Berez

The trail hugs the river for several miles. The dirt and grass soon turns to marsh as the trail dissolves into smpongy earth pockmarked with tall reeds and pools of stagnant water. A thick shroud of fog covers all. Scattered through the marshes are old peasant cottages, their walls covered with black mildew, their roofs mostly caved in. These decrepit dwellings seem to hunker down in the mire, as thouguht they have long since given up on escaping the thick mud. Everywhere you look, black clouds of flies dart about, hungry for blood. The fog is much thinner on the far side of the river, where a light flashes amid a dark ring of standing stones.

For part of Barovia's history, there were actually four settlements. Tucked between two mountain ranges lies what are now the ruins of the village of Berez. In this town, 400 years ago, Tatyana's first incarnation, Marina, was born. Strahd met her and her friend, Vitaliya, while he was wandering the banks of the Luna River. He pursued her, visiting her in the night and even spiriting Vitaliya away to his castle to entice her to join him. When she became aware of what was happening to her, she begged the burgomaster and priest of Berez to kill her rather than let her become a vampire. They honored her wish, and thus drew Strahd's wrath.
When he discovered Marina's fate, Strahd personally slew the burgomaster and priest, and swelled the river to flood the village. Those who didn't perish were forced to march through the forest to other settlements in an attempt to survive. Many died in the woods on the journey, and the survivors brought tales of Strahd's wrath and power to the rest of the valley.
With the death of the priest, there was nothing protecting the village from The Hunger, and the village has remained abandoned ever since.
In the absence of people, Baba Lysaga made her residence in the center of town. She has protected her hut with a small army of scarecrows, and spends her time keeping the Standing Stones desecrated in Strahd's name.
Every 15 minutes the characters spend in Berez, there is a 50% chance they will encounter 1d4 Barovian witches.
For changes to the locations within Berez, see their individual articles. Marina's Monument has been removed.

RUINED SETTLEMENT
9387

Type

Village

Location under

Barovia Valley

Included Locations

• Baba Lysaga's Hut
• Standing Stones
• Ulrich Mansion

Ruling/Owning Rank

Burgomaster

Characters in Location

• Baba Lysaga

Related Historical Events

• 475 years ago
  Marina Dies
• 500 years ago
  Marina Born

Barovian Witch CR: 2

Medium humanoid, any evil

Armor Class: 10

Hit Points: 20 (5d8 + 3) 5d8+3

Speed: 30 ft

STR

10 +0

DEX

11 +0

CON

13 +1

INT

14 +2

WIS

11 +0

CHA

12 +1

Skills: Arcana +4, Perception +2

Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 12

Languages: Common, Infernal

Challenge Rating: 2

The Barovian witch is a 5th-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 12, +4 to hit with spell attacks.) The witch has the following spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): Chill Touch, Infestation (xan), Mage Hand
1st level (4 slots): Hex, Ray of Sickness, Sleep
2nd level (3 slots): Alter Self, Ray of Enfeeblement
3rd level (2 slots): Spirit Shroud (tasha)

Actions

Claws (Requires Alter Self). Melee Weapon Attack. +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit. 6 (1d6 + 3) slashing damage. The target must make a DC 12 Constitution save, or take an additional 3 (1d6) poison damage. This attack is magical.
Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack. +2 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit. 2 (1d4) piercing damage plus 2 (1d4) poison damage.

The men and women who are raised by Baba Lysaga become Barovian witches. They prefer to live in the wilderness and the fog, assisting Strahd in keeping the valley miserable and dark. They are loyal first and foremost to Baba Lysaga, though her loyalty to Strahd means they are essentially his minions as well.