Silver Choker

Protection for the wealthy

Due to the widely held belief that Silver repels a vampire, silver chains and chokers have become commonplace in the high society of Vallaki. From elaborate silver netting to thick chain links, a large variety of chokers can be found on the necks of aristocratic daughters and dandy sons. Silver has become rare due to the isolated nature of Barovia, and its many magical uses.

Tradition and Fashion

Strahd von Zarovich and his minions have laid dormant for the last 30 years, ever since Baron Vargas Vallakovich took over for his father. The Baron believes his weekly festivals are keeping the town safe, and most of the townsfolk are too afraid to speak against him. The lack of vampire attacks has not had an impact on the fashion among the wealthy, however, among the workers, there has been a steady decrease in adherence to the tradition, as people fear the baron more than any supernatural force.

Scarcety of silver

The Vistani and adventuring groups are the only ones supplying the valley with new silver. The Baron doesn't trust the Vistani as he believes they are all in league with "The Devil" Strahd von Zarovich. So in the rare event that an adventuring group enters town, Trintriss the silversmith is quick to approach and buy their silver coins at a premium. Strahd mainly mints new currency as electrum, an alloy of silver and gold, keeping scarcity high and rendering the silver used inert. The high demand combined with the supply issues makes silver a very scarce resource. Especially the use of silver in burial rituals and other religious ceremonies has inflated the cost and deflated the Barovian currency, leading to wares being expensive, especially to outsiders.

Trintriss the silver smith

Due to the scarce nature of silver, only one silversmith exists in Vallaki having patrons all over the city, her name is Trintriss. Originally from the Keldresh Tasque, but is now considered Mortu by the Vistani. The wealthy clients often request that she works in their own residence as to oversee the work and make sure there isn't any interference. Her elaborate designs and modernised look has drastically changed what is considered fashionable. Using less silver in her designs is seen as revolutionary and as a more sustainable option. Very recently the brothel, The The Pleasure of Vallaki has contracted Trintriss to make a collection of chokers for the "pleasure workers" after a series of unfortunate attacks.

Protection for the poor

At the black markets below the cobbled streets, forgeries bearing the hallmarks of pure silver and the maker's mark of Trintriss can be bought for cheap. They are bought mainly by shady salesmen to sell to unsuspecting townsfolk. These fakes are either silver-plated copper or nickel alloys, bringing no real protection. Often the poor start saving up at the birth of a daughter for a silver choker to give at the first menstruation, as it is believed that's when a Vampires interest begins.