The Town of Vallaki (vah-lah-key)
Located close to the shores of Lake Zarovich, the town of Vallaki seems like a safe haven against the evils of the Svalich Woods, if not Strahd himself. The town lies beyond the sight of Castle Ravenloft and doesn’t, at first blush, seem as depressed (or oppressed) as the Village of Barovia farther east. Those who spend time in Vallaki, however, quickly realize that there is no happiness here, only false hope.
Demographics
This is the most populated town in Strahd's domain, which isn't saying much since there are only four settlements in Barovia.
Like throughout all of Barovia, the population is primarily composed of human Barovian citizens. There are the occasional Vistani visitors who frequent the Blue Water Inn, but they don't frequent the city often.
Those who have taken up wolf hunting have spun tales at the Blue Water in that there are still Dusk Elves that reside nearby. Usually people write these off as claims of glory-hounding drunkard, but even among those who do believe don't care very much.
Government
Vallaki is a town that is currently being run by Baron Vargas Vallakovich, whose ancestors have supposedly ruled Vallaki for generations. Nowadays, the Baron's authority is mainly enforced by his scary, deformed bodyguard, Izek Strazni.
Infrastructure
The town is surrounded by wooden pallisades, with gates at the north, east, and west. Crude houses are aligned on nearly every road, with only a few shops darted between them. There are two plazas (The Town Square and Arasek Stockyard) located to the southeast of the town.
History
Vallaki was founded not long after Strahd’s armies conquered the valley by an ancestor of the town’s current burgomaster.
Maps
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Map of Vallaki
The Old Svalich Road meanders into a valley watched over by dark, brooding mountains to the north and south. The woods recede, revealing a sullen mountain burg surrounded by a wooden palisade. Thick fog presses up against this wall, as though looking for a way inside, hoping to catch the town aslumber. The dirt road ends at a set of sturdy iron gates with a pair of shadowy figures standing behind them. Planted in the ground and flanking the road outside the gates are a half-dozen pikes with wolves’ heads impaled on them.
Founding Date
24 AR
Type
Town
Ruling/Owning Rank
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