Krezk
Krezk is a remote, walled village lying on the western edge of the gloomy domain of Barovia, nestled at the foot of the Balinok Mountains. Isolated from the rest of the land both by distance and by choice, Krezk is a somber and self-sustaining community of stoic, hardy folk who place survival and faith above all else. Shrouded in perpetual mist and overshadowed by ancient pines and rugged slopes, Krezk is a place where silence reigns and outsiders are seldom welcomed.
Overview:
- Location: Western Barovia, near the base of the Balinok Mountains
- Population: ~100-150 villagers, almost entirely human
- Government: Governed by Burgomaster Dmitri Krezkov, a respected and cautious leader
- Religion: Deeply devoted to the Morninglord (Lathander), with a spiritual connection to the Abbey of Saint Markovia
Krezk is a village carved out of the wilds and fortified by faith and fear. It stands against the darkness of Barovia not with swords or sorcery, but with resilience, tradition, and hope—faint though it may be. To visit Krezk is to brush the edge of a world slowly unraveling… and to glimpse the strange light that still flickers in the heart of the land's despair.
Demographics
The people of Krezk are quiet, devout, and suspicious of strangers. Generations of hardship and fear under the shadow of Strahd von Zarovich have bred a population that values community and caution above all else.
- Children are rare and cherished.
- Hospitality is offered only when trust is earned.
- The villagers rely on one another and rarely travel outside the walls, even to the nearest towns.
Despite their isolation, the people are deeply spiritual, revering the old ways of the Morninglord and maintaining traditions believed to protect them from evil.
Points of interest
Perched high above the village on a cliffside overlook is the Abbey of Saint Markovia, a once-holy site now fallen into eerie disrepair.
- Once a place of healing and sanctuary, it was abandoned after a failed uprising against Strahd.
- It has since become home to the mysterious Abbot, a radiant but unnerving figure whose true nature is unclear.
- The Abbey is haunted by strange sights and sounds, and its current inhabitants—twisted creations known as mongrelfolk—are kept at a distance by the villagers.
The Abbey looms over Krezk as both a spiritual symbol and a grim warning.
Notable Features:
- Village Pool: A cold spring-fed pool near the village gates is said to be blessed by the Morninglord. It is a place of reflection, prayer, and rare hope.
- Burgomaster's Manor: Home to Dmitri Krezkov and his family, this sturdy longhouse also functions as the village’s administrative center and refuge during attacks.
- High Palisade Walls: These defenses are always under repair and vigilantly watched. Krezk has suffered too many losses to let its guard down.
Architecture
Krezk is a compact village ringed by a high, stout wooden palisade, with guard towers that are always manned. Unlike the more sprawling settlements of Barovia, Krezk is tightly clustered, with homes and buildings constructed from heavy logs and stone, built to endure the bitter cold and mountain winds.
- The village has no tavern or inn, and travelers are rarely allowed entry without good reason or sponsorship.
- Its people tend gardens, orchards, and livestock, producing just enough to sustain themselves.
- The woods nearby are thick and treacherous, filled with wolves, undead, and worse
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