Strahd von Zarovich
Darklord of Barovia (a.k.a. The Devil Strahd)
Early Life
Count Strahd von Zarovich was once a formidable conqueror, renowned for his ruthless efficiency on the battlefield. Through decades of relentless military campaigns, he vanquished his adversaries and united disparate lands under his rule, forging a nation with blood and steel. Having achieved unparalleled success in war, Strahd eventually chose to retire from the battlefield. Settling in the picturesque valley where he had secured his most significant triumph, he followed in the footsteps of his forebears. There, amidst the serene beauty of the land, he performed a solemn ritual, shedding his own blood upon the earth and establishing a mystical pact between himself and the land itself. In homage to his esteemed parents, King Barov and Queen Ravenovia, Strahd bestowed upon the valley the name Barovia. As a testament to his enduring legacy and familial honor, he commissioned the construction of his grand fortress-home, Castle Ravenloft, a symbol of his power and prestige that loomed over the landscape for generations to come. Count Strahd von Zarovich was once a formidable conqueror, renowned for his ruthless efficiency on the battlefield. Through decades of relentless military campaigns, he vanquished his adversaries and united disparate lands under his rule, forging a nation with blood and steel.Family Ties
During his youth, Strahd had been a stalwart warrior, marching into battle alongside Ulmed , the esteemed founder of the Ulmist Inquisition. However, as the years advanced and he reached the midpoint of his life, Strahd's priorities shifted towards familial bonds and the comforts of kinship. With a longing for companionship and familial closeness, Strahd extended invitations to his relatives, welcoming them to reside within the walls of Castle Ravenloft. Among those who answered his call was his younger brother, Sergei von Zarovich, who came to dwell within the fortress alongside Strahd. Sergei , in stark contrast to Strahd, embodied qualities of youthfulness, empathy, and warmth. Upon his arrival in Barovia, he quickly captivated the hearts of the locals with his affable nature. It wasn't long before Sergei's path intertwined with that of a village maiden named Tatyana Ivanova, and their love blossomed in the shadow of Castle Ravenloft. Strahd, however, found himself increasingly resentful of his brother, particularly as he witnessed the depth of Sergei's compassion and the purity of Tatyana's kindness. Consumed by envy and desire, Strahd's obsession with Tatyana Ivanova grew, driving him to pursue her affections despite her clear preference for his brother. Despite his best efforts to win her heart, Strahd was met with resolute rejection, a blow to his pride that only fueled his determination. Refusing to concede defeat or accept Sergei's superiority, Strahd delved into the dark recesses of Barovia's secrets, eventually stumbling upon the forbidden knowledge hidden within the Amber Temple.A Dark Bargain
There, amidst the ancient and malevolent forces imprisoned within its walls, Strahd made a fateful pact with the enigmatic Dark Powers. In exchange for the restoration of his vitality and the means to ensnare Tatyana's affections, Strahd willingly surrendered himself to their dark influence, sealing his fate and forever altering the destiny of Barovia. On the day of Sergei von Zarovich and Tatyana Ivanova's joyous union, tragedy befell Castle Ravenloft. In a cruel twist of fate orchestrated by Strahd's dark machinations, the wedding celebration turned into a scene of unspeakable horror. With treacherous intent, Strahd struck down his brother, his hands stained with fratricide and betrayal. To solidify his unholy pact with the Dark Powers, he drank deeply of Sergei's lifeblood, sealing his fate and forever binding himself to the shadows. Expecting Tatyana Ivanova to succumb to his newfound power and embrace him as her suitor, Strahd unveiled his dark might to her. However, the sight of her beloved Sergei's lifeless form proved to be too much for her gentle soul to bear. In a desperate bid to escape Strahd's clutches and the horror of the moment, Tatyana fled to the highest reaches of Castle Ravenloft and, in an act of desperate defiance, plunged into the swirling mists below, her fate forever shrouded in mystery.Blood and Betrayal
Meanwhile, amidst the chaos of betrayal and bloodshed, traitors from among the castle's own ranks and the wedding's guests rose up against Strahd, their blades aimed at the heart of their erstwhile lord. Despite enduring countless wounds and facing overwhelming odds, Strahd's indomitable will refused to yield, his immortal essence fueled by the dark bargain he had struck. As the night descended into a frenzy of violence and despair, the once-grand halls of Castle Ravenloft ran red with blood. When the first light of dawn kissed the parapets of the fortress, there was no living soul left within its walls save for Strahd himself, now forever bound to his cursed existence as the a vampire, his eternal reign of darkness unchallenged and unyielding.
Life
299
351
Circumstances of Death
Became a vampire
Place of Death
Castle Ravenloft
Children
Quotes & Catchphrases
"I am the Land."
