The Kingdom of Barovia
Barovia is a land of ghosts, werewolves, and other fell creatures. The wilderness hides many secrets, including forgotten ruins and battlefields that tell the story of Strahd's life as a conqueror. Adventurers who explore the wilderness find the remnants of Strahd’s ancient enemies, not all of them as dead as one might expect.
For the people of Barovia, there is no escape from this harsh land. The Town of Vallaki stands ready to defend itself against the servants of Strahd, but it’s far from the sanctuary it purports to be. The Village of Krezk lies near the edge of Strahd's domain, its Abbey now in the clutches of evil, misguided creatures.
Of all the settlements in Strahd's domain, the village of Barovia is by far the most oppressed. Many of its shops are closed, and the locals have succumbed to despair. It is well known that Strahd desires the burgomaster’s adopted daughter, Ireena Kolyana. The villagers neither protect nor harm her, lest they incur the vampire’s wrath. Few know that Ireena bears an uncanny resemblance to Tatyana, Strahd’s dead beloved.
The village of Barovia Proper cowers in the shadow of Castle Ravenloft, Strahd's home and fortress. The castle stands atop a great spire of rock, invincible and ever watchful. Every night, thousands of bats fly out of the castle to feed. It is said that Strahd sometimes flies with them. Barovia will never be safe until the evil in his castle is destroyed.
MAJOR SETTLEMENTS:
IMPORTANT LANDMARKS
Culture
The people of Barovia are frightened and cowardly. Usually resorting to running away but, when backed into a corner, will fight with tenacity. They are quick to shun outsiders, especially those that are not human and despise the undead. It us truly a survival of the fittest culture with only a few that would put themselves in harms way for others.
Public Agenda
To survive. Most Don't.
History
Barovia has been long shrouded in a blanket of mist, darkness, and despair. For the past 300 years, Strahd has ruled over this tragic valley with an iron fist. The people fear him to no end and will do anything to stay on his good side to avoid certain death. After Tatyana killed herself, Strahd fell into a deep sadness and depression. Eventually, this boiled over into rage. He spent the good part of a century terrorizing the population and plunging his realm into ruins. After this, he began to rebuild his settlements only to destroy them again once the reincarnation of Tatyana was taken from. These series of events happened time and time again. Each time Strahd would work from the shadows to repair the damage, taking the form of many different nobles to avoid people finding out it was him in disguise. He wanted the idea of a terrible tyrant that would slaughter at a moments notice infixed in the minds of his serfs. For that is who he truly has become. For the past 20 years, Strahd has been bringing in laborers from the Sword Coast to repair Barovia Proper. He has promised them gold and freedom if they do a good job, though, none of them have been set free. In public, Strahd goes by the name Vasili Von Holtz, a noble from Barovia Proper. This man is a well known champion of the people who would stop at nothing to defend his fellow Barovians.
For a full timeline, please see: Curse of Strahd
Demography and Population
Population = 28,000-58,000
Technological Level
Medieval
Trade & Transport
Many goods are grown regionally around the Valley of Barovia. Since the Old Svalich Road can be quite treacherous, many items in the Town of Vallaki are not available to those in Barovia Proper. The Village of Krezk does direct trade with Vallaki for food and tools as well as The Wizards of Wines transport their Wine across the whole valley.
Education
Traditional school systems exist but, scarcely. Most of the population is uneducated aside from being able to read. They learn more by working in trade and craftsmen positions.
Infrastructure
MAPS:
TIMELINE:
Curse of Strahd
Type
Geopolitical, Kingdom
Capital
Alternative Names
Demiplane of Dread
Leader
Head of Government
Government System
Monarchy, Absolute
Economic System
Traditional
Currency
Gold, Platinum & Strahd Coins (Silver Substitute)
Major Exports
Barovia never really exports anything. The Vistani will occasionally take herbs from the Valley such as Bitterbolt.
Major Imports
Anything they can't grow or make themselves. Barovia has farmlands but, the soil conditions are harsh and only allow stout plants to grow. Their blacksmiths are adept at making weapons and tools yet, they tend to import whatever they can from the traveling Vistani.
Deities
