Through the Mists

Strahd von Zarovich

At a glance

A powerful vampire ruler in Barovia whom Dr. Rudolph van Richten planned to hunt and kill. The party has not met him but now sees his influence throughout Vallaki.

Known facts

  • Two Hundred Summers said the Dark Powers granted him Barovia as an eternal prison, that he has died repeatedly and returned, and that his attempts to escape have failed. The company has not tested these claims.
  • His invitation claims that he brought the company to Barovia and alone can release it, and promises safe passage to his castle. These are Strahd’s unverified claims and assurances.
  • Sent a dinner invitation to the company at the Blue Water Inn. Danica handed it to Carver after an unidentified old man asked her to deliver it.
  • Van Richten’s journal contained several plans concerning Strahd, some crossed out.
  • Van Richten intended to cross into Barovia and slay him.
  • The surrounding research and Erasmus’s visions connected that mission to Van Richten’s long war against vampires.
  • Irik Zal’honan said Strahd knows the secrets of Azalin’s ritual and the red star.
  • Irik directed the party toward Barovia to seek those answers.
  • Urwin said Strahd assumes other forms, sends vampire spawn to keep Barovia frightened, and is supported by many local Vistani.
  • Fiona Watcher praised Strahd as Barovia’s only true source of power and recruited acolytes through devotional pamphlets.
  • Fiona kept five notarized property deeds signed by Strahd, and the cultists beneath her house invoked him as “the devil” during their ritual.

Current status

Still unmet. His invitation to dine at his castle is in Carver’s hands, with no response yet recorded. He remains a lead concerning Azalin’s ritual and an active power behind Barovia’s fear, vampires, and political factions.

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