2023 Wizards. Hewill live forever and hewill do horrible things to win Tatyana's love, making her hate him instead. He has spies at his disposal, including werewolves and druids who worship him on Yester Hill, a prominent landmark in western Barovia. Baratok by Dinomaniac on DeviantArt. Dag is the husband of Stefania and father of four at the Wizard of the Wines. So, reading ahead in the Curse of Strahd manual, I see that the players can learn that the Mad Mage of Mt. Problem his, he is cursed. Shar the Nightsinger is the goddess of darkness, loss and the night. 978-0786965984. Patrina was a lover of Strahd, and consoled him after the death of Tatyana and his vampiric transformation. Artimus was an eccentric genius architect responsible for the construction of Fidatov Manor, Baratok Tower and Castle Ravenloft. Stefania is the second child of Davian Martikov, and a mother of four at the Wizard of the Wines. New Account (or Log In) Hide my password. Bianca is the sadistic mate of Kiril, sharing much of his philosophy on what a werewolf should be. He may be chosen as Strahd's Enemy by the card reading of Madame Eva but will not otherwise accompany the party if healed. Once prepared, you don't lose it unless you decide to prepare something different. Obsidian Portal has a lot of really cool features that use JavaScript. Khazan was Strahd's court mage both during and briefly after his conquest. A few servants from Barovia willingly came to the pocket dimension with Strahd so he could live on their blood. Still, he will present the player characters with a powerful magic boon before leaving to find his lost belongings. Despite her recent misadventure, she believes that which his madness can be cured normally. Lady Fidatova is the last of the Fidatov line of artisans, and is herself a brilliant mathematician. Mishka is the murderous miscreant of the Belview family, and likes to pull lethal pranks on anyone he can. Hope this helps. Taltos is the main manservant at Fidatov manor, and bodyguard of Lady Fidatova. It's not a story the Jedi would tell you. Wensencia raises most of the pups of the werewolf pack, and has been doing so for a long time. Sir. Most villagers can't remember a time when she wasn't in business. To put another DarkLord in his place. Mordenkainen is a powerful wizard who rallied the population of Barovia to his side and led an attack against Castle Ravenloft approximately one year ago. Mirabel is one of three owners of the Blood of the Vine tavern, and outcasts from the Tser Pool camp. Madame Eva's tent swirls with smoke as she reveals the cards to the would-be adventurers. The real problem is that he will never be able to grasp a living person, so the Abbot is trying to make an undead lover for Strahd.The fun thing is that the book already gives us a dead lover that could take the place of Tatyana in Strahd's heart: Petrina. After all, if he had more spell slots of that level, he'd still be able to cast it. Ilya is the only currently living son of the Burgomaster, since having been revived by the Abbot. You only need your wizard spellbook to prepare new spells or change your prepared spells. 16 Feb 2023 14:45:41 Curses NEEDto rhyme. Prefect Ciril was the leader of King Barov's church and the spiritual counsellor of the Queen's Knights of the Raven. Wintersplinter is the tree blight that the druids of Yester Hill intend to summon. upgrade now A mighty wizard came to this land over a year ago. Rictavio is a traveller from a distant land, and tries to lift the spirits of Vallakian townsfolk with small shows and stories. His voice was deep and melodic. Drusilla is often referred to as "a wonderful conversationalist" in Rictavio's journal. Arista was a runaway Vistani and Strahd's court ceiling painter. In Curse of Strahd. Use the mage stat block in the Monster 6th level (1 slot):find the path, harm, true seeing Mordenkainen's Magnificent Statblock is here! Selne the Moonmatron is the goddess of prophecies, nomads and the moon. Vortico was a former highwayman travelling across Agarthia who hid in a Vistani wagon with the intention of stealing it. Khazan found out about the curse, and how the plane had been taken over by the dark lords. Hadar is an Elder Evil that clings to the 'dark side' of his eponymous star. Gabriella is the current most celebrated dancer and musician at the Tser Pool camp. [1], The Mad Mage's paranoia resides in mansions created through his trademark spell high upon Mount Baratok. We rewound a bit to give Gwaihir's player more time with the mad mage, and through some spells we learned that he was under the influence of a Mind Blank spell, but that it was his own spell. Miranda is a travelling saleswoman who lives at the Tser Pool camp. Volenta is Strahd's youngest active bride, and a former courtesan. Its impossible to talk about Barovia without discussing Strahd von Zarovich, who first made his appearance in 1983s famous I6 module Ravenloft. Like Strahd himself, locals cannot leave which means that aside from the occasional foreigner, Barovia is largely a closed ecosystem. Willemina owns a shoe shop in Vallaki, but has spent most of her time at St. Andral's Church in protest of her son's arrest. The | Login | My Library | Wishlists; Cart. Equating these creatures as part of the forces of Strahd and this elk as a potential ally (and not just a normal animal . Ben is a serving swain at the Hoofprint inn in Merryway. Strahd was envious of the love his mother showered on his brother, Sergei. la persona che ami ti accompagner. You don't know what they can do, how much they know about you and when they are near you. I chock his appearance up to cameo more than anything -- at best he's a potential ally who can help the party fight Strahd (who still must be defeated using the necessary artifacts), otherwise he's just a nod to Gary Gygax and the world ofGreyhawk. When the character is resurrected they gain a form of indefinite madness from realizing that their spirit is trapped in Ravenloft, possibly forever. Curse of Strahd begins with an optional one-shot called Death House, a three-floor dungeon that lets players explore while advancing their characters from first to third level.DMs and players can decide whether or not to start with it, but either way, players will enter Barovia proper at level three. I'll put the main points under spoilers if anyone wants to browse. Feel free to use any part of this as you please. She was resuscitated, and would go on to inspire a rebellion against Strahd, which she would die leading. Mad Mary is the reclusive, delusional and mentally unstable mother of Gertruda. (This is false, but it is believed). . Old D&D lore, as outlined in Ravenloft sourcebooks such as second editions Realm of Terror, have established Strahd as the first Darklord. This could, and probably will, turn party members against each other or could potentially make them think one of them is a plant for the big man himself. Can't wait for the 18th. However, he underestimated Strahd's power and, after barely surviving a confrontation with him, he lost his spellbook and his staff, eventually losing his memory and being driven to the brink of madness. This is also the reason her spirit still lingers around. 2023 Wizards. The way I put it is this (I originally wrote this in italian, since it's my own language): "Forever you will live, and in eternity Vivrai per sempre, e nelleternit. The Mad Mage has a different spell list from that 170. Emil is a former alpha of the werewolf pack and a prisoner of Strahd, after the vampire's interference in the civil struggle. Queen Ravenovia van Roeyen - not Queen Ravonia. - Doru Dragomir (former ally) [Mad Mage's Magnificent Mansion] . Curse of Strahd Level Guide. Bahamut the Platinum Dragon is the god of justice, wisdom and good dragons. Baron Metus was a vampire lord and the vampiric sire of Erasmus van Richten. Dungeons & Dragons 5e on Discord, Roll20 About the adventure. Brom is the elder son of Danika and Urwin, and lives at the Blue Water Inn. Only instead I made Strahd have an illegitimate son, who he technically took by force to be raised in his domain. Luvash is the son of Madam Eva, and the de-facto leader of the Vistani in Barovia. Strahd has a special lair action that allows him to pass through walls and floors in Ravenloft as though they arent even there. Unfortunately, Strahd thoroughly beat him and threw him over the edge of Tser Falls. Also known as: The Mad Mage of Mount Baratok He often has to collaborate with the Baroness whenever there is a costume festival that needs preparation. Zygfrek is one of the more mindful of the Belview family, trusted to watch the Abbey entrance, but has a vicious streak of insecurity. Stefan was a counsellor to King Barov and was often involved in the Barov's preferred tactic of misleading information for the enemy about the state of the kingdom. Party of 6 level 8's against Strahd and Rahadin, place your bets because it's happening today! When I tackled this, I wanted to offer my players some way to actually defeat the curse, and have more than one encounter make way more sense. However, he underestimated Strahd's power and, after barely surviving a confrontation with him, he lost his spellbook and his staff, eventually losing his memory and being driven to the brink of madness. The most powerful of these was a knightly organization known as the Order of the Silver Dragon that was destroyed. Vistani legend tells that he came to this land a year ago and rallied an army to face off against Strahd, eventually being driven into River . Beware! If his crypt is disturbed, he animates as a wraith and commands his three hell hounds to attack. He would return in every subsequent edition of D&D. Baratok is actually Mordenkainen who has gone mad. If the heroes accept the dinner invitation, Strahd actually does host a feast for them and thanks them. He believes that the Count is un-killable, and the prevailing tactic should be his appeasement. [13], His toenails appeared to be a venerated item in some places.[19]. Grygori is one of many talented smiths in his ancestry, having still only inherited a fraction of the abilities of the man he believes worked simultaneously with Strahd and Artimus Fidatov. He feels entitled to feast on the villagers because of their ancestors oath to him ages ago. Isabella is Lady Fidatova's gardener and warden of the outskirts of her maze. Baratok and became friends. It could be really interesting to have the party be from Barovia, but they end up killing Strahd as part of an early adventure, only to discover there are other Domains of Dread, and make it a goal to destroy them all. King Dostron the Hellborn was the ruler of the valley long before Strahd conquest, and was the grandson of an illrigger of Avernus. Given I am prepping now to run Strahd for my Mox crew, this is a really clean look at the major NPCs and storyline for the advanture! Augustus is the older and calmer of the two guard dogs of the Baron. . Kasimir is the sorrowful leader of the remaining dusk elves of Barovia, driven by his guilt over how he doomed them to a thousand-year genocide. She now immortally rules the swamp of Berez. Elvir is the youngest child of Davian Martikov, and the most aloof, which speaks to how much the family cares about their winery. Yan was an outcast from the Vistani troupes in Barovia, who worked as a travelling smuggler. Urwin Martikov is the timid eldest child of Davian Martikov, the husband of Danika, and the father of Brom and Bray. You can draw inspiration from films like Midsommar to emphasize the creepiness of suchcelebrations! This is using Curse of Strahd, based in an alternate version of our Earth, where the fantastical is possible! Grunts is a senior guard at Fidatov manor, nicknamed after his taciturnity. no risk refund guarantee - Arabelle (obsessor). Leonid was a duellist during Strahd's conquest, famous for his stature and his flawless combat record. The PC's rallied together to recapture the vestige (in a very ghostbusters way), and returned it to the amber temple.One of the PC's (A wizard) picked up the staff in the temple, and was given the flaw that they desire power above all else.Then she proceeded to take every single dark gift offered to her, without the other players realizing. Hunt for Mage Tower; Strixhaven: The Magister's . I am going to updated it frequently and in the end I will do all Curse of Strahd original maps as well as homebrewed scenes (HB) we all learned to love by myself! Strahd is probably one of the most iconic villains in the Dungeons and Dragons universe. They're there, invincible and never truly seen, never to be understood nor defeated. [4], Mordenkainen had a hawk-like face, with a permanent frown that gave the appearance of alertness and almost anger, and a penetrating gaze. This isn't feasible right now, as the party has no means to cure the Mad . Natasha the Dark is a demonologist and highly experienced archmage, and survived what she would consider her 'learning' battle with Strahd. [15], Mordenkainen was a good friend of Elminster Aumar; the two met on numerous occasions at Ed Greenwood's house on Earth to exchange news from each other's worlds, as well as spells and lore. Notable Relations: Recharged: Tyranny of Dragons. This page was last edited on 3 November 2020, at 14:03. Dame Jarnvalda was a sticky-fingered assassin that worked for Strahd. Bascal was an experimental and worldly chef who worked in King Barov's court. -A CR23 statblock of Mordenkainen with magic items and treasures! and a horrifying man/wolf hybrid - a werewolf - just as Mahel warned. Franz is the artistic nephew of Skennis, former alpha of the werewolf pack. Anastrasya is a former Vallakian noblewoman and consort of Strahd. [18], Following the demise of the Circle of Eight at the hands of Vecna during the lich's first failed attempt at obtaining greater deity status, a grieving Mordenkainen was consoled by Elminster, as the wizards reflected on the fragility of their good deeds. Gertruda is the runaway daughter of Mad Mary, and is infatuated with the idea of being a princess. I did see the warning, but I sincerely hope my PCs don't see this article, and spoil the plot. Savid is one of the younger dusk elves. His . Chief Gallowbottom is the leader of Schnoken's former tribe in the Lunar Woods. Skennis is the retired alpha of the werewolf pack in Barovia. Aziana is a childhood friend of Zuleika, and a guard of the Werewolf Den. Strahd is not happy of being eternally imprisoned, and would very much just die and be done with his obsession. The wizard and the vampire cast spells at each other. He is described as a "mad mage" who came to the valley to defeat its ruler but caught a case of amnesia in the process. Aike and Ulfrik saw through the mist and trees the battle taking place between this mystical elk and four large wolves. Viggo is the more curious of the Tomescu twins, often getting into trouble at the Wizard of the Wines. Klutz was the moniker given by Strahd to one of his disgraced knights that 'fell on his sword'. I like the idea of him being a murderous egocentric, but when you say his story out loud, with him murdering his brother because he couldn't get Tatyana to love himand then being obsessed with the girl that keeps rejecting him My players called him a simp since the first session, and I couldn't really blame them. Arahja is a scout for the Tser Pool camp, and a spy of Strahd. Race: Human The key is to remember that Strahd isnt a brawler, hes a leader and his stat block reflects that. Adventure - 5etools. One could easily play Madam Eva as the grand mastermind behind all that happens in Barovia, manipulating both the players and the vampire himself for a benevolent cause. Amazing article! The dusk elves rare nonhuman residents of Barovia might also be allies to those who oppose Strahd. Love means giving yourself to someone else intentionally, not because you're forced to. I had him record his memories in several gems (which made a pretty decent puzzle to recreate his story by arranging the sentences found here and there) that can be found around his tower. Victor should actually just be a teenager with a crush on Stella and a really bad take on magic. Lord Nikolai Wachter is the deceased father of the Wachter children, and husband of Fiona; beloved by them. And standing atop a balcony stemming from the tallest castle in the land is a vampire draped in a dark cloak, staring out at his realm and ruminating on his cyclical existence. Please enable JavaScript to get the best experience from this site. Spoilers for Curse of Strahd lurk ahead! It looks fantastic. Sorvia is one of three owners of the Blood of the Vine tavern, and outcasts from the Tser Pool camp. The late father of Szoldarovich; he laid the path for his son, and thankfully not a grandson. It's under Chapter 2: The Lands of Barovia; page 39-40 - section M. Mad Mage of Mt Baratok. Sasha is a reincarnation of Tatyana, and vampire spawn of Strahd. So he studied in the amber temple a way to save Barovia, Tricking the dark lords into thinking he was just after immortality. Oghma the Allknower is the goddes of knowledge, inspiration and invention. Lord Nikolai is the eldest Wachter child, and a fervent alcoholic, constantly searching for mischievous distractions from his nobility. Featured art image for Curse of Strahd Destined Ally Rankings credit to Wizards of the Coast's D&D 5e adventure book Curse of Strahd. Zhudun, also known as the Corpse Child, is an Elder Evil whose followers claimed its powers of resurrection exceeded that of the gods. Strahd's Barovia: A Guide to D&D's Most Famous Horror Setting, Strahd: The First Darklord of the Domains of Dread, Barovia is a Melancholic Realm Encircled by the Mists, Fresh Variations of Horror in Olde Barovia, Playing With Dark Gifts, a Double-Edged Sword for Characters, Drift Off Into I'Cath: The Domain of Dreams, Journey to Har'Akir: A Desert Domain Where the Dead Never Rest. When he returned, a hundred years or more passed. Glad I pre-ordered this book. A small comment regarding vampires: you could argue that he could just turn someone into a vampire so that he has an undead lover. Muriel is a spy for the Keepers of the Feather, and the only one brave enough to be regularly assigned to Baba Lysaga. Parriwimple is the oafish enforcer at Bildrath's Mercantile, and the secret to its success in the valley. He is curious about what Amari knows, and was unaware of the reincarnation and soulless that exist . Strahd even has an accountant named Lief Lipsiege whos been an intriguing fixture of Ravenloft since the original I6 module. Recharged: Tomb of Annihilation. Ithink the first thing you can improve is to make it clear his obsession is part of his curse, and not his own nature. I will endeavor to not disrespect Barovia's dowager queen in the future. Since his original showing in 1983 in the original Ravenloft, Strahd has instilled joy and fear in many dungeon masters and players alike. His gravestone reads "Master of the Hunt". Turned into a Vampire Spawn by Strahd during the Mad Mage's failed attack on Ravenloft: 31. Earl Felwinter was the ruler of Felwinter Isle and a victim of Captain Eriana's satiation of Scylla. Burgomaster Dmitri is the ruler of Krezk, whose family has kept the village isolated and safe for centuries. Tatyana was the fiance of Sergei von Zarovich, and is the only victim of Strahd's curse whose soul reincarnates perfectly. Strahd didnt make it this far because he has great spells or a really cool big sword, he made it here because he understood how to turn every fight in his favor (although fireball probably did help). Look to a place where sickness and madness are bred. Cyrus is a fearful, mad servant of Strahd, having formerly been the head servant at the Abbey of St. Markovia. My Strahd is not exactly evil, he's just so focused on finding a cure for his wife that he's completely forgotten everything else. As a token of love, I made her steal one of the wizard of wines gems and use it to make the heart of sorrow, with a part of her very own soul. On the day of Tatyana and Sergeis wedding, Strahd flew into a rage and murdered his brother. 0. Count Strahd von Zarovich is a vampire and the dark lord of the valley of Barovia. Miral is a pianist, trained by Lady Fidatova to use the instrument built by her mother. This site works best with JavaScript enabled. A rare moment of rest as the party decide what to do next. King Barov was the ruler of the small Kingdom of Zarovich around where southern Agarthia is now. - Content Not Found: escher so the players don't immediately know its heavily changed. She was killed by her own people out of fear that she would become a vampire too, which triggered Rahadin's massacre. Bildrath Chekhov has retained the most successful general store in Barovia village through his shrewd and diligent ways. The residents of the pocket dimension (also called Barovia) only know legends of the decrepit castle on the hill that used to house a powerful vampire. Until she reached Tenebrous, where she took the power, and became evil, with a goal of lichdom, she attacked the PC's, and eventually escaped to enact her wish of immortality.Upon Strahd's defeat, the PC's encountered her again, this time a as a demilich. Talos the Stormbringer is the god of destruction, storms and rebellion. His paranoia renders him hostile to intruders, and his magical protections make it difficult for anyone to restore his sanity. Lectrum is a junior guard at Fidatov manor, nicknamed after his love of trade. In this article, we'll introduce you to the most important things to know before you begin your adventures in this dark land. [1], Chaotic Neutral archmage (with different spells as given in the text)[1], http://fraternityofshadows.com/w/index.php?title=Mordenkainen&oldid=155870, Former Inhabitants of the Prime Material Plane. Imagine a valley surrounded by mist, with the suns rays barely visible beyond layers of murky clouds. Also, how about another twist? The castle is covered in spiderwebs and the braziers are rarely lit because Strahd has no servants and spends all his time in his lab. Her work has largely been lost. Herman Yonvich is the secretive bookkeeper, scribe and linguist of Vallaki. She first drew the philanthropist, followed in quick succession by the transmuter, the anarchist, the marionette and finally, the horseman. I know, this seems pretty obvious for a plot, but it's never explicitly mentioned that Strahd could maybe make friends rather than enemies. He is the sun god's final of many attempts to free Barovia from Strahd. Otto is an egotistical but incompetent guard of the Abbey of St. Markovia. Izek is Baron Vargas' infamously brutal protg and captain of the guard in Vallaki. Duchess Dorfniya was a friend of Sergei and Tatyana, and frequent visitor to Barovia. Prepared to run the Mad Mage ; The party had planned last session to find the Mad Mage of Mt. Burgomaster Kolyan was the beloved burgomaster of Barovia village before his death during the siege of his mansion. The Mage's Rebellion Curse of Strahd: Library of Mystery Astrophel Astrophel . St. Andral was a priest of Vallaki and the Morninglord, and became sainted after successfully protecting several of the fugitive guards of Ravenloft in his church's sanctuary until they died. Thats all I have for you and please if you enjoyed this check out more of our content. Lord Victor is the only son of Baron Vargas, and is resentful of his responsibilities and birthplace. His son remains the only heir but also wants his father to be taken downand so secretly helps the party under an alias and servants. Angelika was Davian's wife, best friend, and mother of their four children, and was killed by Baba Lysaga. The baron of Vallaki also holds festivals to keep spirits up. Each kingdom is ruled by a tyrant who committed sins in life and was awarded the title of Darklord by otherworldly forces known only as the Dark Powers. She was killed after falling into a trap set up by the vampire. Rahadin is Strahd's chamberlain, bodyguard, and only true friend. Here is a list of all Curse of Strahd Maps I did and shared with this Subreddit. [1], Mordenkainen eventually came to Barovia where he sought to undo Strahd and save the land from his influence. Henry is the collector for the Dusklight Supply Shop, and often finds himself as the personable hub of festival preparation in concordance with the Baroness. Their battle flew from the courtyards of Ravenloft to a precipice overlooking the falls. [12], While imprisoned in Barovia, his hair and beard were both long, black and peppered with grey streaks. Emeric is the apprentice of Drasha, and wants to rise in the ranks to one day replace Izek as captain of the guard. Kellen is a survivor of one of Kiril's ring of stone matches, ridden with guilt over it. Claudiu is the eldest son of Stefania and grandchild of Davian Martikov, and an aspiring swordsman, practicing on scarecrows. Morgantha is the matriarch of the trio living in Old Bonegrinder, and frequents Barovia village to sell her Dream Pastries. Since the dawn of Dungeons and Dragons, dungeon masters have been searching for the answer to a simple question. Home Guides Strahds Stat Block: What The Numbers Mean. Lottie is the co-owner of the Beast's Rose tailor shop, having come up with the name after hearing one of Yonvich's stories. Side note, this isn't really discussing DM's Guild Content -- maybe it's a better topic for the Story & Lore section of the forum. But never in life you will grasp them Ma mai nella vita potrai averla. [12], Although Mordenkainen resided primarily on Oerth, by at least the Year of the Shield, 1367 DR, his spells were not uncommon among spellbooks in Faern. Fantastic article. Agniya is the wife of Grygori, and helps deliver his creations around the village. Follow along as I look into Strahds Stat Block and what the numbers mean and how to make this villain play as terrifyingly as hes written.
curse of strahd mad mage stats
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