baron’s fiercest political
enemies. Rumor has it that one of her servants
has been shadowing Izek around town for the
past two weeks. She might have aid to offer.
If the players journey to Lady Wachter’s estate to
seek her assistance, they begin Arc G: Lady
Wachter’s Wish.
H2. The Streets of Vallaki
One day after his visit to the Blue Water Inn, Izek directs the
town guards to begin publishing posters requesting
information regarding the location of a woman matching
Ireena’s description. Each poster includes a sketch that
roughly matches Ireena’s appearance and offers a reward of
five gold pieces for information delivered to Izek Strazni at
the Baron’s mansion.
H3. The Kidnapping
One day after Izek’s posters are published around Vallaki,
unless the players have taken sufficient precautions to ensure
that Ireena remains completely concealed from the public, a
Vallakian delivers a tip to the Burgomaster’s mansion
regarding her current location.
That night, just before midnight, Izek, joined by four
guards, breaks into Ireena’s current location and attempts to
kidnap her. Ireena bites off Izek's left ear in the process,
permanently giving him disadvantage on all Wisdom
(Perception) checks involving hearing.
Blue Water Inn. If Ireena is still at the Blue Water Inn,
Urwin and Danika, alerted by a wereraven about Izek’s
approach, swiftly move once to hide her in the hidden
staircase. However, Izek notices a strand of Ireena’s hair
caught in the secret door and forces the door open,
finding her. As he hauls Ireena away, he commands the
guards to place Urwin in the town stocks. He uses his
hurl flame ability to set fire to the Blue Water Inn,
causing severe property damage before Danika and six
wereraven members of the Keepers of the Feather are
able to extinguish it using water from the inn’s well.
St. Andral’s Church. If Ireena has been moved to St.
Andral’s Church, Izek interrupts Father Petrovich in the
middle of a sermon and demands to know Ireena’s
location. Despite Father Petrovich’s protests, Izek finds
Ireena in the priest’s office (which Father Petrovich and
Yeska have converted into a makeshift third bedroom) and
seizes her. Izek coldly vows that he will return to punish
the church for hiding Ireena from him, but departs
without causing further harm.
If Izek is successful, he then takes Ireena by force to his
room in the Baron’s mansion (described in N3j. Izek's
Bedroom, p. 107), where he binds her with rope, gags her,
and places her on his bed. He then takes a chair and several
bottles of wine from the first floor, places the chair in his
room beside the bed, and proceeds to silently stare at her
without moving for the next seventy-two hours.
H4. The Rescue
The players can rescue Ireena from Izek’s clutches by first
gaining access to his bedroom in the Baron’s mansion. They
can do so by infiltrating the mansion or openly storming it.
In either case, if the players are found in a place where
they’re not supposed to be, an occupant of the mansion can
raise the alarm by shouting for aid. If the alarm is raised,
twelve guards arrive at the mansion two minutes later.
The NPCs in the mansion ordinarily behave as follows:
Baron Vallakovich can generally be found in N3l. Library
(p. 107) during the day, and in N3o. Master Bedroom (p.
108) at night. He is accompanied by his two mastiffs,
Fang and Claw, at all times. If he finds the players
trespassing, he sets Fang and Claw to attack them, but
raises the alarm if the dogs are defeated.
Baroness Lydia Petrovna can generally be found in N3c.
Dining Room (p. 106) during the day and in N3o. Master
Bedroom (p. 108) at night. If she finds the players
trespassing during the day, she assumes that they are
guests of her husband, Vargas, and greets them
accordingly; otherwise, she screams, then faints.
Victor Vallakovich can generally be found in N3t. Victor's
Workroom (p. 109) both day and night. If he finds the
players trespassing, he greets them warily and demands
to know their names and business. (He won’t raise the
alarm if his curiosity is satisfied.)
Tereska, the cook, can generally be found in N3g. Kitchen
(p. 106) during the day, and in N3f. Servants' Quarters
(p. 106) at night. If she finds the players trespassing, she
raises the alarm unless they agree to leave.
Clavdia, the maid, can generally be found on the second
floor during the morning, on the first floor during the
afternoon, and in N3f. Servants’ Quarters (p. 106) at
night. If she finds the players trespassing, she immediately
raises the alarm.
Izek remains in his bedroom with Ireena at all times and
refuses to allow anyone else to enter, including the Baron and
the household staff. If the players loot Izek’s body following
his death, they can recover his silvered battleaxe, a pouch
containing 35 gp, and an amber shard of Seriach, the Hell
Hound Whisperer. (See the Amber Shard appendix for more
information about amber shards.)
165

Don’t Wake Izek
When the players first arrive at Izek’s bedroom, roll
1d20 to determine if he is asleep, with advantage if
it is nighttime. Izek is asleep in his chair on a roll of
15 or higher.
If a player attempts to sneak into the room while
Izek is asleep, they find it impossible to reach the
bed without passing near Izek’s chair. As they do
so, he clumsily wraps a hand around their wrist
while snoring, forcing the player to make a
successful DC 12 Dexterity (Sleight of Hand)
check to extricate themselves without awakening
him.
If the players free Ireena and move to exit from
the room with her, one of the floorboards creaks
loudly, briefly stirring Izek from his deep slumber.
With his eyes still closed, he drowsily reaches as if
to grab for an object in front of him, murmuring,
“Ireena.” If handed one of his dolls, he clutches it
to his chest and falls back asleep. Otherwise, he
awakens on the following round.
Fire in the Mansion!
Izek’s fire-based abilities are likely to set the
wooden floors and paneling of the mansion aflame.
If they do, apply the following rules:
Each contiguous collection of ignited squares
counts as a single fire. On initiative count 20 of
each round, for each fire, roll a number of d4s
equal to the number of squares in that fire. For
each 4 rolled, an additional square adjacent to the
fire also ignites (your choice), becoming a part of
the fire. Ignited squares can include either floors or
walls. (An ignited wall is engulfed with flames on
both sides.) When the fire spreads, each creature
within its area must make a DC 10 Dexterity saving
throw. On a successful save, that creature can
immediately move to an adjacent, unoccupied
square within 5 feet. A creature that enters the fire
or begins its turn there for the first time on a turn
takes 1d8 fire damage. All squares within 10 feet
of a fire are heavily obscured by smoke. A creature
other than Izek that starts its turn in the smoke
must make a DC 10 Constitution saving throw or
be poisoned until the start of its next turn. Undead
and constructs succeed on the saving throw
automatically.
One minute after the first fires ignite, Victor
Vallakovich descends to the battlefield if able and
commands all combatants to move behind him. He
then casts cone of cold to extinguish all burning
squares.
H4a. Infiltrating the Manor
If the players infiltrate the manor and successfully make their
way to Izek’s bedroom, the door is locked as described in
N3j. Izek's Bedroom (p. 107). If the players attempt to pick
the lock and Izek is awake (see Don’t Wake Izek below), they
must also succeed on a DC 13 Dexterity (Stealth) check to do
so without alerting him.
166
The players will find it difficult to lure Izek from his bedroom
while Ireena is present, but can do so with sufficiently
creative and provocative efforts—assuming, of course, they
roll sufficiently high. Otherwise, Izek draws his silvered
battleaxe and fights at the slightest provocation.
During the battle, Izek can break through one of the
interior walls of the Baron’s manor by expending 15 feet of
his movement. If he does, he takes 7 (2d6) bludgeoning
damage.
H4b. Storming the Manor
If the players cause a ruckus at the front door or on the first
floor of the manor, Izek overhears them and exits his
bedroom, bringing his silvered battleaxe in case of battle. He
fights at the slightest provocation.
H4c. Ireena's Gratitude
Ireena is deeply disturbed by Izek's obsession with her. If the
players inform her that she is Izek's sister, she mourns the
child she once must have known, but not the man that he
became. She reaffirms that, no matter who believes
otherwise, she is and chooses to be Ireena Kolyana—not
Ireena Strazni, or anyone else.
Milestone. Rescuing Ireena from Izek's clutches
completes a story milestone. When Ireena is escorted to
safety, award each player 500 XP, or 1,250 XP instead if Izek
was defeated.
Design Notes: The Strazni Siblings
This arc has been expanded to provide a more explicit
"ticking clock" that drives the players into conflict with Izek
Strazni, and as an inciting incident that pushes Ireena to
journey with the players and take agency in her fight against
Strahd.
The Blue Water Inn. Izek's attack on the Blue Water Inn
has been added to provide the players with an additional
motivation to seek his death—especially if they are
mistrustful of Lady Wachter's motives or doubtful of the
benefits of removing her obstacles to power.
Izek's attack also serves to motivate Ireena to join the
players in defeating him, developing her character arc as she
moves from passivity to agency and laying the foundations for
her ultimate decision to journey with the players at the
beginning of Act III: The Devil's Hand.
Urwin's aid has been added to discourage the players from
fighting Izek directly (i.e., in a fair fight), to direct them toward
Lady Wachter (and therefore serve as a backup hook to Arc
G: Lady Wachter's Wish), and to foreshadow his
involvement with the Keepers of the Feather, who the players
will learn more about in Arc K: The Missing Gem.
The Kidnapping. Izek's kidnapping of Ireena has been
implemented as a failsafe penalty if the players decline to
take any action to defeat him before this date (which will
most likely be on or about the players' fourth full day in
Vallaki).
The Rescue. Izek's ability to break through the interior
walls of the mansion has been added to create a more
dynamic environment in what would otherwise be a cramped,
closed-quarters space.
Arc I: The Lost Soul
In this arc, following either a ghostly visitation at the Blue
Water Inn or a wary bargain at the Baron’s mansion, Victor
Vallakovich asks the players to help him restore the soul of
Stella Wachter to her body by finding a means of accessing
the Ethereal Plane, where her spirit is trapped. To do so, the
players must help Victor obtain the heartstone of a night hag
by the night of the full moon, which will take place on the fifth
day after the players first arrive in Vallaki.
Should the players accept Victor’s request, he tells them
that Stella, from her place in the Ethereal Plane, has seen a
night hag preying upon the dreams of several members of
the Barovian refugee camp. He advises them to visit the
camp to investigate the hag’s location while he prepares the
rituals necessary to transport the players to the Ethereal
Plane and return Stella’s soul to her body.
In the refugee camp, the players can learn about the
peddler Morgantha, who has regularly sold dream pastries to
the refugees and several Vallakians since the refugees’ arrival
nearly three months ago. While there, the players can also
meet Franz, a widower refugee who has suffered from a
wasting disease for the past two nights. Franz confesses to
the players that he sold his children, Myrtle and Feodor, to
Morgantha two days ago to pay for his dreams, and that he is
now suffering the penance of his sins. The players can learn
from the refugees that Morgantha hasn’t visited the town
since Franz sold her his children.
Shortly after speaking with Franz, the players receive a
sending spell from Victor inviting them to return to the attic
of the Baron’s mansion. There, Victor provides them with two
paths they can take in order to obtain the night hag’s
heartstone: they can bargain with her to obtain it, or they can
attempt to seal her in a binding circle and then kill her. If the
players select the latter, Victor tells them that he will need an
additional day to research the binding circle before they can
set off for Morgantha’s lair.
When the players return the following day, Victor anxiously
informs them that he has been unable to find a means of
performing the binding ritual. However, Stella can inform the
group that a similar circle of enormous size surrounds the
entirety of Wachterhaus, which Stella saw while exploring
through the Ethereal Plane.
If the players request Lady Wachter’s help, she assists
them only if they have already won her favor by killing Izek
Strazni, or if they can persuade her to lower the binding
circle around Wachterhaus to allow Stella to communicate
her presence. Otherwise, Lady Wachter assumes that they
and Victor are playing a cruel joke upon her and dismisses
them with disgust.
If the players successfully obtain Lady Wachter’s aid, she
and four of her cult fanatics join the players for a journey to
Morgantha’s lair at Old Bonegrinder. Lady Wachter warns the
players that they will need to obtain the names of all hags
within the windmill in order to bind them, lest any members
of the coven escape to attack her or her cultists. Once the
players have obtained the names of Morgantha’s daughters
(and, hopefully, rescued the children imprisoned inside the
windmill), Bella Sunbane and Offalia Wormwiggle, Lady
Wachter leads her cultists in creating an enormous binding
circle that binds the night hags to the Material Plane,
allowing the players and Victor to destroy them.
167
 The Fate of Stella Wachter
Three years ago, Victor found a spellbook in his father’s
library, as described in N3t. Victor’s Workroom (p. 109).
It was not, however, just any spellbook—it was the lost
spellbook of the lich Khazan himself, long thought
destroyed in the accident that had led to Khazan’s death.
Victor studied its secrets intensely, using Khazan’s
precise notes and his own powerful intellect to master
many of the spells within.
Six months ago, Victor met Stella Wachter, the
youngest child of Lady Fiona Wachter, while skipping
stones by Lake Zarovich. Stella and Victor were surprised
to find that they shared a mutual interest in magic,
myths, and philosophy. Despite their parents’ clear
disapproval, the two became fast friends.
After swearing Stella to secrecy, Victor shyly showed
her his spellbook and some of the magic he could
perform. Stella was fascinated, and immediately
volunteered to serve as his research assistant, an offer
that left Victor stunned and flattered.
When Strahd awoke from his hibernation, Victor and
Stella agreed that escaping his tyranny was imperative.
(Victor also hoped for an opportunity to escape his
parents’ grasp, while Stella hoped to bring her family
with her from Barovia.) The two dove together into a
new research project: the construction of a teleportation
circle capable of escaping Barovia.
Ten weeks ago, their prototype teleportation circle
was complete. After the two performed some minor
experiments using Victor’s undead cats, Stella excitedly
insisted on a live, human trial and volunteered to go first.
Victor reluctantly did so—and tragedy struck.
Neither Stella nor Victor could have known it, but the
Mists of Barovia formed a unique metaphysical barrier
against Victor’s teleportation circle. The spell failed—
and the psychic backlash briefly exposed Stella’s soul to
the raw energies of the Ethereal Plane.
There, the vengeful spirit of Leo Dilisnya, a gallows
speaker lured by the magical beacon of Victor’s spell,
sensed the presence of its ancient enemy and struck,
severing Stella’s soul from her body.
If the players fail to obtain Lady Wachter’s aid and instead
elect to bargain with Morgantha for a loan of her heartstone,
Morgantha agrees to lend it to the players on the condition
that the players promise to later deliver a soul leech to the
desk of Strahd’s chamberlain, Rahadin, whose twisted soul
Morgantha craves. As collateral, Morgantha takes the players’
dreams, preventing the players from gaining the benefits of a
long rest if they fail to fulfill Morgantha’s request within the
next thirteen days.
Should the players successfully obtain a heartstone
through assault or negotiation, Victor sends the group—and
Lady Wachter, if she is present—into the Ethereal Plane to
perform the ritual and defend Stella’s spirits from a tide of
ravenous spirits intent on taking her soulless body for their
own. The horde, however, is not alone, and their leader—a
sadistic gallows speaker dominated by the spirit of Leo
Dilisnya—bears an ancient enmity for the house of Wachter...
168
Before Leo could kill her, however, the ghost of
Erasmus van Richten swiftly swept her away, concealing
her from sight.
Back on the Material Plane, when the smoke and light
cleared, Victor saw Stella standing limply at the center of
the circle, her eyes dull and unresponsive.
Terrified that his father might learn of Victor’s magical
abilities—or, worse, blame Victor for Stella’s fate—
Victor told him that she had abruptly become catatonic
for no apparent reason. Vargas, displeased with Stella's
presence from the beginning, was all too glad to have an
excuse to be rid of “the Wachter girl,” and directed Izek
to return her to Wachterhaus immediately. Fiona was
horrified by Stella’s fate and began plotting the downfall
of the Vallakovich family in quiet fury.
Victor spent two weeks wracked with guilt and sorrow
before, strangely, one of the servants mentioned seeing
a spirit resembling Stella in the mirror in his mother’s
parlor. It was through the spirit mirror that Victor learned
that Stella’s soul still lived in the Ethereal Plane—and it
was through that mirror, communicating with handsigns
and lip-reading, that the two—now aided by the ghost of
Erasmus van Richten—began to work to restore Stella’s
soul to her body.
Since then, Victor has been rapidly attempting to
enhance his magical abilities, either to somehow
repurpose the faulty teleportation circle to restore
Stella’s soul or to become powerful enough to cast the
high-level etherealness spell in Khazan’s spellbook.
However, both Victor, Stella, and Erasmus have
recently realized that they are running out of time. The
Border Ethereal is full of other wandering spirits, many of
whom are far less friendly than Stella herself, and
Erasmus can’t keep her safe forever. Worse still, Stella’s
spirit appears to slowly be fading, drawn further and
further away by the pull of the Ethereal Plane with each
passing day. If her soul isn’t returned to her body soon,
Stella may lose herself—forever.
I1. Burgomaster’s Mansion
The players can learn of Stella’s tragic fate by speaking to
Victor Vallakovich in N3t. Victor's Workroom (p. 109) in the
Burgomaster’s mansion in Vallaki. This can occur in one of
the following ways:
Quest for the Tome. If you have placed the Tome of
Strahd in the attic of the Burgomaster’s mansion and the
players, upon seeing it on Victor’s desk, express an interest in
obtaining it, Victor agrees to allow them to take it only if they
first assist him with a particular task.
Ghost Busters. If the players speak with Victor about the
ghost haunting the mansion after receiving Baron
Vallakovich’s mission to exorcise it, Victor glances at the
spirit mirror in his workroom and protests, “Them? Really?
But they’re strangers!” (He is responding to the soul of Stella
Wachter, who is silently communicating with him from the
mirror.)

Erasmsus’s Plea
If the players haven’t received this quest by the end
of their third day in Vallaki, but they have
completed Arc F: The Missing Vistana, the party is
awoken in the night by the sound of a window
slamming open and the feel of a cold draft filling
the room. Closer inspection reveals that one of the
windows has flown open, seemingly of its own
accord. (The window was opened by the poltergeist
of Erasmus van Richten.)
The players can notice that the panes of the
windows looking into the room have frosted over,
and that their breath now mists in the chill air.
Shortly afterward, several items in the room begin
levitating into the air, and the shutters to the
room’s windows begin rattling. As they do, an
invisible finger begins inscribing a message in the
frost on one of the windows: Help Victor. After a
moment, it then adds—almost hesitantly—Please.
If the players ask for the spirit’s name, it writes
its name in the frost: Erasmus. If the players agree
to carry out his request, the items then fall to the
ground and the shutters stop rattling, the frost
slowly evaporating. Erasmus’s spirit then departs.
While Erasmus’s spirit is present, a player who
succeeds on a DC 10 Wisdom (Insight or
Perception) check senses a ghostly presence
within the room—a presence that shines with
innocence and a sense of fierce determination.
The players can learn from Urwin Martikov,
Danika Dorakova, Father Lucian Petrovich, or Lady
Fiona Wachter that “Victor” is the name of Baron
Vallakovich’s teenage son.
Victor then sighs, runs a hand through his greasy hair, and
reluctantly informs the players that his “friends” thinks that
they’re trustworthy, and that they’ll help solve the ghost
problem if the players assist them with a particular task.
Erasmus’s Plea. If the players received Erasmus’s Plea
(see above) and ask to speak with Victor, Baron Vallakovich
allows them to do so with a successful DC 12 Charisma
(Persuasion or Deception) check, or automatically if they
sufficiently flatter him or if Lady Wachter has already seized
power. If the players describe Erasmus's visitation to Victor,
he glances at the spirit mirror in his workroom and says,
sounding hurt, “I thought I told you I had this under control!”
A moment later, Victor's face softens, and he reluctantly
tells the players that “Stella” and "Erasmus" have decided
that he needs help, and that they might not be entirely wrong.
He then asks the players if they would be willing to assist him
“Stella,” and "Erasmus"—the spirit that they encountered—
with a particular task.
What Victor Knows
No matter the case, if the players express an interest in
assisting him, Victor first introduces them to Stella’s spirit
through her reflection in the spirit mirror. Stella greets them
with a shy wave, but cannot be heard. (Victor explains that
her soul is trapped in the Ethereal Plane, and though the
mirror reflects shapes from the other plane, it does not
transmit sound.)
Victor then shares the following information:
Three months ago, Victor and his friend, Stella Wachter,
heard that the Devil Strahd had returned to the land and
agreed that escape was imperative. Using knowledge that
Victor had gleaned from a old spellbook, they began
construction of a teleportation circle that would allow
them to free themselves from the valley.
Ten weeks ago, they’d finally finished a prototype circle.
After two experiments involving undead rabbits that
Victor animated using bones purchased from Szoldar and
Yevgeni, Stella insisted on volunteering as a live, human
trial. However, the test went horribly wrong—the circle
failed to teleport Stella’s body anywhere, and the backlash
exposed her soul to the Ethereal Plane.
During the brief moments that her spirit was within the
Ethereal Plane, Stella was attacked by a dark shadow,
whose claws severed her soul from her body. She would
have died had Erasmus not spirited her away to safety.
After two weeks of worrying that he had accidentally
somehow destroyed his friend’s mind, Victor learned that
one of his parents’ servants had seen the ghost of a young
woman reflected in a mirror in his mother’s parlor. Victor
learned that the mirror was a spirit mirror that reflected
both the Material and Ethereal Planes. Using it, he was
able to see and communicate with Stella’s wandering
spirit—first through gestures and crude lip-reading, and
eventually through handsigns learned from a book in his
father’s library.
Since then, Victor and Stella have been working hard to
restore her soul to her body, but nothing has worked. In
the meantime, Stella has had to conceal herself from the
many wandering spirits that roam the Border Ethereal,
many of which would harm her if they could.
Stella feels like she’s slowly losing memories of her life,
even as her form in the Ethereal Plane is slowly growing
more insubstantial. Sometimes, she can’t tell whether
she’s herself or someone else; when that happens, she
feels as though a part of her is curled up in a warm and
wet place, with a comforting heartbeat echoing through
the darkness.
To make matters worse, the tether between Stella’s
shoulder blades that once connected her soul to her body
is slowly growing shorter, leaving Victor fearing that she
has little more than a week left before she disappears
forever. (The shorter it gets, the more frequent Stella’s
visions become, and the foggier her memory grows.)
Neither Victor, Stella, nor Erasmus know the identity of
the spirit that severed Stella’s soul from her body.
However, Erasmus has seen it haunting the Ethereal
Plane around Vallaki numerous times since its arrival—
seemingly searching for Stella—and has identified it as a
gallows speaker*. (Erasmus, who learned of the creatures
while reading his father’s notes, can share all of the
information about gallows speakers provided on p. 234 of
Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft.)
If asked why they haven’t sought others’ help, Victor
stubbornly insists that he doesn’t trust Lady Fiona
Wachter; that his own father, the Baron, would be worse
than useless; and that he and Stella are perfectly capable
of solving her problem on their own.
169
 If confronted with the fact that he and Stella haven’t been
capable of solving her problem on their own, Victor’s face
crumples, and he briefly looks to be on the verge of tears as
he struggles to find a retort.
Victor is surprised to hear of the “hauntings” that his
family has experienced in the mansion floors below. However,
Stella’s spirit—looking bashful—uses handsigns to
communicate that she never intended to scare anyone, but
that after accidentally learning that she retained some small
ability to interact with the Material Plane, she couldn’t resist
playing an occasional practical joke on an unsuspecting
victim. (If the players ask why she hasn’t used this ability to
communicate with her mother, Lady Wachter, Stella
confesses that some strange force prevents her from entering
the grounds of the estate.)
If the players agree to help him and Stella, Victor shares
with them the following plan:
To guide Stella’s soul back into her body, he needs to find
a way to enter the Ethereal Plane in his own, mortal body
and perform an altered version of the teleportation ritual
from the other side of the veil.
There is a spell—etherealness—that would allow him to
enter the Ethereal Plane using his own power, but despite
his best efforts, he has been unable to master it thus far,
and is unlikely to be able to cast it before Stella’s soul
disappears into the Deep Ethereal.
In the book Ethereal Entities: Denizens of the Unseen
Realm, written by the archmage Mordenkainen, Victor
learned of a ritual that can replicate the effects of the
etherealness spell for up to nine creatures. The ritual
must be performed on the night of the full moon, and
requires the heartstone of a night hag as a material
component.
When’s the Full Moon?
The players’ first full moon in Barovia always takes
place on the night of their sixth full day in Vallaki.
(For example, if the players arrive in Vallaki on
Sunday night, the full moon will take place on
Saturday night.) Victor is aware of this date.
Victor informs the players that Stella, while exploring the
Ethereal Plane, has regularly seen a gaunt, female figure with
sallow, gray-blue skin, deep-set eyes, matted hair, small ram's
horns, and a wide mouth of sharp, yellowed teeth haunting
the area of the Border Ethereal that overlaps with the
Barovian refugee camp. While neither Victor nor Stella are
sure what the night hag wants with the refugees, Victor is
confident that Stella’s description perfectly matches the
appearance of a night hag as described in Mordenkainen’s
book.
Victor asks the players to visit the refugee camp and
investigate the night hag’s presence. While Stella has only
seen the hag in the Ethereal Plane thus far, Victor strongly
suspects that her interest in it extends into the Material
Plane as well. While the players investigate, Victor will
continue his research into the etherealness ritual and the
ritual to return Stella’s soul to her body.
170
Ethereal Entities
Ethereal Entities: Denizens of the Unseen Realm by
Mordenkainen is a slim hardback book with a
leather cover dyed a deep, midnight blue. Its title
and author's name are embossed in silver script
along the spine and front cover, and the corners of
the book are adorned with small, silver filigree
resembling ethereal wisps. Its pages are filled with
neatly-written text and beautifully detailed
illustrations.
The book is a treatise on the Ethereal Plane and
the creatures that dwell within or visit it. It contains
all of the information provided in Ethereal Plane
(Dungeon Master's Guide, p. 48), as well as a
bestiary divided into the following three sections:
Etherborn: Natives of the Deep Ethereal,
containing information about creatures that are
said to dwell solely in the Deep Ethereal, such
as the mythological mistfiends, ethershades,
and shimmerlings.
Phantomfolk: Travelers from the Border Ethereal,
containing information about incorporeal
creatures that dwell in the Border Ethereal and
often cross into the Material Plane, such as
ghosts (Monster Manual, p. 147) and phantom
warriors (Curse of Strahd, p. 235).
Veil-Walkers: Visitors to the Ethereal, containing
information about physical creatures that can
cross into the Ethereal Plane, such as night hags
(Monster Manual, p. 178), nightmares (Monster
Manual, p. 235), and phase spiders (Monster
Manual, p. 334). (See Matrons of Malevolence
below for the chapter on night hags.)
The subsection discussing night hags includes a
brief sidenote discussing a ritual that uses a night
hag’s heartstone and the energies of a leyline to
replicate the effects of the Etherealness spell for
up to ten individuals for one hour on the night of
the full moon.
If the players express an interest in it, Victor is glad to lend
them his copy of Ethereal Entities to read.
I2. The Refugee Camp
When the players first enter the refugee camp, read:
Past Vallaki's gates lies a cluster of ramshackle tents huddled
against the wall, as though seeking shelter beneath the
looming silhouette of the town's palisade walls. The tents
themselves are laid out in a simple two-sided thoroughfare,
with crude wooden barricades and muddy ditches beyond the
far side facing out against the dark forest beyond.
Through gaps in the threadbare canvas, you can see crude
wooden pallets, makeshift bedrolls, and the occasional
battered cooking pot. Small, low-burning cookfires dot the
grimy narrow avenue, and piles of sticks and half-rotted logs
rest haphazardly beside them.
 Matrons of Malevolence
The chapter regarding night hags in Ethereal Entities: Denizens of the Unseen Plane by Mordenkainen is titled "Night
Hags: Matrons of Malevolence." It reads as follows:
Sly and subversive, night hags are the epitome of
wickedness. They represent all that is evil and cruel in
the world and want nothing more than to see the
virtuous turn to villainy: love turned into obsession,
kindness turned to hate, devotion to disregard, and
generosity to selfishness.
Once, night hags were creatures of the Feywild, a
realm of enchantment and beauty. However, their
foulness saw them exiled to the bleak realm of Hades
long ago, where they degenerated into fiends. The foul
taint of Hades twisted their once-fey nature, and the
night hags have long since spread their malevolence
across the Lower Planes.
Though night hags resemble withered crones, there is
nothing mortal about them. Their withered faces are
framed by long, frayed hair and curled ram's horns;
horrid moles and warts dot their blotchy pale-blue skin;
and their long, skinny fingers are tipped by claws that
can slice open flesh with a touch.
All hags possess magical powers, including the ability
to alter their forms or curse their foes. A hag also bears
some resistance to magic and mortal weapons alike,
though the touch of silver wounds her like any other.
Arrogant to a fault, hags believe themselves to be the
most cunning of creatures—and very often are. They are
open to dealing with mortals, and will always keep their
word—but a bargain with a hag is always dangerous.
Hags enjoy watching mortals bring about their own
downfall through these bargains, which often involve
compromising their principles or giving up something
dear.
Dozens of people, their bodies gaunt and their faces drawn,
move slowly about the camp. Their eyes are sunken and
hollow, their clothes hanging loose on their thin frames. A few
of them huddle about the campfires, bodies hunched against
the chill air and hands outstretched for the meager warmth.
I2a. Inside the Camp
If the players enter the camp, they are soon warily greeted by
Emeric, a melancholy older man with graying hair, and
Magda, a grief-stricken young woman with deep circles under
their eyes. (While the camp doesn’t have any official
leadership, Emeric and Magda were part of the initial wave of
refugees from Barovia, and have pioneered the effort to
welcome and organize the newcomers following Strahd’s
siege.)
Emeric and Magda are cautious of outsiders, but curious to
know why the players have come to their camp. (Magda is
briefly hopeful that the players are servants of Baron
Vallakovich and that they have come to invite the refugees
into Vallaki—a hope that Emeric, pointing to the players’
strange appearances, soon disabuses her of.)
Emeric and Magda can share the following general
information about the camp:
A night hag's ultimate prize, however, is the soul of a
corrupted mortal. While her victim sleeps, the night hag
passes into the Ethereal Plane through the aid of her
twisted onyx heartstone—an artifact that allows her to
become Ethereal at the speed of thought. There, she
invades her victim's very dreams, filling their head with
doubts and fears in the hope of tricking it into
performing evil acts in the waking world.
Night after night, she continues her visitations until
the victim finally expires in its sleep—at which point she
traps its corrupted soul in her soul bag as a dark trophy
of her success. The blacker the stains upon the soul, the
greater the night hag's bounty.
Like all hags, night hags propagate by snatching and
devouring human infants. A week later, the hag gives
birth to a daughter who appears human until her
thirteenth birthday—at which point the child transforms
into the spitting image of her hag mother.
Some hags raise the daughters they spawn, creating
covens that magnify their power. The members of a
coven gain a slew of unnatural abilities, including the
power to control the elements and—once each day—to
dispel foreign magic in the vicinity of their lairs. As is
true for all hag magic, however, such power comes at a
price—for a wound suffered by a single hag in a coven is
suffered by all.
To combat their inherently selfish natures, the hags in
a coven must enter into a written contract with the
others, signed by each hag's true name. The hags of a
coven guard their contract jealously, ever-careful to keep
their names from falling into enemy hands.
The Barovian refugees arrived at Vallaki's gates a few days
ago, but were barred from entering. When they attempted
to breach the gates by force, the guards summoned a man
they called Izek, who bore a twisted devil's arm and
conjured fire to drive the refugees back.
Since then, the refugees have set up camp outside the
town's walls, clustering together for protection and
warmth. They've managed to secure some minor
necessities, such as the tents, by bribing the guards at the
gates, but have been unable to persuade the guards to
allow them entry or to even invite the town's Baron to
discuss their plight.
Swarms of bats and packs of wolves have plagued the
camp each night since they've arrived. Thankfully, no one
has died yet, but several refugees have been wounded.
Due to losses they suffered on the road and the threat of
the Devil in Castle Ravenloft, the refugees are unwilling to
risk the journey back home, instead hoping to wait until
the Baron sees reason and allows them to enter the walls.
Roughly one-quarter of the refugees have become
addicted to "dream pastries," a foodstuff sold by the
peddler Morgantha. These refugees seek an escape from
the misery and despair of their situation. Those who eat a
dream pastry fall into a trance as described in Dream
Pastries (p. 125).
171
 If the players mention Ismark or Ireena, Emeric and Magda
can tell them that many are cold toward Ireena, and all are
unwilling to accept her offers of help. Some blame her, as
well as Ismark "the Lesser" and the late Burgomaster of
Barovia, for their failure to prorect them from Strahd's
awakening and invasion. Others recall a superstition that red-
haired Barovian woman bring misfortune, and suggest that
Ireena herself has brought a curse upon their people. None
have any wish to deal with her further.
If the players ask about the night hag, Emeric and Magda
exchange glances and inform them that their description
matches that of a recurring nightmare that Franz, another
refugee, has been suffering for the past two nights.
Emeric and Magda are glad to take the players to see him,
but warn them that Franz, a widower, has recently lost his
children as well and is likely still grieving or disturbed. Magda
further adds that Franz has suffered from a strange wasting
disease ever since the nightmares first began, and offers her
hope that the players may be able to treat him.
I2b. Franz’s Tent
Emeric and Magda lead the players to a small, lonely tent set
up at the end of the camp’s muddy avenue. When the players
enter, read:
Within this sagging, cramped tent lie three stained pallets, two
of which are child-sized. An old and patched stuffed rabbit lies
across the closest pallet, its black button eyes staring
sightlessly into the air.
A young woman kneels in the mud beside the full-size
pallet, clutching a bundle of wilted herbs in one fist and
holding a damp rag over the forehead of a frail, gaunt-looking
man lying across the pallet. The man's skin is pale and
drenched in sweat, his clothes torn and ragged. Wispy,
scraggled hair rises from his wrinkled scalp, while his face,
illuminated beneath the dying light of a single, sputtering
candle, is etched with exhaustion. A full moment passes
before you realize that this ghost of a man is likely scarcely
older than thirty.
The man is Franz. The woman, an anxious healer named
Nyanka, has been tending to Franz since morning, but has
been unable to identify or treat his condition.
Upon seeing the players, Franz wheezes with laughter and
asks whether they are demons sent by Mother Night, come to
drag his soul into the Mists. Nyanka apologizes for his
behavior and mentions that he’s been delirious ever since the
nightmares and sickness began.
If the players ask Franz about the night hag, he first
demands that Nyanka, Emeric, and Magda depart and leave
him alone with the players. (None of the three other refugees
mind this request.) Franz can then share the following
information with the players:
Three months ago, he joined the first two-dozen refugees
who left the village of Barovia for the fortified town of
Vallaki to the west. Franz brought their two children—
seven-year-old Fyodor and five-year-old Myrtle—with him
to Vallaki, hoping to keep them safe from Strahd’s
servants.
172
A few weeks after arriving in the camp, Franz began to
purchase dream pastries from the peddler Morgantha.
The visions brought by these pastries allowed him to
dream of his wife, Alana, who had passed away the
previous year.
Franz purchased Morgantha’s dream pastries regularly,
spending hours, then days lost in peaceful dreams.
Eventually, however, his savings ran out, and Morgantha
refused to sell him additional pastries—unless he paid a
terrible price.* Three nights ago, Franz led Fyodor and
Myrtle down past the tree line at the edge of the woods.
There, Morgantha placed the children into magical sleep
and stuffed them into a sack that she carried over her
shoulder. In return, she promised Franz as many dream
pastries as he could eat, each time she returned, for the
rest of his life.
The following night, Franz suffered terrible nightmares in
which he was strapped to a millstone, its four arms raised
above him. On his chest sat a gaunt, female figure with
sallow, gray-blue skin, deep-set eyes, matted hair, small
ram's horns, and a wide mouth of sharp, yellowed teeth,
holding a twisted onyx-black stone against his forehead
and whispering of damnation. In the background, he could
hear Fyodor and Myrtle sobbing beyond his view, a pair of
high-pitched cackles, and the sound of a windmill’s blades
grinding in the wind.
For the duration of the nightmare, Franz was paralyzed
and unable to look away or even twitch a single muscle.
When he awoke, his body had already begun to waste
away before him. Morgantha hasn’t returned since.
With a croaking voice, Franz begs the players to save
Fyodor and Myrtle from Morgantha’s clutches. While he
believes that his current condition is a curse sent by the gods
as punishment for his sins and welcomes the penance of
death, he believes that his children don’t deserve the suffering
that Morgantha is likely inflicting upon them. He can offer the
players no gold and no treasure for their efforts—only his
gratitude.
Before the players leave Franz’s tent, he grabs for the
closest one and rasps, "I could feel it—the heart of the
windmill, beating in the millstone beneath me. The gnarled
arm holds the key." He then collapses, falling into a deep,
fitful sleep.
Franz’s Fate
The players can identify the nature of Franz’s
current condition by consulting Ethereal Entities or
by asking Dr. Rudolph van Richten for a diagnosis
of his symptoms.
If consulted, Van Richten informs the players
that the only true way to end a night hag's
nightmare haunting is to kill the hag herself or to
strike a bargain with her. In the meantime,
however, he offers to keep Franz safe from
Morgantha's hauntings through the use of his
talisman of protection from evil and good if Franz
can be surreptitiously moved to Van Richten’s
current location for supervision.
I3. Victor’s Plan
As the players depart the refugee camp, one among them
receives the following sending spell from Victor: “Did you
find her? Come back to the attic. I have a plan.”
When the players return to Victor’s workroom at the
Burgomaster’s mansion, he provides them with the following
information:
There are two possible ways to obtain a heartstone from a
night hag: willingly, or by force.
To obtain the heartstone willingly, the players must likely
bargain something of great value in exchange for a loan of
the heartstone. Hags are legendary dealmakers, and can
be trusted to hew to the letter of their word—but only the
letter.
To obtain the heartstone by force, the players will need to
incapacitate or kill the hag. However, this is far more
difficult for multiple reasons. First, hags tend to gather in
covens of three, a practice that makes each hag stronger
and provides easy access to allies. (Victor asks the players
nervously whether the hag is known to have any “sisters”
or “daughters.”) Second, night hags in particular can use
their heartstones to flee into the Ethereal Plane as soon
as they feel threatened—an escape mechanism that can’t
be counteracted.
To prevent the hag from escaping into the Ethereal Plane
mid-combat, the players will need to seal her in a binding
circle before initiating hostilities. Victor isn’t sure how to
make such a binding circle, but asks the players to give
him an additional day to research it before setting off for
the hag’s lair. Victor also advises the players to obtain
silvered weapons, which will be needed to bypass the
hags’ strong demonic defenses.
If the players tell Victor about Franz's words, he responds
as follows:
Victor recognizes the "twisted, onyx-black stone" as
resembling the description of a night hag's heartstone
provided in Ethereal Entities.
Victor isn't sure what Franz meant about "the heart of the
windmill." However, he agrees to attempt to research the
windmill in his father's library to investigate further.
I4. Stella’s Discovery
When the players return to Victor’s workroom the following
day, he is able to provide a blueprint of the windmill found in
a book of records in his father's library, located alongside the
original assignment of land from Baron Boris Vallakovich to
Gustav and Elisabeth Durst. He points out excitedly that the
design for the millstone contains a compartment built into its
side—likely as a place for storage. If the hags are hiding
something other than a heartstone in the windmill, it's likely
located in that compartment.
He anxiously informs them that he has been unable to find
a means of performing the binding ritual. Turning to the
relevant page in his spellbook, he shows them an illustration
that depicts a binding circle, but complains that the book
itself provides no information about how to actually create
one.
Soon thereafter, Stella’s spirit can be seen excitedly
gesturing from the spirit mirror. As he interprets her
handsigns, Victor’s eyes widen and his face pales. “You can’t
be serious,” he stammers. “Absolutely not!”
If confronted by the players, Victor reluctantly reveals that
Stella claims to have seen a similar binding circle while
exploring the Ethereal Plane, but on a much larger scale: an
enormous circle that surrounds the entirety of Wachterhaus
and prevents her from entering the grounds. (Stella has been
attempting to enter the estate in order to communicate with
her mother, but has failed due to the circle’s presence.) Stella
suspects that her mother, Lady Wachter, might know how to
create one to bind the hags as well.
Stella, through Victor, suggests that the players visit
Wachterhaus to request Lady Wachter’s help in binding the
night hags. Stella warns them that her mother is a cautious
and skeptical woman, especially where the Vallakoviches are
concerned; if Lady Wachter doesn’t believe the players’ story,
they will likely need to ask her to disable Wachterhaus’s
protective circle in order to allow Stella to show her
presence.
I5. Wachterhaus
Wachterhaus is as described in Arc G: Lady Wachter’s Wish
and Arc D: The Tome of Strahd. Visitors to the estate are
received as described N4a. Front Door and Vestibule (p.
110).
Players that have previously dined with Lady Wachter are
welcomed and swiftly admitted, while players that have not
previously done so are asked to make an appointment for the
following day. Players who insist that they are here to assist
Stella, Lady Wachter’s daughter and make a successful DC
10 Charisma (Persuasion) check can bypass the need to
make an appointment and are admitted immediately.
Upon entering the manor, the players are ushered into N4i.
Parlor (p. 112), where Lady Wachter greets them shortly
thereafter. Haliq, Lady Wachter’s valet, serves tea to her and
the guests a few moments later.
Lady Wachter then asks the players what brings them to
her manor. If Victor Vallakovich is accompanying the players,
her eyes visibly narrow, and her voice is polite, but cold. If
Victor is not with the players, her demeanor is far warmer
and more comfortable.
173
 Wachterhaus’s Protective Circle
The Betrayal of Leo Dilisnya. Strahd von Zarovich made
many enemies over the course of his many conquests.
One of them was a man named Leo Dilisnya, who hated
Strahd for the death of his brother, Reinhold Dilisnya, the
captain of a platoon that Strahd had knowingly sent to
die in order to win a battle against the Order of the Silver
Dragon.
When Strahd settled in Castle Ravenloft, Leo—a
member of the Ba’al Verzi, a mysterious guild of
assassins—began to plot his revenge. Hoping to gain
closer access to Strahd, Leo became a castle guard,
wearing the Von Zarovich livery while preparing the right
moment to strike.
That moment finally came on the morning of Sergei’s
wedding. With all attention focused on the blushing
bride-to-be, Leo disguised himself in assassin’s clothes
and climbed the stonework to reach Strahd’s private
chambers. Even taken by surprise, however, Strahd was
more than a match for Leo, disarming him of his cursed
Ba’al Verzi blade and sending him fleeing through the
window.
A New Opportunity. Bitter and enraged, Leo hid
himself away in his quarters to lick his wounds—until he
learned that Sergei had been found murdered in his
quarters, and that Strahd had chased Tatyana into the
gardens while vowing to take her hand in marriage.
Seeing an immediate opportunity, Leo gathered a
contingent of the castle guards and directed them to
attack Strahd in vengeance for the death of the beloved
prince, Sergei.
However, Leo’s plot did not go unopposed. Leo’s
elder sister, Lovina Wachter née Dilisnya—now the wife
of Vladislav Wachter—led her family’s personal guards in
Strahd’s defense. Leo’s traitorous guards drove the
Wachters into K62. Servants' Hall, killing Lovina’s
husband and butchering many of his relatives. There,
Lovina and her family took shelter alongside Katarina, a
castle servant and (unknown to Strahd) Strahd’s secret
half-sister, in K65. Kitchen (p. 78).
When Strahd arose as a vampire, Leo fled into K23.
Servants' Entrance (p. 59), down through K62. Servants’
Hall, and through K67. Hall of Bones (p. 78) into K68.
Guards' Run (p. 79). As Strahd pursued, he slaughtered
the guards terrorizing the Wachters, and—in a moment
of rare lucidity—thanked the Wachters for their loyalty
and allowed Lovina and Katarina to depart in peace. As
Strahd bathed the stone of Castle Ravenloft in the blood
of the castle guards—both innocent and traitorous alike
—their spirits combined in death to form a dreadful
gallows speaker (Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft, p.
234) that would haunt Castle Ravenloft for years to
come.
Leo's Punishment. Leo successfully escaped Castle
Ravenloft along with a half-dozen of the traitorous
guards. Years later, however, with Lovina’s aid, Strahd
tracked Leo to the darkened corridors of the now-
abandoned Abbey of Saint Markovia.
174
Strahd transformed Leo into a vampire spawn and,
with Lovina’s approval, entombed him in a mausoleum
beneath the Wachters’ manor where he would suffer for
his crimes for all eternity. As a safeguard in the chance
that Leo somehow escaped, Strahd crafted for Lovina a
magical ruby amulet that, when broken, would kill Leo
instantly.
Enter Fiona Wachter. Centuries passed, and Fiona
Wachter was born, the daughter of Balthazar and Lavinia
Wachter and the younger sister of Frederich Wachter.
Although Fiona’s parents never told her the true nature
of the vampire sealed below their estate, they often told
her of the “monster in the basement” that fed on
disobedient children and forbade her from ever entering
the cellar.
When she was sixteen years old, the teenage Fiona
had an explosive argument with her parents and brother.
In her anger, Fiona toppled a shelf of fine porcelain and
jewelry—including, among them, the magical amulet
that Strahd had once forged for Lovina Wachter. Though
Fiona had no knowledge of Leo’s existence or the
amulet’s true nature, Leo died the moment that it
shattered, his soul finally freed from the prison of his
body.
The Haunted Estate. Soon after Fiona fled from
Wachterhaus, Leo’s spirit—now a part of the gallows
speaker that had arisen from his compatriots’ gruesome
deaths centuries before—returned to haunt and terrorize
the estate. Objects were found in strange places, and
food mysteriously spoiled. Portraits were found damaged
or defaced, and the family was often awoken by chilling
howls or loud knocks on their doors and windows.
Fiona’s father, Balthazar Wachter, sought the advice of
an amateur occultist that dwelled in Vallaki. The family
stripped the flesh from Leo’s bones and sealed them in a
chest under lock and key. That, however, only enraged
Leo further. That same night, the gallows speaker began
appearing to the Wachters as an apparition in reflections
in mirrors and windows. Within days, it had escalated its
activities to physical violence, throwing items across
rooms, shattering glass windows, and even starting
spontaneous fires.
Desperate for a solution, Frederich Wachter, Fiona’s
elder brother, learned that a powerful witch named Baba
Lysaga dwelled in the swamps of Berez nearby. Alone,
and without his parents’ knowledge, Frederich traveled
to Berez in search of answers. When a will-’o-wisp lured
Frederich into a hidden bog, however, he was rescued by
Fiona herself, who had since become a student and
disciple of Baba Lysaga.
Frederich begged her to return to Wachterhaus to
help them, but Fiona—wary of her brothers’ intentions
and still harboring resentment from her fight with their
parents—lied and told him harshly that Baba Lysaga had
no magic with which to help him. (In truth, Baba Lysaga
taught all of her students the means to create a
protective circle soon after they arrived in Berez, as a
means of defense against the phase spiders that haunted
the swamps.)

Leo's Revenge. Despondent, Frederich returned to
Vallaki empty-handed. Bereft of a better solution,
Balthazar Wachter obtained candles, incense, and
holy invocations from the occultist and led the
family in a seance to exorcise the spirit from
Wachterhaus.
The seance, however, proved unsuccessful.
Rather than banishing Leo’s spirit, it provided him
an opening into the Material Plane that allowed
him to fulfill his murderous vengeance. Two weeks
later, the Baron’s guards found the three Wachters
dead—though by all signs untouched—on the
floor of Wachterhaus’s master bedroom. Leo had
killed them before returning to haunt Castle
Ravenloft, satisfied with his revenge at last.
Fiona's Return. Two weeks later, one of Baba
Lysaga’s other disciples, following a routine trip to
Vallaki to obtain supplies, told Fiona that her family
had been found dead in their house in the midst of
a seance. Realizing the depths of her mistake and
overcome with guilt, Fiona confronted Baba Lysaga
and told her that she intended to return to her
family home. Baba Lysaga banished Fiona for her
decision, and Fiona departed Berez for good.
Soon after her return to Wachterhaus, Fiona—
now bearing the title of “Lady Wachter” following
her parents’ death—determined that a spirit had
been responsible for the death of her family.
Although the spirit appeared to have departed, she
feared that it might choose to one day return. With
the magic that Baba Lysaga had taught her, she
established a protective circle around the entirety
of the Wachterhaus estate, barring any ethereal
creature that may wish to cross its boundaries. The
gallows speaker hasn’t returned in all the years
since then, but Lady Wachter renews the
protective circle once each year, both out of habit
and from a wariness that her parents’ killer might
one day return.
If the players reveal Stella’s fate, Lady Wachter’s eyes tighten,
and she asks them for a full explanation of how Stella came
to inhabit her current state.
When the players have finished their story, Lady Wachter
states that she believes them to be playing a cruel joke upon
her and her family, and asks whether they have any means of
proving their claims. (She refuses to journey to the
Vallakovich manor if the players suggest using the spirit
mirror to allow her to view Stella directly, dismissing it as a
“foolish” suggestion.)
The players can persuade Lady Wachter to deactivate the
protective circle around Wachterhaus and allow Stella to
manifest there (and so prove the players’ story) with a
successful DC 10 Charisma (Persuasion) check. The players
succeed on the check automatically if they have previously
won Lady Wachter’s favor (such as by killing Izek).
Lady Wachter is shocked by and wary of the players’
knowledge of the protective circle and demands to know how
the players learned of it. If asked, she is willing to share the
following information about it:
When Lady Wachter was a young woman, her parents and
brother were killed in a mysterious incident that left their
bodies apparently unharmed. Lady Wachter was the sole
survivor, having been away from Wachterhaus at the time
of the killing.
When she returned to Wachterhaus, she determined that
a malevolent spirit had been responsible for her family’s
death. Though the spirit appeared to have departed by the
time Lady Wachter returned, she was wary of the prospect
that it might one day return.
Using magic that she had learned from her mentor, Lysa,
Lady Wachter erected a protective barrier around
Wachterhaus that would prevent any creature within the
Ethereal Plane from crossing over the boundary of the
property.
Upon agreeing to deactivate the protective circle, Lady
Wachter retreats to N4o. Master Bedroom (p. 113) and
retrieves the scale model of Wachterhaus from the high shelf
beside the iron chest. She then returns to the parlor and sets
the model upon the central table.
With her eyes closed, Lady Wachter murmurs an
incantation, causing a circle of ethereal grey light to briefly
manifest around the scale model before vanishing again. She
then informs the players that the circle has been lowered and
sits back expectantly on the sofa while sipping her tea.
Assuming the players do not otherwise intervene, the
scene then unfolds as follows:
A few moments later, Stella—unseen, but present in the
Ethereal Plane—levitates a peony from a flower vase on a
nearby side table and deposits it in Lady Wachter’s lap.
In disbelief, Lady Wachter drops her teacup on the parlor
floor, where it shatters. She picks up the peony, her hands
trembling with emotion. She notes, with a quavering
voice, that peonies have always been Stella’s favorite
flower. “If this is some kind of trick—” she warns.
Before Lady Wachter can finish her warning, Stella moves
the teacup shards across the floor, forming the shape of a
crescent. Lady Wachter’s eyes fill with tears, and she calls
out Stella’s name, looking around the room almost as if
she expects to see her daughter there. (The crescent
resembles the crescent-shaped birthmark on the fur of a
cat that Stella kept as a child, which was named Luna.)
Haliq, Lady Wachter’s valet, opens the door to the room
and asks if Lady Wachter was calling for someone. Lady
Wachter wipes her eyes, shakes her head, and dismisses
him.
After a moment, she wipes her eyes and says, “Let us
assume that I believe you. What need have you of me?”
If the players successfully persuade Lady Wachter to assist
them and ask her for aid in creating a binding circle to entrap
the hags within the Material Plane, she reluctantly and
cautiously reveals the following information:
She is indeed capable of crafting such things, though she
is long out of practice. To create a circle large enough to
entrap an entire windmill from a distance would require
the aid of several of Lady Wachter’s “associates,” whose
aid it may take some time to secure. (Lady Wachter can
direct Ernst and Haliq to recruit her associates—four cult
fanatics—and gather them within as little as four hours if
necessary.)
175
 There are two ways for such a circle to work: it can keep
things out, or it can keep things in. To keep the hags from
escaping the circle, the players will first need to secure the
true names of any hags within the windmill, including
those that are not the players’ primary target. Should even
a single hag remain free to escape, it could attack Lady
Wachter and her associates and bring the entire circle
crashing down.
If Victor is present, or if he is informed of the need to
obtain the hags' true names, he recalls the relevant section
from Ethereal Entities (see Matrons of Malevolence above)
and shares it with the players, pointing out the section that
discusses coven contracts and wondering aloud where
Morgantha's coven might have hidden their contract.
If Lady Wachter is informed of the possible presence of
children within the windmill, she insists that the players
rescue them before making any assault. (Fortunately, she
notes, the players’ efforts to obtain the hags’ names may
prove a useful distraction that allows others within their
group to raid the other rooms of the windmill in the
meantime.)
If the players and Lady Wachter come to an agreement, she
promises to meet them—along with her associates—at
Vallaki’s eastern Morning Gate at the allotted time, once she’s
prepared herself for the journey.
I6. The Old Svalich Road
I6a. The Morning Gate
If the players recruit Lady Wachter to their cause, she and
her four cult fanatic associates meet them promptly at the
Morning Gate at the chosen time. Lady Wachter has
exchanged her dress for a practical pair of pants, flat-soled
leather boots, and a chain shirt tucked under a forest-green
tunic, with a round-headed mace hanging from her belt and a
black hooded riding cloak covering the ensemble. Majesto,
her imp familiar, accompanies her in crow form.
The fanatics are as described in N4t. Cult Headquarters
(p. 114) and are named Andrej, Boris, Miruna, and Ruxandra,
respectively. None of the fanatics are particularly talkative.
I6b. The Druid
The journey from the Town of Vallaki to Old Bonegrinder is
five-and-three-quarter miles long and takes two hours.
Midway through the trip, the players are disturbed by a
rustling in the trees above. Read:
A gaunt figure with wild hair and bare feet crouches on a thick,
gnarled branch above your heads, wearing a tattered gown of
stitched animal skins. It stops, sniffs the air, and laughs like a
lunatic. “Little songbirds wandering the dark woods?” it asks,
leering down at you.
The figure is a druid of Yester Hill, and a spy for Strahd. They
intend no harm toward the players, but are eager to provoke
them in interesting ways.
If Lady Wachter is with the players, the conversation
proceeds as follows unless the players intervene:
176
Lady Wachter steps forward and says, “I am no songbird,
child of Yester Hill. You know me, and my sign. Do the
Forest Folk demand tolls to travel the Svalich Wood?”
The druid’s eyes linger on Majesto, and they reply, “No
tolls, dear ones. Mere . . . curiosity. You keep strange
company, daughter of Mother Night.”
Lady Wachter replies curtly, “My company is no concern
of yours. Trouble us no more, and tell your master that the
House of Wachter remembers its debts.”
“Debts indeed!” the druid rasps. “But to whom, this one
wonders?” With a mud-stained grin and a cackle, they
vanish into the trees and disappear from sight.
If the players ask about her conversation with the druid,
Lady Wachter is willing to provide the following information:
The individual was a druid of the Forest Folk, a loose
society of hermits that dwell amidst the Svalich Woods
and generally shun the civilized settlements. The druids
treat Yester Hill, a hill at the southwest edge of the
Barovian valley, as a sacred place, and worship Strahd as
a deity for his control over the land and weather.
Lady Wachter first encountered and learned of the druids
while a student of her mentor, Lysa. Lysa, a woodswitch
who dwelled in the swamps of Berez, was a worshipper of
Mother Night, a deity of darkness, trickery, and the occult.
Lady Wachter was never able to hear the “voice” of
Mother Night (as Lysa called it), however, and adopted the
faith of Ezra soon after returning to Vallaki.
Lysa did not take Lady Wachter’s departure lightly. A
prideful woman, she considered her students her children,
and took Lady Wachter’s decision to return to Vallaki as a
personal betrayal. Lady Wachter has been banished from
Berez ever since.
Lady Wachter’s “debt” to Strahd arises from his effort to
save Lady Wachter’s ancestor, Lady Lovina Wachter, from
death at the hands of the traitor Leo Dilisnya centuries
ago. When a traitor and assassin named Leo Dilisnya
murdered Lovina’s husband and attempted to kill Lovina
as well, Strahd defended her, then hunted Dilisnya down
to punish him for his treachery. House Wachter has
remained loyal to Strahd ever since.
I7. Old Bonegrinder
Old Bonegrinder is largely as described in Chapter 6: Old
Bonegrinder (p. 125). However, Freek is named Fyodor
instead, and both he and Myrtle are the children of the
Barovian refugee Franz. Additionally, the millstone in O2.
Bone Mill (p. 127) bears a stone keyhole on one side, and
contains a compartment that holds the hags' contract.
If Lady Wachter is present as the players approach the
windmill, she first gathers the players, Victor, and the four
cult fanatics in a darkened copse of trees beside the Old
Svalich Road to assemble a plan of attack.
Lady Wachter then attempts to confirm the following
details:
how many hags reside in the windmill, and how the
players intend to obtain their names
whether there are children within the windmill, and how
the players intend to rescue them
how the players intend to combat the hags once the
binding circle is raised
Bargaining with the Hags
If the players visit Old Bonegrinder without first
obtaining Lady Wachter’s help, they can attempt to
bargain with the hags in order to obtain a heartstone.
The players do not need to first disguise themselves as
dream pastry addicts to do so—Morgantha is always
happy to do business with willing customers.
To borrow Morgantha's heartstone for a period of
three days, the players must promise to undertake a
particular task for her. As a form of insurance to ensure
their compliance, Morgantha takes their dreams as
collateral once the players accept her offer, bottling
them up in a glass vial that she wears on a cord around
her neck.
Morgantha warns the players that, if they fail to
complete her task within fourteen days—or if they
betray her—she will immediately devour their dreams,
preventing them from gaining the benefits of a long rest
forever. (Morgantha can devour the players’ dreams as an
action while the vial is in her possession.)
If the players complete Morgantha's task within the
allotted time, however, she will release their dreams and
allow them to return to their owners. In either case, the
players can take long rests normally until the fourteen
days have elapsed.
Morgantha’s task is simple. The players must deliver a
soul leech—a Tiny fiend resembling a leech with ghost-
white, translucent flesh and purple-blue veins, and which
Morgantha has imprisoned in a corked glass vial—to the
office of Strahd’s chamberlain, Rahadin. Upon arriving in
Rahadin’s office, the players must uncork the vial and
allow the leech to attach itself to the underside of his
desk, where it will render itself invisible and virtually
undetectable.
The Megaliths
The megaliths beyond Old Bonegrinder demarcate the
boundaries of the Mountain Fane: the shrine to the
Seeker of the Ladies Three. Once atop the windmill's hill,
the players can see the megaliths in the valley below.
Read:
A circle of tall, slender megaliths stands shrouded
amidst thick clouds of fog at the forest's edge below,
with only the stones’ jagged tops visible as they poke
through the mist.
The area within the cloud of fog is heavily obscured. If
the players investigate, they find that a five-foot-
diameter stone of smooth, black onyx is half-buried at
the center of the circle. The stone has no visible marks
or symbols upon its surface, and is impervious to all
damage and attempts to move it.
The players can convince Morgantha to reveal her
plans for the leech with a DC 10 Charisma (Persuasion)
check: When Rahadin returns, the leech will secretly
attach itself to his flesh, ensuring that—when Rahadin
eventually dies—his evil soul will be ensnared and
entrapped in Morgantha’s soul bag, where it will be
transformed into a soul larva that Morgantha can use for
nefarious purposes.
Morgantha can tell the players that Rahadin’s office is
located in the cellar of Castle Ravenloft, not far from the
kitchens. However, Morgantha won’t share where she
obtained her information. (Her source is, of course, the
mongrelfolk Cyrus Belview, the unwitting bearer of the
coven’s hag eye.)
The stone is the door to a secret demiplane that
contains the Elder Wisp, one of the three profane
leeches that Strahd set to consume the energies of the
Fanes. To open it, the players will need to cut its surface
with the cursed dagger of Leo Dilisnya, which they can
obtain from the sarcophagus of the Vampyr in the
Amber Temple. See Arc U: The Amber Temple and Arc Y:
The Ladies of the Fanes for more information about Leo
Dilisnya’s dagger and the Mountain Fane.
One minute after the players enter the cloud of fog,
their presence draws the attention of four vampiric mists
(Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse, p.
250). The mists swirl about the players lazily for three
rounds, after which one mist attempts to use a single life
drain attack on the nearest player, like a shark
inquisitively nipping its prey. If the players remain within
the fog, all of the vampiric mists attack the following
round.
177
 Lady Wachter is glad to offer the players the service of her
imp familiar Majesto as a scout. (Majesto can use his crow,
spider, and rat forms to surveil the exterior and interior of
the windmill while remaining invisibile using his invisibility
ability.) Meanwhile, Victor offers to aid the players in
retrieving Franz’s children from the windmill, using his misty
step, fly, and greater invisibility spells as-needed to assist
with the rescue mission.
However, Victor warns the players that, according to
Ethereal Entities, hag covens often possess the ability to
dispel enchantments while within close proximity to their lair.
Once Lady Wachter's binding circle is erected, he'll need to
stay close to the windmill to protect it with his counterspell.
As such, he'll need to conserve his strength—and,
specifically, his 5th- and 4th-level spell slots—until then.
(Under no circumstances does Victor spend his 5th-level
spell slot before the end of the battle with the hags.)
I7a. Raiding the Windmill
The players can obtain the hags' true names by retrieving the
contract from the locked stone compartment in the millstone
in O2. Bone Mill (p. 127).
One of the arms of the millstone in the bone mill is more
gnarled than the rest, and is visibly segmented at the end.
Twisting the end of the gnarled arm detaches it, revealing an
iron key hidden inside. The players can unlock the millstone
compartment by using the iron key, or by succeeding on a DC
15 Dexterity (Thieves' Tools) check. The compartment
contains the hags' contract, as well as the treasure described
in O3. Bedroom (p. 127).
The hags' contract is written in Abyssal on a piece of
leather made of human skin, and is signed with their true
names at the bottom: Morgantha Stormreaver, Bella
Sunbane, and Offalia Wormwiggle. (If none of the players can
read Abyssal, Lady Wachter is able to read the hags' names
instead, having learned the language's alphabet as a student
of Baba Lysaga.)
The stone compartment also contains a charm of mass
heroism, resembling a golden medallion adorned with three
interlocking rings engraved at its center. The charm allows
the wielder to give any number of creatures within 30 feet the
benefit of a potion of heroism as an action. Once they do so,
the charm vanishes from their person.
Fyodor and Myrtle are imprisoned on the third floor of the
windmill and guarded by the night hags Bella Sunbane and
Offalia Wormwiggle, as described in O3. Bedroom (p. 127).
However, Fyodor and Myrtle have no particular knowledge of
Ireena or Ismark, and wish only to be returned to their father,
Franz.
1. Distracting Morgantha
If one or more players knock on the door to O1. Ground
Floor (p. 126), Morgantha descends from O2. Bone Mill (p.
127) and opens the door to greet them. She is glad to invite
the players inside, and asks if they have come to purchase her
wares.
The players can convince Morgantha that they are visiting
to purchase additional dream pastries with a successful DC
10 Charisma (Deception) check.
178
The Hag Coven
While Morgantha and her two daughters are all
within 1 mile of one another, they share the
statistics of The Bonegrinder Coven and The
Nightmare Three, rather than using their individual
night hag statblocks.
While the coven exists, damage dealt to each
individual hag is instead subtracted from the
coven’s hit points, causing similar wounds or
injuries to visibly appear on the bodies of all three
hags. (If damage is dealt to multiple hags at once,
the damage is subtracted from the coven’s hit
points that many times.)
The hags do not do not gain access to the
Shared Spellcasting feature ordinarily available to
hag covens. However, each hag within the coven
retains the use of her Innate Spellcasting and Night
Hag Items features, as well as her Claws, Change
Shape, Etherealness, and Nightmare Haunting
actions.
Alternatively, if the players use a different convincing cover
story, they can convince Morgantha that they’re harmless
with a successful DC 16 Charisma (Deception) check.
If the players successfully convince Morgantha that they're
addicted to dream pastries or are otherwise harmless,
Morgantha informs them that her current batch of dream
pastries is still baking and invites them to remain until they're
done. Until then, she's glad to make smalltalk.
The players can also persuade Morgantha to invite her
daughters down into the kitchen (in order to lure them away
from the children upstairs) with a successful DC 16
Charisma (Persuasion or Deception) check. If they succeed
in doing so, Bella and Offalia introduce themselves with a
pair of clumsy curtsies.
On a failure, a wary Morgantha claims that her daughters
are, unfortunately, too busy to speak with visitors, but that
she would be glad to relay any compliments or other
comments to them should the players desire. She then asks
the players what they thought of her dream pastries and what
dreams they experienced upon eating them.
A player can ease Morgantha's paranoia by sharing a story
of a beautiful dream that they experienced after eating a
dream pastry and succeeding on a DC 16 Charisma
(Deception) check, which succeeds automatically if the player
is telling the truth. On a failure, Morgantha gets suspicious.
(See Morgantha Gets Suspicious below.)
Unlike their mother, Bella and Offalia are easily distracted.
They can be lured to O2. Bone Mill (p. 127) or O4. Domed
Attic (p. 127) with a successful DC 13 Charisma
(Performance) check and any reasonably relevant means
(e.g., a minor illusion spell).
2. Morgantha Gets Suspicious
If the players fail to convince Morgantha of a comforting
cover story, she immediately becomes suspicious of their
motives and presence.
After a brief period of time (during which she reveals nothing
of note to the players), she briefly excuses herself to withdraw
a tray of dream pastries from the oven, then calls upstairs,
“Girls, it’s time to taste the fresh batch!” (The dream pastries
are obviously near-raw. Morgantha’s words are a signal
informing the other two night hags that undesired guests
have arrived in the windmill and must be dealt with.)
While Bella and Offlia descend from O3. Bedroom (p.
127), Morgantha smiles pleasantly at the players and informs
them that her daughters are her most valued taste-testers
and she is always grateful for their opinions. (“Folks warn you
about old age, but it’s true,” she says pleasantly. “It can be so
difficult to run a business like this on your own.”)
When Bella and Offalia arrive, they greet the players with
awkward, overdramatic curtsies. Bella then frowns and
exclaims, “Mother! I thought you said you were going to get
the front door fixed!”
Assuming the players do not interfere, Bella sweeps across
the room toward the front entrance to the windmill. She then
pretends to inspect the hinges, obstructing the players’ exit,
and complains, “Its squeaking is driving me mad!”
Morgantha replies, “Don’t worry, child—I’ll make sure
those little squeaks come to an end.” Morgantha, Belle, and
Offalia then immediately move to attack. If the players are
defeated, Morgantha also feeds the two strongest players the
concotions from O1. Ground Floor (p. 126) marked
"Laughter" and "Mother's Milk," infecting one of them with
cackle fever and poisoning the other with pale tincture.
The players then reawaken 1d4 + 1 hours later in the attic
of Old Bonegrinder. See Escape From Old Bonegrinder
below for more information regarding the players’ escape.
I7c. Claiming the Heartstone
1. The Binding Circle
If the players successfully obtain the names of Morgantha’s
daughters and rescue the children imprisoned inside of the
windmill, Lady Wachter directs her four cult fanatics to form
a five-pointed formation around the base of the hill where Old
Bonegrinder sits.
Victor warns the players that the hags are likely to be
dangerous enemies and advises them to activate the charm
immediately before hostilities erupt.
Lady Wachter then warns the players that, once raised, the
binding circle will last for only ten minutes. She further
informs them that, should she or any of the four cult fanatics
be knocked unconscious, the ritual will immediately fail and
the hags will be free to escape. (Due to the height of the hill, it
is unlikely that the night hags will be able to attack the
cultists during the battle.)
When the players direct her to do so, Lady Wachter begins
the ritual. Read:
Lady Wachter raises her hands toward the darkened sky. Her
voice, firm and resonant, booms through the stillness of the
air as words of power roll off her tongue.
Lady Wachter’s four followers soon join the chant, raising
their arms as their voices swell in harmony with hers. The air
around the hill begins to crackle and hum, the atmosphere
tinged with the scent of ozone.
Small clouds of mist begin to rise from the ground beneath
the ritualists, extruding long tendrils of wisping fog that bathe
the earth in pale, ethereal light.
As the chant continues, the billowing clouds of mist grow
brighter, casting long, dancing shadows across the sides of the
hill. The fog seems to undulate in rhythm with their words, the
very air seeming to thrum with arcane resonance. From deep
within the seas of roiling grey, you think you can almost hear a
woman’s distant, murmuring voice, joined by the echo of a
thousand whispers.
The tendrils of fog interlock—and snap together, forming a
circle: a tight ring of shimmering, swirling mist. Lady
Wachter’s hands curl into fists, and she pulls both arms across
her chest. In a low, melodic voice, she recites a trio of names
again and again: “Morgantha Stormreaver. Bella Sunbane.
Offalia Wormwiggle.” Her gaze meets yours, and she gives a
single, near-imperceptible nod.
The circle, which extends five hundred feet vertically into the
air, remains for the next ten minutes. During this time, any
night hags named by Lady Wachter who remain within the
circle cannot use their etherealness ability to enter the
Ethereal Plane.
2. Confronting the Hags
As the players ascend the hill, Lady Wachter’s crow familiar,
Majesto, gives a haughty, defiant caw and joins them from the
skies, assuming its true imp form before becoming invisible.
Meanwhile, Victor casts the mage armor spell on himself
and any players who request it. He also uses a single third-
level spell to cast fly on himself, though he can be persuaded
to use a fourth-level spell to share its benefits with another.
Victor reminds the players that, according to Ethereal
Entities, he'll need to remain close to the windmill—within
sixty feet—in order use his counterspell to protect the circle
from the coven's ability to dispel it. He asks the players to
protect him accordingly.
As the players approach the windmill, if the night hags have
noticed the children's disappearance, the hilltop around the
windmill is now sparsely filled by the hundred toads once
stored in Morgantha's wooden trunk in O1. Ground Floor (p.
126). (Morgantha released them in order to use the coven's
Amphibian Cacophany lair action to lure the children back
to the windmill.)
If the players aren't invisible, Morgantha leads her
daughters out of the windmill to meet them as they approach.
The following conversation then unfolds unless diverted,
though the hags attack in self-defense if necessary.
Morgantha greets the players warmly and congratulates
them on taking their "ransom." She then asks, pleasantly,
what items or boons they've come to bargain for.
If informed that the players want to borrow a heartstone,
Morgantha is glad to allow them to do so for a period of three
days—if the players return the coven's contract and the two
children that they "stole."
179

Lair Actions
While the coven is within 100 feet of the windmill,
it can take lair actions as long as it isn't
incapacitated.
In both phases, on initiative count 20 (losing
initiative ties), the coven can take one of the
following lair action options, or forgo using any of
them in that round:
Warding Wind. The coven casts warding wind.
Gust of Wind. The coven casts gust of wind.
Amphibious Cacophany. The coven causes the
frogs in the grass around the windmill to croak
a strangely hypnotic song. Each creature within
120 feet of the windmill that can hear the frogs
must succeed on a DC 10 Charisma saving
throw or immediately use its reaction, if
available, to move up to 30 feet closer to the
mill.
Dispel Magic (1/day). The coven casts dispel
magic at 5th level.
If the players challenge Morgantha's predation of Franz and
the children, she scoffs, noting, "Child, their souls were
forefeit from the moment that they were born into these
Mists—a soul bag larger than any one I could craft, and
holding a far deeper evil. What difference does it make who
claims them, or when?"
Morgantha declines to explain her statement further,
noting only that "darker powers" than Strahd von Zarovich
command the Mists that encircle the valley—and that she
may be willing to share more information if the players return
the contract and children. (If the players then do so,
Morgantha shares the three secrets noted in Morgantha's
Plea below.)
3. Battle with the Hags
The hags fight in self-defense, or if the players make clear
that they will not otherwise return the children or the coven's
contract. The combatants fight as follows:
The Coven. The hags begin in their Bonegrinder Coven
phase. Each hag prioritizes a different target—Bella attacking
whichever player seems most attractive, Offalia attacking
whichever player seems most confident, and Morgantha
attacking whichever player seems physically strongest. (If two
hags share the same prefered target, they have a brief
argument, after which one of them shifts to target the next
player who meets her qualifications.)
When the hags assume their Nightmare Three phase,
Bella assumes the form of a monstrous giant crocodile, its
scales jagged and irregular and its eyes glowing with a baleful
light. Offalia takes the shape of a demonic elephant, its skin
mottled with black veins and its tusks blackened and twisted
like corkscrews. Finally, Morgantha's skin becomes pitch-
black, her eyes becoming inky voids as shadows swirl around
her.
Victor Vallakovich. In battle, Victor remains aloft through
the use of his fly spell, maintaining a height of 60 feet above
the battlefield—and remaining within 60 feet of the windmill
—at all times.
180
Victor casts counterspell at 3rd or 4th level as-needed to
counter Morgantha's lightning bolt and eyebite spells.
Otherwise, he casts magic missile at 3rd, 2nd, and 1st level to
avoid collateral damage and minimize the hags' magic
resistance.
Victor retains his lone 5th-level spell slot to cast
counterspell in response to the hags' dispel magic lair
action. (See Dispel Magic below.)
Majesto. In battle, Lady Wachter’s imp Majesto uses his
sting to attack whichever hags are currently concentrating on
spells.
4. The Hags' Failed Escape
The coven conserves its dispel magic lair action for the bulk
of the encounter. On her first turn after the coven's
Nightmare Three phase is bloodied, Morgantha attempts to
use her etherealness action to escape—which is prevented
by Lady Wachter's binding circle. Horrified by Morgantha's
failure, the coven uses its dispel magic lair action at the next
available opportunity. When it does, read:
The air grows thick with power—and then a terrible,
screeching groan cuts through the wind. As the coven's eyes
glow with unified purpose, the massive vanes of the windmill
begin to rotate—slowly at first, then gaining momentum, the
creaking of its ancient wood melding with the grinding of its
weathered gears to form a terrible cacophony.
The wind betwixt the vanes shimmers with shadows,
shrieking with a baleful glee as the windmill's crescendo
becomes a blur of light and dark. Then, with a sound like
booming thunder, a shockwave of arcane force bursts from
the vanes' central joint, distorting the very air with the
intensity of its power.
"Begone!" screech the hags.
Victor immediately responds by casting counterspell at 5th
level. Read:
With a flourish of his hand and a whispered incantation, Victor
conjures a complex tapestry of sigils and runes in the air
before him. The coven's blast, a swirling maelstrom of
shadows and baleful light, meets the shimmering shield of
Victor's counterspell—a radiant lattice that shimmers with
power.
For a moment, the two forces collide in a deafening clash, a
spectacle of light and dark that seems to strain the very air
around it. Then, with a resonant sound like the shattering of
glass, Victor's spell triumphs—and the coven's shockwave
dissipates, its dark energy unraveling into harmless wisps of
shadow.
The hags release a bloodcurdling scream of rage, their
voices melding into a single, resonant note of high-pitched
fury.
The Bonegrinder Coven
Large fiend, neutral evil
Armor Class 17 (natural armor)
Hit Points 210 (28d8 + 84)
Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
18 (+4) 15 (+2) 16 (+3) 18 (+4) 14 (+2) 16 (+3)
Skills Deception +7, Insight +6, Perception +6, Stealth
+6
Damage Resistances cold, fire; bludgeoning, piercing,
and slashing from nonmagical attacks that aren't
silvered
Condition Immunities charmed
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 16
Languages Abyssal, Common, Infernal, Primordial
Challenge CR 14, or 12 when fought with silvered
weapons
Proficiency Bonus. +4
Hag Coven. The coven includes three hags: Morgantha,
Bella, and Offalia. A hag acts on the coven's initiative,
keeps concentration and suffers conditions
independently, and has her own action, bonus action,
reaction, and movement. Any damage a hag takes is
subtracted from the coven's hit points. (If multiple hags
take damage from the same source, the coven loses hit
points that many times.)
Magic Resistance. The coven has advantage on saving
throws against spells and magical effects.
Complex Casting. If a hag casts a spell on her turn using
a bonus action, she can also use her action to cast a
non-cantrip spell on the same turn.
Second Phase. If the coven is reduced to 0 hit points, its
statistics are instantly replaced by those of The
Nightmare Three. Its initiative remains the same.
Actions
Blindness/Deafness (Bella Only). Bella casts
blindness/deafness. A target takes an additional 7 (2d6)
necrotic damage if it fails the saving throw, or half
damage on a success.
Sickening Radiance (Bella Only). Dim, greenish light
bursts within a 10-foot-radius sphere centered on a
point that Bella chooses within 30 feet. Each creature
within that area must succeed on a Constitution saving
throw or take 2d6 radiant damage and be poisoned
until the end of its next turn.
Ray of Enfeeblement (Offalia Only). Offalia casts ray of
enfeeblement. A target takes an additional 9 (2d8)
necrotic damage if it fails the saving throw, or half
damage on a success.
Acid Arrow (Offalia Only). Offalia casts Melf's acid arrow.
Ray of Sickness (Morgantha Only). Morgantha casts ray
of sickness.
Blight (Morgantha Only). Necromantic energy washes
over a creature of Morgantha's choice within 30 feet,
which must make a Constitution saving throw. The
target takes 13 (3d8) necrotic damage on a failed save,
or half as much damage on a successful one.
Bonus Actions
Crown of Madness (Bella Only). Bella casts crown of
madness. A target takes an additional 5 (2d4) psychic
damage if it fails the saving throw, or half damage on a
success. (Bella can use her bonus action to maintain
control over the target, rather than her action.)
Phantasmal Force (Bella Only) Bella casts phantasmal
force. A target takes an additional 5 (2d4) psychic
damage if it fails the saving throw, or half damage on a
success.
Cause Fear (Offalia Only). Offalia casts cause fear at 2nd
level. A target takes an additional 5 (2d4) psychic
damage if it fails the saving throw, or half damage on a
success.
Bestow Curse (Offalia Only). Offalia casts bestow curse
with a range of up to 30 feet. A target takes an
additional 7 (2d6) necrotic damage if it fails the saving
throw, or half damage on a success.
Hold Person (Morgantha Only). Morgantha casts hold
person at 3rd level. A target takes an additional 5 (2d4)
necrotic damage if it fails the saving throw, or half
damage on a success.
Lightning Bolt (Morgantha Only, Recharge 5-6).
Morgantha casts lightning bolt.
Reactions
Mirror Image (Bella Only). In response to being hit by an
attack, Bella can use her reaction to briefly conjure two
illusory duplicates in her space. The attacker must roll a
d6, hitting Bella on a 5 or 6 and hitting a duplicate
otherwise.
Hideous Laughter (Offalia Only). In response to taking
damage from a creature that Offalia can see within 30
feet, Offalia can use her reaction to force that creature
to make a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw. On a failure,
the creature falls into fits of laughter, falling prone and
becoming incapacitated and unable to stand up until
the end of the creature's next turn, or until it takes
damage.
Witch Bolt (Morgantha Only). In response to taking
damage from a creature that Morgantha can see within
30 feet, Morgantha can use her reaction to send a
beam of crackling blue energy toward her attacker,
forcing them to succeed on a DC 16 Constitution
saving throw or take 6 (1d12) lightning damage. On a
failure, the beam forms an arc of lightning between
Morgantha and the attacker until the start of its next
turn. While the arc lasts, Morgantha has resistance to all
damage, and each time she takes damage, the attacker
takes the same amount of damage.
Misty Step (Any). In response to taking damage, a hag
can use her reaction to cast misty step.
181
 The Nightmare Three
Gargantuan fiend, neutral evil
Armor Class 17 (natural armor)
Hit Points 210 (28d8 + 84)
Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
21 (+5) 15 (+2) 16 (+3) 18 (+4) 14 (+2) 16 (+3)
Skills Deception +7, Insight +6, Perception +6, Stealth
+6
Damage Resistances cold, fire; bludgeoning, piercing,
and slashing from nonmagical attacks that aren't
silvered
Condition Immunities charmed
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 16
Languages Abyssal, Common, Infernal, Primordial
Challenge CR 15, or 13 when fought with silvered
weapons
Proficiency Bonus. +4
Hag Coven. The coven includes three hags: Morgantha,
Bella, and Offalia. If the coven is reduced to 0 hit
points, all hags die. Until then, a hag acts on the
coven's initiative, suffers conditions independently, and
has her own action, bonus action, reaction, and
movement. Any damage a hag takes is subtracted from
the coven's hit points.
Nightmare Forms. In this phase, Bella assumes the form
of a Huge crocodile, Offalia assumes the form of a
Huge elephant, and Morgantha is surrounded by a
shroud of swirling shadows.
Magic Resistance. The coven has advantage on saving
throws against spells and magical effects.
Charge (Offalia Only). If Offalia moves at least 20 feet
straight toward a target and then hits it with a gore
attack on the same turn, the target takes an extra 11
(2d10) piercing damage. If the target is a creature, it
must succeed on a DC 17 Strength saving throw or be
pushed up to 10 feet away and knocked prone.
Actions
Bite (Bella Only). Melee weapon attack: +9 to hit, reach
5 ft., one target. Hit: 16 (2d10 + 5) piercing damage
and the target is grappled (escape DC 17). Until this
grapple ends, the target is restrained, and Bella can't
bite another target.
Tail (Bella Only). Melee weapon attack: +9 to hit, reach
10 ft., one target not grappled by Bella. Hit: 14 (2d8 +
5) bludgeoning damage. If the target is a creature, it
must succeed on a DC 17 Strength saving throw or be
knocked prone.
Gore (Offalia Only). Melee weapon attack: +9, reach 5
ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 6) piercing damage.
Eyebite (Morgantha Only). Morgantha casts or uses
eyebite. A target that succeeds on the saving throw is
dazed instead.
182
Bonus Actions
Tail Swipe (Bella Only). Bella swipes her tail in a 10-foot
cone. Each creature within that area must make a DC
17 Dexterity saving throw, taking 9 (2d8) bludgeoning
damage and falling prone on a failure. A creature that
succeeds on the saving throw takes half as much
damage and doesn't fall prone.
Hallucinatory Mist (Bella Only). Bella sprays a 30-foot
cone of pearlescent mist. Each creature within the mist
must make a DC 17 Constitution saving throw or be
dazed until the start of Bella's next turn. (A dazed
creature can move or take one action on its turn, not
both. It also can’t take a bonus action or a reaction.)
Stomp (Offalia Only). Offalia stomps the ground around
her. Each creature within a 5-foot radius must make a
DC 17 Dexterity saving throw, taking 11 (2d10)
bludgeoning damage on a failure and half as much
damage on a success..
Fiend's Trumpet (Offalia Only). Offalia releases a
sonorous, low-pitched trumpet from her horn. Each
humanoid creature within a 60-foot radius must make a
DC 17 Wisdom saving throw or subtract 1d4 from
their next attack roll, ability check, or saving throw.
Enervating Ring (Morgantha Only). Tendrils of inky
darkness reach out from Morgantha, touching each
creature within a 10-foot radius. Each target must make
a Constitution saving throw or take 9 (2d8) necrotic
damage and be slowed until the end of its next turn. (A
slowed creature's speed is halved, attack rolls against it
have advantage, and it has disadvantage on Dexterity
saving throws.)
Inflict Nightmares (Morgantha Only). Morgantha
conjures a cloud of ethereal mist around a creature she
can see within 30 feet, forcing it to succeed on a DC
16 Wisdom saving throw or be stunned until it takes
damage or until another creature uses its action to
shake them awake. The creature takes 9 (2d8) psychic
damage at the end of its turn if it's still stunned.
Reactions
Tail Lash (Bella Only). In response to taking damage from
a creature within 10 feet, Bella makes a tail attack
against her attacker.
Tusks (Offalia Only). In response to taking damage from
a melee attack, Offalia makes a gore attack against her
attacker.
Shadow Step (Morgantha Only). In response to taking
damage from a creature that she can see, Morgantha
instead takes half as much damage (rounded down) and
teleports up to 30 feet.
Matron's Rebuke (Morgantha Only). In response to taking
damage from a creature within 60 feet of her that she
can see, Morgantha points her finger and surrounds the
creature that damaged her with writhing shadows,
forcing it to succeed on a DC 16 Dexterity saving
throw or take 11 (2d10) necrotic damage.
Absorb Elements (Any). In response to taking acid, cold,
fire, lightning, or thunder damage, the hag uses her
reaction to cast absorb elements.
Immediately following Victor's counterspell, Morgantha calls
for a parley, promising to reveal three pieces of secret
knowledge to the players in exchange for the coven's lives.
Morgantha initially refuses to reveal anything until Lady
Wachter’s binding circle is taken down, but can be convinced
to share one of her three secrets as a show of good faith if the
players threaten to kill her otherwise.
Morgantha's secrets are as follows:
Strahd’s most carefully guarded secret is a temple of
forbidden lore hidden in the mountains. It is known as the
Amber Temple, and it is the place where he first met the
entity with which he forged his terrible pact. (Morgantha
doesn’t know the temple’s location or the nature of
Strahd’s pact.)
Strahd von Zarovich seeks to escape from the grasp of the
Mists. He has prepared a dark and secret plot to do so,
harnessing the power of three ancient shrines to defy the
will of the Dark Powers that rule this land. (Morgantha
doesn’t know the specifics of his plot or the nature of the
shrines, but knows that one of the three shrines is located
among the circle of standing stones located at the base of
the windmill’s hill.)
Unbeknownst to Strahd, a traitor lurks in his midst: his
eldest wife and vampire spawn Sasha Ivliskova.
(Morgantha is wildly amused by this treachery, and has
taken no action to warn Strahd of her conflicted loyalties.)
Before the binding circle is lowered, the players can also
demand that Morgantha lend them a heartstone with a
successful DC 10 Charisma (Intimidation) check. If
persuaded to do so, Morgantha commands Bella to produce
her heartstone, which—after a loud and vehement dissent—
Bella grimly offers to the players.
If Morgantha’s request for parley is denied, the coven fights
to the death.
I7d. Escape From Old Bonegrinder
If the hags knock the players unconscious, the players
awaken 1d4 + 4 hours after their defeat in O4. Domed Attic,.
They have been gagged and bound using ragged strips torn
from bed sheets and dirty clothing, which have the statistics
of hempen rope. The two strongest members of the party
have been infected with cackle fever and poisoned with pale
tincture, respectively.
While the players’ legs are bound, they are restrained.
While the players’ hands are bound, they move at half speed,
have disadvantage on weapon attacks, and can’t use somatic
components for spells.
The players find that they are also surrounded and guarded
by six dretches, which Morgantha has summoned from the
barrel of ichor in O1. Ground Floor (p. 126). Their weapons,
magic items, arcane or druidic focii, holy symbols, and armor
have been confiscated and placed in the empty crate in O3.
Bedroom (p. 127).
1. Morgantha’s Interrogation
As soon as the players awaken, Morgantha mounts the ladder
to the attic and leers over them, still wearing her humanoid
disguise. She chooses a player, seemingly at random (though
making sure to choose the player infected with cackle fever),
and removes their gag, though not their binds.
Morgantha then pleasantly asks them to tell her who they
are and why they have come to the windmill.
Defying Morgantha. If the player proves obstinate or
defiant, Morgantha releases her disguise and returns to her
horrifying night hag form. She leans in close toward that
player, baring her sharp, yellowed teeth, and whispers in their
ear, “Children always fancy themselves heroes in their
dreams. But dreams can so easily become nightmares—and
nightmares are my bread and meat.” Morgantha then casts
bestow curse on that player, cursing their Constitution saving
throws and recasting the spell if it is initially unsuccessful.
Once the player is cursed, Morgantha draws a single claw
across that player’s cheek, making an unarmed strike
against that player and choosing to deal 1 damage on a hit.
(Because the players did not previously take damage from the
fight with the hags, this shouldn’t render that player
unconscious.) Any damage taken forces that player to make a
Constitution saving throw against the effects of cackle fever.
Morgantha continues to make small scratches across the
player’s flesh until the player succumbs to the effects of
cackle fever, forcing all other humanoids in the attic to make
DC 10 Constitution saving throws or be infected with cackle
fever themselves.
Morgantha then warmly informs the players that there are
two children imprisoned in the bedroom below. Tonight, the
hags will kill them and grind their bones into flour to make
more dream pastries. When the players inevitably fall asleep,
the hags will ensure that they suffer horrible nightmares and
gain no rest from their sleep. In the morning, the players will
be fed the dream pastries made from the children’s remains
and provided an additional opportunity to answer
Morgantha’s questions.
Morgantha then wishes the players “sweet dreams” and
exits the attic, leaving the players alone in the darkness
guarded by the six dretches. See Escaping the Windmill
below.
Answering Morgantha. If the player instead confesses to
plotting to kill Morgantha and steal her heartstone, she
strokes the player’s cheek softly and says, “Such brave
children you are.” She clicks her tongue, shakes her head
sadly, and says, “And look where that gets you. If you wanted
to borrow my heartstone, all you needed to do was ask.”
Morgantha is willing to bargain with the players by freeing
them and lending them the use of her heartstone. She asks
the ungagged player which among them is qualified to speak
for the rest of the group. Morgantha then re-gags the first
player, ungags the chosen player, and sweetly invites that
player to join her on the ground floor below for a more in-
depth and civilized discussion. She offers to unbind that
player’s legs (though not their hands) as a sign of good faith,
but warns them that any attempts to escape shall cause their
friends to suffer gruesome punishments.
If the player agrees to Morgantha’s terms, she unties the
bindings around their legs (though not their hands) and
instructs them to descend the ladder and stairs to the ground
floor. Bella and Offalia are waiting to meet the player in O3.
Bedroom (p. 127), and roughly guide them down the stairs
before sitting them down on the toad-filled trunk in O1.
Ground Floor (p. 126). See Morgantha's Request below.
183

2. Morgantha’s Request
If a player agrees to bargain with Morgantha for her
heartstone and the players' escape, Morgantha follows them
into the ground floor kitchen. Upon entering the room, the
player can immediately see that the fire in the oven has
reduced to embers, casting a dim, crimson glow on a lumpy,
man-shaped form wrapped in a burlap sack within. Quiet,
pleading grunts occasionally escape the figure in the oven.
(The figure is actually the remaining three dretches stacked
upon one another’s shoulders, and have strict orders from
Morgantha to remain in the oven and occasionally make
panicked grunts.)
Morgantha thanks the player for their willingness to
bargain, and praises them for their friends’ clear faith in
them. Morgantha is glad to lend the players her heartstone
for a period of three days. However, because the players have
broken her trust by attempting to murder her and her
daughters, the players must first bargain for their freedom.
To win their freedom, the chosen player must immediately
perform a small task for Morgantha. (Once they’ve done so,
Morgantha is glad to discuss the terms of any loan of her
heartstone.) Additionally, as collateral to ensure that the
players do not raise their hands against Morgantha or her
daughters again, each of the players must willingly provide
each of the three hags with a lock of hair, a nail clipping, or
another part of their body. (Morgantha doesn’t reveal it to the
players, but she plans to use these body parts to create a trio
of protective amulets for the hags to wear. A hag wearing
such an amulet is under the effects of a permanent sanctuary
spell against any creature whose body parts are contained
within the amulet.)
The First Task. If the player asks about Morgantha’s
“small task” or indicates an interest in accepting the deal,
Morgantha stands beside the figure in the oven and gently
strokes its “cheek.” “This is Franz,” she says sweetly. “Franz
has been a very bad man.” She turns to the player and rolls a
bundle of kindling in her left hand as she picks up a flickering
candle with her right. “Franz needs someone to punish him
for his bad decisions. Will you do that for him?” She extends
the kindling toward the player and smiles cheerfully as,
behind her, the figure in the oven begins grunting more
loudly.
To complete Morgantha’s task, the player must light the
kindling on fire, place it in the oven, and pile the fire high
with additional logs of wood, thereby burning “Franz” alive.
As the oven grows hotter and the damp sack slowly catches
fire, “Franz’s” grunts grow faster and more desperate, the
figure wriggling until it finally falls still. The entire process
takes a little less than five minutes once begun.
If the player agrees to complete Morgantha’s task, Bella
unties the binding around the player’s hands and directs
them to begin. As the player works, Morgantha praises them,
saying, “Everything becomes as it should. The hero, bringing
justice to the villain.” Throughout the process, Bella and
Offalia giggle and clap their hands, encouraging the player to
work faster and faster.
The Second Task. When "Franz" finally dies, Morgantha
claps the player on the shoulder and says, "Well done. How
did it feel, dearie, to bring justice to a man like that?"
184
Regardless of the player's answer, Morgantha then
provides the player with a pair of scissors and asks them to
complete the second part of their deal: to willingly provide a
lock of hair, nail clipping, or other small body part, and to
convince their friends to do the same.
If the players fulfill this part of the deal, Morgantha
distributes the body parts among three glass vials, with each
vial carrying a piece of each player’s contribution. A hag
wearing such a vial is under the effects of a permanent
sanctuary spell against any creature whose body parts are
contained within it.
Morgantha distributes the vials to herself and her
daughters, and then directs Bella and Offalia to release the
players and lead them down to the kitchen.
A Twinge of Conscience
If the player refuses to complete Morgantha’s task,
intentionally delays the process, or attempts to
flee, the coven attacks. As the player falls into
unconsciousness, Morgantha strokes their hair and
whispers, “A pity. I’d thought of you as stronger
stock. We’ll have to try again tomorrow.” The
player later awakens back in the attic with the
others. Proceed to Escaping the Windmill below.
The Bargain. If the player completes Morgantha’s request
and successfully delivers the body parts she needs to craft
her protective amulets, she is willing to lend them her
hearthstone for a period of three days in exchange for a
promise to undertake a particular task. The players must
deliver a soul leech—a Tiny fiend resembling a leech with
ghost-white, translucent flesh and purple-blue veins, and
which Morgantha has imprisoned in a corked glass vial—to
the office of Strahd’s chamberlain, Rahadin. Upon arriving in
Rahadin’s office, the players must uncork the vial and allow
the leech to attach itself to the underside of his desk, where it
will render itself invisible and virtually undetectable.
The players can convince Morgantha to reveal her plans for
the leech with a DC 10 Charisma (Persuasion) check: When
Rahadin returns, the leech will secretly attach itself to his
flesh, ensuring that—when Rahadin eventually dies—his evil
soul will be ensnared and entrapped in Morgantha’s soul bag,
where it will be transformed into a soul larva that Morgantha
can use for nefarious purposes.
Morgantha can tell the players that Rahadin’s office is
located in the cellar of Castle Ravenloft, not far from the
kitchens. However, Morgantha won’t share where she
obtained her information. (Her source is, of course, the
mongrelfolk Cyrus Belview, the unwitting bearer of the
coven’s hag eye.)
As a form of insurance to ensure the players’ compliance,
Morgantha takes their dreams as collateral once they accept
her offer, bottling them up in a glass vial that she wears on a
cord around her neck.
Morgantha warns the players that, if they fail to complete
her task within fourteen days—or if they betray her—she will
immediately devour their dreams, preventing them from
gaining the benefits of a long rest forever. (Morgantha can
devour the players’ dreams as an action while the vial is in
her possession.)
If the players complete Morgantha's task within the allotted
time, however, she will release their dreams and allow them
to return to their owners. In either case, the players can take
long rests normally until the fourteen days have elapsed.
3. Escaping the Windmill
If Morgantha abandons the players in the windmill attic, they
are approached shortly thereafter by Lady Wachter’s imp,
Majesto, in his invisible spider form. Majesto whispers the
following information to the players:
The creatures guarding the players are dretches—dull-
witted, repulsive demons with an ability to exude a fetid
cloud of disgusting green gas when disturbed, which will
surely alert the hags if triggered. However, the only
language they speak is Abyssal, and their sense of hearing
is quite poor, allowing the players and Majesto to scheme
without the dretches noticing. (Majesto, a devil, finds the
dretches disgusting and unpleasantly uncivilized.)
Lady Wachter, her cultists, and (if he wasn’t captured)
Victor are hidden in a grove a short ways away from the
windmill. They’re glad to help the players escape if
possible, though Lady Wachter isn’t confident in their
ability to face the hags in open combat.
While he’s here, Majesto is glad to serve as a distraction or
helping hand, whichever the players require. (Majesto is
quite selfish, however, and will refuse any course of action
that might lead to his death—despite Lady Wachter’s
ability to resummon him—unless the players remind him
of their mission to save Stella Wachter and succeed on a
DC 15 Charisma (Persuasion) check.)
Every twenty minutes, two of the six dretches guarding the
players return to the barrel of ichor and dissolve, whereupon
Morgantha knocks on the barrel, summoning them anew, and
sends them back to guard the players. (This “recycling”
process takes approximately five minutes each time.)
Shortly after dusk, Morgantha vanishes from the windmill,
entering the Ethereal Plane to torment Franz in the Barovian
refugee camp. Bella and Offalia remain in O3. Bedroom to
guard Myrtle and Fyodor, taunting them with tales of their
imminent and terrible deaths to pass the time.
Unlike their mother, Bella and Offalia are easily distracted.
They can be lured to O2. Bone Mill (p. 127) or O4. Domed
Attic (p. 127) with a successful DC 13 Charisma
(Performance) check and any reasonably relevant means
(e.g., a minor illusion spell). If rescued, Fyodor and Myrtle
have no particular knowledge of Ireena or Ismark, and wish
only to be returned to their father, Franz.
If the players do not escape and rescue Myrtle and Fyodor
by midnight, Morgantha returns soon thereafter and uses her
lair actions to put the children to sleep. Bella and Offalia then
slit the children’s throats, skin them, and grind their bones
between the millstones in O2. Bone Mill. As they do, the
vanes of the windmill turn, whipping through the chill night
air of the hilltop as the hags perform their gruesome work.
4. Finding a Cure
As noted in Cackle Fever (Dungeon Master’s Guide, p. 257),
the disease of cackle fever can be cured in one of two ways:
By making successful Constitution saving throws each
night until the saving throw DC for the disease drops to 0.
If the Players Escape
If Bella or Offalia find that the players and children
have successfully escaped Old Bonegrinder, the
two hags split up to search the woods around the
windmill, desperate to avoid Morgantha’s wrath
when she learns that her playthings have been lost.
If attacked, however, Bella and Offalia immediately
withdraw into the Ethereal Plane and return to the
windmill to await their mother’s instructions.
That night, and each night thereafter, the three
hags scry the players’ current location, using hair
clippings taken from one of the players while they
were unconscious in the attic.
Whenever the coven successfully scries the
players’ location, the hags proceed to use their
nightmare haunting features on three separate
players. As they do, the hags whisper through the
nightmares that the players can end their torment
by returning Fyodor and Myrtle to the windmill. (If
the players do so, the hags honor their word and
cease haunting the party thereafter.)
By using magic capable of curing diseases, such as a
paladin’s lay on hands or a deva’s healing touch.
The players can identify these remedies, as well as the
symptoms of cackle fever, with a successful DC 15 Wisdom
(Medicine) check or by asking Lady Wachter for a diagnosis.
Though the players cannot find healing magic capable of
curing cackle fever in Vallaki, Lady Wachter, Urwin Martikov,
Danika Dorakova, and Father Lucian Petrovich can all
inform them that the Abbot of the Abbey of Saint Markovia in
Krezk is said to be a masterful healer—perhaps even capable
of curing their disease by magical means.
If the players choose to travel to Krezk, they will need to
first gain passage through its gates. See Arc J: The Walls of
Krezk for more information regarding the players’ journey to
Krezk and the means by which they can gain entry into the
village.
I8. The Ritual
Once the players have obtained a heartstone, they will need a
location at which to perform the etherealness and restoration
rituals, which must take place on the night of the full moon.
Victor informs the players that he will need access to a
leyline—a font of natural magic—in order to fuel the
etherealness ritual. If she is present, Lady Wachter informs
the players that the cellar of Wachterhaus was built atop one
such leyline, and offers its use for the ritual. Otherwise, Victor
sheepishly informs the players that he has identified a leyline
that runs through Vallaki—and that he believes it to lie
somewhere beneath Wachterhaus.
If present, Lady Wachter leads the players and Victor to
N4t. Cult Headquarters (p. 114), setting her cult fanatics to
guard the cellar entrances. Otherwise, the players must gain
access to the Wachterhaus cellar themselves, whereupon
Victor leads them to N4t. Cult Headquarters to enact the
ritual. (See D1b. Infiltrating the Estate above for more
information about sneaking into Wachterhaus.)
185
 The inside of the chamber is largely as described in N4t.
Cult Headquarters. However, modify the descriptive text to
read as follows:
Flickering candles in iron holders fill this room with light and
shadows. This room has a ten-foot-high ceiling and a large
black pentagram inscribed on the stone floor. At each point of
the pentagram rests a wooden chair.
Thousands of gouges and scratches line the stone walls
around the circle, many stained with faded blood centuries
old. The far wall of the chamber bears a three-foot tall carving
of a dagger with a curved hilt, with the phrase In Silence,
Death carved in twelve-inch letters immediately below it. As
you take in the scratches along the walls and ceiling, you
notice that most form a particular word, endlessly repeated in
the ancient stonework: Traitor.
Leo Dilisnya used his vampiric claws to carve these words
and images into the stone. The phrase “In Silence, Death” is
the motto of the Ba’al Verzi, the secret assassins’ guild to
which Leo belonged.
Lady Wachter can inform the players that, when she was a
child, her parents warned her of a monster that dwelled in the
cellar: a terrible creature of ancient hungers and hatreds that
longed to be set free. When she inherited the estate following
her family’s deaths and descended to the basement, however,
Lady Wachter found the room to be empty, with no evidence
of any creature but the scratches on the walls.
Lady Wachter has been unable to remove the scratches
and carvings, despite her best efforts. Though she has no
great love for the chamber, she has confirmed that the
carvings and stones conceal no magic or hostile creatures,
and has found it to be a useful and indispensably secure
location.
I8a. The Etherealness Ritual
If Lady Wachter is not with the players, Victor expresses
surprise at the presence of the pentagram, noting with some
awe that he could easily repurpose it for the purposes of the
etherealness ritual. If Lady Wachter is with the players, she
offers the pentagram for use in the ritual, which Victor gladly
accepts.
Victor then places the heartstone at the center of the
pentagram and directs the players to stand just inside the
edge of the pentagram circle. If Lady Wachter is with the
players, she rolls up her sleeves and enters the circle with
them. If challenged, she gives the players a cool, steely look
and says, “Of course I’m coming to get my little girl.”
When the players are ready to begin, Victor retrieves his
copy of Ethereal Entities from a pocket in his cloak, using his
mage hand spell to hold it open before him. Read:
Victor stands just inside the edge of the runic circle, his head
bowed as he reads aloud from the old tome that floats before
him. Though his right hand shakes and trembles, his left is
steady and precise as he draws delicate patterns through the
musty air, leaving spiraling trails of pale white light in his
finger's wake.
186
He begins to chant under his breath—slowly, at first, then
slowly rising in volume and speed. At the center of the circle,
the hag's heartstone seems to hum with a subsonic energy
that you feel rather than hear.
Suddenly, you feel it—a deep shudder of the world beneath
your feet, as if the stone floor had momentarily rippled like
quicksilver. A thin, white light, mottled with black, inky
shadow begins to shine forth from the cracks between the
cobblestones, pulsing as if beating in time to a deep, distant
heart.
The heartstone trembles, then snaps to a perfect, unnatural
angle, perfectly perpendicular to the ground below. Its
obsidian sheen is replaced by a spectral luminescence that
flickers in rhythm with the words of the ritual. Victor's voice
grows louder, stronger, ringing clearly through the air as the
world seems to quiet around him, the air bending closer as if
to listen.
The heartstone begins to lift into the air, its surface flashing
with a brilliant pearlescence. Even as it does, however, mist
roils at the corners of the room, inaudible whispers echoing
from its wispy depths. The room begins to quake, the
brightness beneath the stone floor flickering between shadow
and light.
Suddenly, a dark shadow flashes across the walls—a wispy,
humanoid shape. It is tall, gaunt, and hooded, its limbs
unnaturally long as it reaches its dark claws out toward the
circle. Sweat beads across Victor's forehead and his voice
quavers, nearly slipping. But he continues to read, his left hand
a blur of motion and light as the ritual reaches a crescendoing
peak.
Victor's voice cuts through the air, uttering a final,
triumphant syllable. The clawed shadow vanishes—just as the
arcane power in the air surges.
The next moment is not so much a step as a lurch, a
sensation like being jerked forward by your navel. Your vision
warps as if you've plunged underwater, and you can feel your
form shifting and rising into the air, like drifting in a dream.
And then—the disorientation ends, and the world settles
back into place. The chamber around you remains, but now it
seems ethereal, faded, and near-translucent. The air around
you feels thinner, almost intangible, and clouds of silver-gray
mist hang like veils in every direction.
The players have arrived in the Ethereal Plane.
Neither Victor nor Lady Wachter know what the dark
shadow was, though Victor can confirm that it appeared to be
attempting to interfere with the ritual somehow. There’s no
sign of it now, however.
I8b. The Restoration Ritual
After a few moments have passed, the players hear a
teenaged girl's voice behind them, joyous and triumphant as
it exclaims, "Victor!"

Welcome to the Ethereal Plane
While the players are in the Ethereal Plane, the
following rules govern their vision and movement:
All solid objects in the Material Plane, such as
furniture and walls, have a translucent, semi-
intangible reflection in the Ethereal Plane.
Moving the object in the Ethereal Plane moves
the object in the Material Plane as well.
Walls and other solid objects reflected in the
Ethereal Plane provide light obscurement and
half-cover to creatures behind them. A creature
in the Ethereal Plane can move through those
reflections as if they were difficult terrain, but
take 5 (1d10) force damage if it ends its turn
inside an object.
A creature in the Ethereal Plane gains a fly
(hover) speed equal to its normal speed.
The voice belongs to the specter of the sixteen-year-old Stella
Wachter, who floats down to the players from ten feet above
the ground. Stella appears largely as she does in life, though
her body is translucent and her legs below the knees have
begun to fade into mist.
The following sequence then unfolds, unless the players
intervene:
Stella attempts to throw her arms around Victor for a hug
—but fails, her arms passing through his body. “Oh,” Stella
says, sadly. Victor’s eyes widen, and he begins rummaging
through his cloak. “You're losing your tangibility faster
than I thought,” he says. “We need to get you back to your
body as quickly as possible.” He retrieves a piece of chalk
and begins drawing a modified teleportation circle on the
ground.
If she is present, Lady Wachter approaches Stella as well.
“Mother?” Stella says, uncertainly. “Is that really you?”
Lady Wachter nods, her face pale, but as hard as stone.
“We’re going to get you out of here, Stella. I promise it.”
While Victor continues his preparations, Stella’s spirit
floats over to the players. She thanks them for all of their
help, and for supporting Victor in a difficult time. “He gets
so determined sometimes,” she says quietly, watching him
work. “I was so scared that he would hurt himself in his
efforts to help me. Thank you for being there for him.”
1. The Ghost of Erasmus van Richten
Just as Victor is completing his modified teleportation circle,
the ghost of Erasmus van Richten (using the statistics of a
poltergeist without its invisibility feature) appears to the
players. Read:
A soft, boyish laugher echoes through the ethereal fog. A faint,
spectral light flickers into being beyond the gray mists,
coalescing into a slender, humanoid shadow.
If one of the players moves to attack, Erasmus shouts, “Wait!
I don’t mean to hurt you!” In either case, continue to read the
following:
The spectral silhouette grows in brightness and definition until
it assumes a more solidified shape: the ethereal form of a
ghostly young man. He appears to be no more than fourteen,
his form shimmering with a warm, inviting light that seems to
soften the gray monotone of his surroundings.
He wears short pants, a loose shirt, and a vest, though his
body becomes wisps of curling fog not far below his knees.
His eyes glitter with mirth, and an elfin smile plays across his
face as his unkempt hair drifts lazily amidst the gloom. When
he speaks, his voice is cheery and light, and his fingers twitch
with excitement. “Stella! You brought your friends!”
Erasmus greets the players and Victor warmly, and Stella
introduces him using his full name as he stands beside her.
Victor greets Erasmus somewhat stiffly, and a DC 10
Wisdom (Insight) check reveals that he is slightly jealous of
the younger ghost. (Though Victor has no romantic interest
in Stella, he has had few friends throughout his life, and fears
losing his only friend to the cheerier, sunnier Erasmus.)
Erasmus can share the following information, either at the
players’ request or of his own volition:
Erasmus has been helping Stella navigate and remain
hidden within the Ethereal Plane since shortly after she
arrived. She’s proven a quick study, though Erasmus is
wary of her slow disappearance into the Deep Ethereal,
and agrees that the players need to get her out of the
Ethereal Plane and back to her body sooner than later.
The lost spirits of the Ethereal Plane are more active than
usual, and seem to have realized that something important
is happening. Most of these spirits have lost much of their
minds and memories, so the players will need to be wary
of them.
Erasmus wasn’t the shadow that the players saw during
the etherealness ritual, nor does he know what cast it.
However, it matches the description of the gallows
speaker that attacked Stella when she first arrived in the
Ethereal Plane.
If asked, Erasmus can confirm that his father is Dr.
Rudolph van Richten, whom he followed into Barovia to
watch and protect. (Erasmus is, however, understandably
uncomfortable reminiscing upon the full story of his death. If
asked how he came to be a ghost, his smile turns sad, and he
briskly attempts to change the subject.)
Erasmus can also teach the players how to move in the
Ethereal Plane. (See Welcome to the Ethereal Plane
above.)
When the conversation with Erasmus concludes, Victor
directs Stella to stand in the center of the circle. As he takes
up a position beside her, Victor informs the players that, once
it begins, the ritual will take 10 minutes to complete.
During that time, Eramus adds, the circle’s magic will blaze
like a beacon, attracting wayward spirits that might seek to
take Stella’s place and return to life by inhabiting her soulless
body.
As such, Erasmus asks the players and (if present) Lady
Wachter to aid him in guarding Stella’s soul until the ritual is
complete.
187
 2. The Wayward Souls
One minute after Victor begins reading the ritual’s
incantation from his spellbook, five specters appear from the
clouds of mist that surround the players in the Ethereal
Plane. The specters drift through the air toward Stella,
reaching out to seize her as they whisper the following
phrases in haunted, rasping tones:
“The scent of life. It smells so sweet . . .”
“The veil flickers. It’s so close . . .”
“Please. Please. Please . . .”
Victor’s panicked eyes flash toward the players, and Stella
draws in toward herself, fear evident upon her face. Erasmus
and Lady Wachter (if present) attack the specters as soon as
they draw within 15 feet of Stella’s spirit, urging the players
to join them.
3. The Ghost of Leo Dilisnya
At the end of the first round of combat with the specters, any
surviving specters flee. The ghost of Leo Dilisnya—in the
form of a gallows speaker (Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft,
p. 234) appears a few moments thereafter. Read:
A chill wind rushes in, carrying with it an unmistakable pallor
of death and despair. A low, rattling breath rumbles through
the air, and, mere feet before you, a figure begins to coalesce
in the air above, its form writhing and shifting from the The gallows speaker is an agglomeration of Leo Dilisnya’s
ethereal mist. spirit with the spirits of the dozens of castle guards that
It is a being of bone and tattered robes, its face a skull that Strahd slaughtered on the day of Sergei’s wedding.
betrays neither emotion nor mercy. Dark, vacant eye sockets The gallows speaker shares freely that it intends to kill
stare out into nothingness, its skeletal, claw-tipped hands Stella’s spirit, followed by Lady Wachter. Once it has done so,
it intends to cross over into the Material Plane, where it will
flexing as it glides silently through the air—the same clawed
kill Lady Wachter’s sons, Nikolai and Karl.
hands, you realize, as the dark shadow that appeared as you If the players obstruct the gallows speaker, it attempts to
entered the Ethereal Plane. persuade them to stand aside, providing the following
As it moves, its long, flowing cloak billows around it, information in support of its argument:
revealing humanoid visages woven into the fabric itself. Each
In life, it was Leo Dilisnya, a guard of Castle Ravenloft.
face in this tapestry bears an ever-shifting expression of pain, When Strahd killed his brother, Sergei, and pursued
sorrow, fear, regret, anger, or despair, their dark mouths Sergei’s bride, Tatyana, through the castle gardens, it was
whispering a mournful, maddening cacophony. Leo who gave the order for the guards to kill Strahd to
From the clouds of mist bob five wispy balls of light, defend Tatyana and avenge Sergei’s death.
flickering with soft golden glows as they flank the cloaked
When Strahd became a vampire, he slaughtered his castle
guards in a bloody and gruesome massacre. Lady Lovina
figure two to a side, with the final wisp hovering above the
Wachter née Dilisnya, Leo’s sister and a faithful devotee of
figure’s head. Faint and distant whispers ride on a cold and Strahd von Zarovich, directed her bodyguards to assist
hungry wind beside them, belying the evident warmth Strahd in the bloodshed.
promised by their small, lamp-light forms. Leo himself barely escaped, and hid himself away in the
Between them, the ghostly figure's skeletal jaw opens, its deserted Abbey of Saint Markovia on a spur of Mount
Baratok. However, Strahd and Lovina eventually found
hollow eye sockets a dark, unending void. When it speaks, its
him—and when they did, they turned him into a vampire
hateful voice reverberates through the Ethereal Plane, the spawn and sealed him in a lightless stone vault beneath
sound cutting through the mists like the grinding of bone Wachterhaus.
against bone. They left him there to starve for four hundred years,
"I am Leo Dilisnya," the figure rasps. "And we have come for slowly growing mad as the bloodthirst destroyed his mind
the blood that is owed." It reaches out one skeletal hand—a
and his hatred sharpened and burned. (“Do you have any
idea what that’s like?” the gallows speaker snarls, the
single clawed finger pointing directly at Stella Wachter. faces within its cloak moaning with a chorus of mournful
wails. “Feeling your sanity slip away, year by year, as the
hunger within you twists and grows, never to be sated?”)

188
 More than thirty years ago, Leo finally died, his spirit
arising as a ghost that reunited with the tormented spirits
of the castle guards, forming a gallows speaker. As he
lurked unseen among Wachterhaus, he came to learn that
he had been granted the release of death on the same
night that Fiona Wachter—then a teenager—had fled her
family estate, destroying an enchanted ruby gemstone that
Strahd had given Lovina’s family as security should Leo
ever escape.
Not long after his death, Leo killed the Wachters that
remained at Wachterhaus, but was unable to finish the job
when Fiona Wachter sealed him out. Now, however, Leo
seeks to “rip out the poisoned Wachter family tree, root
and branch,” and finally “see justice done.”
A player who makes a successful DC 15 Wisdom (Insight)
check discerns that the gallows speaker’s words are a half-
truth at best. If challenged, it reveals the truth:
In life, Leo was an assassin of the Ba’al Verzi who
betrayed his order’s vows when he sought to kill Strahd in
vengeance for the death of his brother, Reinhold, who
Strahd knowingly sent to die to win a battle against the
Order of the Silver Dragon.
On the morning of Sergei’s wedding, Leo climbed to the
window of Strahd’s royal chambers, carrying with him a
cursed Ba’al Verzi dagger that prevented its victims from
being resurrected.
When Lovina Wachter’s bodyguards engaged the castle
guards to defend Strahd, it was Leo who gave the order to
have the Wachters themselves killed, furious that his sister
had elected to “betray” him and Reinhold’s memory.
If the players refuse to allow the gallows speaker to kill the
Wachters, it vows to tear them apart while Stella and Lady
Wachter watch. It then attacks with its Speaker of the
Gallows form. Lady Wachter leaps to the players’ aid,
snarling with defiance.
Erasmus van Richten. In battle, Erasmus fights by hurling
furniture at the gallows speaker from range through the use
of his telekinetic thrust feature.
Lady Fiona Wachter. Lady Wachter begins by casting
spirit guardians (radiant damage), which takes the form of
thirteen swirling fog-like entities that attack with misty
tendrils. On subsequent turns, she casts blindness/deafness
or uses her divine eminence feature as she pursues the
gallows speaker with her mace.
In battle, Lady Wachter also gains the following reaction:
Sentinel of the Veil. As a reaction when another creature
she can see within 30 feet suffers a critical hit, Lady
Wachter can turn that hit into a normal hit.
The Gallows Speaker. Throughout the fight, the gallows
speaker taunts Lady Wachter, rhapsodizing at length about
the agonies that it will visit upon her and her family. However,
it never attacks either Lady Wachter, Stella, or Victor,
preferring to focus its attention upon the players who have
defied it. Consumed by hatred and rage, the gallows speaker
never retreats, nor does it reposition except to pursue its
current target.
When reduced to 0 hit points, the gallows speaker taunts
the players with its dying breath, rasping: “When I failed to
kill him, Zarovich took my cursed blade from me. Perhaps I
shall still have my satisfaction when he uses it to carve your
hearts from your chests!” It then lurches forward, skeletal
claws grasping for Stella’s throat—and dissipates into mist,
the maddened whispers of the many spirits within his cloak
fading into silence.
4. Return to the Material Plane
As the teleportation ritual draws to a close, ethereal beads of
light emerge around Stella’s ghostly form, clinging to her
dress and hair and flickering like fireflies. The following
sequence then unfolds unless the players intervene:
Erasmus drifts toward the edge of the teleportation circle.
“Are you ready?” he asks quietly. Stella nods shyly,
replying, “I think so. A bit afraid.”
Erasmus smiles sadly. “Don’t be,” he says. “Victor and
your friends will take good care of you. And even if you
can’t see or hear me, I’ll never be far away.”
Stella hiccups, tears glittering at the corners of her eyes.
“Thank you,” she says, reaching out a hand. “For
everything.” Erasmus swallows, and reaches out toward
her hand in turn. “Stella,” he says, beaming through tears.
“It was my honor.” For a brief instant, their fingers touch—
and then the beads of light around Stella burst into
radiant brilliance. She vanishes, leaving Erasmus
touching nothing more than empty air.
After a moment, Erasmus wipes his eyes on his spectral
sleeve and turns to bid the players farewell. If the players
attempt to comfort him, he insists that he is fine. “I’m happy
for her,” he says softly. “She’s getting a second chance. Not
everyone gets that.” If she is present, Lady Wachter affixes
Erasmus with a long, unreadable look, before her gaze
abruptly softens, a flicker of warmth in her eyes.
Lady Wachter then hovers a hand over Erasmus’s shoulder
and says, “Thank you for protecting my daughter. House
Wachter owes you an unforgettable debt. Should you ever be
in the presence of Wachterhaus, know that you will always be
welcome there.” Erasmus smiles and thanks her.
Victor then asks the players if they are ready to depart for
the Material Plane. Before they leave, however, Erasmus
offers them the following warnings:
Strange giant spiders pass in and out of the Ethereal
Plane amidst the ruins of the town to the southwest of
Vallaki. If the players ever travel there, they should be
careful. (Victor recognizes these as phase spiders,
described further in Ethereal Entities.)
Strahd von Zarovich occasionally visits the Ethereal Plane
astride a demonic horse with a charcoal-black coat and a
burning, fiery mane. (Victor recognizes this as a
nightmare, described further in Ethereal Entities.)
When the players have bid their farewells, Victor turns to
Erasmus and gives him a grateful, knowing nod, which
Erasmus returns. Victor then speaks a single syllable, and
the Ethereal Plane vanishes in a flare of white light.
189
 Speaker of the Gallows
Medium undead, neutral evil
Armor Class 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points 126 (28d8)
Speed 0 ft., fly 30 ft. (hover)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
8 (-1) 16 (+3) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 12 (+1) 18 (+4)
Saving Throws Dex +7, Wis +5, Cha +8
Skills Perception +5
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing
from nonmagical attacks
Damage Immunities necrotic, poison
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened,
grappled, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned, prone,
restrained
Senses truesight 60 ft., passive Perception 15
Languages Abyssal, Common
Challenge CR 11
Proficiency Bonus. +4
Legendary Resistance (1/day). If the gallows speaker fails
a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.
Divination Senses. The gallows speaker can see 60 feet
into the Ethereal Plane when it is on the Material Plane
and vice versa.
Incorporeal Movement. The gallows speaker can move
through other creatures and objects as if they were
difficult terrain. It takes 5 (1d10) force damage if it
ends its turn inside an object.
Wrath of the Traitor. If the gallows speaker is reduced to
0 hit points, the golden wisps around it wink out,
revealing five daggers with wavy blades and lacquered
hilts colored red, black, and gold. All of the gallows
speaker's current effects end, and its statistics are
instantly replaced by those of the Ba’al Verzi Avenger. Its
initiative remains the same.
Actions
Multiattack. The gallows speaker makes two attacks.
190
Foretelling Touch. Melee Spell Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5
ft., one creature. Hit: 11 (2d10) + 4 psychic damage,
and the target must roll a d4 and subtract the number
rolled from the next attack roll or saving throw it makes
before the start of the gallows speaker's next turn.
Will-o'-Wisp. Ranged Spell Attack: +8 to hit, range 30
ft., one creature. Hit: 13 (3d8) necrotic damage.
Deathly Visions. The gallows speaker forces a creature
that it can see within 30 feet to make a DC 16 Wisdom
saving throw, flooding its mind with terrifying images
of its own violent death. On a failure, that creature is
paralyzed until the start of the gallows speaker’s next
turn.
Bonus Actions
Lash of Souls. Ethereal chains lash out around the
gallows speaker, forcing up to two creatures that the
gallows speaker can see within 5 feet to succeed on a
DC 16 Strength saving throw or take 9 (2d8) necrotic
damage and be restrained until the start of the gallows
speaker’s next turn. A creature that succeeds on the
saving throw takes half damage and isn’t restrained.
Wisplight Flare. The gallows speaker directs one of its
wisps to a point it can see within 30 feet, where it
flares with golden light. Each creature within 5 feet of
that point must succeed on a DC 16 Constitution
saving throw or take 14 (4d6) radiant damage and be
blinded until the start of the gallows speaker's next
turn. A creature that succeeds on the saving throw
takes half damage and isn't blinded.
Reactions
The gallows speaker can take up to three reactions per
round, though no more than one per turn.
Death's Revelation. In response to taking damage from a
creature within range, the gallows speaker attacks that
creature with its foretelling touch or will-o'-wisp.
Ghostly Step. In response to taking damage, the gallows
speaker teleports up to 15 feet away. It can then
immediately force each creature within 5 feet of its
new location to make a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or
be frightened until the end of its next turn.
Ba’al Verzi Avenger
Medium undead, neutral evil
Armor Class 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points 126 (28d8)
Speed 0 ft., fly 30 ft. (hover)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
8 (-1) 16 (+3) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 12 (+1) 18 (+4)
Saving Throws Dex +7, Wis +5, Cha +8
Skills Perception +5
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing
from nonmagical attacks
Damage Immunities necrotic, poison
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened,
grappled, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned, prone,
restrained
Senses truesight 60 ft., passive Perception 15
Languages Abyssal, Common
Challenge CR 11
Proficiency Bonus. +4
Legendary Resistance (1/day). If the gallows speaker fails
a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.
Divination Senses. The gallows speaker can see 60 feet
into the Ethereal Plane when it is on the Material Plane
and vice versa.
Incorporeal Movement. The gallows speaker can move
through other creatures and objects as if they were
difficult terrain. It takes 5 (1d10) force damage if it
ends its turn inside an object.
Actions
Multiattack. The gallows speaker makes two attacks.
Ba'al Verzi Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +8
to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 30 feet, one creature. Hit: 7
(1d6 + 4) piercing damage and the target must make a
DC 16 Wisdom saving throw, taking 14 (4d6) necrotic
damage and becoming cursed until the start of the
gallows speaker’s next turn on a failure, and taking half
the necrotic damage on a success. While cursed in this
way, a creature moves at half speed and can't regain hit
points, and the gallows speaker has advantage on attack
rolls made against it.
Grasp of the Grave. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit,
reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 18 (4d8) necrotic damage
and the target is grappled until the gallows speaker
loses its concentration (as if concentrating on a spell)
or until the target uses its action to break free (escape
DC 16). Until this grapple ends, the target is restrained
and takes an additional 9 (2d8) necrotic damage at the
start of each of its turns, and the gallows speaker can't
use grasp of the grave on another target.
Bonus Action
Shrieking Souls. A shroud of moaning spirits whirls in a
5-foot-radius sphere around the gallows speaker. Each
creature in that area must make a DC 16 Constitution
saving throw or take 9 (2d8) necrotic damage and be
dazed until the start of the gallows speaker’s next turn.
(A dazed creature can move or take one action on its
turn, not both. It also can’t take a bonus action or a
reaction.)
Wail of the Forsaken (Recharge 5-6). The spirits within
the gallows speaker’s cloak let out a maddened,
burbling cry. Each creature within 60 feet must make a
DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened until the
start of the gallows speaker’s next turn.
Reactions
The gallows speakercan take up to three reactions per
round, though no more than one per turn.
Ghastly Foresight. In response to being targeted by an
attack or a spell that requires a saving throw, the
gallows speaker imposes disadvantage on the attack
roll or grants itself advantage on the saving throw. After
the roll is made, the gallows speaker can immediately
move up to half its speed without provoking
opportunity attacks.
Traitor's Noose. In response to being targeted by a
melee attack, the gallows speaker manifests a spectral
noose that hangs loosely around the attacker's neck,
forcing them to make a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw.
On a failure, the attacker is filled with a brief and
blinding rage toward another creature of the gallows
speaker’s choice, and must instead immediately use its
reaction, if available, to move up its speed toward that
creature and make the same melee attack against that
creature instead. The noose then disappears.
Haunting Echoes. In response to taking damage from a
creature, the gallows speaker forces that creature to
make a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw. On a failure, that
creature takes 10 (4d4) psychic damage and has
disadvantage on the next attack roll or ability check it
makes before the start of its next turn.
191
 The players then find themselves returned to the cult
headquarters beneath Wachterhaus. Victor immediately
moves for the exit to the cellar, frantically calling Stella’s
name as he climbs toward N4r. Cellar Entrance. (p. 114)
and passes through N4d. Storage Room (p. 112) and N4c.
Kitchen (p. 112).
If the players follow, they can observe as Victor and Stella
meet each other at the foot of N4b. Staircase (p. 110). Victor
throws his arms around Stella and the two kneel to the floor,
sobbing with joy. The following sequence then unfolds,
assuming the players do not intervene:
“I’m so sorry,” Victor sobs, holding Stella tight. “I was so
afraid I’d lost you, and it was all my fault.”
Stella cries into Victor’s shoulder, hiccuping repeatedly as
she clutches his sleeves. “It wasn’t your fault,” she says.
“You saved me.”
If present, Lady Wachter steps forward, obviously hesitant
and unsure. Stella looks up toward her, releases her grip
on Victor, and launches herself into her mother’s embrace.
Lady Wachter stiffens, then relaxes, lifting an uncertain
hand to gently stroke Stella’s hair. Stella swallows, her
whole body trembling as she burrows her face into her
mother’s shoulder. “I’m sorry,” she sobs. “It was my fault—
please, don’t blame Victor.” Lady Wachter holds Stella
tight. “Hush,” she murmurs. “It’s all right. I’ve got you.”
When Lady Wachter finally releases her, Stella steps
forward toward the players—and stumbles, her foot nearly
falling out from under her. Victor and Lady Wachter
swiftly move to catch her. “You’ve been out of your body for
too long,” Victor cautions her. “You need to get used to
having legs again.”
Stella nods, then looks around at the players, her eyes
shining with gratitude. “Thank you,” she says. “It was so
quiet in there—so cold. But because of you, I can feel
again. I can hear the world again. Thank you—from the
bottom of my heart, thank you.”
In gratitude for the players’ efforts, Lady Wachter grants
them a lantern of revealing, as well as a standing invitation to
seek her aid or counsel whenever they find themselves in
Vallaki, so long as their efforts do not risk harm to the town
or its people.
The following morning, Victor also sends the players the
following message with the sending spell: “Come to my
home. I have a gift for you.” Upon their arrival, he presents
them with the spirit mirror from his workroom, as well as the
Tome of Strahd if he previously promised it to them.
Milestone. Restoring Stella’s soul to her body completes a
story milestone. If the players successfully rescue her from
the Ethereal Plane, award each player 1,750 XP.
192
Spirit Mirror
Wondrous item, rare (requires attunement)
In addition to its current plane, this ornate
bronze mirror also reflects the corresponding
location in the Ethereal Plane out to a distance of
60 feet.
Once per day while attuned, you can use an
action to cause it to either shrink to the size of a
hand mirror or grow to the size of a full-length
mirror.
Design Notes: The Lost Soul
The original module presents a number of interesting ideas
and set pieces—the hag coven at Old Bonegrinder, the dream
pastry addicts, Victor Vallakovich's teleportation circle, Stella
Wachter's strange illness, and the betrayal of Leo Dilisnya—
but ultimately fails to do anything interesting or meaningful
with them.
In the original module, the players have few to no hooks
that lead them to take an interest in any of these elements,
and those that do present any hooks (e.g., Morgantha's
appearance in the village of Barovia) provide little narrative
depth to actually explore.
As such, this arc aims to comprehensively rework these
stray narrative elements into a more cohesive whole that still
remains true to the intent and flavor of the original module.
Victor Vallakovich, who most Curse of Strahd playgroups
inevitably befriend despite his ostensibly Evil alignment,
has been altered to be a far more sympathetic character.
Stella Wachter, whose illness inevitably confounds and
amuses Curse of Strahd players, has been altered to
provide a direct tie-in to the hags of Old Bonegrinder and
the ghosts of the Ethereal Plane. (Ghosts in particular are
an aspect of gothic horror that is sorely undeveloped in
the original module.)
The players now have a true opportunity to witness and
intervene in the suffering wrought by night hags upon
their victims, and to destroy their corruption once and for
all.
Finally, the players now have a chance to learn about the
dark history of Leo Dilisnya, enhancing the themes
developed in the Tome of Strahd, foreshadowing Strahd's
use of Leo's Ba'al Verzi dagger to seal the leeches
corrupting the Fanes of Barovia, and providing emotional
closure to Lady Wachter's character arc as it pertains to
her deceased parents and brother.
This arc also serves to cement Lady Wachter's alliance
with the players, strengthening the themes of resonance and
unity that run throughout the adventure and providing a clear
narrative progression to their relationship in Arc G: Lady
Wachter's Wish.
Erasmus's Plea. Erasmus's visitation has been added to
provide a backup hook to this arc if the players miss or
decline it elsewhere. Erasmus's presence in this portion of
the adventure also serves to provide the players with
exposition regarding the gallows speaker hunting Stella's
soul, and to continue developing the tragedy of the Van
Richten family that began in Arc F: The Missing Vistana.
Burgomaster's Mansion. The spirit mirror has been added
as a means of explaining Victor's communication with Stella,
and as an eventual reward for the players upon restoring
Stella's soul.
The gallows speaker's attack on Stella has been added to
explicitly introduce Leo Dilisnya as an antagonist for this arc
(even if his identity is currently unknown to the players).
Stella's fading tether has been added to provide a clear
countdown for this arc's dramatic question, with her fading
memories and strange visions serving to foreshadow the
existence of reincarnation in Barovia (a key narrative element
in Ireena's character arc, explored further in Arc X: Tatyana's
Legacy).
Victor's teleportation circle is now a functional one to (1)
make clear to the players that magical escape from Barovia is
not possible, and (2) to ensure that the players view Victor as
a competent mage, rather than an incompetent one.
The etherealness ritual has been added to provide the
players with a reason to investigate the night hags of Old
Bonegrinder.
The night of the full moon has been intentionally placed on
the night of the players' sixth full day in Barovia in order to
provide the players with sufficient time to complete other
quests in Act II (and therefore reach 5th level) before doing
battle with hags of Old Bonegrinder and the gallows speaker
of Leo Dilisnya—two exceptionally powerful foes.
The Refugee Camp. Franz and his children have been
added to provide the players with an emotional reason to
dislike the night hag coven, to confirm that Morgantha is a
night hag, to provide an additional complication in the
players' efforts to defeat or bargain with the coven, to add
additional stakes to the coven's defeat, and to provide the
players with a means of identifying the location of the coven's
contract (and therefore learn the hags' true names in order to
bind them).
Matrons of Malevolence. The excerpted chapter on night
hags in Mordenkainen's book, Ethereal Entities: Denizens of
the Unseen Plane has been written to inform the players that
(1) night hags are vulnerable to silver and resistant to magic
and nonmagical weapon damage, (2) night hags are
particularly cunning, yet arrogant creatures, (3) night hags
are willing to make bargains and can be trusted to uphold
their end of a deal, (4) night hags can instantly and easily
escape into the Ethereal Plane through the use of their
heartstones, (5) night hags can cast dispel magic once per
day when in a coven, and (6) a night hag coven's contract
contains their true names, and they therefore guard it
carefully.
Victor's Plan. Victor has been given the sending spell in
place of the remove curse spell in order to preserve the
dramatic tension of the curse of lycanthropy (and thereby
encourage afflicted players to seek out wolfsbane in Krezk in
order to secure Van Richten's calming elixir, as described in
Arc F: The Missing Vistana).
This guide intentionally has Victor give the players a choice
between killing and bargaining with the hags. The binding
circle has been added to provide the players with the means
of killing the coven (rather than allowing them to escape into
the Ethereal Plane once threatened).
Stella's Discovery. The blueprint of the windmill has been
added to provide the players with the ability to locate the
coven's contract and therefore learn the hags' true names for
the binding ritual.
The binding circle around Wachterhaus has been added to
foreshadow the threat of Leo Dilisnya's spirit, and to clearly
signal to the players that Lady Wachter is a powerful ally in
their effort to save Stella's soul.
The leyline beneath Wachterhaus has been placed there to
ensure that the players carry out the etherealness ritual
within Leo Dilisnya's former prison—Lady Wachter's cult
headquarters—which is otherwise a foreboding and
uncomfortable location.
Wachterhaus's Protective Circle. Leo's assassination
attempt has been added to provide Strahd with an inciting
incident that spurred the latter to take note of his own
mortality, thereby driving him to accept the Dark Powers'
pact on the day of Sergei's wedding.
Leo's imprisonment beneath Wachterhaus—an artifact of
older editions of Ravenloft—and his subsequent haunting of
the estate have been added in order to convey the depths of
Strahd's cruelty, to create a clear antagonist opposing Stella's
rescue, and to create an inciting incident that drove Lady
Wachter to depart Baba Lysaga's tutelage and return to
Vallaki.
Lady Wachter's rejection of Frederich Wachter's request
for aid serves to create a "loose end" in her history, providing
her with a need for emotional closure and a guilt-fueled need
for vengeance against Leo Dilisnya's spirit.
Wachterhaus. Lady Wachter's doubt regarding Stella's fate
is one of two narrative elements added to ensure that the
protective barrier around Wachterhaus is dropped before the
finale, therefore allowing the spirit of Leo Dilisnya to attack
the players during the arc's climax. (The other narrative
element is the leyline beneath Wachterhaus, which requires
the barrier to be lowered in order for Stella to participate in
the ritual to restore her soul.)
Lady Wachter's reliance upon the members of her cult for
the binding ritual has been added to introduce the cult to the
players, and to discourage the players from attempting any
such binding rituals on their own in the future (e.g., in an
effort to incapacitate Strahd or his nightmare, Beucephalus).
The Old Svalich Road. The druid random encounter has
been added to introduce the Forest Folk faction prior to their
official presence in Arc K: The Missing Gem, and to further
foreshadow Lady Wachter's relationships with Baba Lysaga
and Leo Dilisnya.
Bargainin With the Hags. This brief alternative path is
offered for parties that may wish to use a diplomatic solution
instead of a hostile one, notwithstanding the hags' predation
of Franz and his children. The soul leech has been added to
provide the players with an additional impetus to raid Castle
Ravenloft in Arc T: Ravenloft Heist and to foster a closer
interest in Rahadin, Strahd's chamberlain.
This guide intentionally foregoes alternative bargains that
the hags might seek to make, such as directing the players to
sell dream pastries or kidnap children for them. These
alternative bargains fail for multiple reasons:
1. There is no satisfying narrative end to such a "corruption"
arc short of killing the hags themselves (the very outcome
that the players were trying to avoid),
193
 2. The hags have no way of enforcing such a bargain,
3. While such moral dilemmas may make for great media,
few players are willing (let alone eager) to play a child-
trafficking/drug-dealing TTRPG, and
4. The players are undertaking such tasks under duress (i.e.,
to save Stella), and are therefore not truly "choosing" to
fall into corruption to the hags' satisfaction.
The Megaliths. The Mountain Fane has been placed by
Old Bonegrinder due to its proximity to the eastern Balinok
Mountains (which form a clustered mountain range around
Castle Ravenloft) and to Madam Eva's current residence at
Tser Pool (which provides the players with an easy means of
obtaining the third enchanted winery gemstone from her tent
in order to restore the Mountain Fane in Arc Y: Ladies of the
Fanes.)
The vampiric mists have been added to discourage the
players from lingering in this area, to create an additional
barrier to the leech's demiplane, and to hint to the players
that this site is not all that it seems.
The onyx stone that conceals the leech's demiplane has
been added to prevent the players from restoring the Fane
until after they obtain Leo Dilisnya's cursed dagger in Arc U:
The Amber Temple.
Old Bonegrinder. The coven's dispel magic lair action
(and Victor's counterspell response) have been added to
ensure that the players fight the hags from close range, rather
than spamming fireball spells from a long distance.
The true name requirement of Lady Wachter's binding
ritual has been added to provide the players with an
additional task to complete before the coven can be defeated,
thereby requiring the players to "earn" the right to use Lady
Wachter's spellcasting expertise (and thereby preserving
player agency). The coven's contract has been added to
provide the players with a feasible means of acquiring the
hags' true names.
The charm of mass heroism has been added to provide the
players with an additional boost in a difficult, saving throw-
heavy boss fight.
Freek has been renamed to Fyodor remove the negative
connotations associated with the name "Freek."
Morgantha's use of the Laughter and Mother's Milk potions
(which also exist in the original module) has been added to
prevent the players from easily escaping their bonds or
fighting their way free should they TPK to the coven. The
cackle fever disease also intensifies the weight of the party's
TPK, ensuring that the players do not soon forget the
consequences of failure should they escape.
The coven's separate night hag statblocks have been
replaced with a single, unified two-phase coven statblock to
remove the risk of a "death spiral"—either for the players
(due to the hags' lightning bolt spam) or for the hags (because
a single night hag is trivially easy to kill with focus-fire,
thereby destroying the coven).
The coven's spell list has been replaced to minimize the
"swinginess" of save-or-suck spells and to ensure that the
players' health is being slowly whittled down with every
attack, ensuring that the players feel constantly threatened.
The coven has also been given multiple additional viable
damage-dealing options in order to ensure that the hags have
an actual means of bringing the encounter to a close once
they've succesfully debuffed the players or otherwise
manipulated the battlefield.
194
The coven's Nightmare Three phase has been added to
build upon the Rules-As-Written coven's polymorph spell,
raising the stakes and enhancing the hags' monstrous
natures in the climax of the encounter.
The coven's statblock, like other solo boss statblocks in this
guide, has been revised to include additional bonus actions
and reactions in order to promote a dynamic and tactical
combat experience for the Dungeon Master and players. Most
abilities have been modified to ensure a balanced, winnable,
yet challenging encounter for the players.
Morgantha's parley has been added to provide the players
with a final dilemma: to spare the hags and allow them to
continue their evil ways, or to accept Morgantha's information
and gain a potential advantage over Strahd. (Morgantha's
secrets have been carefully chosen to make the players feel
that they have gained powerful, secret information, but to
ensure that the players cannot take any meaningful action on
the basis of that information until later on in the campaign.)
Escape From Old Bonegrinder. Morgantha's demands
have been added to provide the players with a feasible way of
bargaining for their freedom in a manner that retains the
weight of the party's TPK. "Franz's" sacrifice has been added
to ask the players to cross their moral boundaries (and
therefore promote intra-party character development) in a
way that intentionally foregos any real stakes (therefore
allowing players to learn and grow from their sins rather than
feeling beholden to them).
The hags' threat to kill the children and feed them to the
players in the morning as dream pastries has been added to
create a clear "ticking clock" that incentivizes the players to
promptly escape.
The Ritual. The carvings on the walls of the cult
headquarters have been added to foreshadow Leo Dilisnya's
imprisonment, and to introduce the image of the Ba'al Verzi
dagger to the players prior to its recoery in Arc U: The
Amber Temple and its use in***Arc Y: Ladies of the Fanes.***
The ghost of Erasmus van Richten has been added to this
encounter to provide additional support in the players' battle
against the gallows speaker (a powerful foe), to connect this
storyline to Dr. Rudolph van Richten's involvement in Arc F:
The Missing Vistana, and to advance the players' connection
with the tragedy of the Van Richten family.
The attack by the specters has been added to partially
deplete the players' resources prior to the battle with the
gallows speaker, to indicate the risk to Stella's soul should
the players fail, and to make the gallows speaker more
impressive when it subsequently appears.
Leo Dilisnya's "argument" persuading the players to stand
aside is intended to reveal the history of the Wachter and
Dilisnya clans to the players, revealing significant portions of
Lady Wachter's history, setting clear stakes for the ensuing
combat, and indicating the depths of Strahd's tyranny and
cruelty. (This conversation also reveals the nature of the
daggers of the Ba'al Verzi, which the players will later
encounter in Arc U: The Amber Temple.)
Return to the Material Plane. Erasmus's warnings
regarding the phase spiders of Berez and Strahd's
nightmare steed have been added to provide the players with
an additional reward upon completing this arc.
Arc J: The Walls of Krezk
In this arc, the players seek entry to the village of Krezk
before defeating the druids occupying the Wizard of Wines
winery, either to obtain a cure for cackle fever from the
Abbot, to pick wolfsbane from the shores of the blessed pool,
or to seek out their foretold ally against Strahd.
However, the village of Krezk is suspicious of outsiders,
and won't allow the players to enter unless they first perform
a task for their burgomaster, Baron Dmitri Krezkov.
The players must travel to the ruins of Berez between
Krezk and Vallaki, and there persuade the witch Baba Lysaga
to scry the location of Baron Krezkov's son, Ilya, who
vanished from Krezk in the wake of a recent werewolf attack.
However, Baba Lysaga is a mad and fickle witch, and her
methods of magic are twisted and dark. Can the players
convince her to fulfill Baron Krezkov’s request, and so win
them entry to the village of Krezk?
J1. The Road to Krezk
The journey from the town of Vallaki to the Village of Krezk
is six-and-one-quarter miles long and takes two hours.
As the players cross the bridge over the Luna River, read
the following:
The path narrows, flanked by dense, towering trees. Up ahead,
you can see an old wooden bridge come into view, its age-
worn planks spanning the rushing river below. As you
approach, you can see the dark river tumbling over the smooth
stones of the riverbed, bordered on either side by gnarled
bushes and trees.
As you step onto the bridge, your boots echo against the
old, damp wood. To the north, you can see the river meander
upstream around the tree line before vanishing around a curve.
To the south, the river winds like a ribbon between its banks,
then gradually vanishes into mist.

The Luna River Crossroads are as described in P. Luna

River Crossroads (p. 40). However, do not check for a
random encounter when the players reach this area.
As the players pass it, the path to Argynvostholt is largely
as described in Approaching the Mansion (p. 130). Read:
A dirt path branches off from the Old Svalich Road here,
winding its way south up a craggy mountain spur. The earth of
the path is hard-packed, its color a pallid gray-brown
reminiscent of cold ashes. The trees on either side stand silent
and stoic, their leaves a faded green. As the path winds
upward, it's eventually replaced by the deep shadows of the
mountain's forested incline, vanishing into the gloom of the
woods beyond.

Just before the players reach the Raven River Crossroads,

they come across the path to Lake Baratok and Chapter 11:
Van Richten’s Tower (p. 167), not far from the path that
leads to Chapter 9: Tsolenka Pass (p. 157). Read:

195

An old hunting trail cuts away from the Old Svalich Road here,
winding north between old, gnarled trees before vanishing
into the underbrush. A hundred yards beyond it, an alpine path
splits from the main road to travel south toward the
mountains, rising in elevation until it disappears around a
steep, tree-covered escarpment.
The Raven River Crossroads are largely as described in R.
Raven River Crossroads (p. 40). However, do not check for a
random encounter when the players reach this area.
Additionally, add the following text to the end of the area
description:
A figure clad in rusty armor stands alone on the bridge,
clutching a gleaming longsword in its pale hands.
The figure is recognizably similar to the revenant standing
guard at Tser Falls. If approached, it hails the players and
asks after their destination.
If the players tell the revenant that they are traveling to
Krezk, it warns them that the burgomaster of Krezk, Baron
Dmitri Krezkov, has grown wary of the outside world, and
that few things have passed between Krezk’s gates in recent
weeks. However, the revenant notes that the Krezkov line has
long been an honorable one, and that the players may be able
to find a way to persuade Baron Krezkov to lend them
hospitality.
If the players tell the revenant that they are traveling to the
Abbey of Saint Markovia to seek a cure for their disease, it
rumbles, “You travel to a dark place, friends. But a being of
great age and power indeed dwells there, and may aid you—if
not offended.” The revenant is willing to share the following
information if asked:
Years before Strahd von Zarovich arrived in the valley,
Saint Markovia, a cleric of the Morninglord, built the
Abbey atop a spur of Mount Baratok as a sanctuary for
those fleeing from war and devastation.
When the Mists surrounded the valley, Saint Markovia
condemned Strahd as a tyrant, and raised a small army to
march upon Castle Ravenloft. Her revolt was put down,
however, and Markovia lost her life in single combat with
Strahd.
With Markovia’s death, the monks and nuns of the Abbey
withdrew in despair. Before long, paranoia and madness
infiltrated their ranks, until none remained alive. Rumors
of cannibalism abounded for decades afterward, and most
folk shunned the Abbey altogether.
Just over a century ago, the Abbot arrived in the valley and
reopened the Abbey. The revenant isn’t sure of the Abbot’s
true nature or intentions, but is confident that he is far
older—and far more powerful—than any of the knights of
the Order of the Silver Dragon.
If asked, the revenant can also provide directions to the
mansion of Argynvostholt: The players must travel east
toward the Luna River Crossroads, taking the ash-gray trail
that splits south from the Old Svalich Road shortly before
arriving.
196
As the players depart, the revenant warns them that the
werewolf pack of Mount Baratok has expanded its territory—
and its ferocity—as of late, and advises them to be cautious as
they travel the roads.
The road to Krezk is as described in S1. Road Junction (p.
143).
J2. The Gates of Krezk
The gates of Krezk are largely as described in S2. Gatehouse
(p. 145). If the players have already defeated the druids
occupying the Wizard of Wines in Arc K: The Missing Gem,
Baron Krezkov recognizes them from the descriptions shared
by Adrian and Elvir Martikov and welcomes them gladly into
Krezk. Proceed to J9. The Village of Krezk below.
Otherwise, rather than asking the players to secure a
wagonload of wine from the Wizard of Wines, Baron Krezkov
asks the players to journey to the hut of the witch Baba
Lysaga in the ruins of Berez to the southeast. There, he tells
them, they must beseech Baba Lysaga to perform a scrying
spell to discern the location and condition of a particular
person.
If the players accept Baron Krezkov’s task, he provides
them with a few strands of dark hair for Baba Lysaga to use
in her scrying, as well as a large gold bracelet inset with
intricate carvings of wolves and ravens (worth 300 gp) as a
gift to purchase her favor.
If asked, Baron Krezkov confesses that the missing person
is his son, Ilya Krezkov, who disappeared several days ago. A
successful DC 15 Wisdom (Insight) check reveals that he is
not telling the entire truth, though he is unwilling to share
more.
J3. The Road to Berez
The journey from the village of Krezk to the Ruins of Berez
is eight-and-three-quarter miles long and takes three hours.
To get to Berez, the players must first retrace their steps to
the Luna River Crossroads, then head south.
J3a. The Needle Blight Horde
Soon after the players depart the Raven River Crossroads,
they cross paths with a horde of ten needle blights migrating
toward the Wizard of Wines winery. Read:
The fresh corpse of an enormous wolf, easily the size of an elk,
lies splayed across the center of the road. Its sides and face
have been pierced with hundreds of needle-like thorns, and a
pool of blood has gathered beneath its well-muscled neck.
Suddenly, a flurry of black feathers erupts from the trees to
the north, as a flock of ravens takes to the skies not a hundred
yards from the edge of the road, their panicked cries echoing
in the chill air. From the thicket beneath them, you hear the
rhythmic and unmistakable sound of numerous, inhuman
footsteps, and can make out the outline of a horde of
shambling, thorned, shadows in the dim light. The figures,
which appear to be approaching a bend in the road a short
ways ahead of your position, don’t seem to have noticed you
yet—but their silhouettes grow closer with each passing
second.
The players can do battle with the blights, or they can hide in
the thickets to avoid the horde’s attention with a successful
DC 10 group Dexterity (Stealth) check, as described in
Group Checks (Player’s Handbook, p. 175).
J3b. The Luna River Path
As the players depart the Luna River Crossroads, read:
Leaving the crossroads behind, you set a southern course
alongside the Luna River, whose waters reflect only the gray of
the sky above as it winds its way through the valley.
Though the trees of the Svalich Wood close in oppressively
on either side to start, it’s not long before the forest’s edge
pulls away from the river and road, revealing a tributary that
spills into the river from the mountains. The Luna River here
encircles a small, forlorn isle dotted with tall evergreen trees,
which stand like silent sentinels as the river flows around
them.
Not far from the road, upon a small peninsula that juts out
into the river, stands a mossy stone slab standing just under
six feet in height. It rests on an old, cracked stone circle, and
seems to bear some kind of carving.
If the players choose to investigate the slab, they find that it
bears a carving of a spider over an engraved three-pointed
star, the grooves lined with lichen and moss. (The slab is an
ancient monument to the Weaver, and the three-pointed star
the symbol of the Ladies Three.) Otherwise, read:
Ahead, twin spurs of Mount Ghakis rise on either side of the
road, enclosing it in a valley choked with fog. The mists hang
thick in the air here, muffling every sound and glimmer of light
as the road grows muddy and wet.
Soon, as the fog swallows up the road behind you, it pulls
back like a curtain to reveal a tall gnarled tree, ancient in years
and thrusting up through the mist like a hunched-over obelisk.
Rusted metal cages hang from its dead limbs, and strands of
old spiderwebs cling to its trunk like gossamer veils.
An enormous bird crafted of burlap, wood, and animal skins
sits atop the thickest branch, its gourd-shaped head peering at
you with coal-black eyes. With a low, grating shriek, it spreads
its wings and takes to the air, the mists swirling about its
creaking wings as it heads to the south.
The bird is a greater strix, and is leaving to alert Baba
Lysaga that outsiders are approaching the swamp. If
attacked, it attempts to gain elevation until it escapes the
players’ range. As a sentry and scout, it has no desire to do
battle.
J4. The Ruins of Berez
J4a. Approaching the Ruins
The players’ approach of Berez is largely as described in
Approaching the Ruins (p. 161). However, revise the
descriptive text as follows:
The dirt and grass soon turn to marsh as the ground dissolves
into spongy earth pockmarked with stands of tall reeds and
pools of stagnant water. A thick shroud of fog covers all,
though the fog is much thinner on the far side of the river,
where a dark ring of standing stones stands amidst a copse of
gnarled trees covered in thick, bluish webs.
Before you, the trail splits to form two soggy paths that ring
a central, swampy green. One path runs alongside the swollen
river, while the other curls inland.
Scattered throughout the marsh alongside the paths are old
peasant cottages, their walls covered with black mildew and
their roofs mostly caved in. These decrepit dwellings seem to
hunker down in the mire, as though they have long since given
up on escaping the thick mud. Everywhere you look, black
clouds of flies dart about, hungry for blood.
Two old scarecrows lashed to wooden posts flank the trail
here, their burlap faces seeming to leer into the mists behind
you.
The two scarecrows are as described in Marsh Scarecrows
(p. 162). If the greater strix successfully alerted Baba Lysaga
to the players’ approach, add:
A light flashes amid the fog beyond the scarecrows, a
woman’s silhouette emerging from the swirling mist.
The silhouette belongs to Wensencia, a shrill, mocking, and
sharp-tongued Barovian witch from Vallaki who has been
studying under Baba Lysaga for the past three months.
(Wensencia, like Baba Lysaga’s six other current students,
viewed Strahd’s revival as the coming of a dark messiah, and
sought out the swamp witch at the advice of Strahd’s
vampiric bride, Ludmilla Vilisevic.)
Wensencia curtly informs the players that “Mother Lysaga”
has summoned them to her cottage, and that they must
follow her if they wish to reach it safely. She asks no
questions and answers none, except to tell the players that
none come to Berez except to seek “Mother Lysaga’s” favor,
and that Baba Lysaga alone will determine whether they may
earn it.
J4b. Baba Lysaga’s Hut
Baba Lysaga’s Hut is as described in U3. Baba Lysaga’s Hut
(p. 163). However, the sound of a soft lullaby can be heard
emanating from the hut’s open doorframe, muffled by the
sound of the ravens’ squawks. Additionally, if the greater
strix warned Baba Lysaga of the players’ arrival, it is perched
atop the hut, silently watching the players as they approach.
Upon arriving at the base of the stump on which the hut is
perched, if Wensencia is present, she announces the players’
presence before turning to depart. (Note that, because the hut
is built atop an enormous stump, the players must climb the
roots of the stump to reach the hut’s entrance and front door.)
If the players enter the hut, they find Baba Lysaga
humming a lullaby above the illusory child and crib.
Otherwise, the lullaby ends one minute after the players
arrive; if Baba Lysaga was alerted to the players’ arrival by
the greater strix, she then emerges to greet them.
197

The Megaliths
The megaliths beyond the Luna River demarcate
the boundaries of the Swamp Fane: the shrine to
the Weaver of the Ladies Three.
(The Swamp Fane is named as such because,
before the multiple invasions of the valley, this area
was originally a swamp. It was King Dostron who
dammed up the tributary to the Luna River from
Mount Ghakis to the northeast, thereby creating
arable land that his troops could farm—and Strahd
who destroyed that dam using the powers of the
Fanes as Berez's punishment following Marina's
death.)
As the players approach the megaliths, read:
A circle of stout, smooth megaliths stands amidst
thick mud at the center of a copse of gnarled
trees not far from the river's edge. The trees and
standing stones are choked with a thick shroud
of bluish-white webs, whose thick cords seem to
shimmer with an ethereal quality.
The area within the stones is obscured by the
cover provided by the webs, which are described in
Webs (Dungeon Master's Guide, p. 105). If the
players reach the center of the circle, they find that
a five-foot-diameter stone of smooth, black onyx is
half-buried at the center of the circle. The stone
has no visible marks or symbols upon its surface,
and is impervious to all damage and attempts to
move it.
The stone is the door to a secret demiplane that
contains the Boneshadow Husk, one of the three
profane leeches that Strahd set to consume the
energies of the Fanes. To open it, the players will
need to cut its surface with the cursed dagger of
Leo Dilisnya, which they can obtain from the
sarcophagus of the Vampyr in the Amber Temple.
See Arc U: The Amber Temple and Arc Y: The Ladies
of the Fanes for more information about Leo
Dilisnya’s dagger and the Swamp Fane.
One minute after the players enter the shroud of
webs, their presence draws the attention of one
phase spider, which uses its ethereal jaunt to briefly
flicker into (then out of) the Material Plane. The
following round, the first phase spider repeats the
process, now joined by five additional phase
spiders, before all return to the Ethereal Plane. If
the players remain within the webs, all of the
spiders attack the following round.
Baba Lysaga is tentatively willing to grant the players an
audience, assuming they have not yet battled the druids
occupying the Wizard of Wines winery in Arc K: The
Missing Gem. (If the players have already done so, Baba
Lysaga attacks them on sight.) However, if the players offend
Baba Lysaga—such as by asserting that the baby in the crib is
illusory and proceeding to argue about it, or by expressing
distaste for Strahd and refusing to apologize to the “baby”—
she orders them to leave her hut, attacking if they refuse.
198
To earn the right to speak with her, Baba Lysaga ordains
that one of the players must first pluck a feather from one of
the ravens in the hanging cages and lay it in “Strahd’s” crib as
an offering. (Baba Lysaga notes that ravens are said to be the
servants of prophecy, and that the fate of a royal child should
be exalted above all others. The feather, if plucked, falls
through the illusory crib to the floor of the hut, but the mad
Baba Lysaga pays it no mind.)
Once the players have made the requested offering, Baba
Lysaga is glad to do business with them. She is willing to
accept Baron Krezkov’s gold bracelet as the payment for a
single scrying spell. Should the players request it, she is also
willing to accept an item of similar value to cast scrying a
second time on a target of the players’ choice.
Upon accepting Baron Krezkov’s payment, Baba Lysaga
directs the players to travel to the goat pen beside U2. Ulrich
Mansion (p. 162) and fetch a single live goat. (Baba Lysaga
needs the blood of the live goat to create a medium through
which to perform her scrying ritual.) Though there is no gate
in the fence of the goat pen, she informs the players that they
can magically create one by speaking the passphrase: “Death
to Ravenovia.”
If asked about the strix, Lysaga gleefully explains that they
are an artifact of her own creation—excellent for killing or
capturing ravens, which she loathes.
If asked about Lady Fiona Wachter, Lysaga’s mood
plummets, and she darkly warns the players never to speak
“that foolish girl’s” name again in her presence.
J4c. The Scrying Spell
The goat pen is largely as described in U2. Ulrich Mansion
(p. 162). However, speaking the passphrase “Death to
Ravenovia” while within 10 feet of the goat pen creates a gate
in the wooden fence for one minute. The players can capture
a goat by knocking one unconscious, by restraining or leading
it with a rope, or by grappling it and pulling it directly to the
hut. If conscious, a captured goat struggles and bleats
pathetically while being led toward the hut.
Baba Lysaga’s Cure
If the players ask Baba Lysaga to cure their disease,
she dismisses their request with a cackle, claiming
that her price would be far too high for them to
afford, and that they would not enjoy her remedy.
She refuses to discuss the matter further, hinting
only that “flesh must pay for the sanctity of flesh.”
If the players successfully retrieve a goat for Baba Lysaga,
she retrieves a rusted, blood-stained dagger from her wicker
cabinet and directs the players to orient the goat such that its
neck is above the bathtub. Read:
With a swift and seemingly practiced ease, Baba Lysaga slits
the goat’s throat. A sudden, hush gush of blood spills into the
tub, filling it with a deep, visceral red. The goat’s body tenses,
then relaxes, its death mercifully quick as the hut fills with the
metallic tang of fresh blood.
Baba Lysaga then commands the players to dispose of the
goat’s body in the grass outside of the hut. She warns them
that they must not speak a word while she is within the grasp
of the spell, lest they disturb her focus. She then begins to
cast the scrying spell. Read:
WIth the dripping dagger clutched in one shriveled hand, Baba
Lysaga begins to trace strange, arcane symbols across the
surface of the goat’s blood with the other, her fingers leaving
trails of eerie, shimmering magic.
The light in the room dims as the shadows grow darker, the
air stilled by an eerie silence broken only by the witch’s
murmuring incantations.
Magic seeps from her fingertips, flowing like water into the
tub of blood. Gradually, the crimson pool begins to ripple and
churn, shimmering with silvery light—and then abruptly stills,
now as smooth and reflective as a mirror. Baba Lysaga leans
forward to peer into the pool, her eyes flickering with a gleam
of interest and cruelty.
“I see a boy,” she hisses, “adolescent, shaggy-haired, and
claw-scarred.” Her voice is a mixture of intrigue and mockery,
and she licks her lips in obvious amusement. “They have
collared him with silver, and chained him to a post. There he
sits, huddled and pathetic. His eyes, oh, they are hidden,
buried in his knees as he snivels and sobs.”
She frowns, as if concentrating, and her voice drops to a
rasping whisper. “The post is in a cavern—a dismal chamber lit
by flickering torchlight. There is another youth beside him—
pale-faced and chained to the wall. I see a statue of a woman,
wolf-headed—an idol to Mother Night, adorned in garlands
and surrounded by a bounty of treasure. Rotting corpses hang
from the walls around her, and a she-wolf lies curled upon the
floor at her feet. It bears the gift of Mother Night—I can smell
it.”
Lysaga’s fingers twitch—and the blood returns to its
previous state, rippling faintly as the magic dissipates.
If asked, Baba Lysaga can inform the players that the she-wolf
was a werewolf, and that Mother Night is—in addition to her
divine portfolio of trickery, death, and the occult—the patron
deity of lycanthropes.
Baba Lysaga cannot tell the players, however, where the
cavern is actually located, noting scornfully that the scrying
spell observes only a creature’s immediate surroundings. To
rescue the boy she saw, the players will need to find the cave
on their own.
J5. Return to Krezk
Upon their return to Krezk, the players experience the Lost
Battlefield (p. 166) event as they pass the point where the
Luna River splits.
J6. The Village of Krezk
If the players return successfully to Krezk with information
obtained from Baba Lysaga’s scrying spell and share it with
Baron Krezkov, he gratefully grants them entry into the
village.
The village of Krezk is as described in S3. Village of
Krezk (p. 145). Once the players are within the village walls,
Baron Krezkov is glad to share any or all of the information
provided in Krezk Lore (p. 146).
If the players mention their interest in the Abbey of Saint
Markovia, Baron Krezkov warns them of the Abbey’s sordid
history, as well as the strange rumors surrounding the Abbot.
He is glad, however, to provide the players with directions if
requested.
Milestone. Obtaining Baba Lysaga’s aid completes a story
milestone. When the players first gain safe passage through
Krezk’s village gates, award each player 750 XP.
Seeking the Abbot
If the players have journeyed to Krezk to seek a
cure for cackle fever or their foretold ally, they
must climb a switchback road up the spur of
Mount Baratok, which is as described in S5.
Winding Road (p. 147). The road leads to S6. North
Gate (p. 147).
If the players awaken Otto and Zygfrek Belview
by opening the gate or noisily climbing over the
wall, the two mongrelfolk greet the players as
described in S6. North Gate (p. 147). If the players
accompany Otto and Zygfrek past S7. Graveyard (p.
148), through S10. Abbey Entrance, and into S12.
Courtyard (p. 150), the two Belviews ask them to
wait while they enter S13. Main Hall (p. 150) and
inform the Abbot of the players’ arrival. One
minute later, Otto and Zygfrek return and invite the
players inside to speak with the Abbot.
The main hall of the Abbey is largely as
described in S13. Main Hall (p. 150). If the players
seem friendly and ask for a cure for cackle fever,
the Abbot is glad to immediately use his healing
touch to cure their cackle fever. In exchange, he
asks them to promise to secure a bridal gown for
his flesh golem Vasilka within the next three days. If
the players agree to do so, they immediately begin
Arc O: Something Borrowed.
In gratitude for the players’ assistance, the Abbot
also offers them a tour of the Abbey. He notes that
it’s rare for the Abbey to have more than two sets
of guests in such a short time, but suggests that
they might enjoy the company of the Abbey’s
other temporary occupant—a Vistani by the name
of Ezmerelda d’Avenir. If the players accept, the
Abbot leads them on a brief tour as described in
Arc M: Strahd’s Enemy.
199
 Design Notes: The Walls of Krezk
This early, optional arc has been added to provide the players
with a means of entering the village of Krezk prior to
defeating the druids at the Wizard of Wines winery in Arc K:
The Missing Gem in Act III: The Devil's Hand—an event
that, coincidentally, simultaneously opens Krezk's gates and
solidifies Baba Lysaga's role as a personal foe to the party.
The Road to Krezk. The revenant at the bridge by the
Raven River Crossroads has been added to mirror the
revenant at Tser Falls in Arc C: Into the Valley, to remind
the players of their standing invitation to Argynvostholt
(which will be explored in Arc R: The Beacon of
Argynvostholt), to introduce the concept that the players may
need to undertake some quest in order to gain entry to
Krezk's walls, and to introduce additional lore regarding the
Abbot and Saint Markovia herself (both of which will play a
stronger role in Arc Q: St. Markovia's Plea).
The Gates of Krezk. Baron Krezkov's request has been
added to provide the players with an opportunity to explore
Berez and encounter Baba Lysaga in a peaceful context prior
to Arc W: Baba Lysaga's Revenge, and to introduce Ilya
Krezkov's fate prior to Arc O: The Den of Wolves.
The Road to Berez. The encounter with the needle blight
horde has been intentionally adapted from the original
module in order to provide an opportunity for a tense, but
ultimately harmless roadside encounter for parties afflicted
with cackle fever.
The greater strix has been placed as a sentry outside of
Berez to expressly connect its origins to Baba Lysaga herself.
The Ruins of Berez. Wensencia and the other Barovian
witches in Berez have been added to lend additional
character depth to Baba Lysaga and to provide additional
context to the coven of witches in Castle Ravenloft, whom the
players can encounter in Arc T: Ravenloft Heist. Wensencia
and her peers will appear again in Arc W: Baba Lysaga's
Revenge to pose additional complications to the players'
efforts to rescue the Martikovs from Baba Lysaga's wrath.
The use of the goat in Baba Lysaga's ritual has been added
to foreshadow the players' fate should they TPK to Baba
Lysaga and her creeping hut in or before Arc W: Baba
Lysaga's Revenge.

200
You’ve Reached the Edge of the Mists
You’ve reached the end of the current public
release of the Curse of Strahd: Reloaded guide.
To get a sneak peek at drafts for K: The Missing
Gem and Arc L: Dinner with the Devil, as well as
outlines and notes for Act IV: Into the West and the
remainder of the adventure, support the guide by
joining the author’s Patreon.

201
 Appendix: NPC Profiles
Allies & Companions
Ireena Kolyana
Roleplaying Information
Resonance. Ireena should inspire flattery with her genuine
interest in the players' goals and interests, sympathy for her
fear that Strahd's attack on Barovia was somehow her fault,
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, 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 defiantly, 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.
The Durst Family
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.
202
Relationships. Rose is Thorn Durst's older sister, Walter
Durst's half-sibling, and the eldest child of Elisabeth and
Gustav Durst.
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.
Village of Barovia
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 Ned Stark
(Game of Thrones), Boromir (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 Antonovich the
Great.
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).
Character Information
Persona. To the world, Parriwimple is a cheerful, simple-
minded young man. To those he trusts, Parriwimple is a
thoughtful, insightful, yet grieving orphan, desperate to move
past his parents’ deaths by proving useful to others.
Morale. In a fight, Parriwimple would hold up his hands
and plead for peace. If ignored, however, he would swiftly use
his strength to restrain any combatants—with righteous fury
if defending his uncle Bildrath.
Relationships. Parriwimple is an orphan and the nephew
of the general-store owner Bildrath Cantemir.
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 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.
Doru
Roleplaying Information
Resonance. Doru should inspire sympathy for his
struggles against his vampiric nature, mild discomfort with
his occasionally inhuman mannerisms, and endearment for
his clear dedication to his father and Gertruda.
Emotions. Doru most often feels grief, guilt, shame,
desperation, resignation, and hope.
Motivations. Doru wants to reconcile with his father and
ensure Gertruda's safety.
Inspirations. When playing Doru, channel Theon Grejoy
(Game of Thrones), Zuko (Avatar: The Last Airbender), Jesse
Pinkman (Breaking Bad), and Steve Harrington (Stranger
Things).
Character Information.
Persona. To the world, Doru is a monstrous, bloodthirsty
vampire spawn. To those he trusts, Doru is a broken, guilty
man who is desperate to avoid hurting those he loves.
Morale. In a fight, Doru would ordinarily seek to flee to
avoid hurting anyone. However, if his father or Gertruda were
endangered, he would fight savagely to defend them.
Relationships. Doru is the son of Father Donavich, the
former best friend of Escher, and the betrothed of Gertruda.
Tser Pool
Madam Eva
Roleplaying Information
Resonance. Madam Eva should inspire discomfort with
her intimate knowledge of the players’ pasts, gratitude for her
dedication to the players’ journey, and reassurance with her
confident predictions.
Emotions. Madam Eva's most frequent emotions are
amusement, solemnity, concern, and contemplation.
Motivations. Madam Eva wants to see the land of Barovia
healed and freed from Strahd's corruption.
Inspirations. When playing Madam Eva, channel The
Ancient One (Doctor Strange) and the Fates (Hercules).
Character Information
Persona. To the world, Madam Eva appears as a wise, yet
maddened crone who speaks in prophecies and riddles. To
those she trusts, she appears as a kind, yet frustratingly
opaque and stubborn old woman.
Morale. In a fight, Madam Eva would calmly insist that her
opponent cease their attacks, then—if her Vistani aides prove
unable to stop her assailant—weaken them with the harm
spell before demanding their surrender.
Relationships. Madam Eva alone knows that she is an
avatar of the Seeker.
Town of Vallaki
The Blue Water Inn
Urwin Martikov
Roleplaying Information
Resonance. Urwin should inspire amusement 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.
203
 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.
Danika Dorakova
Roleplaying Information
Resonance. Danika should inspire amusement 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.
Rictavio
Roleplaying Information
Resonance. Rictavio should inspire amusement for his
flamboyant dress, his ringmaster’s extravagance, and his
colorful manner of speech, which most often includes
referring to himself in the third person.
Emotions. To onlookers, Rictavio most often appears to
feel amused, delighted, or satisfied.
Motivations. Rictavio wants to maintain his reputation as
an amusing, though somewhat outrageous carnival
ringmaster.
204
Inspirations. When planning Rictavio, channel Varrick
(Avatar: The Legend of Korra) or a stereotypical carnival
barker.
Character Information
Persona. To the world, Rictavio appears as a flamboyant,
irreverent, and occasionally narcissistic carnival ringmaster.
Morale. In a fight, Rictavio would attempt to fast-talk his
way out of trouble, fleeing from battle if hostilities seem
unavoidable. (He might, however, step in to defend an
innocent from harm at the hands of the supernatural—though
doing his best to preserve his secret identity.)
Relationships. Rictavio is secretly Dr. Rudolph van
Richten, the famed vampire hunter.
The Burgomaster’s Mansion
Baron Vargas Vallakovich
Roleplaying Information
Resonance. Vargas should inspire frustration with his
obstinance, disgust for his narcissistic arrogance, and mild
amusement 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.
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, sadistic, 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.
Victor Vallakovich
Roleplaying Information
Resonance. Victor should make the players feel annoyed
at his suspicion and condescension, sympathetic to his
anxiety, frustration, and desperation, and endeared to his
stubborn determination to see Stella healed.
Emotions. Victor most often feels curious, frustrated,
suspicious, excited, bored, anxious, desperate, or determined.
Motivations. Victor wants to restore Stella’s soul to her
body and escape Barovia.
Inspirations. When playing Victor, channel Jonathan Byers
(Stranger Things), Prince Zuko (Avatar: The Last Airbender),
Raven (Teen Titans), and Perrin Aybara (Wheel of Time).
Character Information
Persona. To the world, Victor is a quiet, moody, and
isolated young man with an awkward manner and a total lack
of social graces. To those he trusts, Victor is a devoted and
compassionate friend, with a spark of brilliance and the
stubbornness of a mule. Only Victor knows that he secretly
fears losing Stella’s friendship—both due to the harm caused
by his teleportation circle and due to the time she’s spent with
Erasmus van Richten in the Ethereal Plane.
Morale. In a fight, Victor would attempt to flee, but would
resort to his most dangerous spells with wanton and
amateurish abandon if cornered or if defending his friends or
family.
Relationships. Victor is the only child of Baron Vargas
Vallakovich and Baroness Lydia Petrovna. He is a close
friend to Stella Wachter, and a friendly (though wary)
acquaintance to the ghost of Erasmus van Richten. Victor
despises and fears Izek Strazni, who killed Victor’s childhood
cat, Miska, by kicking it across a room when it wandered into
his path two years ago. (Victor has since reanimated Miska’s
skeleton through the use of his animate dead spell.)
Additionally, Victor has only one skeleton cat, which is the
animated remains of his childhood cat, Miska. Victor’s
teleportation circle is perfectly constructed, and Victor has
leaned the full-length mirror from N3p. Bridal Gown and
Spirit Mirror (p. 108) against the wall beside the rug.
The mirror is a spirit mirror, a magical item that reflects
both the Material Plane and creatures in the Border Ethereal.
Upon entering the room, a player who looks into the mirror
sees a flash of a young woman’s silhouette that swiftly
vanishes—the spirit of Stella Wachter.
If the players have not already met Victor, he casts greater
invisibility as described in N3t. Victor’s Workroom (p. 109)
if alerted to their arrival, but clumsily knocks over a pile of
parchment as the players enter the room in his haste to hide.
A player who inspects the parchment sees that they are
covered with elaborate diagrams of teleportation circles.
Wachterhaus
Lady Fiona Wachter
Roleplaying Information
Resonance. Lady Wachter should inspire wariness for her
loyalty to Strahd, grudging respect for her streak of pragmatic
rationality, endearment for her dedication to her children,
and pity for the tragedy of her family.
Emotions. Lady Wachter most often feels concerned,
apprehensive, irate, melancholic, satisfied, thoughtful,
determined, stern, or (with her children) compassionate and
loving.
Motivations. Lady Wachter wants to keep Vallaki—and
especially her children—safe from harm. To that end, she
hopes to see Baron Vargas Vallakovich removed from power
and to reassure Strahd von Zarovich that Vallaki is no danger
to his rule.
Inspirations. When playing Lady Wachter, channel
Moiraine Damodred (The Wheel of Time), Olenna Tyrell
(Game of Thrones), Minerva McGonagall (Harry Potter), and
Lady Jessica (Dune).
Character Information
Persona. To the world, Lady Wachter is a cold, cunning,
and cordial noblewoman. To those she trusts, Lady Wachter
is a melancholic, wry, yet fiercely determined advocate for
what she sees as the good of Vallaki. Only Lady Wachter
herself appreciates the depth of love she feels for her children
—and her shattered sense of faith and hope.
Morale. In a fight, Lady Wachter would attempt to
negotiate or flee, seeking any means necessary to quell
hostilities, up to and including outright surrender. If
necessary to save her life or those of her children, however,
she would fight to the death with bitter ferocity.
Relationships. Lady Wachter is the widow of the deceased
Nikolai Wachter I, and the mother of Nikolai Wachter II, Karl
Wachter, and Stella Wachter. She is the employer of the spy
Ernst Larnak, and an outspoken critic of Baron Vargas
Vallakovich.
St. Andral’s Church
Father Lucian Petrovich
Roleplaying Information
Resonance. Father Petrovich should inspire gratitude with
his hospitality, flattery with his willingness to listen and
empathize, comfort with his warmth, serenity, and wisdom,
and sympathy for his anxiety regarding the missing bones
and the safety of his congregation.
Emotions. Father Petrovich’s most frequent emotions are
thoughtfulness, hopefulness, concern, and compassion.
Motivations. Father Petrovich wants to keep Vallaki's
spirits up, to keep the church a place of sanctuary and
comfort, and to raise Yeska as best as he can.
Inspirations. When playing Father Petrovich, channel
Uncle Iroh (Avatar: The Last Airbender), Michael Carpenter
and Father Forthill (The Dresden Files), and Mr. Rogers (Mr.
Rogers' Neighborhood).
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 Character Information
Persona. To strangers, Father Petrovich is a serene,
humble, and compassionate priest who is always happy to
share a word of praise or a few pearls of wisdom. To those he
trusts, Father Petrovich is a dedicated and stalwart defender
of his community, who nonetheless worries about his ability
to keep his congregants safe. Deep down, Father Petrovich
harbors a twinge of doubt about the Morninglord's
providence and power, wondering if Strahd's awakening is a
test of Barovians' faith or a sign that the land is forsaken
forever.
Morale. In a fight, Father Petrovich would prefer to
dissuade his attackers, surrendering peacefully if necessary
to avoid unnecessary bloodshed. However, if an innocent life
or the members of his congregation were threatened, he
would fight to the death with a prayer on his lips and peace in
his heart.
Relationships. Father Petrovich is a mentor and father
figure to the orphan and altar boy Yeska, the employer of the
groundskeeper Milivoj, the brother of Baroness Lydia
Petrovna, and the distant descendant of Tasha Petrovna, an
ancient cleric of the Morninglord whose remains are kept in
the catacombs of Castle Ravenloft.
Milivoj
Roleplaying Information
Resonance. Milivoj should inspire scorn with his gruff,
cynical, and stubborn personality, sympathy for his frustration
at his parents' addiction to dream pastries, and endearment
to him for his wholehearted dedication to provide for his
siblings, no matter the cost to himself.
Emotions. Milivoj's most frequent emotions are
annoyance, worry, frustration, boredom, bitterness, and
cynicism, and (when with his siblings) compassion, mirth,
and joy.
Motivations. Milivoj wants to provide for himself and his
siblings.
Inspirations. When playing Milivoj, channel Katniss
Everdeen (The Hunger Games), Arya Stark (Game of
Thrones), and Carl Fredericksen (Up).
Character Information
Persona. To strangers, Milivoj is a quiet, gruff, and
hardworking groundskeeper. To those he trusts, Milivoj is a
loving and dedicated elder sibling, a frustrated and bitter son,
and a desperate and confused young man.
Morale. In a fight, Milivoj would brandish his shovel in an
attempt to get his attacker to back down, but would quickly
surrender if seriously wounded. (If defending his siblings,
however, Milivoj would fiercely and gladly fight to the death.)
Relationships. Milivoj is employed by Father Lucian
Petrovich, secretly works for the coffin maker Henrik van der
Voort, and is the eldest of nine children belonging to Oleg and
Jarzinka, two dream pastry-addicted Vallakians.
Town Square
Gadof Blinsky
Roleplaying Information
Resonance. Blinsky should inspire amusement with his
accent, attire, and morbid aesthetic, endearment for his
loneliness and sincerity, and sympathy for his terror of Izek.
206
Emotions. Blinsky most often feels cheerful, frightened,
anxious, lonely, joyful, or melancholy.
Motivations. Blinsky wants to use his macabre toys to
bring joy to Barovia’s children and to succeed Fritz von
Weerg as the greatest toymaker of history.
Inspirations. When playing Blinsky, channel Olaf (Frozen),
Rubeus Hagrid (Harry Potter), and Gepetto (Pinocchio),
Character Information
Persona. To the world, Gadof Blinsky is a cheerful
toymaker with a love for the macabre. To those he trusts,
Blinsky is a lonely and anxious man, fearful that his work will
never be good enough to win his customers’ love.
Morale. In a fight, Blinsky would plead for peace,
stumbling over himself and babbling for mercy while looking
for an opportunity to flee.
Relationships. Blinsky owns Piccolo, a pet monkey that
was given to him by Rictavio, the traveling ringmaster.
Blinsky also makes dolls resembling Ireena Kolyana for Izek
Strazni, and receives a humble stipend to craft decorations
for Baron Vallakovich’s weekly festivals.
Vistani Encampment
Luvash
Roleplaying Information
Resonance. Luvash should make the players feel
sympathetic to his grief, endeared to his dedication to his
daughter, irritated with his stubbornness, and mildly
uncomfortable with his hot temper.
Emotions. Luvash most often feels angered, melancholy,
anxious, guilty, desperate, frustrated, joyful, content, amused,
or grateful.
Motivations. Luvash wants to ensure that his daughter,
Arabelle, is safe and loved, and that the families of the Vistani
encampment can thrive and prosper.
Inspirations. When playing Luvash, channel Boromir (The
Lord of the Rings), Robert Baratheon (A Game of Thrones),
Bob Parr (The Incredibles), and Wolverine (X-Men).
Character Information
Persona. To the world, Luvash is a gruff, stubborn brawler
with an impatient spirit and a heart of gold. To those he
trusts, Luvash is a fiercely devoted father with a soft and
gentle compassion—but near-overwhelmed by anxiety for the
safety of his daughter.
Morale. In a fight, Luvash would draw his blade to protect
his people without a moment’s hesitation, but would swiftly
sheathe it if necessary to keep Arabelle safe.
Relationships. Luvash is the elder brother of Arrigal, one
of Strahd’s spies. (Luvash doesn’t know that Arrigal is a spy
for Strahd.) Luvash is also the father of Arabelle, whose
mother was one of Madam Eva’s descendants, and—along
with Arrigal—one of the two leaders of the Vistani camp
outside of Vallaki.
Arrigal
Roleplaying Information
Resonance. Arrigal should make the players feel insulted
by his slight condescension, unnerved by his intense curiosity
and veneer of cheerful courtesy, and—when they learn of it—
both disgusted by and sympathetic to his decision to serve
Strahd.
Emotions. Arrigal most often feels curious, suspicious,
frustrated, resentful, relaxed, or amused.
Motivations. Arrigal wants to protect his family and ensure
a bright future for Barovia’s Vistani, free of the resentments
of the small-minded Barovians—a goal which he intends to
accomplish by serving Strahd.
Inspirations. When playing Arrigal, channel Loki (Thor),
Littlefinger (A Game of Thrones), and Hannibal Lecter (The
Silence of the Lambs).
Character Information
Persona. To the world, Arrigal is Luvash’s enforcer and
adviser: a cautious, cheerful, and curious man who prefers to
remain aloof from the troubles of others. To those he trusts,
Arrigal is a dedicated uncle, a fierce advocate for the Vistani,
and a duelist with a slew of deadly skills. Only Arrigal knows
that he serves Strahd von Zarovich faithfully as one of his
spies—and that he would go to great lengths to serve the
vampire’s will in exchange for the prosperity of his family and
people.
Morale. In a fight, Arrigal would act with ruthless cunning,
retreating as necessary before striking from the shadows,
using deceit, manipulation, or dirty tricks to ensure an
advantage.
Relationships. Arrigal is Luvash’s younger brother and
Arabelle’s uncle. He is also a spy for Strahd and makes
regular reports to Anastrasya, one of Strahd’s vampiric
brides.
Kasimir Velikov
Roleplaying Information
Resonance. Kasimir should make the players feel grateful
for his competence and genuine interest in assisting them,
mildly insulted by his slight condescension, mildly suspicious
of his caginess, and sympathetic to his sorrow for the plight
of his people.
Emotions. Kasimir most often feels curious, frustrated,
suspicious, excited, melancholy, nostalgic, somber, or
regretful.
Motivations. Kasimir wants to ensure the safety of the
dusk elves and resurrect his sister, Patrina, once he’s freed
her of Strahd’s dark influence and seen Strahd destroyed.
Inspirations. When playing Kasimir, channel Stephen
Strange (Doctor Strange), Sherlock Holmes (Sherlock),
Spock (Star Trek), and the Twelfth Doctor (Doctor Who).
Character Information
Persona. To the world, Kasimir is a quiet and withdrawn
scholar, with a powerful curiosity and a fierce dedication to
his people. To those he trusts, Kasimir is a lost and broken
man, guilt-ridden for his role in Patrina’s death and resigned
to somber despair for the dusk elves’ future. Only Kasimir
knows the lengths to which he is willing to go to resurrect his
sister—and the price he is willing to pay.
Morale. In a fight, Kasimir would attempt to negotiate a
peace, but would not hesitate to unleash his most powerful
spells—or use his magic to escape—if a diplomatic solution
proved untenable.
Relationships. Kasimir is the leader of the dusk elf
encampment and the younger brother of the late Patrina
Velikovna, a banshee who resides in the catacombs of Castle
Ravenloft. Kasimir is also the cousin of Rahadin, Strahd’s
chamberlain, and the nephew of the late dusk elf prince,
Erevan Löwenhart. (Kasimir is not a direct blood relation of
Erevan, who married Kasimir’s aunt, Lorelei.)
Castle Ravenloft
Volenta Popofsky
Roleplaying Information
Resonance. Volenta should inspire revulsion with her
obsession with pain and gore, discomfort with her sadistic
and psychotic personality, and a strange sort of flattery with
her flirtatious—if eccentric—attitude.
Emotions. Volenta most often feels amused, curious,
irritated, bored, fascinated, enraged, and gleeful.
Motivations. Volenta wants to impress Strahd and earn
her place as foremost among his brides, to satisfy her
frequent sadistic urges, and to find novel ways to cause
suffering and pain through tinkering and innovation.
Inspirations. When playing Volenta, channel Jinx (Arcane),
Ty Lee (Avatar: The Last Airbender), and Harley Quinn
(Batman).
Character Information
Persona. To strangers, Volenta is a manic, impulsive, and
trigger-happy sadist with a flair for invention and innovation.
Morale. In a fight, Volenta would gleefully relish the
opportunity to test her custom-made weapons on hostile
subjects—and, when pushed far enough, to tear those
subjects apart with her bare hands and teeth.
Relationships. Volenta is fanatically loyal to Strahd von
Zarovich, and views his other brides and consosrts—
especially Anastrasya, Ludmilla, and Escher—with deep
resentment, jealousy, and suspicion.
207

Appendix: Amber Shards
Throughout the adventure, the players will have the
opportunity to obtain one or more amber shards—fragments
of the amber sarcophagi that imprison the vestiges of the
Amber Temple.
Though they don't carry the full essence of the vestiges,
each amber shard bears a psychic link to the sarcophagus
from which it came. Through that link, a vestige can whisper
to the shard's holder, offering promises of power in exchange
for descent into corruption.
Stage One
In this stage, the player is a mere possessor of the amber
shard, likely unaware of the true power it offers.
The first time that the player is reduced to 0 hit points and
knocked unconscious while possessing the shard, a dark
silhouette appears to them in a vision and offers to help them
escape the specter of death and return to the fight. The
silhouette names no price, and remains silent unless the
player accepts their offer.
If the player accepts, they regain all of their hit points. The
player then proceeds to Stage Two of the shard's corruption.
If they decline, the vestige does not appear to them again
unless the player falls unconscious in a particularly dire
situation.
Stage Two
In this stage, the player is aware of the shard's unnatural
power, but unable to contact the vestige for further aid.
The first time that the player is reduced to half of their
maximum hit points or fewer while in combat, the silhouette's
voice speaks to them in their mind. The vestige offers to grant
the player the power to strike down their foes.
If the player accepts, they gain a number of temporary hit
points equal to twice their proficiency bonus at the start of
each of their turns for 1 minute. During that time, the player
can also cast a particular spell once as a bonus action
without expending a spell slot and without components, as
given in the Amber Corruption section below. Upon granting
these boons, the vestige's voice invites the player to commune
with its shard if they wish to obtain the power they seek. The
player then proceeds to Stage Three of the shard's
corruption.
If the player declines the voice's offer, the vestige does not
contact them again unless the player is reduce to half of their
maximum hit points or fewer while in combat with an enemy
that they particularly loathe.
Stage Three
In this stage, the player has tasted of the shard's eldritch
power and wishes to pursue it further.
The player can successfully commune with the vestige by
meditating for 1 minute while focusing their thoughts on the
shard. The vestige's voice then speaks to them in their mind,
offering them a permanent boon as a gift, and as a taste of
the full power that they can obtain should they travel to the
vestige's home in the Amber Temple.
208
If the player accepts, they gain a particular boon, as given
in the Amber Corruption section below. The player also
suffers a particular condition, as given on the same table. The
condition is incurable without the aid of a greater restoration
spell or similar magic.
If the player asks the vestige about the condition, the
vestige informs them that the condition is a byproduct of the
imperfect connection forged by the shards. It invites that
player to the Amber Temple to receive the vestige's full gift
and complete their transformation.
If the player declines the voice's offer, they can commune
with the vestige again at any subsequent time by repeating
the same process.
Amber Corruption
Fekre, Queen of Poxes
Spell. Stinking Cloud.
Boon. When you make a critical hit, you can force the
target to succeed on a constitution saving throw or be
poisoned. The target can repeat the saving throw at the end
of each of its turns, ending the effect on a success.
Condition. Your body is covered in boils and pustules.
Other creatures have disadvantage on Wisdom (Medicine)
checks made to stabilize you.
Zrin-Hala, the Howling Storm
Spell. Lightning Bolt.
Boon. When you make a critical hit, you can force the
target to succeed on a constitution saving throw or be
paralyzed until the start of your next turn.
Condition. One side of your face sags and loses all feeling.
You have disadvantage on Charisma (Persuasion) checks.
Sykane, the Soul Hungerer
Spell. Spirit Guardians (Necrotic).
Boon. You make death saving throws with advantage, and
have advantage made on Wisdom (Medicine) checks made to
stabilize other creatures.
Condition. Your eyes glow a sickly yellow. You have
disadvantage on Charisma (Deception) checks.
Savnok, the Inscrutable
Spell. Greater Invisibility.
Boon. You have advantage on Charisma (Deception)
checks.
Condition. Your eyes melt away, leaving empty sockets that
can still see. You have disadvantage on Wisdom (Perception)
checks.
Tarakemedes, the Grave Wyrm
Spell. Fly.
Boon. While aloft, you gain a flying speed equal to your
walking speed. However, you can't use this speed to gain
altitude, and you descend 1 foot for every 10 feet of
horizontal distance covered.
Condition. Malformed skeletal wings sprout from your
back. You must eat bones or grave dirt to survive. At dawn, if
you have not eaten at least 1 pound of bones or grave dirt in
the past 24 hours, you gain 1 level of exhaustion.
Shami-Amourae, the Lady of Delights
Spell. Suggestion.
Boon. You have advantage on Charisma (Persuasion)
checks.
Condition. You gain an extra finger on each hand. You have
disadvantage on Constitution saving throws against poison,
spells, and magical effects.
Drizlash, the Nine-Eyed Spider
Shard Location: The Amber Temple
Spell. Web.
Boon. You can climb difficult surfaces, including upside
down on ceilings, without needing to make an ability check.
Condition. You grow an extra eye somewhere on your
body, which is blind and never open. You have disadvantage
on Wisdom (Insight) checks.
Dahlver-Nar, He of the Many Teeth
Spell. Polymorph.
Boon. When you would be reduced to 0 hit points, you can
use your reaction to drop to 1 hit point instead and gain 1
level of exhaustion.
Condition. You lose all of your teeth. You have
disadvantage on Charisma (Persuasion) checks.
Zantras, the Kingmaker
Spell. Charm Monster.
Boon. You have advantage on Charisma (Persuasion)
checks.
Condition. Your skin turns red and your teeth become filed
points. You have disadvantage on Wisdom saving throws.
Delban, the Star of Ice and Hate
Spell. Hunger of Hadar.
Boon. When you make a critical hit, you can force the
target to succeed on a strength saving throw or be restrained
by ice until the end of its next turn.
Condition. Your skin turns ice-blue and brittle. You have
disadvantage on Strength checks.
Khirad, the Star of Secrets
Spell. Phantasmal Killer.
Boon. You have advantage on Intelligence checks.
Condition. Your voice becomes a low whisper, and your
mouth is frozen in a perpetual smile. You are incapable of
shouting or speaking loudly.
Yrrga, the Eye of Shadows
Spell. Blindness/Deafness.
Boon. When you make a critical hit, you can force the
target to succeed on a constitution saving throw or be
blinded. The target can repeat this saving throw at the end of
each of its turns, ending the effect on a success.
Condition. Your eyes become starry voids. You have
disadvantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks.
Great Taar Haak, the Five-Headed
Destroyer
Spell. Earth Tremor (at 5th level).
Boon. You have advantage on Strength checks.
Condition. Your head becomes lumpy and misshapen. You
have disadvantage on Intelligence checks.
Yog the Invincible
Shard Location: Tsolenka Pass
Spell. Stoneskin.
Boon. Your hit point maximum increases by an amount
equal to your proficiency bonus.
Condition. Oily black fur covers your face and body. You
have disadvantage on checks made to escape a grapple.
Norganas, the Finger of Oblivion
Shard Location: Tsolenka Pass
Spell. Bestow Curse (at 5th level).
Boon. When a creature you can see within 30 feet of you is
reduced to 0 hit points, you can use your reaction to gain
temporary hit points equal to your proficiency bonus.
Condition. Your blood turns pitch black and viscid, like tar.
If you would regain hit dice after finishing a long rest, you
regain one less hit die.
Vaund the Evasive
Spell. Blur.
Boon. You have advantage on Dexterity saving throws
against effects that you can see, such as traps and spells.
Condition. You become twitchy and nervous. You have
disadvantage on Charisma (Deception) checks.
Seriach, the Hell Hound Whisperer
Shard Location: Izek Strazni
Spell. Scorching Ray.
Boon. You gain resistance to fire damage.
Condition. The skin of your left arm turns crimson red and
gains barbed spines, elongated fingers, and long nails. You
have disadvantage on Wisdom saving throws.
209
 Strahd's Espionage
As the players interact with Strahd, his servants, and his spies, take note of each encounter, including any information gleaned
that Strahd may find useful. You can print or make copies of this page as-needed as the campaign unfolds.
Encounter Date Time Conversations Overheard Abilities & Features Used Locations/NPCs Encountered

210
Encounter Date Time Conversations Overheard Abilities & Features Used Locations/NPCs Encountered