The younger child of King Barov. Compared to his brother, the Devil
Strahd von Zarovich , Sergei lived a relatively sheltered life. While his brother was destined for greatness through military conquest, winning countless victories with the Zarovich army, Sergei led a peaceful court life. The young Zarovich strived to be great as his older brother, if not in combat then in any other subjects that would benefit his family. He studied diplomacy, politics, history and other different subjects while remaining to live in the Zarovich ancestral homeland with his mother Ravenovia. Because of his kind and loving nature Sergei was the obvious favorite of the Countess Zarovich while his brother grew ever colder and grim over the decades of violence.
Journey to Barovia
When Strahd ended his last crusade to eradicate the last of his family's enemies he found himself in a distant land would be named Barovia. The conqueror decided that he would make this place his new home and soon sent for his dear mother and little brother to move to the new castle he built for the Zarovichs. Sergei and their mother embarked on a long and tiresome journey to their new home, but sadly Ravenovia died during their travels. When the royal convoy arrived at Ravenloft, Sergei was bewildered with conflicting emotions - the joy of reuniting with his older brother and the grief for their mother.
The brothers buried the late countess in the family crypt under Ravenloft and set off to build Barovia as the new center of power of the Zarovich lands. All seemed well.
Love Triangle
While working with the local nobility Sergei soon became acquainted with Tatyana - a young barovian girl of remarkable beauty. The two quickly fell in love and decided to get married. Unfortunately, unbeknownst to Sergei, Tatyana had long been the object of desire of his Brother. However the young lady could not find anything to like in the hard and cold soldier prince, so she had declined his advances multiple times. Sergei, always caring for his brother, asked Strahd if he would approve of their union. The lord gave his blessing seemingly overjoyed for his little brother.
On the day of Sergei and Tatyana's wedding, whatever pride or love for his sibling Strahd had finally gave way to his true nature. In the halls of Ravenloft he sought out the young groom and killed him with his bare hands. Then he drank his brother's blood.
Unseen Spirit of Krezk
Centuries passed since the events of that night but when the Outsiders and
Ireena made their way to the shrine and pool of the town of Krezk they found the spirit of Sergei sheltered in a statue of the Mother Dawn. It was the reincarnated soul of Tatyana that had drawn the young prince out of the mists. Overjoyed to see his beloved('s soul) again, Sergei offered to take Ireena to the afterlife. However, the young barovian declined, stating that she was her own person and that her destiny now was to fight for the freedom of Barovia along with the brave adventurers.
Sergei accepted this with great sadness but respected her decision. He agreed with the party's cause that his brother has fallen too far and must be stopped. To aid in their quest he pointed them in the direction of the Sunsword a legendary weapon that was crafted for the young royal in his life.
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