Village of Barovia

The village of Barovia is one of the smallest settlements trapped under the looming shadow of Castle Ravenloft. Only a short time ago, a group of adventurers convinced the village to raise arms against the oppressive ruler of Barovia, Lord Strahd von Zarovich. Village folk, led by the adventures, stormed Castle Ravenloft, only to meet their doom. The adventures went missing, and most are presumed to be dead. The only known survivor of the revolt was the son of Father Donavich, who became a vampire after an encounter with Strahd in Castle Ravenloft and now sleeps below the church. Father Donavich prays that his son will overcome this affliction but is at a loss for how to help him. Meanwhile, the burgomaster was recently cursed by Strahd and died of fright—Strahd’s punishment of the burgomaster for allowing the villagers to revolt against their lord. The burgomaster’s son, Ismark, feebly spends most of his time in the tavern drinking. The villagers have little respect for Ismark and avoid him, fearing that he too may have been cursed by Strahd. For the most part, the weary villagers keep to themselves, although the most fearful seek justice on those who supported the attack on Castle Ravenloft, taking the convicted to the gallows just outside the village. By doing so, they hope doing so will prove their loyalty to Strahd. The village population has halved since the village’s height. The missing village folk either died in the revolt against Strahd or fled to Vallaki. Now over half the homes have fallen into a decrepit state.