Curse of Strahd

This ring of menhirs is one of the oldest structures in the Balinok Mountains-older than the Amber Temple, and much older than Castle Ravenloft and the various Barovian settlements scattered throughout the valley.

The evil forces that were imprisoned within the temple eventually corrupted the wizards, turning them against one another.

Rahadin was exiled for refusing to bow down to a dusk elf prince whom he considered weak and corrupt.

When Strahd was still a baby in his crib, Baba Lysaga cast protective spells on him and crept into his nursery on stormy nights to sing magical rhymes to him. She also placed the "spark of magic" in him, ensuring that he would become a spellcaster.

King Barov took a Vistani woman to his bed during one of his many crusades.  

• King Barov took a Vistani woman to his bed during one of his many crusades. This encounter resulted in the Vistana becoming impregnated and the eventual birth of Katarina.

So pleased was Barov with Rahadin that the king made the dusk elf an honorary member of his family.

During her exile, Baba Lysaga made countless sacrifices to Mother Night, pleading with the goddess to afflict Queen Ravenovia with ill health and visit death upon her.

Lord Argynvost used his resources to attract other champions of good, and valorous knights flocked to the valley to join his prestigious Order of the Silver Dragon.

Horngaard joined the Order at a young age and quickly earned the friendship of its founder, the silver dragon Argynvost. When he became a knight of the order, he traveled to distant lands to wage war against the forces of evil. The dragon stayed home and, in the guise of a human noble named Lord Argynvost, brought new initiates into the order.

After Barov died, Rahadin continued to fight as one of Strahd's generals.

The Dusk Elves were on the verge of being annihilated by Strahd's armies when they surrendered. Strahd left the few survivors to the mercy of the Vistani, who bore them to the valley of Barovia, where they have lived ever since.

Argynvost made Vladimir a field commander

A group of Vistani rescued Strahd after he was wounded in battle. These Vistani not only nursed Strahd back to health but also delivered him safely home. As a reward for their generosity, Strahd declared that all Vistani had the right to come and go from his land as they please, and this privilege extends to the present day.

Pursuing Horngaard into the valley, Strahd’s army camps at the abbey that would later be dedicated to Saint Markovia.

Strahd tracked the retreating knights to their sanctuary and overwhelmed them with a vast force. Horngaard couldn't hold back the evil tide and was killed, only after the heartbreak of witnessing Strahd himself slay Vladimir's beloved, his fellow knight Sir Godfrey Gwilym. Rather than cower in his lair, Argynvost emerged and battled Strahd's armies to the bitter end.