B Y J IJA

Tips and Tricks for Running

the She-Devil Strahd
1
 DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, D&D, Wizards of the Coast, and all other Wizards of the Coast product names,
and their respective logos are trademarks of Wizards of the Coast in the USA and other countries.

This work contains material that is copyright Wizards of the Coast and/or other authors. Such material is
used with permission under the Community Content Agreement for Dungeon Masters Guild.

All other original material in this work is copyright 2021 by Christian Zeuch and Jija, and published
under the Community Content Agreement for Dungeon Masters Guild.

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Contents Appendix B: ACompendium ofFemale Villainy….48
Historical ...............................................................48
Introduction...............................................4 Fictional ..................................................................49
Why Run Female Strahd?......................................4 Appendix C: Inspiring Media….………………..……51
Using this Supplement........................................... 5 Films and TV.............................................................51
Overview .................................................................... 5 Books ......................................................................... 52
Appendix D: NPCs Stat Blocks.………………..……53
Chapter 1: General Primer......….......6
A Monster, Not a Gender .................................... 7
Understanding Countess Strahd..................... 8
Raising a Princess in a Patriarchal Society................................... 8
Credits
Author: Jija
Gender Identity and Gender Expression .................................... 9
Sexual Identity.............................................................................. 9
Art Direction: Christian Zeuch
Military Life................................................................................ 10
Layout: Christian Zeuch (based on the Affinity
Avoiding Cliché.......................................................................... 10 Publisher template by Nathanaël Roux)
Editor: Kathleen Harrington
Respectfully Embracing the Tropes ............. 14
Beauty Obsessed vs. Youth Obsessed ........................................ 14 Project Lead: Christian Zeuch
Fragile Little Thing .................................................................... 15 Cover Art: Delfis
Embracing Femininity ............................................................... 15 Interior Art: Some Artwork © Pink Dice Bag Publishing
and Grim Press (Bob Greyvenstein), Used With
Physical and Emotional Violence .............................................. 17 Permission, James RPG Art, Corey Johnston, susanafh,
grandfailure, Mariia, Erica Guilane-Nachez, warmtail
Chapter 2: Into the Multiverse..20 Cartography: Christian Zeuch
Worldbuilding ..................................................... 20 Special Thanks: Sola Haze for her insights during the
Barovia, a Matriarchy ................................................................. 20
The Conquering of Barovia ...................................................... 21 creation process.
Won’t Someone Think of the Children!? ................................. 21 We would like to grant DM inspiration to the people
without which this guide would not have been possible,
Castle Ravenloft......................................................................... 25
Patrina and the Dusk Elves ........................................................ 27 Thank you: Ziopliukas, Macharius, Wan, MrDeath,
The Aciduous Adventurer
Vasili and Vasilisa........................................................................ 27
A special thank you to Khaor, Elijah Lysander and
Relationships, Old and New............................. 28 Badger Badger, for inspiring me to create fantastic
The Many Incarnations of Tatyana Federovna......................... 28
adventures.
Ditch the Brides, Embrace The Family ..................................... 30
And finally, the most special thank you to Corporal
Anastrasya Karelova ................................................................... 30
Robbie Wobble— I could not have done it without you.
Ludmilla Vilisevic ...................................................................... 30 You get DM inspiration for eternity.
Volenta Popofsky ....................................................................... 31 This guide includes elements inspired by the incredible
Escher ......................................................................................... 31 work below and we invite you to check them out
Zhoya and Kai ............................................................................ 31 yourself!
Sergei........................................................................................... 32 • DragnaCarta. “Curse of Strahd: Reloaded.” Reddit. August
Gertruda ..................................................................................... 33 31, 2018.
• MandyMod. “Fleshing Out Curse of Strahd.” Reddit.
Baba Lysaga ................................................................................ 33
October 18, 2018.
Chapter3:CountessvonZarovich,aBiography...35 • TwotheFuture. “One Villainous Scene—Abusive tactics
and Aunt Lydia.” YouTube. August 4, 2021.
The Child ................................................................. 35 • Shelly Jones. “The Psychological Abuse of Curse of Strahd.”
The General ............................................................ 36 Analog Game Studies. January 23, 2017.
The Countess.......................................................... 37 • The Aciduous Adventurer. The Interactive Tome of Strahd.
The Magus ............................................................... 39 Dungeon Masters Guild. April 18, 2021.
The Vampire............................................................ 40 • Dragon Talk. Wizards of the Coast. January 21, 2016.
The Cursed .............................................................. 41 “Chris Perkins and Tracy Hickman on Curse of Strahd.”
Parting Words .......................................................42
Audio blog post.
Appendix A: Encounter - The Lilac House….43 • Verilybitchie. “The Lesbian Vampire in Film (A Deep
Dive).” YouTube. May 21, 2021.
Introduction .........................................................43 • Christopher Lindsay, Mike Mearls. “Adventurers League.
An Enduring Delusion ........................................43 Dungeon Master’s Guide. Curse of Strahd Edition.
Areas of the House...............................................45 Version 4.0.” Wizards of the Coast. March 4, 2016.
“TWITTER, TWEET, RETWEET and the Twitter
logo are trademarks of Twitter, Inc. or its affiliates.”
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 Introduction

A chill mist gathers around you, at once obscuring running Strahd as a female villain affects Barovia as
your surroundings and muting the world to an eerie, a whole.
echoey silence. Within the mists you glimpse a Our ultimate goal is for you to enjoy this content.
humanoid figure taking form. The figure begins to We hope it inspires you to run your very own
approach you, growing impossibly tall as it advances. Countess Strahd!
Around you the world has seemingly died. The only
sounds you hear are the sharp clicking of the figure's
staccato footsteps as it comes closer—and the beating Why Run Female Strahd?
of your own heart. We assume that you are reading this because you
From the mists emerges a woman dressed in are at least a bit curious about different ways of
impeccable military fashion. Fear paralyzes your running the classic villain, Strahd von Zarovich.
limbs as she draws near, towering over you. Her One could have a number of reasons for choosing
angular features and cruel eyes drink you in, to run Strahd as a female. Many DMs do it because
relishing in the terror she sees in your eyes. A chill they feel more comfortable or accustomed to role-
runs down your spine as her lips part in a sardonic playing and getting into the mind (and voice!) of a
smile, revealing long, pointed fangs that seem to female character.
lengthen as she speaks: Other DMs might be looking for an alternative to
certain elements of the original adventures to make
“Welcome to Barovia.” their tables a safe space for themselves and their
players. While changing Strahd’s gender is not the
Countess von Zarovich provides an extensive guide
only answer, it does provide various opportunities
on how to run the BBE-Gal in your Curse of Strahd
to avoid the sexual predator/abusive/toxic
campaign and includes a unique and detailed
relationship aspects of the published adventure.
backstory, new characters, revisited dynamics, and
For veteran DMs or players of this classic
new encounters for you and your players.
Ravenloft adventure, changing Strahd’s gender also
The aim of this guide is two-fold. Primarily, our
offers an opportunity to revisit the story and
goal is to provide DMs with a cohesive female
setting with a fresh look at both Strahd as a villain,
version of Strahd that explores some of the
and Barovia as a society.
implications of running this character as a woman.
Most importantly, running what the community
As with anything D&D related, DMs are welcome
affectionately calls Fem!Strahd grants DMs and
to take this vision apart and keep the bits that
players a wonderful opportunity to incorporate
inspire them and their version of the character.
additional themes and explore unique dynamics
Our secondary goal is to provide DMs with
that would otherwise not exist.
general advice, as well as alternative modular ideas
and suggestions that cover a wider vision of how

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 However, many in the community have expressed guide, written with the intention that you as a DM
a certain anxiety about how to “do the gender-swap should feel free to change events to better suit your
right” and avoid the potential pitfalls of cliché. This storytelling style.
supplement is intended as a guide for DMs; a
collection of tips, tricks and ideas to inspire your Appendix A: New Encounter: The Lilac House
own version of Strahd, while paying homage to In which the characters explore Tatyana’s original
everything we love about the classic villain. homestead and perhaps uncover some of the secrets
This guide is presented to you out of deep behind Curse of Strahd. Two beautiful maps
affection and care for the Ravenloft setting, the included!
history of the character of Strahd and the
adventure plot as a whole in an effort to help you Appendix B: A Female Villainy Almanac
run your preferred version of Strahd. Want to delve further into the wonderful world of
female villainy? We have put together a handy list
Using this Supplement of both historical and fictional women to inspire
and horrify you.
To use this guide, in addition to Curse of Strahd
(CoS), you will need the fifth edition core Appendix C: Inspiring Media
rulebooks: the Player’s Handbook (PHB), Monster Want to delve further into the themes we have
Manual (MM), and Dungeon Master’s Guide (DMG). explored in this guide? Check out these books,
The Monster Manual contains stat blocks for many films, and TV shows!
creatures found in this book. When a creature’s
name appears in bold type, it is a visual cue Appendix D: NPC Stat Blocks
pointing you to the creature’s stat block in the MM All relevant stat blocks are presented in this area
or elsewhere; if the stat block is not from the for your reference.
Monster Manual, the text tells you where to find it.
Spells and magic items appear in italics, referring Appendix E: Footnotes
to listings in the Player’s Handbook and Dungeon
Master’s Guide, respectively, unless the text directs All the footnotes are described in this section.
you to an appendix.

Overview
This guide contains the following chapters: Content Warning
1. General Primer This supplement contains the discussion of topics
that could be triggering or inappropriate for
This section aims to provide good general advice certain players.
with regards to gender-swapping and how to avoid
falling into the usual stereotypes. You may use this These topics include child death, gore,
primer to gender-swap not only Strahd, but any discrimination because of gender or sexual
character in the Curse of Strahd universe and preference, and oppressive situations. Please be
beyond! mindful of these sensitive topics when choosing
2. Into the Multiverse to implement elements of this supplement. You
are encouraged to discuss and warn players
In this section we explore and update different before beginning the adventure, as well as utilize
elements and dynamics that can be altered through safety tools during play.
the process of gender-bending Strahd. We look
into unique worldbuilding opportunities as well as
update the relationships between Strahd and
established NPCs in the Curse of Strahd adventure
book.
3. Countess Von Zarovich: A New Biography
In this section you will find a detailed biography
for Countess von Zarovich, from birth to undeath.
This guide revises events as described in the
published Wizards of the Coast Curse of Strahd in
order to explore a more nuanced villain and fill in
details.
Some events in this guide contradict the
published text. Our aim is to inspire you and
provide a solid backstory to Strahd, but it is a

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 Chapter 1: General Primer

his section aims to provide good general

advice with regards to gender-swapping
and how to avoid falling into the usual
stereotypes. You may use this primer to The Gender Spectrum
While in this guide we are focused primarily on how to
gender-swap not only Strahd, but any run a female Strahd and the ramifications of such a
character in the Curse of Strahd universe change, many of the principles below can be used as
and beyond! guidelines, should you choose to run a nonbinary,
According to the D&D fifth edition Player’s trans, or genderfluid Strahd. The unique experience of
Handbook, chapter 4, there are no special benefits or gender identity is so individual that any attempt to
hindrances to playing a female or a male character. write a manual to cover all possibilities would be futile
Further, that same section notes that “You don’t and inevitably ignorant.
need to be confined to binary notions of sex and
If you are interested in pursuing this direction,
gender [...] You could also play a female character consider how Strahd’s identity would have shaped
who presents herself as a man [or] a man who feels their life. Much of Strahd’s life is gender dictated,
trapped in a female body...” Finally, “...your especially as the child of monarchs. Traditionally, as a
character’s sexual orientation is for you to decide.” male, Strahd would have been expected to become a
It follows that gender and gender orientation are military leader and ruler. As a female, she would have
mechanically irrelevant for both characters and been expected to marry for political power and
non-player characters. It is a creative change that alliances. What would the von Zarovich lineage have
does not in any way alter the creature’s stat block. done with a child who conforms to neither gender?
So, is that it? We just change pronouns and call it And how would this shape their interactions with
prominent NPCs like Rahadin (elves have an
a day? Well, no. Slapping a new name and a gender appreciation for non-binary identities, as their god
identity on a pre-established character does not do Corellon adopts both male and female appearances),
a whole lot of justice to either the pre-existing Tatyana (perhaps the only person who ever truly
character who serves as inspiration, or the new understood Strahd?), and Sergei (the gender-
character who is born as a result of the gender conforming second child who fulfills parental
change. expectations)? Finally, consider what tropes are
Contemporary media is brimming with remakes, associated with Strahd’s identity, and how to avoid
re-imaginings, and gender-swapped characters, leaning into harmful stereotypes that can be hurtful
toward LGBTQIA+ players.
many of which bring nothing new to the table.

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 Therefore, it is imperative that we dedicate more So why are vampires today so closely associated
effort to creating nuanced, authentic characters with the notion of toxic masculinity and predatory
whose gender identities are part of them, and not a sexual behavior?
mere reskin. If we dig a little deeper and analyze The notion of the vampire as a metaphor for
the possibilities that are created as a result of a toxic masculinity and male abusers is, in fact, a
gender swap, we will discover a whole range of relatively recent development. The evolution of the
new and refreshing dynamics and role playing fictional figure of the vampire has mirrored societal
opportunities to explore at your table. changes with respect to women’s empowerment
and sexuality with remarkable closeness.
The strict moralistic line of 1800s fiction utilized
A Monster, Not a Gender the vampire myth as a moralistic cautionary tale for
women, to warn them against those who would, in
“There is no hunting like the hunting of man, and those the vernacular of the time, “seek to corrupt and
who have hunted armed men long enough and liked it, strip them of their virtue.” Throughout the 18th
never care for anything else thereafter.” and 19th centuries, Gothic horror stories used fear
— Ernest Hemingway to compel women to be “virtuous” and “pure,” lest
the horrid monsters who stalked the night would
The folkloric archetype known as “the Vampire” is, take advantage and prey on them.
at its most basic, a creature that achieves an undead Curse of Strahd’s creative choices with regards to
status by feeding off the “vital essence” (usually the relationship between Strahd and Ireena seem
blood) of their victims. From this basic trait, likely to have been largely influenced by the classic
different elements and details have been added portrayal of Dracula 1 and his relationship with
throughout history. Because Strahd is a result of Mina Harker. Mina is the wife of another man, but
this long historical development of the Vampire Dracula covets her and ultimately bites her without
myth, we must conduct a brief analysis of the myth consent. Strahd’s attention toward Ireena
itself in order to understand our subject better. undeniably depicts abusive, stalker relationships,
The origins of the vampire myth are hard to but that dynamic is not intrinsic to the vampire
pinpoint precisely. The reality is that humans have myth, and certainly not exclusive to the male
been obsessed with the thin line between life and vampire myth.
death and the consumption of flesh and blood to Take, for example, Carmilla, an 1872 Gothic
attain immortality since records began. Chronicles novella by Irish author Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu,
of vampire-like creatures are found in ancient which predates Bram Stoker’s Dracula and deals
Egypt, the Persian Empire, and ancient Babylonia with a toxic (and abusive) romantic relationship
and Assyria, as well as Hebrew texts and Greco- between a female vampire (the titular Carmilla)
Roman mythology. and the object of her obsession, a 12-year-old child
However, the version of the vampire myth that is named Laura. During the 1970s and 1980s, a whole
now most commonly recognized originated in genre of sexploitation films depicting lusty evil
Eastern Europe in the Middle Ages, where vampire women luring men to their deaths sprung
monsters and curses were often used to explain the up, fueled by then-recently loosened censorship
origin of plagues and illness. Here is where the laws (The Hunger (see appendix C), Daughters of
tales start to detail elements such as fangs and using Darkness, Alucarda, and many more).
sunlight to kill the vampire. Current scientific Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, female
historians point toward a blood disease called vampires became increasingly prevalent in fiction,
porphyria as the likely root to the key attributes of such as Luella Miller by Mary Wilkins Freeman, or
the classical vampire: a sensitivity to light so the portrayal of “The Vamp” by silent actress Theda
extreme it causes burns to the skin, receding gums Bara.2 These characters were not only powerful but
that give the impression of elongated teeth, and also generally sexually confident. Consequently,
even the loss of ears and noses. society found a different way to “punish” women
Fiction and storytelling is largely an expression of for their sexual confidence and created the figure of
societal angst. It represents the fears and the “femme fatale,” around whom no man (or
tribulations of a particular group of people in a woman, as many femme fatales are depicted as
particular moment in history and can be wielded to bisexuals) was safe. Popular filmic examples of
both pressurize and control a society. As such, characters who use their sexuality to manipulate
myths and folktales mold and adapt to the fashions men to get what they want include Selina Kyle, aka
and social requirements of the time. Catwoman, in Batman Returns (1992), Catherine
The notion that vampirism is a “disease of the Tramell in Basic Instinct (1992), and more recently,
blood” and transmissible through saliva is a result Ava in Ex Machina (2014).
of societal angst toward diseases that devastated A different but equally telling attempt by
whole communities at a time when science was mainstream media to regain control from the
unable to fully understand disease transmission. sexually empowered female resulted in the highly
eroticized (and almost exclusively reductive)
depiction of the female vampire, which gave rise to

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a cottage industry of X- and R-rated films realized there was nothing men could do that I could not
surrounding this particular version of the mythic best them at.”
creature. But we digress. — Countess Strahd
What we intend to convey with this analysis is
that correlation is not causation. Just because Understanding the monster is the key to
Strahd, as depicted in Curse of Strahd, displays comfortable and easy roleplay. In this section, we
elements of toxic masculinity and sexual predation, focus on some elements you could incorporate into
does not mean that all vampires, nor indeed every your Countess Strahd backstory which would
incarnation of Strahd, must follow these lines. impact your unique world-building and
In fact, most modern depictions of the vampire roleplaying.
have decidedly turned away from the extreme
predatory aspects of the beast and leaned into the RaisingaPrincessinapatriarchalsociety
vampire as a melancholic romantic soul, more in Though not explicitly mentioned in Curse of Strahd,
need of companionship and redemption than blood it would not be far-fetched to assume that Strahd
and actively fighting their addiction to blood or was born and raised in a classic patriarchal society
trying to control their predatory instincts. A few that enforced traditional gender roles and divides of
examples of this trend are Let the Right One In and A power. Consider how these might have affected a
Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (see appendix C), as young and ambitious Princess Strahd, fueling her
well as Twilight and Only Lovers Left Alive. ruthlessness before she became a vampire.
Ultimately, a vampire is a monster that drains Within classical patriarchal societies, a steep
their victim of their life force, which in turn makes power divide exists between biological genders.
the vampire stronger; beyond that key Males are given political power and status, as well as
characteristic, the vampire can morph to embody the right to own property. Women are not afforded
whatever themes best reflect your particular telling such rights and are expected to obey their fathers
of the Curse of Strahd. and husbands.
As a DM, we want to encourage and empower In such a scenario, Strahd, despite being first-born,
you to make the creative choices you feel work best would have not inherited her father’s title or lands.
for you and your players. Even if she had been allowed to lead her father’s
Always remember that Strahd von Zarovich is armies, at the moment of King Barov’s death all
neither man nor woman. They are an undead titles would have passed to Sergei, not Strahd. This
monster, a vampire: a soul cursed by their own inequality could have fueled Strahd’s envy of Sergei,
ambitious desires, driven by an unyielding need to a concept we will explore later in this guide.
consume others, exerting their will over whomever A common trait of patriarchal societies is the
they please, whenever they please, wherever, and normalized reinforcement of the power and status
however they please. divide through microaggressions,3 which results in
Strahd’s main characteristic is a fierce women feeling undermined and unempowered.
intelligence driven to madness by perpetual Consider, for example, the frustration of having
frustration, regret, and guilt. Strahd is an abuser, a one’s competence and ability routinely questioned or
manipulator, and a master of gaslighting. Gender rejected by the men in power around you. This
should never be the defining feature of Strahd’s might have created a deep resentment in Strahd and
personality. fed a need to constantly and unambiguously prove
However, before Strahd became this monster, herself to others. In order to overcome bias, she had
she existed in a world where her gender played a to be more ruthless, colder and more calculating, so
role in how the world saw her. We all exist in a that no one would doubt her ability.
society that constantly influences our choices and As a consequence, Strahd may have felt compelled
behaviors and we are the products of our to be nothing but perfect in her parents’ eyes, in
surroundings. Throughout her human years, order to obtain affection, attention, and power by
Strahd might have had different experiences proxy. It is up to you to decide if King Barov noticed
because of her gender, and those might have caused the spark of ambition and determination in his
a chain reaction in shaping aspects of her daughter’s eyes and educated her in politics and
personality and experience. warfare, or if, on the other hand, Countess Strahd
And this is where gender-swapping gets had to self-educate in isolation, stealing tomes from
interesting. the library, spying on soldiers in training and then
implementing those skills in secret practice (perhaps
Understanding Countess Strahd aided by Rahadin, who, as an elf, has a less
fragmented gender conception).
“In my youth I was truly confused about whether I Finally, consider how, as a young princess, Strahd
wanted to be surrounded by men or whether I just may have had little control over her life, expected to
wanted to be a man. My favorite moments were when I marry to strengthen political alliances, even against
was surrounded by my armies and could forget just for her will. Such disempowerment may have reinforced
a moment that I was a woman. Then, as I aged, I both Strahd’s desire for independence and control
and her lack of ability to trust.

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Gender identity and gender expression
Gender identity is someone’s personal and intimate
sense of their own gender. Gender expression is
how they choose to reflect their gender identity in
their physical appearance. These two concepts are
independent of each other and it’s not uncommon
for someone’s gender expression to not reflect their
gender identity or the appearance typically
associated with their gender identity.
Spend some time thinking about how gender
identity and gender expression applies to your
vision of Countess Strahd.
For example, would Strahd’s search for equality
drive her to live as a man, rejecting traditional
feminine behavior cues and values? Does she feel
more comfortable in manly attire than in a dress?
Does she prefer her hair tightly pulled back rather
than arranged in an elegant hairstyle?
Or, on the contrary, does the inequality she faces
cause her to dig in her heels and defensively cling
to her feminine gender identity, demanding
acceptance and treatment not only as an equal but
as a better?
Or perhaps Strahd fits into neither of these
categories, unwilling or unable to conform to
either gender’s traits or expectations. For someone
The Voice of the Devil with deep ties to royalty—a role sternly shaped by
gender—not fitting into either could be a real
Voicing Strahd, or indeed voicing any generic female
NPC, may seem like a challenge for some DMs, source of tension within the family and further
particularly those who have deeper voices. But deepen the conflicting emotions that Strahd feels
remember that D&D is not a voice-acting challenge, toward Sergei.
and that role-playing can take many forms, including We will explore Vasili (or, perhaps, Vasilisa) later
speaking in the third person and conveying what an in this guide as a way for Strahd to further express
NPC says through narration rather than dialogue. her gender identity. For now, consider how Strahd
might be treated because of her gender identity and
Nevertheless, here are some tips for voicing Strahd4: how Strahd may have altered her appearance or
1. Ensure that Strahd sounds unique. If you are behavior as a result.
voicing other female NPCs such as Ireena or
Esmeralda, spend some time creating a unique tone
or cadence that is unique to Strahd. Sexual identity
2. Avoid comically high-pitched voices. Female voices Strahd’s sexual identity is for you as a DM to
come with as much variety as male voices and some define. Role-playing as Countess Strahd and
are deep. Think of actresses like Emma Stone or Mary
Elizabeth Winstead, or singers like Tracy Chapman keeping Ireena female allows us to explore an
and Lana del Rey. Feel confident in maintaining a additional layer to that relationship and to Strahd’s
lower, threatening register for Strahd. personality.
3. Pull from Strahd’s backstory: as a character with an Consider the implications of Strahd’s sexuality
extensive military background and a position of and the impact it might have had for the von
authority, Strahd’s voice should sound commanding Zarovich family, who might have expected Strahd
and arresting, not pleading or suggestive. to provide the family with either an advantageous
4. Play with the supernatural horror elements. With a marriage and/or a blood-relative descendant.
nod to The Exorcist (1973) at a dramatically Would Strahd have kept her sexual identity secret?
appropriate time, Strahd channels the power of Would she have tried to repress it and would that
Vampyr into her voice, lending a deep-sounding,
supernatural evil echo to her words. have been successful? If not, were there any
5. You can also use animals or the environment to consequences to those around her finding out?
emphasize Strahd’s threats and supernatural nature. Consider, once again, using Rahadin here as an
For example, after she commands “Silence!” from early ally. Because of the ambiguity of their god
your characters, describe how her words sound like a Corellon, elves are, for the most part, accepting of
lion’s roar, or have it punctuated with the crack of a plurality of gender and sexual identities. Is this an
thunder. early bonding opportunity for young Strahd and
the dusk elf?

9
 You may decide that the society around Strahd
was one where sexual choices are scrutinized, and
some perhaps are violently opposed. Perhaps it was
this societal pressure that got in the way of Strahd
and Tatyana, not Sergei himself. What’s in a Name?
It would be equally valid to not draw focus on Arguably one of the first things a DM thinks about
Strahd’s sexuality and treat it as another aspect of a when gender swapping Strahd is the realization
multilayered character. In this case, your that the name, though entirely fictional, has a
multiverse may be completely agnostic about all strong, masculine-sounding presence.
Changing or maintaining Strahd’s name is a
forms of sexual identity and preference, so it may completely personal choice, but you could use this
not even appear as a consideration for Strahd or opportunity to tie in a wider gender-swap and its
NPCs in general. sociological implications: was Strahd originally
given a more traditionally feminine name and she
Military life changed it to a more masculine sounding one in an
A large part of Strahd’s backstory is military life attempt to break out of her role as “princess”? Did
and conquest. Consider how this part of her Barov insist on the name because he had wanted a
backstory might fit into your campaign. son all along?
Throughout history, myriad examples of If you do want to switch it up here are some
examples of more traditionally feminine sounding
prominent women in warfare exist: Scythian Queen names:
Tomyris led her armies against the Persians,
defeating Cyrus the Great; Boudica, Celtic Queen • Strahda or Stradya
in Britannia, led an uprising against the Roman • Strahdanya or Strahdyana
invaders; Jadwiga, a woman crowned as “King” of • Strahdova
Poland, led her armies in two different military • Stroya
campaigns. • Sasha or Saskia
The Ravenloft Gazetteer series available from the • Sonia or Sorina
DMs Guild seems to support this vision of a • Sabrina
“warrior-princess,” writing that Strahd herself has • Sada or Sadya
an ancestor, the General-Princess Nicoleta von • Svetlana
Zarovich, who was responsible for the defeat of an • Zorah or Zorya
• Zlata
invading horde. • Zarya or Zaria
But regardless of precedent, it is your prerogative
as DM to determine how Strahd gained leadership You may also play with the idea of changing the
over King Barov’s forces. Was she instituted as iconic surname von Zarovich, which carries the
their general when she came of age? Did she traditionally East Slavic patronymic suffix -ich (son
request this from her father or did his death and of). For women, the appropriate suffixes would be -
subsequent vacuum of power mean that she had to yevna, -ovna or -ichna, i.e., Strahd von Zarovichna.
step up? Did she, perhaps, disguise herself in male However, von Zarovich is not an actual
armor and achieve great honor, gaining the respect patronymic name, despite the use of the suffix. We
of her men? know this because Strahd’s father is named Barov,
Once established as the head of the military, was not Zarov. If the surname had been meant as an
she a distant general, focused mainly on strategy, or inherited patronym, Strahd would be von
Barovich.
a warrior-princess, charging in with the front line? But Barov himself is a von Zarovich, as
Was Strahd an exception within her army or did indicated by the markings on his crypt in Castle
she welcome fellow women in the ranks of her Ravenloft (Curse of Strahd, chapter 4) and the
soldiers/lieutenants/captains? surname is a family name that has been passed
down through the generations. Therefore it would
be accurate and appropriate for a female Strahd to
continue carrying the iconic surname, should you
wish it so.
Aleksandra Gwilym, Mistress-at-arms
Later in this guide we discover Alek Gwilym, a
character from the novel, I, Strahd. Consider Avoiding Cliché
making Alek a female character and using this To avoid a reductive interpretation of female
character to explore the concept of shield-maidens. Strahd, we must identify how to use narrative
A wonderful example of this in action is the
interpretation of the character by the Aciduous tropes to our advantage while not descending into
Adventurer in his DMs Guild publication The cliché.
Interactive Tome of Strahd, which we highly A trope is a figure of speech that uses words in
recommend you check out. ways that extend beyond their literal meanings, like
metaphors or similes. Think of tropes as you would

10
musical notes and chords, which can be employed This cliché has not only the potential to demean
in various ways to create music. Tropes are the main villain of the campaign, but also pushes
recurring themes and motifs with widespread use the negative stereotype that women who are
in fiction. In fact, every genre has its own stable of confident in their sexuality are inherently evil.
common character traits or types that can be useful Circumvent this cliché by paying close attention
and effective in conveying a specific story or to Strahd’s affectation, behavior, and clothing. No
archetype. matter what your individual choices are, keep
For example, every heist film has a “recruiting the Strahd powerful and confident. Nothing in Strahd’s
team” and “planning the heist” sequence and a description or demeanor should generate anything
“whoops, something went wrong” moment. other than fear and dread from your players.
Romantic comedies have a “meet-cute” and a “tragic When describing Strahd’s appearance or
miscommunication” followed by a dramatic behavior, employ adjectives such as “striking,”
“reconnection” moment. These tropes are useful “mesmerizing,” or “enthralling” rather than
storytelling tools and they can help you tell a “seductive” or “sexy,” in order to avoid over-
compelling story. But, to continue with the musical sexualizing the villain. When describing her, move
metaphor, hitting the same notes over and over attention away from her gender and focus on what
again may result in a repetitive and unimaginative you want your characters to feel: dread. Describe
song. By subverting expectations we introduce the how the creatures of the forest have fallen silent
“unknown” and “unexpected” into our stories, since she appeared, how her presence creates a
making them more intriguing and engaging. tension that could cut glass, how her gaze makes
On the other hand, clichés (or stereotypes) are one feel disconnected, alone, and, most
overly simplified and overused ideas that no longer disturbingly, like prey.
offer anything new and always conform to Strahd is the Land, and you can use this to keep
expectations: the self-obsessed popular blonde, the the focus on her power. The characters can hear
nerd with glasses who is obsessed with fantasy her voice in thunder and gusts of wind. The earth
books and has no friends, the jock with muscle and can quake and part where she walks. Clouds can
no brains, the gritty goth-chick who “tells it like it cover any moon or starlight, reducing your
is”… characters’ ability to see her, should she wish.
At their worst, clichés can be used to vilify or Remember to give her intellectual confidence as
generalize the behavior of entire ethnicities, well as physical confidence. Strahd uses her
genders, or sexual preferences, propagating intellect, cunning, and cruel ingenuity to get what
harmful stereotypes that the author may not even she wants. She is, at least for the majority of the
be aware of. adventure, a fair few steps ahead of the players and
When crafting your Fem!Strahd, ask yourself if always in control, whereas their characters should
the trope you are using is serving a valid narrative be floundering, powerless against her.
or character-defining purpose. Is the trope giving Strahd’s charisma and charm extend beyond her
you valid and fun ideas for narrative events to physical attributes. Like a spellbinding lure, what
occur because of them? Great! Your trope is makes her a dangerous predator is the combination
working hard for you. However, if the idea offers of attractive qualities and a cruel ruthlessness. She
you nothing other than a superficial trait, then you weaves her allure as a spider spins its web: a trap
may be dealing with a cliché. for unfortunate insects to meet their doom.
Obviously, gender does not equal personality, but Remember that first impressions are incredibly
it is worth reiterating this notion because gender- important in creating a villain in the minds of your
swap—and, indeed, female characters in popular players. When choosing art to show to your
media—can easily become the victims of players, or when the time comes to introduce
stereotypes. So, let’s put a stake through the heart Strahd to your party, the first few facts you
of the following clichés that may affect Fem!Strahd: mention will have the greatest impact. Use this to
your advantage to surprise and inspire fear and awe
The Sex-kitten Vampire, aka the Seductress in your players. You want your players to take
Femme Fatale Strahd as a serious, deadly threat: an unconquerable
Vampires are well established in fiction as evil that has maintained the status quo of misery in
attractive and seductive apex predators. However, Barovia for generations.
female vampires in media are often overly When Strahd appears, describe how “her sharp,
sexualized in their depiction, with emphasis on piercing gaze follows your every move, drinking in
their overt lust and low-cut gowns, rather than the measure of your worth.” Mention her “long
their ferocity (notoriously, the sexploitation fingers ending in razor-sharp nails, gripping the
movies of the 1970s and 1980s, but also more pommel of a wickedly curved sword, ready to draw
recent examples such as From Dusk till Dawn at a second’s notice.” Whenever the party acts
[1996]). This “seductress” cliché often involves the confident or even arrogant, have her “tilt her head
female character using the sex appeal of her body to and raise her sharply sculpted eyebrows in mild
get what she wants. amusement, as the corner of her lips tightens in a
grim smirk.” Describe her movements as

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“unpredictably feral” and her confidence as In a nutshell, this stereotype frequently involves
“belonging to one who has not been successfully depicting a lesbian woman who is described as
challenged in a long time.” mentally unstable, villainous, and dangerous
Brainstorm ways of describing her to best avoid or because she is a lesbian. She is often depicted as
subvert clichés, which can weaken your players’ first lusting after straight women and hatefully
impression. For example, what if you decided that vindictive of male competition, perceived or
Strahd stands taller than any character, regardless of otherwise.
their race. A 7-foot-tall Fem!Strahd? Yes, please! Frequently, this stereotype also involves a
Remember that Strahd is in her late 40s/early 50s bisexual love triangle, where the object of the
when she forms the pact with Vampyr. Though you lesbian vampire’s desire is a younger woman who
might choose to make her appearance ageless to fall herself desires a man. The man in this triangle
in line with vampiric mythology, her age, tends to represent “goodness”: morality, faith, and
experience, and military prowess manifest in the godliness. The young woman represents innocence,
way she holds herself and interacts with your party. the victim teetering on the edge of the perdition of
In conclusion: when roleplaying a female version her soul. The vampiric lesbian represents evil and
of Strahd don’t place the focus on her female nature corruption. Sound familiar?
but rather focus on portraying what she represents The character Strahd von Zarovich is designed as
(power/abuse/evil) and what she provokes and a metaphor for abusive sexual predators6 and our
inspires in the party (awe/terror/envy/ intention is not to deviate from Strahd’s villainous
admiration?). nature in the slightest. However, the important
thing to understand is that Strahd is a predator
regardless of their gender or sexual preference, not
as a result of it.
Be careful not to inadvertently insinuate that
Avoiding Sexual Tension at the Table Strahd went crazy and evil because “her love
If you follow the advice above, you should be well interest chose a man over her.” Strahd, consumed
on your way to avoiding positioning Strahd as an by bitterness and regret, could have had many
“object” of desire for your characters. Every table is reasons that led her to accept Vampyr’s pact.
different and you should feel free to allow the kind Losing Tatyana to a man is not one of them. Losing
of roleplay you are comfortable with. However, do Tatyana to literally anyone else other than Strahd, is.
feel confident in shutting down unwanted sexual Similarly, avoid inferring that Tatynana rejected
innuendos that your players may direct toward Strahd because Strahd is a woman and omit
female Strahd with the same ferocity as if they had
been directed toward male Strahd. After all, Strahd connotations of homophobia altogether. Among
would never tolerate any semblance of disrespect the many alternatives is that Tatyana may have had
and she is not one to forget an offense. If a initial feelings toward Strahd but was eventually
character crosses a line, Strahd has many tools at turned away because of Strahd’s cruel and resentful
her disposal to ensure that the character ways. You could also gender-swap Sergei and
understands the consequences of disrespecting her. decide that Strahd had a baby sister, rather than a
If the player persists and is causing a problem at baby brother. Alternatively, you may decide to
your table, speak to your player about why they feel completely cut the romance between Sergei and
entitled to make clearly unwanted sexual advances Tatyana and decide that Tatyana threw herself
toward female Strahd. from the castle window because of Strahd’s cruel
and predatory behavior. Or perhaps she dies trying
to escape Strahd’s fury and temper.
A good way of ensuring that your campaign
The Predatory Lesbian remains an ally to the LGTBQIA+ community is to
Another problematic cliché that is easy to fall into introduce additional, healthy, and loving queer
when gender-swapping Strahd is the “predatory relationships into your game to create some
lesbian” narrative, which, along with the “depraved balance and highlight how predatory (and atypical)
homosexual” cliché (depicted in films such as Silence Strahd’s actions are. The relationship between Sir
of the Lambs, Notes on a Scandal, or Strangers on a Godfrey Gwilym and Vladimir Horngaard already
Train) are depressingly common depictions of offers some opportunity, but think about other
queer characters in fiction. characters you might want to use to balance out the
The lesbian vampire is the most persistant tropes.
depiction of lesbians in cinema, 5 with examples For example, you might decide to gender-swap
ranging from the silent cinema era (The Vamp, circa Urwin and Danika Martikov (Urwin and Daniecki)
1920) to today (Carmilla, 2019). However, or Anna and Dimitri Krezkov (Anna and Dyna) and
throughout the majority of its history, this showcase their marriage as an example of a
character has been explored through the male gaze, nurturing, respectful, same-sex relationship.
acting out male fantasies and depicting female Ismark, Muriel, and Ezmeralda are other influential
desire as both dangerous and excessive. NPCs you could choose to establish as queer.

13
 If you are populating Barovia further through how much the world and society has been tearing
homebrew, such as by creating additional shops or Strahd apart (even condemning her to a never-
by following MandyMod’s suggestions in Fleshing ending Curse), she continues to protect and
Out Curse of Strahd (see Credits), consider whether promote the system that got her there. Even if she
any of these NPCs can help your Barovia become is now in a position to change and make Barovia a
more inclusive. better land for herself and others, she chooses not
Alternatively, you could choose to bypass this to, which underscores the drama and villainy.
cliché by completely overhauling the established Regardless of backstory and regardless of your
Ireena-Strahd-Sergei love triangle-dynamic with an unique spin on “why Strahd is evil,” the adventure
alternative dynamic: Tatyana as Strahd’s biological needs a powerful, fear-inducing villain for the
daughter, rather than a love interest. players to rally against. As the DM, you are
In this version, Strahd’s actions and pact with responsible for creating a challenging and
Vampyr would have caused the death of Tatyana in dangerous foe for your players to hate and defeat.
some way, leading the Dark Powers to curse Strahd Regardless of the backstory you choose for her,
with a life spent in perpetuity yearning for her Countess Strahd should in no way be any less
daughter but unable to reunite with her. terrifying than her male counterpart.
This change also allows DMs who broadly enjoy
the adventure presented in Curse of Strahd but who
wish to fully avoid themes of sexual aggression/
Respectfully Embracing the Tropes
abuse in their games to run the adventure in a safe When used correctly, tropes can be effective tools
space for themselves and their players. We expand for creating themes, plot, and character. Like
on running Tayana/Ireena as Strahd’s daughter in ingredients in a recipe, the key is to use the right
chapter 2 of this guide. amount and throw a twist here and there to make
things feel both familiar and fresh. Here are some
The “Actually Not Really Evil” Cliché examples:
Many origin stories seek to soften up or explain
away a female villain’s cruelty and potential for Beauty Obsessed vs. Youth Obsessed
pure evil. This is another example of society's “It was the glow of her face that caught my attention. An
stereotypical views about what the ideal of a inner luminescence highlighted the rosiness of her
woman is supposed to be: virtuous, submissive, cheeks, the tautness of her features. Her eyes shone with
good. the glint of unspoilt excitement for the future. Her
Many “evil” women in literature fall prey to this unblemished skin, free of scars or marks of the passage
trope: they are not evil by nature or birth but they of time, mocked me with its perfection. I would drink
have been so profoundly wronged that it has her youth, absorb her essence and her future. I would
twisted their gentle natures. You can see this trope consume the time she had in front of her, and with it,
playing out in literary classics such as Medea, make her opportunities my own.”
where the betrayal by her lover drives a mother to —Countess Strahd von Zarovich
infanticide, and modern Disney adaptations such as
Maleficent and Cruella (“It’s ok, kids! The Dalmatians Another cliché often applied to female villains is
killed her mother!”). Even in the musical Wicked, the their obsession with being young and beautiful.
character who will become the Wicked Witch of From the Evil Queen constantly asking “who is the
the East starts off as a quirky teen, ambitious, fairest of them all” in Snow White to Mother Gothel
perhaps, but certainly not evil, until they are forced incarcerating Rapunzel so that she can preserve her
to become so by the system or by other own good looks in Tangled, our media is filled with
circumstances beyond their control. female villains who go to extreme lengths to
This is not to say that you should not use the restore their youth and beauty.
paratext surrounding Strahd and her backstory to Many feminist authors argue that the
provide additional context. We are all to a certain unattainable feminine beauty ideal in fairy tales is
extent products of our environments and an example of an oppressive patriarchal practice to
experiences and Strahd has a rich backstory to pull keep the unequal balance of power in play.7 Indeed,
from. to this day, the pursuit of beauty, and the sacrifices
However, you should resist the temptation to made in the name of it, occupies a large role in
overly sympathize with Strahd. The key difference is many women’s lives. If you wish to lean into this
excusing vs. understanding. Providing additional facet of Strahd, enrich the cliché by exploring the
background motivations as to why a character societal pressures and beliefs that have twisted her
commits a villainous act does not excuse the act, psyche.
even if it aids us in understanding the full context But beyond “beauty” lies a more compelling
of the act. desire: eternal youth, a mythical desire that has a
Positioning Strahd as a product of her long-established presence in fiction.
environment and her upbringing could bring up The Curse of Strahd adventure book, as well as the
strong story beats and themes for your players to novel, I, Strahd, explicitly notes that pre-vampiric
engage with. Consider, for example, that despite

14
Strahd mourns their lost youth and bitterly regrets What about subverting this trope to give your
having spent their “prime” years on war and players the scare of a lifetime? Consider the
conquest. Above all else, what Strahd yearns for is following encounter:
time...and it is such a strong desire that she You continue to make your way down the muddy
condemns her soul and makes the deal with road, the chill in the air seeping into your core as
Vampyr. the mist-clad branches of the trees claw at you like
Look for ways to expand the different facets of bony f ingers. In the distance, a howl pierces the
silence, a harrowing sound that is swiftly
Strahd’s resentment beyond regret and vanity and answered by another call, and then a third, this
lean into her intense craving for time. Perhaps, for one unnervingly close. Suddenly you see shadows
example, the prolonged war campaigns have in the mists beside you: a darting black mass on
robbed Strahd of the opportunity to become a four legs, then another, and another. You catch a
flash of bared fangs as shapes furiously dash past
biological mother. Beyond a personal sense of you through the woods. But it doesn’t seem as if
purpose, motherhood has well-established roots in you are the prey...at least, not this time...
social expectations. For Strahd, as indeed was the Up ahead you hear the desperate scream of a
case for many female rulers, their ability to woman in fear for her life.
maintain the bloodline was a condition of their As your party heads to investigate, have them see a
legitimacy in power. Having no descendants would cloaked figure on the road surrounded by snarling
have made Strahd vulnerable to challenges to her wolves. As they approach, they see the cloaked
rule. figure is in fact a woman with long black hair. You
Another great motivator is the fear of an aging or guessed it; this is Strahd, having a bit of fun at the
damaged body. Consider adding a debilitating characters’ expense.
health condition or wound to Strahd’s backstory: a Let your characters fight the wolves or flee the
hindrance that interferes with her ability to fight, whichever is most appropriate for your
perform her duties or that gets in the way of a session. Just make sure the “damsel” seems weak
perceived future with Tatyana. Desperate people and meek, unable to defend herself or be useful in
will stop at nothing to restore their health and any way (e.g., using the Dodge action).
vigor... Once the “danger” has been heroically dealt with,
let the characters go to “aid the damsel,” if they are
so inclined. This is when you make full use of
Strahd’s Charm ability against as many of the party
as you can. Once the characters are subdued, have
The Life and Death of Alek Gwilym Strahd chillingly reveal her true identity and have
In I, Strahd, Alek Gwilym is a close friend of Strahd’s, the wolves return from the mists (if none survived,
acting as her emissary and second in command. Alek is call in more) and surround the characters, who are
ultimately betrayed by Strahd and murdered in order now vastly outnumbered. One by one, have Strahd
to preserve the secret of her pact with Vampyr. bite them. We find the inside of the wrist a great
However, if we depart from the novel, we gain the place for Strahd to sink her teeth into, particularly
opportunity to play with a different perspective on the on a first meeting...
desire for youth and eternal life. Consider, for
instance, that Strahd’s longest standing and most loyal Alternatively, you can maintain Strahd’s ruse and
friend is dying, from either a wound or old age. play up the “helpless damsel” for as long as you
Strahd, unwilling to let her friend depart, beseeches want or it is useful to you. Another great “reveal”
Alek to accept immortality, and she will make him a point would be during the Feast of St. Andral, for
full-fledged vampire (whether Strahd speaks true or example.
not is for you to decide). Regardless, seeing what You can also use this encounter as a ruse to
immortality has meant for Strahd, and unwilling to introduce Strahd’s alter ego, Vasili (or Vasilisa) von
condemn his soul, Alek refuses her and dies of his own Holz.
volition. To this day, portraits of Alek decorate the
Castle and his death is a burden that Strahd carries
heavily. Use devices like The Tome of Strahd or social Embracing Femininity
role-playing to convey this story to your players. In Femininity is commonly understood as a set of
fact, Alek Gwilym and Godfrey Gwilym are related, so
it is possible for Godfrey to convey this story too. qualities or behaviors that are generally attributed
to women. What qualifies a trait as feminine (or
masculine) is a topic of much discussion, and many
of these associations are the result of
Fragile Little Thing generalizations. Similarly, the extent to which
femininity is biological or sociological in origin is
Throughout fiction, women are often depicted as subject to much debate.
“damsels in distress” needing to be saved from the For the exclusive purpose of providing
clutches of monsters and dragons, too fragile to inspiration for your Countess Strahd, here are
fight but angelic and virtuous enough to be worthy some traits traditionally cited as “feminine” and
of protection. how you might use them as inspiration when
roleplaying Strahd:

15
Gracefulness/elegance. You may want to Physical and Emotional Violence
portray Strahd as a gracious hostess, keen
to keep good form and social graces. This Gaslight Like It Is an Artform and Break
might include having others do her dirty Bones Like They Are Twigs
work and sending wolves, vampire spawn, Generally, we are accustomed to seeing male
brides, or even Rahadin to do her bidding. fictional characters use physical violence as a
After all, she wouldn’t want to get her terror-wielding tool and female characters utilize
fingers dirty…and if she ever does, manipulation and stealth to gain the upper hand
well…that might be the last thing your (plus a decent serving of poison from time to time).
characters ever witness… Both of these are stereotypes that are functional,
Empathetic/understanding. Strahd but a bit predictable. Let’s see how we can both
might play up this traditional trait and utilize and subvert the trope to put fear in the
appear empathetic of your characters’ hearts of your players.
predicament, perhaps choosing to initially First, we can divide violent villainous characters
offer them gifts or favors when they first into two broad categories: the Brute and the Sneak.
arrive in Barovia. Of course, Strahd being The key difference is how and where the presence
Strahd, this empathy, real or not, has no of violence lies.
effect in curbing Strahd’s behavior. A good Many “Brute”-type villains, such as Darth Vader,
example of this would be Strahd appearing Voldemort, or Hannibal Lecter, use overt
at the burial of the Burgomaster of Barovia intimidation, fear, and violence as weapons, swung
(having been the architect of his death) or around in the open in order to generate awe and
perhaps the burial of one of your characters terror. Violence, frequently with a physical
or allied NPCs. In reality, this is nothing element, is forcefully imposed on an unwilling
other than Strahd manipulating and victim. As a result of these traditionally masculine
gaslighting your players to keep them traits, Brutes are often (but not always!) male
guessing about her true nature and goals. characters.
Sneaks, on the other hand, specialize in stealthy
Modesty. If Strahd ever seems modest, violence—the one that is not explicitly seen, does
attributing her successes (and the attacks not leave marks, and cannot be easily attributed to
she visits upon the party!) to others and not them. Think of villains such as Aunt Lydia from
herself, it is false humility. In truth, Strahd The Handmaid’s Tale or Gothel in Tangled. Through
is arrogant and narcissistic, but she may manipulation and coercion they distort the victim’s
choose to try to hide these traits in favor of reality, creating the illusion that the violence the
a more “composed” approach and plausible victim suffers was the victim’s own choice. The
deniability in order to retain control. damage tends to be emotional or psychological, and
Nurturing. Just because Strahd is clearly a the wounds it leaves cut deep. Such traditionally
cruel and vicious monster doesn’t mean that feminine traits mean that Sneaks are often (but not
she cannot have a soft side. Perhaps this always!) female characters.
manifests as an NPC that Strahd cares In the exceptions to the rules, we can find
about, such as a member of her Court, or compelling characters who subvert our
perhaps it is the gentleness that she expectations. In The Lion King, Scar uses
demonstrates toward the wolves and other manipulation and deception to defeat his physically
beasts at her command. Part of Strahd’s stronger brother. Conversely, Xena, from Xena:
vampiric heart is still soft. This could be a Warrior Princess, uses her formidable martial skills
weakness your players may seek to exploit, to obtain her goals.
leading to additional drama and tension. No matter their gender, Strahd is a sophisticated
villain who uses sly manipulation and twisted
Resilience and Perseverance. Defined as game-playing to her advantage. Make your Strahd
both the ability to recover quickly from clever, conniving, and most importantly, dangerous
adverse circumstances and the ability to by using both kinds of violence against your
persist in pursuing one’s goals, women characters: physical and emotional/psychological.
throughout history have fought for their Countess Strahd is as physically capable as her
freedoms and rights with tenacity and male counterpart: her monster stat block does not
vigor, even if it meant great sacrifices like change, and Strahd has an 18 Strength score. Think
becoming outcasts or political targets. With about the subverting effect on your players when
Strahd, this trait takes a darker turn: Countess Strahd snaps their bones with her bare
nothing—and indeed no one—can stop her hands, or when she lifts them by the throat over a
from achieving her goals, and not even in balcony, their feet dangling desperately in the air.
death will she rest. Describe Strahd’s supernatural strength when she
grapples your characters, making them feel
powerless against a monster powered by undeath.

17
 When it comes to psychological damage, use the being kind, they are only one mistake away from
following tips to gaslight your characters and keep doom.
them in a situation of constant uncertainty and Use affection as a weapon of psychological
dread. destruction by having Strahd praise the characters
for their actions, making them feel like they were
Distort their reality executing Strahd’s plans all along. Examples include
“I know this must feel very strange but ordinary is just killing Doru, clearing the Old Bonegrinder, or
what you are used to. This may not seem ordinary to causing the downfall of Vargas Vallakovich.
you right now but after a time it will. This will become In this case, remember that you are not praising
ordinary.” them for their achievements or for their courage or
— Aunt Lydia, The Handmaid’s Tale, Season 1, skill, but for having fulfilled Strahd’s desires.
Episode 1
Infantilization
Barovia is, without a shadow of a doubt, a horrible
place where horrible monsters inflict horrible pain “Ah, the little mice who are tripping their way through
upon its denizens. From the moment they are my domain. I trust you are amusing yourselves?”
engulfed by the Mists, the characters are subjected — Countess Strahd, to the party
to realities that are, by design, abnormal and By using infantilizing language, you minimize your
terrifying. characters’ power. Call them “little boy,” “little
By having Strahd “normalize” the horror, you girl,” or “little elf”... Have Strahd talk to them
indicate to the characters that their only option is slowly and softly, as if they were talking to a child.
acceptance and submission, allowing despair to Particularly if the character is intelligent or wise,
grow into compliance. Have Strahd minimize their make it clear that to Strahd, they are not.
distress and make them doubt the truth. Whenever the characters disagree with Strahd,
You can do this directly via Strahd or have Strahd have her respond as a detached parent, claiming
manipulate the environment and create illusions to that they “simply do not understand the
haunt your characters. complexities of Barovia” or that they “lack the
ability to grasp the true nature of things.” Always
Special Visitors emphasize that the characters do not know enough
Fool your party into believing that Strahd to save themselves without Strahd’s help and
considers their characters special. Pacify them into guidance.
a false sense of security by having Strahd tell them
that, the others here (NPCs) are uninteresting— Ghost them
trivial even—unlike the party! They are here Be a shadow, hunting everyone but not tangible to
because Strahd has chosen them, handpicked them anyone. Let Strahd’s effect be felt rather than seen.
for greatness. “You are fortunate,” she will say, "and Avoid open situations of violence that can be
privileged to be welcomed into my lands. Do not attributed to Countess Strahd and make sure she
spurn this opportunity lightly. Do not spurn this always has a credible angle as to why she
opportunity lightly.” disapproves of such violence when it occurs (“I
Of course, this creates the perfect environment know the hags were terrible but how could I
for any action the party takes against Strahd or her deprive my subjects of such delicious dream-giving
allies to be treated as an act of aggression against a pies? Would you have me tear down the vineyard
gracious host. By using manipulative insincerity as well?”) Violence happens around her,
Strahd can guilt-trip the party, making them feel perpetrated by her allies: Rahadin, the Vistani…and
they initiated the hostilities and erode their moral the Brides.
high ground.
Make their misery “their own choice”
Juxtapose Affection and Punishment This is an alternative introduction to Barovia itself,
This follows a simple rule: one hand gives a designed to plant the idea in the minds of your
reward, the other strikes you down. Have Strahd characters that it was their choice to come to
appear as a magnanimous, generous ruler one Barovia, rather than the oft-used “engulfed by the
second, praising and perhaps even giving your Mists” storyline. Simultaneously, this offers you an
characters small but useful gifts, then the next introduction to Strahd and a way to set the tone to
moment, have Strahd turn on the party and the campaign early.
“punish” them. The key aspect of this strategy is to “bait” your
If you don’t think it appropriate to have Strahd players into actively opting in, creating the illusion
lash out against a particular character, you can use that they are the architects of their own misery, not
NPCs (Ireena, Ismark, Esmeralda, or even one of Strahd. They chose to stay in Barovia, so anything
Strahd’s allies) for the same, or even greater effect. that happens from then on is their fault. Lean into
This signals to your players that Strahd is volatile. the “Mysterious Visitors,” “Werewolf,” or “Plea For
Every situation can turn to violence at the drop of a Help” adventure hooks as all of these give you the
hat and they might be next—even when Strahd is

18
opportunity to have Strahd guilt-trip them. All Strahd can also taunt, tease, and place seeds of
they had to do was walk away... distrust within the party by making direct or covert
Depending on how aggressively you want to play inferences that someone (whether another character
Strahd, you can use any of several strategies: or an NPC) has betrayed the party, and then sit
Strahd as a social/engaging antagonist. Have back and enjoy the chaos.
your characters stumble into the Mists and run If the party has formed deep friendship/romantic
them through Death House. Once they have bonds either between themselves or with one or
escaped and find themselves back on the streets, more NPCs, Strahd, thanks to her scrying ability,
they either meet Strahd or one of her envoys likely knows this and uses it to blackmail the
(Rahadin or a family member, perhaps). Use this character. For example, she may promise the
interaction to offer your players a way out of protection of a loved one in exchange for the
Barovia. Clearly they do not wish to be there, Sunsword, or the Holy Symbol of Ravenkind, or
right? Well, Strahd is a benevolent ruler and will something else that Strahd desires.
allow them to walk out of the Mists. Of course the Further, if an NPC or character has died and the
risk is that your players may accept the offer, so if party is feeling sad or guilty over the loss, Strahd
you want to implement this strategy, you must can use disguise self to make herself appear as the
ensure that you and your players have developed deceased party member to trick or manipulate the
hooks into Barovia that make the characters survivors.
unwilling to leave at this point (a missing sibling, a
promise made, etc.).
Strahd as a BBEGal from the get-go. Once your
characters are out of Death House and before the
Mists have opened up to reveal the way to the Important Caveat
Village of Barovia, have Strahd appear. Strahd then Please use the advice above sparingly and carefully.
introduces herself as The Land, and lets them know These are powerful psychological tools meant to
that they can never leave without her permission. enhance hopelessness and despair. While you do
But she is a fair and honorable ruler, and welcomes want Strahd to add to the atmosphere of what the
a challenge to a duel for the right to leave her land. characters are battling against, you must be
Strahd knows that she is stronger so she even mindful of player burnout.
allows the characters to receive buffs such as bless Barovia is a grind, and constant losses and
or healing word. Inevitably, Strahd will decimate a emotional torment can make the party feel useless
level 1–3 party, which allows her to play up her and ultimately affect everyone’s enjoyment of the
lawful nature (she holds true to her promise if they campaign. Combine the “dark” elements you add
win) and her evil nature (she knows they cannot with Strahd with touches of “light” and humor.
win). Use NPCs such as Ireena and Ismark, Ezmerelda,
When the characters are dead, have them interact the Vistani, Blinsky, Rictavio, and others to add
with the Dark Powers, who offer them resurrection levity, and remember to give your players a “win”
(and a Dark Gift, should you see fit) if they swear from time to time. Remember to always provide
your players with a glimmer of hope they can grasp
to destroy Strahd von Zarovich. onto.
This creates the convincing illusion that the
misery the party faces is of their own creation. If
the party’s actions result in the accidental death or
destruction of their allies (the Martikovs, Ireena,
and others), Strahd can use this to inflict further
guilt and use psychological warfare against them.
Exploit and undermine character relationships
“I advise you to keep your friends very close, for some
of them will die only too soon. And the others… The
others will betray you.”
— Lagertha, Vikings, Season 4, Episode 6
Divide and conquer is an age-old warfare strategy.
Find the weak spots in the friendship chains that
bind the party together and use Strahd to further
weaken those links. For example, Strahd may select
an individual character who she believes is
“worthy” and give them preferential treatment,
maybe even offer them a way out of Barovia.

19
 Chapter 2: Into The Multiverse

n this section we explore and update The Mother being the most influential and revered.
different elements and dynamics that can Land is handed down through the mother’s line and
be altered through the process of gender- local rulership is in the hands of the eldest female
bending Strahd. We look into unique of the noblest family in the region.
worldbuilding opportunities as well as In the Village of Barovia, this would be
update the relationships between Strahd Burgomistress Katya Indirova (tragically deceased
and established NPCs in the Curse of Strahd adventure as the party arrives in Barovia), and in Krezk it
book. would be Burgomistress Anna Krezkov, who,
taking a modern approach, co-rules with her
Worldbuilding husband, Dimitri. Some ill-intended tongues
whisper behind Anna’s back that her co-rulership is
Civilizations are built in the likeness of their rulers; making Krezk weaker and causing the troubles the
their influence and power shape the world around township is facing.
them, both actively (through laws, mandates, and Women in Barovia have a great deal of agency as
traditions) and passively (as a reaction to the ruler). well as excellent peer support from both other
Once you have decided how you want to run your women and men. That does not mean men cannot
version of Countess Strahd, spend some time be protective over women they care for—for
thinking about how her position as a ruler has example, Ismark fearing for Ireena’s safety—but
influenced and affected the other denizens of rather an understanding that women are the
Barovia. ultimate authority in deciding what is right for
Here are some ideas to inspire your them, and having the final say in their decisions.
worldbuilding on Barovia and customize your own Furthermore, women are seen as the head of
Demiplane of Dread. business throughout the Valley, from tavern
keepers like the Vistani owners of the Blood on the
Barovia, a Matriarchy Vine Tavern or Danika Martikov, owner of the
Blue Water Inn, to entrepreneurs such as
Consider the possibility that, ever since Strahd Morgantha and Yelena Arasek.
became the ruler of the Land, Barovian power and The town of Vallaki, on the other hand, exists in
customs have shifted to favor women, creating in a perilous state of political turmoil, and is in fact a
effect a matriarchy.8 In this society, women are powder keg about to explode. The Vallakovich
seen as the head of the family, with the figure of family, founders and rulers of the township,

20
strongly opposed the rule of Strahd (or any woman navigate a “man’s world” to secure a position of
for that matter) and for generations have refused to power and influence for herself.
change their patriarchal structures and governance. As to the fate of the original Count, well, that is
Currently, the town is ruled by Burgomaster also for you to decide. Did Strahd murder her
Vargas Vallakovich, a fierce opponent of Strahd Count in the middle of the night? Did she use
who uses humiliation and denial to brush over the poisons for the deed, or perhaps a dagger? Did she
unhappy realities of life in Barovia. Some see prefer to use her arcane abilities? Did she do it
Vargas’s rulership as an act of direct defiance to early in the marriage? Or after her deal with
Countess Strahd, though it is unknown if she is in Vampyr? Or, alternatively, was the marriage a
any way bothered by the petty politics of happy one and the Count died of natural causes?
insignificant humans. If you prefer to focus on Barovia’s present rather
What is clear, though, is that Lady Wachter than its past, you may decide to forgo the canon
covets the leadership of the town and uses any and establish that the von Zarovich line was the
misstep or mishap that Vargas makes to kindle the legitimate ruling family of the valley of Barovia all
flames of revolution. along.
In this matriarchy, men still have some power:
some like Bildrath and Blinsky run shops, and male Won’t Someone Think of the Children!?
hunters and guards are also valued members of Regardless of Countess Strahd’s personal feelings
society. Men are also in charge of most tasks toward children, a consequence of the matriarchal
related to the end of life, from hunting, animal influence stemming from her presence might be
slaughter, and butchery, to the reading of last rites, that children, and indeed, mothers, are given
the arrangement of funerals, and the execution of special consideration in Barovia.
wills and testaments. In this world, pregnant women, for example, are
The Church remains mainly in male hands, a treated with veneration and respect, and the beasts
vestige of worship which predates the entry of that Strahd commands know to never attack them,
Countess Strahd into the valley, and has remained or they’ll suffer the consequences. Consider adding
stoically faithful to the Morninglord and pre- a random encounter during travel times for your
conquest traditions. Nevertheless, some women party where they encounter a pregnant woman
also choose to devote themselves to the walking along the forest, perhaps returning from
Morninglord and become nuns and healers in his making an offering to one of the Fanes. When the
name. The most notable of these is Saint Markovia, characters ask if she is not worried about traveling
who ran an abbey and hospital in Krezk and took alone, the woman explains that her condition keeps
up arms against the vampire Strahd. her safe in these lands.
If children are given special consideration in
The Conquering of Barovia Barovia, it has consequences on the text as written,
In Curse of Strahd, we learn that Strahd first enters particularly when it comes to Morgantha, the hags,
the valley with his army in pursuit of the enemies and the Old Bonegrinder Mill, a thread which
of his father, King Barov. After his victory, Strahd features explicit child death. In light of this,
falls in love with the beauty of the valley and consider changing the subplot using the following
decides to claim it as his own. alternative:
Running Countess Strahd and keeping this Hags, particularly night hags, are well
canonical history are perfectly compatible notions. established as stalkers of the dream realm, haunting
Whether your Countess is a ferocious warrior- dreamers and stealing their souls to sell in the
woman or functions as a strategic general away fiendish realms. Using that as inspiration, consider
from the front lines, women of nobility have that instead of fattening up children and then
historically commanded armies. Look no further grinding their flesh, the actual “magical”
than England’s Queen Elizabeth I and her role in component in the Dream Pastries are,
the defeat of the Spanish Armada. well…dreams! Children’s dreams, to be precise. Full
If you want to keep the conquering element but of illusion, hope, happiness, and imagination, these
would prefer to not have Strahd commanding the dreams are taken by the hags from the children at
armies, have King Barov remain at the head, only the mill as they sleep.
to die tragically of a battlefield wound shortly after The result is a non-Newtonian liquid, translucent
his last enemies are defeated. Thus, young and shimmering in a rainbow prism of colors, that
Countess Strahd is left bereft and thrust into is infused into the pastries and later consumed by
rulership of a land that despises her and her family. unsuspecting, addicted adults, who dream hopefully
However, you may decide you prefer an and with wild imagination and unbound creativity.
alternative to the conquest history to Strahd’s This liquid is kept in small vials labeled “Dream
rulership of Barovia. Marriage, for example, would Essence” and can be found on the first floor of the
be another way in which Countess Strahd may have Old Bonegrinder. Unfortunately, this process also
found herself as the ruler of Barovia. This avenue slowly erodes the child’s soul, and, at some point,
may help you highlight how Strahd had to shrewdly the child becomes devoid of happy thoughts and

21
memories; their dreams are stale mush, rendering for example), aside from Baba Lysaga, witches are
their essence useless to the hags. At this point, the severely under-utilized in the module.
poor victim is taken and abandoned in the forest, Expanding on the presence of witches within
left to die a grim death, or perhaps to be Barovia is compatible with both matriarchal and
encountered by the party on the road. patriarchal societies. Notably, it may provide an
Always remember that night hags are genderless: additional incentive for your party to visit the
they are creatures of the Feywild who have become otherwise rarely explored Ruins of Berez.
corrupted and bent into fiends because of their evil
tendencies. As such, Morgantha chooses her The Witches of Berez
disguise carefully—as an old woman and a Consider adding a coven of witches, about thirteen
Matriarch she is considered untouchable in strong, living in the abandoned mansion of the last
Barovia—as a way to further protect her business Burgomaster of Berez (Area U2. Ulrich Mansion).
and hide her actual nature. Imagine the looks on This is truly a no man’s land, because men are, in
your players’ faces when you reveal that the fact, banned.9 The ruins are now home to a group
loveable “Granny” is not only a night hag, but her of women who have created their own micro-
kindly older-woman voice is now much deeper, society under the mentorship of their matriarch
nefarious, and unsettling. Jeny Greenteeth (see appendix D). A small
Should you choose to run The Orphanage as per platoon of animated scarecrows and swarms of
MandyMod’s Fleshing out Curse of Strahd guide on critters (e.g., rats, bats, cockroaches, black goats,
the Curse of Strahd subreddit, consider presenting it raining toads...) protect the members of the coven
as a charitable organization funded by Vasili von from hostile strangers.
Holtz, who has a special interest in protecting the Though on friendly terms with and respectful of
young and innocent in Barovia. It is likely you will Strahd, the Berez Coven is not one to judge the
find a few of these “emptied” children there, too. journey of their fellow women. You can decide
Though the children have a vague awareness of whether the coven is to be evil-aligned and work
what happened to them, their thoughts are mostly toward Baba Lysaga’s goals of destroying the
incoherent. They may, however, remember the Martikovs or whether they are neutral-aligned,
sound of grinding stone and the smell of buttery with the potential to become a powerful neutral
pastry. ally (and provider of potions and other magic
services) to the party—as long as the party plays
WitchesandTheOrderoftheMorninglord their cards right. Macho bravado or any form of
Though the Curse of Strahd adventure module disrespect is not tolerated.
features witches as a possible random encounter The coven is formed by women of all ages who
(some can be encountered within Castle Ravenloft, have, for one reason or another (usually abuse and

22
persecution), found it necessary to escape society If the coven is friendly or neutral to the party, they
and create their own way of life. The coven is full will provide small magical services to them such as
of life, dance, communal chanting, and song. The providing them with spell components, potions,
witches wear elaborate necklaces made out of bone and single-use spell scrolls. The coven does not
and semi-precious stones and crystals. The have a shop and they certainly don’t keep stock of
necklaces are gifted, from one witch to another, as items. What they do have is the know how, so
an acknowledgement of gratitude and respect. The everything will be a bespoke order and take time to
more necklaces a witch is wearing, the higher her prepare. Use the following guidelines to determine
position in the coven. price/preparation time, then adjust the specifics to
suit your game. Consult the Witches’ Items table.
Bear in mind that these items are all hand made
by the witches, so they could be slightly different
from RAW. We are in Barovia after all, and these
Naming the Witches of Berez ladies are artisans. For example, the witches may
The women who form the Berez coven have sell the characters healing potions which heal 3d4 +
relinquished their given names and instead use 3 or 5d4 + 5, as opposed to the standard even-
chosen names. Upon joining, each member named numbered potions found in shops. Any potion may
herself with a symbolic name that is reflective of also have additional side-effects, such as turning
her new identity as a witch. the character’s skin a bright color, lengthening
Examples of names you can use: Raven, their hair noticeably or enlarging their ears or
Desdemona, Jett, Amaya, Lisha, Hesperia, Jade, noses significantly. Any side-effect vanishes after
Moonshade,Calinda, Hecate, Opal, Bruna, Clio, the character finishes their next long rest.
Zillar, Trista, Dahlia, Willow, River, Briony, If the characters are particularly friendly to the
Clementine, Heather, Lark, Midnight, Rune, members of the coven, the witches may offer gifts
Myrtle, Primrose, or Lanira. and kindness in return. Friendly witches offer small
If the coven is friendly to the party, they will in magical services, such as slightly modifying a
turn give the characters a name reflective of their character’s appearance (hair or eye color), mending
personality and demeanor. their clothes or items (as per the mending cantrip),
and perhaps even offering them small trinkets
(gems, necklaces, fragrance pouches, amulets with
small enchantments) as a gesture of friendship.
Witches’ Items
Rarity/ Item Examples Gold Cost Time Cost
1 hour. An additional hour
Common potion of healing, potion of comprehension, 75 gp if the order includes more
potions potion of climbing, potion of giant strength than one potion type
Cantrip or 1st- 75 gp for cantrips or 100
level spell Any cantrip or any 1st-level spell 1 hour per spell scroll
gp for 1st-evel spells
scrolls
2 hours. An additional
Uncommon philter of love, potion of growth, potion of 125 gp hour if the order includes
potions water breathing more than one potion type
Uncommon 150 gp for 2nd-level or
Any 2nd- or 3rd-level spell 2 hours per spell scroll
spell scroll 200 gp for 3rd-level spells
potion of heroism, potion of 4 hours. An additional 2
Rare potions clairvoyance, elixir of health, oil of 200 gp hours if the order includes
etherealness more than one potion type
Rare spell Any 4th-level spell 300 gp 3 hours per spell scroll
scrolls

23
 The character must allow Jeny to dig out one ounce of ear wax from
1 their ear with only her finger. She is clearly saving it for something...
The character must provide Jeny with their toenails, which she will trim
2 off with her teeth
Jeny Greenteeth 3 The character must grant Jeny a vial of their saliva.
The Adventurers League DM Guide introduced
Jeny Greenteeth in their version 4.0 supplement The character must maintain direct, unblinking eye contact with Jeny
for no less than one minute. Neither of them is allowed to speak. At the
(see Credits) as a way to allow characters to access 4 end of this time, Jeny will scream incredibly loudly. The character must
spellcasting services. Whereas the supplement succeed on a DC 10 Constitution saving throw or be deafened for 1d4
establishes Jeny as a green hag, we feel Barovia days
already features some fascinating hags (e.g., Baba The character must bring Jeny a small brown puppy, a large ginger cat,
Lysaga, Morgantha and her Coven), so we have 5 and a white lamb. All animals must be alive when they are handed over.
chosen to run her as a powerful, human witch Jeny will not disclose the purpose of this request.
instead.
Jeny is an old woman (some wicked tongues The character must bring Jeny a vial of blood from a beast they have
6 bested with their bare hands.
may call her a crone) with long, thin, matted white
hair and pale skin wrinkled like worn leather boots. 7 The character must give Jeny one of their teeth.
Her thin lips are barely visible as she tends to press 8 The character must give Jeny a long, lingering embrace.
them against each other as she concentrates. She is
deaf in one ear but her eyesight is remarkably The character must give Jeny one ounce of their skin. To collect this,
sharp. Her back is hunched, perhaps more so 9 Jeny will exfoliate the character with a pumice stone until all flecks of
because of the countless stone and gem necklaces skin are collected.
that hang around her neck. The character must give Jeny all of the hair on their head. If the character
10
Jeny is eccentric to say the least—some might has no hair on their head they can donate their facial or bodily hair.
say she has gone slightly cuckoo. But her The character must promise to communicate exclusively through dance
disposition is friendly to those who are friendly to (no verbalizing allowed) during the next 24 hours. This does not prevent
her coven. To those who aren’t, she is a foe to fear. them from using any of their class features or casting spells.
Jeny Greenteeth can provide the following 11 If the character breaks the promise they immediately fall unconscious,
spell-casting services, which she provides after and any condition that Jeny’s spellcasting provided is gone. At the start
of each of their turns, they can attempt a DC 15 Charisma saving throw,
taking payment and only under the light of the regaining consciousness on a success.
Moon.
The character must provide a drop of blood from someone they love,
Spells 12 and a drop of blood from someone they envy. They do not need to
disclose which is which.
Spell Cost
The character must steal an item from Castle Ravenloft and bring it back
cure wounds 10 gp per level 13 to Jeny. The item must belong to Strahd or a close member of her family.
identify 20 gp The character must promise to do a favor for Jeny in the future, the
14 scope and complexity of which will be proportional to the services they
lesser restoration 40 gp have requested from her.
prayer of healing 20 gp per level The character must cook Jeny a meal. They must provide all the
15 ingredients, one of which must be one of their toes or fingers—chef’s
remove curse 90 gp choice!
speak with dead 90 gp 16 The character must provide Jeny with at least thirteen hairs from
Madame Eva’s head.
divination 210 gp
Character’s choice: what thing or item of personal value will they offer to
greater restoration 450 gp Jeny for her services? Depending on how significant the offering, allow
17 an easy, medium, or hard Charisma (Persuasion) check to see if it is
raise dead 1,250 gp acceptable. Items from beyond the Mists allow the character to roll with
advantage.
In addition to the gold price, Jeny always
demands an additional task or boon in exchange The character must lend Jeny their hearing ability for a single day, during
18 which the character is deafened. After 24 hours pass, the character
for her services. Roll a d20 and consult the regains their hearing.
following table, or alternatively choose a task that
suits your purposes best. Previously performed A pound of blue algae that grows at the very bottom of the very center of
19 lake Zarovich. Jeny warns them that the algae is poisonous to the touch
tasks cannot be repeated. and near impossible to cut.
The character must allow Jeny to polymorph them into a toad so that
20 she may pet them, in toad form, for an hour. Jeny will explain that her
pet toad “Bubi” died recently and she misses her so very much.

24
 Plot Hooks of the Berez Coven
If you want to nudge your party toward visiting
the Coven at Berez you can use the following
hooks:
• A random encounter with a witch, at first non-
hostile, who can be a vendor of potions and
poisons. If attacked by the party, she tells them her
sisters will strike back in vengeance. If treated
politely, she discloses the location of the coven and
warns the party that it is not a place for men.
• Notes in van Richten’s tower or research
conducted by Ezmerelda indicate that the coven’s
hiding place is in the swamps.
• A conversation with Lady Wachter, who is aware
of the coven and their customs.
• If the coven is allied with Baba Lysaga, then any
captured druid or witch at the Winery or Yester
Hill says that their plot to attack the Martikovs was
assisted by magic from the witches of Berez.
• Paula (see The Trial of Sarela in the following
section) tells the party that there is a commune of
women living in the swamps of Berez. If the party
assists her and helps Sarela escape, the sisters will
ask characters to travel with them to Berez, for
protection. If the party accepts and safely delivers
the girls to the coven, the witches become friendly
to the party and will grant them a boon.

The Order of the Morninglord

All of these women in power, witches and female
vampires alike, have generated a degree of backlash
from the Barovian population. A secret society
called The Order of the Morninglord is led by fact, a witch. The accuser is Misha Krug,
Baron Vargas Vallakovich with the help of his Baron Vargas Vallakovich’s marshal. Misha is in
right-hand man Izek Strazni; it is a group of charge of writing, proclaiming, and enforcing
religious zealots who are bent on uncovering Vallaki’s laws, leaving the nasty aspects of
witches and vampires within the town of Vallaki. executing said laws to Izek. Sarela has no one to
The organization conducts their own public defend her but her 10-year-old sister, Paula, who
mock-trials, and should the “suspects” be found insists that Sarela was just singing to soothe her
guilty, they are immediately executed in the town because she was having trouble falling asleep.
square as a warning to any other young women Misha Krug determines that to expose the truth,
who would allow themselves to be tempted away they shall test the “witch” by dousing her hand in
from the light. boiling holy water. If she is indeed a witch, her
Members of the clergy see the name of the order hand will burn and cover in boils. The trial
as a flagrant misuse of the Morninglords’ creed, but proceeds and, as expected, poor Sarela’s hand is
few dare speak out against the Burgomaster and his scalded by the boiling water and her fate is sealed:
demonic guardian Izek. she is to be burned at the stake that same evening.
Just in time for the party to intercede, perhaps?
Event: The Trial of Sarela
Shortly after the failed Festival of the Blazing Sun, Castle Ravenloft
a public trial is held in Vallaki. The accused—a Roleplaying as Countess Strahd gives you the
young woman by the name of Sarela—has been opportunity to look at Castle Ravenloft with new
observed chanting strange words in the moonlight eyes. Her eyes. Consider the world-building
the night prior to the torrential rain that impeded implications for the Castle with the elements you
the celebration. The accusation is that the rain was have added to your Countess.
summoned by the young woman, and that she is, in

25
Tatyana’s childhood room encroaching old age stripped away any chance of
As we will explore later in this guide, you could her becoming a mother, create a small nursery
choose to present Tatyana as Strahd’s daughter accessible only via area K42: The King’s
rather than her love interest. If so, do away with Bedchamber.
area K36, The Dining Hall of the Count, and add This small room contains a wooden cradle at its
Tatyana’s childhood room instead. center. Claw marks have wracked the fabric
wallpaper, which hangs limp, swaying in the
The sweet smell of lavender and fresh cotton fills chilling breeze that flows through a shattered
this room. Billowing cream-colored drapes allow a window. Dusty remnants of cushions and
soft light to illuminate this room, in the center of curtains lie discarded on the floor. The room is
which is a small princess canopy bed with heavy with regret and despair.
gossamer pink netting. An elaborately decorated
rocking horse stands among a collection of other This room contains nothing of use.
wooden and soft toys. Resting in a wooden stand
by the window is a wooden lute, and in the Opulence and Terror
southwest corner is a tall harp. On one of the
walls hangs a portrait of Strahd, holding a Opulence is a symbol of wealth and power,
smiling, red-headed toddler. displayed over others to signify status and demand
Tatyana’s childhood bedroom has been magically admiration. It is a celebration of success. With a
preserved by the will of Strahd. The room is full of character like Strahd, who overflows with
eerie mementos of Tatyana’s previous narcissism and pride, you should feel confident in
incarnations— a collection of small glass boxes, each leaning into this particular expression of self-
containing a lock of red hair and inscribed with their appreciation.
different names. One box labeled “Ireena” is empty. You might decide to do away with this concept if
The interaction here is similar to the one your particular Strahd already came from wealth
described in chapter 4 of Curse of Strahd in that any and status. But if your Countess had to fight her
character who touches the toys summons “Strahd’s way through relentless opposition and seemingly
grief” in the form of an invisible stalker that tries insurmountable odds such as, for example, being a
to kill whichever character is carrying Tatyana’s woman ruler in a patriarchy, then Strahd might
toys. Alternatively, you may choose to “jump scare” well choose to ostentatiously display her wealth
them by having a window break or a porcelain doll and status as a way of reaffirming it.
fall off a shelf and shatter. The socializing areas of the Castle are particularly
If the party successfully summons the Ghost of well-suited for a “make-over.” When describing
Pidlwick by succeeding on a DC15 Charisma them, opt-out of the adventure module text and
(Performance) check while playing the harp, the instead flavor the Castle to suit your, and your
Ghost will tell them of the fate of the child named Strahd’s, tastes. Whether you have a lavishly
Tatyana. sculptured fountain/pool that pours blood instead
of water, or an extensive gallery filled with floor-
The Nursery to-ceiling oil paintings depicting Strahd’s inner
demons, make sure that the Castle is an
If you have chosen to keep Strahd childless but unforgettable destination in your characters’ tour
wish to express how the years of war and of Barovia.

26
Patrina and the Dusk Elves You may choose to keep this event as written in
Curse of Strahd, however, some striking
Strahd’s gender has little impact in how this consequences result from reversing the genders of
subplot/piece of Barovian lore develops. However, the ones responsible for the ones responsible (male
we wanted to mention it here because of the sheer or female) Patrina’s death. By having Patrina die at
magnitude of this act and its place in a wider the hand of female dusk elves, rather than male
narrative of female-led issues. dusk elves, you can make the point that, often,
The stoning of Patrina by her own brother and other women are the architects of the “death”
fellow dusk elves is one of the most horrific events (metaphorical and physical) of women whose
depicted in Curse of Strahd and bears frightening sexual choices do not mirror their own moral
parallels to the “honor killings” of women and compasses.
homosexuals in certain cultures. Stoning is still If you want to run Kasimir (or Kasmira) as a
legal in some countries, where it is carried out by more sympathetic NPC, you can establish that they
Islamic extremists who follow Sharia Law.10 did not participate in the stoning, and in fact tried
If one of your reasons for running Countess to stop it, leaving them with disfiguring scars
Strahd is a deeper investigation of the cultural and suffered at the hands of other dusk elves who
historical ties of violence against women and their marked them as sign of the “shame” that Patrina has
sexual empowerment, then we recommend that you brought over their family.
incorporate this event as a flashback sequence, In this scenario, Strahd would have killed all the
perhaps a dream sequence, to allow your characters male dusk elves in retaliation, leaving the females
to truly witness the horror. with a choice to avoid eventual genocide: embrace
In any case, this story should be part of the oral the traitor Rahadin or the shame-ridden Kasimir (if
history of Barovia and something that the you choose to keep him male and alive) and avoid
characters learn in social conversations at some the end of your race. By having the female dusk
point, perhaps from Lady Wachter, or Burgomaster elves make a deliberate choice to refuse this option,
Vallakovich, through a book the party has looted we witness the slow extinction of a group of people
from a learned household, or even depicted in The determined by their own morality. After all, life is
Tome of Strahd. more horrific when we have to live with our own
choices.

The Stoning of Patrina. Testament of a Dusk Elf

Once Patrina had been well and truly paralyzed, we Patrina, resurrected
chained her hands and feet to a metal stake which we Curse of Strahd is slightly contradictory as to
hammered into the frozen ground. She could walk no Strahd’s feelings toward Patrina. On the one hand,
further than five feet in any direction before the chain her death causes him to go on a mad rage and kill
pulled, taut making her trip and crawl like a feral
beast trying to escape her fate. all females and children of the dusk elves, causing
The women surrounded her in a circle, three in effect, a slow and prolonged genocide. Strahd’s
rows deep, whilst the men deposited the fist-sized response to a resurrected Patrina is portrayed as
rocks they had gathered by their feet. Then they him having lost interest in her as a consort. This
stood back and watched as our Elder spoke of might be a reflection of canonical Strahd’s petty
Patrina’s crimes. and violent character, but it feels dramatically
The Elder asked the crowd: “Who amongst us unsatisfying for the character of Patrina. If Kasimir
has consorted with the Devil?” The women raised does manage to resurrect his sister with the help of
their right arms and pointed at Patrina, answering your characters, our suggestion would be to have
with one voice: “She has. She has. She has.” The Elder her turn as soon as possible against the brother
asked: “Who amongst us plotted with the Tyrant who sentenced her to death.
who stole our sacred lands?” The choir responded,
pointing at Patrina: “She did. She did. She did.” Once
again, the Elder asked: “And what does the traitor
amongst us deserve?” “Death. Death. Death,”
chanted the choir.
I do not know who threw the first stone, though
Vasili and Vasilisa
soon rocks rained upon the traitor whose arrogance, “Everyone sees what you appear to be; few really know
lust, and hunger for power had condemned her soul. what you are.”
The air filled with her screams of pain, anger, and — Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince
frustration. It was not over quickly, but by the end,
the only sounds remaining were the exerted breaths Vasili (or if you prefer, Vasilisa) functions as
of the throwers, and the continued thuds of the rocks Strahd’s alter ego—a way for her to stalk her lands
as they hit Patrina’s lifeless body, and the sounds of in anonymity, pulling the strings of her subjects
her brother, Kasimir, as he wept. with plausible deniability and using cunning and
deceit to advance her own goals.

27
 Mechanically, the mask of Vasili offers you a
great opportunity to play tricks on your party, In a similar vein, you could run Strahd as a
presenting a well-connected and seemingly gallant secretive, reclusive ruler whom no one has ever
NPC who wishes to assist the party in their seen in the flesh. In this case, it would be easy for
distress, all the while working toward Strahd’s Barovians to assume that their ruler is a man rather
goals, namely to capture Ireena. than a woman. And why contradict this notion?
Narratively, Vasili also represents a wonderful Knowledge is power and Strahd likes knowing
opportunity to get a glimpse into Strahd’s psyche. more than anyone else.
Consider Vasili’s persona as the mask Strahd wears In a further ironic twist, Strahd’s unwillingness
to accomplish two internal goals: first, Vasili to appear as a female in the flesh could be the
represents Strahd’s own idealized self, her perfect reason why patriarchal notions persist in Barovia,
self. Second, Vasili has been designed with the since there is no woman in power to lead by
purpose of luring Ireena, and may therefore exhibit example.
both the physical characteristics and behaviors that
Strahd believes (rightly or wrongly) will work best
on Ireena. Relationships, Old and New
It follows that Strahd would choose the mask/ Here we revisit Strahd’s relationships with NPCs,
persona that would best assist with her goals, and providing alternatives where appropriate and
this choice also determines whether Strahd uses a exploring new relationships.
female, male, or indeed non-binary disguise.
Vasili should give the characters a glimpse of the ThemanyincarnationsofTatyanaFederovna
most idealized version of Strahd, the version she
wishes she could have been and the one she This section provides guidance on how to tackle
believes would make Ireena love her. In reality, the changes to the Tatyana/Ireena dynamic that
Strahd hates the persona, for she understands the may stem from running Countess Strahd von
underlying truth of her falsehood: if Ireena likes Zarovich.
the persona, it implies a rejection of Strahd’s true The first thing to note is that you can run the
self. Tatyana/Ireena subplot as written in the Curse of
Furthermore, you may decide that Strahd uses Strahd adventure book without any further
her Vasili alter ego to hide (from the players, their changes. At her very core, the character or Ireena
characters, and NPCs) that she is, in fact, a female acts as a MacGuffin for your players, a way for the
vampire. There are two main reasons why she characters to get practically and emotionally
might do this. hooked onto the plot of the story and give the first
Perhaps the most obvious one would be that, if glimpses of knowledge about the BBEG of the
Barovia is a patriarchal society, Strahd chooses to campaign.
act through her male persona because she believes If running Ireena as written, be mindful of the
she will get more respect and authority through it. toxic “lesbian predator” cliché mentioned earlier in
In this scenario, Strahd, using Vasili to spread this guide and populate the realm with more
misinformation, has convinced Barovians that their positive examples of LGTBQIA+ representation.
evil overlord is a tyrannical male vampire. This Gender-swapping Ireena
presents a neat double twist for your players: not
only is Vasili actually Strahd, but everything they It seems unlikely that souls carry chromosomes of
thought they knew about Strahd is a lie! any variety so let’s take a leap of faith and assume
that souls are genderless. It is also canonically
established and confirmed in the Curse of Strahd
adventure book that Strahd is openly bisexual, so it
Foreshadowing the Reveal would not be far-fetched to suggest that Strahd’s
Few experiences are more satisfying than executing first love, Tatyana, could have been, in fact, a man.
a twist on your players and having them remember Changing Ireena's (and indeed Tatyana’s) gender
events that were small clues of the reveal. to a male does not in any way alter their narrative
Regardless of your choices with regards to Vasili/ function as an NPC. In Van Richten’s Guide to
Vasilisa as a disguise for Strahd, make sure you leave Ravenloft, we are even given a table of possible
clues and ample foreshadowing that they are not a “reincarnations of Tatyana” which specifically
good character (especially if initially portraying include male NPCs. Feel free to determine their
them as good). Keep a balance between creating a gender as the most suitable for your storytelling
fun twist and leaving your players with debilitating needs.
trust issues that result in them requesting insight To simplify things, you may wish to just swap
checks for every new NPC they encounter, which Ismark and Ireena’s backstories. In this scenario,
can become tedious for both players and DMs. Ireena is the new, inexperienced Burgomistress of
the Village of Barovia, following the tragic death of
her father. Adding to Ireena’s worries is the
knowledge that her step-brother, Ismark, has

28
caught the eye of the vampire ruler, Strahd. Ismark that turning her child into a vampire would be the
may be good with a longsword but such skills are only way to save them, Strahd accepted.
useless against the Countess and Ireena beseeches The process of turning a human into a vampire
the characters to escort her brother to Vallaki. requires the vampire to consume every last drop of
If your players require a more compelling human blood from their victim and then replace it
argument, Ireena can let them know that Ismark’s with their own tainted vampiric blood. And so,
presence in the village is the most dangerous; the Strahd turned to her child and embraced them
vampire seems only interested in him and will most tightly as she sunk her teeth into their neck. This
likely stop the attacks on the village once she act of blood sealed her pact with Vampyr, but its
realizes that Ismark is not there. heinous nature attracted the attention of the Dark
Powers, who at once spirited away both the child’s
The Reconception of Tatyana as Strahd’s child soul and the valley of Barovia itself, surrounding
As we have established, the purpose of Tatyana/ the latter with impenetrable mists.
Ireena/Male!Ireena is to serve as a plot hook for The result of the transformation was heart-
the party. If the abusive “romantic” relationship is wrenching. The now-soulless, undead child was
not something you want to have at your table, an nothing like the living child had been; a monster of
alternative option is to make Tatyana Strahd’s uncontrollable behavior and unbound appetite, the
biological daughter. undead child wreaked havoc amongst the terrified
The switch is simple and leaves ample room for denizens of Barovia, leaving nothing but a trail of
DM customization so you can make the version corpses behind, and grew exponentially stronger
that best suits you. For example: with each passing day.
At some point between the conquering of the Until one day, the crazed Child turned against
Valley of Barovia and Strahd’s pact with Vampyr, their maker. Thanks only to her cunning, the
Strahd conceived and gave birth to a beautiful baby vampire Strahd managed to kill the Child that she
girl (or boy!) with bright, curly red hair. This is, of had once birthed.
course, Tatyana. But nothing truly dies in the Demiplane of Dread
Some time later, Tatyana fell ill with an incurable called Barovia. The Dark Powers ensure that the
curse. Strahd called for healers, clerics, druids, Child’s soul continues to reincarnate in search of a
alchemists, and witches from all the lands but none way to kill their maker, or die trying. Strahd
could find a cure. In her desperation, Strahd turned continues to desperately grieve, violently resenting
to the Amber Temple, a place she knew held dark the world for the child that she first lost, and
and powerful magic. whom she is now condemned to kill again and
There, encased in an amber sarcophagus, she again...or die trying.
found the vestige of Vampyr, who offered Strahd And that is the Curse of Strahd.
the gift of the immortality of undeath. Convinced

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Ditch the Brides, Embrace The Family
The Curse of Strahd adventure module tells us
“Although we make her happy and fulfilled, we have precious little about these NPCs, so we will take
come to understand that the only person she truly cares this opportunity to add some character and
for is herself.” relationship dynamics to each that you can use to
— Anastrasya, speaking about Countess Strahd assist in your storytelling and terrorize your party.
Strahd’s relationship with Anastrasya, Ludmilla,
Volenta, and Escher presents another wonderful Anastrasya Karelova
opportunity to add to the bare-bones dynamics Anastrasya’s red hair placed her in Strahd’s sights
established in the Curse of Strahd adventure module. early in life. Born a Barovian noble of a now long-
Use the relationship between the NPCs to generate lost family, she was taken by her parents to meet
some unexpected twists and further terrorize your Countess Strahd way back when the Countess still
players. had the will and the statesmanship skills to hold
You are, of course, more than welcome to week-long parties in Castle Ravenloft for loyal
gender-swap any of these NPCs to suit the story Barovian nobility. Strahd’s chamberlain, Rahadin,
you are weaving. As established in the adventure first spotted the young woman’s long red locks and
module, Strahd is openly bisexual. took her to meet the Countess in her private study,
For the purpose of this guide, we have elected to suspecting that Anastrasya might be a
maintain the genders of the NPCs as written, and reincarnation of Tatyana.
focus instead on the different relationship It only took one look for Strahd to know that this
dynamics that can form by flipping Strahd’s gender. young woman was not the reincarnation of her
Rather than a male-fashioned harem, consider beloved, but the Countess was still intrigued by the
binding this cast of vampire spawn by principles of intelligent and fearless twinkle in Anastrasya’s eye.
friendship or even kinship. Anastraya Karelova The two women soon struck a friendship.
(see appendix D), Ludmilla Vilisevic (see Anastrasya was interested in matters of diplomacy,
appendix D), Volenta Popofsky (see appendix D), statesmanship and administration, areas for which
and Escher (see appendix D) are the “chosen” ones, the Countess showed no particular appetite.
elevated above all others and offered a place in Whereas Rahadin is the executor of Strahd’s
Strahd’s own home. The intimacy of the personal will, Anastrasya is in charge of
relationship is at your discretion and preferences. administration of the Castle and Barovia in general.
What matters is that these vampire spawn consider Indeed, she loves torturing poor old Lief Lipsiege,
themselves to be Strahd’s chosen family. And you Strahd’s bookkeeper. Anastrasya loves to play the
don’t mess with family. charming hostess, but in the back of her mind she
This does not mean that Strahd would hesitate is assessing her visitors’ strengths and weaknesses.
for a second in turning against members of her Anastrasya, together with Rahadin, is Strahd’s
family and locking them in a crypt in the Castle’s most trusted advisor and consultant. But at her
dungeon for eternity. And the family members are very core, Anastrasya is a pragmatic survivor. She
acutely aware of this constant peril. In fact, a would never act disloyally against Strahd, but if she
couple of ex-family members were buried alive in infers that the fight is lost, she attempts to flee
the crypts of Castle Ravenloft, most notoriously rather than fight to the death.
Mikaela Yatirova, the creator of the vampire
children Zhoya and Kai Yatirova (see below).
Ludmilla Vilisevic
Ludmilla was born and raised amongst the druids
and berserkers of Yester Hill and, as such, she was
devoted to Strahd from a young age. Not content
The Frenemies Cliché with worship from afar, Ludmilla’s veneration of
Over the years, mainstream media has often Strahd drove her all the way to Castle Ravenloft
misrepresented the platonic female relationship as where she offered herself and her services to the
one of “frenemies” (friend + enemy). In this Countess.
reductive presentation, women are consumed by Apart from the Castle, Ludmilla can be
envy, are inherently “catty,” and unable to maintain encountered, together with Strahd, during the
loyal bonds to each other since they inevitably druid ritual atop Yester Hill. Ludmilla does not
betray each other, typically over a man or a waste words, preferring to observe and listen, and
promotion. then acts with unyielding resolve. She considers
By crafting unique relationships between the ordinary Barovioans as lesser beings who are too
different NPCs and Strahd, you can subvert this stupid and blind to realize that Strahd is not only
trope as well as your players’ expectations. the Land, but also its messiah and savior.
Consider, for example, who amongst those closest Together with Rahadin, Ludmilla is Strahd’s most
to Strahd would defend her to the death, and who devoted family member. Loyal to the core, she
would turn on her and why. fights to the death to protect Strahd.

30
Volenta Popofsky But Escher knows that his relationship with
Strahd is fragile, for she knows him as a turncoat.
Volenta’s story is…disturbing. The daughter of Consequently, Escher is careful to not do anything
Barovian farmers, Volenta was attacked and that might seal his fate in a crypt, and is unwilling
murdered by a gang of crazed vampire spawn on to aid the party. This does not mean he won’t
the Svalich Road, only to be raised again in undeath pretend to aid the party; in fact he may fool them
as a vampire spawn herself. Filled with new into believing he is on their side, only to feed
undeath strength and righteous fury, Volenta valuable information to Strahd. If the party trusts
chased down her attackers. The fight that ensued him after hearing his tale, well…that is their own
was bloody and horrific, leaving Volenta with fault.
disfiguring vampiric claw marks all over her face
and body. Zhoya and Kai
She walked, barefoot, bloody, and ragged up the
Svalich Road all the way toward Castle Ravenloft, Evil, demonic, and vampiric children are an
where she presented the decapitated heads of her extensively used horror-genre trope. And for good
five murderers to Strahd. Impressed by her reason! Few things are more satisfying than
ruthlessness and pure aggression, Strahd offered watching your players contend with the horror of a
her a place in her Court and gifted her with a cute child who has the killer instincts of a feral
beautiful, richly decorated mask so that she might monster.
hide her scars if she so chooses. Zhoya (see appendix D) and Kai (see appendix
Volenta is volatile, instinct-driven, and D) have been children for more years than they
vindictive. Neither Anastrasya nor Ludmilla care can count. Many moons ago, Mikaela Yatirova, a
much for her. Her existence amuses Strahd, who consort of Strahd’s, decided to turn two twin
enjoys her antics and displays of violence as one children and present them (cute outfits and all) to
would a fierce, entitled chihuahua. In fact, of Strahd, hoping it would win her favor.
everyone in the Court, Volenta is closest to Much to Mikaela’s dismay, instead of favor,
Rahadin, who sees in the sadistic young vampire Strahd punished her consort for condemning the
something of a protegé. If something happens to children to a fate they had not chosen. Strahd
Volenta, Rahadin will be quick to deal retribution, decided to give Mikaela a taste of her own medicine
and vice-versa. by locking her into one of the crypts beneath Castle
Ravenloft, where she dwells and can be heard
Escher wailing to this day. Should the players decide to
release her, Mikaela has the stats of a vampire
Escher is the latest addition to the Family. A spawn but half the hit points because of years of
former adventurer, Escher was a member of a party being unable to feed. Much like Doru, the vampire
that was decimated by Strahd, thanks in no small spawn in the basement of the church in Barovia,
way to Escher’s betrayal… Convinced that they her priority is to feed rather than fight.
stood no chance against the vampire and knowing As for Zhoya and Kai’s fate, Strahd showed
of her fondness for music, Escher pledged his compassion and allowed the vampire spawn
loyalty to Strahd in exchange for a place in her children a place in her court, to be raised and
Court, where he has been beguiling the Family civilized (as far as possible) by her and other
with music for the last five decades.

31
members of her vampiric family. Strahd taught the Strahd for most of their lives. Lastly, Strahd envies
children some magic which they took up with ease. Sergei for being the object of Tatyana’s affection.
The children’s personalities are a mixture of
precocious intelligence and stunted emotional Male Privilege
maturity. Childish, tempestuous, and naive, the If you choose to run Strahd as a female who grew
children are frustrated with life in the Castle and so up within a patriarchal society, the concept of
engage in “projects” or “quests” to entertain Sergei could gain an additional dynamic as the
themselves. Most of these involve the creation of embodiment of male privilege.
powerful arcane artifacts that look a little bit like Sergei has, by virtue of his gender, all the special
toys, even if they are deadly. Their current project and unearned advantages given to men necessary to
is to find a true body for their favorite toy, uphold a patriarchal society: the privilege to be the
Pidlwick II (see appendix D), the carrionette from primary (or exclusive) holders of political power;
Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft. the privilege to be the sole owners of property and
commerce; the privilege to be the one who chooses a
spouse to wed and begin a family.
These automatic privileges given to Sergei are
privileges that would not have been afforded to
Sidequest: Toes for the Countess’s Children Strahd in a classic patriarchal society. Consider, for
Blinsky, the flamboyant owner of Vallaki’s toy example, the French Salic Law of Succession which
shop, has recently completed a bespoke work order dictated that women were to be excluded from
for Zhoya and Kai: an immaculately detailed succession to the throne. Or that women were not
replica of Castle Ravenloft, filled with mobile parts allowed to own property in the United States until
and little replica dolls of the inhabitants. The 1848 (1926 for the United Kingdom). Many nations
Castle is packed up in boxes ready for transport to this day do not provide equal inheritance rights
and Blinsky would like to hire a willing party to for sons and daughters.11
deliver the doll house to Castle Ravenloft. He In this scenario, despite being the first-born heir
provides a horse and cart for the party to do so, as and the military leader of the conquering
well as a hefty payment. Blinksy also has a note campaigns, Strahd could have been skipped over by
from Strahd assuring them that, “No undue harm the order of succession so that, in the event of King
shall come to the bearer of fine gifts.” Barov’s death, all lands and titles would have gone
This encounter provides an opportunity for directly to Sergei.
your party to pay a “social visit” to the Castle and A particularly cruel consequence of male
meet some of its inhabitants (as well as exploring privilege is the preference of male offspring over
some of the areas) before the final confrontation. female offspring. It is already well established in
The doll house is a replica similar to the one found the Curse of Strahd adventure book that Queen
in the Amber Temple, but does not contain any of Ravenovia kept Sergei close to her and away from
the secret doors or passages. the dangers of war, a loving gesture not offered to
Strahd. You could emphasize this further,
establishing an early rivalry between the siblings
Sergei for their parents’ attention and affection. After all,
“People always think of us as rivals but he was among Sergei had the privilege to grow up happy and
the very few I liked and even fewer that I respected. He worry-free in the company of both parents and
remains the only person I envied.” even be there for their deaths, privileges not
— Niki Lauda, Rush afforded to Strahd.
You can decide whether you want to portray
Sergei and Tatyana/Ireena’s narrative function in Sergei as an innocent bearer of his male privilege
Curse of Strahd is similar, in that they both provide or whether you choose to highlight this theme
Strahd with an object of desire and obsession. For further by having Sergei take advantage of his
Ireena, this desire and obsession manifests as toxic entitlements. For example, Sergei could have
love, the person Strahd wants to be with. For rallied the Barovian nobles against his sister
Sergei, it manifests as murderous envy, the person (perhaps even her army) in order to establish
Strahd wants to be. himself as the legitimate ruler of Barovia.
Sergei provides you with a narrative opportunity Similarly, you could turn the marriage between
to highlight Strahd’s deepest desires and Tatyana and Sergei into an arranged marriage,
insecurities. As established in the adventure book, ordained by the patriarchy to unite a local noble
Strahd envies Sergei’s youth and innocence, as he family with the conquering family and unite the
spent his life coddled by their family while Strahd dynasties. Of course, for such a marriage to occur,
was out conquering lands in their name. Further, the patriarchy would have dictated that it takes
Strahd envies how their mother seemingly place between the “rightful” holder of the family
preferred Sergei, keeping him close and away from titles—the male—rather than the Countess.

32
Envy If you are running your adventure without the
Sergei embodies everything Strahd ever wanted vampiric children, have Gertruda be a dedicated
and is unable to have, but, at the same time, Strahd lady-in-waiting to Strahd instead. As such,
loves her brother. This is evidenced by the Gertruda would be in charge of helping her
description of Sergei’s tomb, which is kept mistress with her appearance, garments, and hair.
immaculate and magically preserved and, according She would not be expected to dust and clean.
to the tarokka reading, on top of which Strahd can Getruda and Helga do not like each other. Helga
be found crying. This juxtaposition of love and resents Gertruda for getting more attention from
envy results in a profound and inescapable torment Strahd (even if she doesn’t) and feels that Gertruda
within Strahd, a feeling of pain that has slowly has the “easy job” of playing with the children and
poisoned her mind—a tragic character flaw that dressing up Strahd, while Helga must perform the
happens to also be a great tool for you to exploit. harder chores of keeping the castle clean. Secretly,
As a general note, consider making envy a more Helga is eager for Strahd to bite Gertruda so that
prominent part of Strahd’s personality during she realizes that life is not a fairy-tale. If at all
roleplay and use this as part of the push and pull possible, Helga tries to manipulate the characters
dynamics that link Strahd to the characters. against Gertruda by saying she is treacherous.
Perhaps Strahd envies their freedom to roam Gertruda is too naive and oblivious to hold a
outside her land and is punishing them for their grudge, but she is aware that Helga is mean to her,
privilege. Perhaps she envies their mortality and and often goes out of her way to make Gertruda’s
yearns for the sweet release from the unending life more difficult. She advises a friendly party to
cursed cycle. Perhaps she envies the bond the party not trust Helga.
members have with each other, or with NPCs, and
the happiness that they derive from such bonds. Baba Lysaga
Whatever it is, this envy blinds Strahd’s better Running Countess Strahd does not require changes
judgement and causes destructive, vindictive to Baba Lysaga’s goals and actions as described in
behavior. the adventure module. However, it does open up an
A final note to reiterate is that you should avoid alternative backstory and roleplay option for Baba
empathizing with Strahd. Regardless of motive or Lysaga for you to consider, particularly if your
moral justification, her act of fratricide was so Countess was raised under a strict patriarchy.
heinous and morally corrupt that it drew the Dark The relationship dynamics between a mother and
Powers’ attention and warranted the banishment of a daughter are complex and intriguing. Some
a whole land into its own Demiplane of Dread. studies12 have shown that mothers can, in general,
be more permissive and forgiving toward their
Gertruda sons, while being more critical of their daughters
In Curse of Strahd, Gertruda is a teenager who and having higher expectations for them.
escaped the home of her mother Mad Mary in the Commentators13 suggest that generational
Village of Barovia. She headed to Castle Ravenloft, patterns influenced by the gender divide in
where she can be found in area 42. King’s patriarchal societies explain this difference: women
Bedchamber, charmed and waiting to be bitten by are not permitted certain freedoms of behavior, or
Strahd. This harrowing detail refers to the original indeed certain “mistakes,” if they want to thrive in
module writer’s intention to present Strahd as a a patriarchal society. A mother trying to prepare
sexual predator. her daughter for success in such a society might
To avoid this, we propose the following unconsciously imprint these same biases on her
alternative: child by having higher expectations and being more
When Gertruda appeared at the Castle’s gates, critical, pushing the daughter to be as close to
she was charmed by Strahd and quickly put to work perfect or blameless as possible. The mother
as a “nanny”/“living doll” to the vampiric children, certainly knows she had to make sacrifices.
Zhoya and Kai. Of course, the children run circles This dynamic could have affected Queen
around poor Gertruda, who is utterly incapable of Ravenovia, who could not find in Strahd the docile
controlling even an ounce of their behavior. Still, and complacent daughter she might have wanted,
she does what she can, and sometimes she even but rather an ambitious young woman with an
manages to get their attention by regaling them inner darkness. When Queen Ravenovia turned her
with her knowledge of fairy tales. At other times, affections toward baby Sergei, Baba Lysaga sought
however, Pidlwick II makes use of their newly to occupy the space she left.
acquired Soul Swap feature to possess Gertruda’s Baba Lysaga recognized potential in Strahd
body for an hour at a time. immediately, with most versions of the lore
If approached by a non-combating party, the confirming that she herself planted “the spark of
children might be willing to negotiate for magic.” She offered herself as a teacher to young
Gertruda’s freedom, as long as the characters can Princess Strahd, who was only too eager to learn.
give them something (or indeed, someone) just as As their bond grew, so did Baba’s hold and
entertaining and useful in return. influence on Strahd. Eventually, Queen Ravenovia

33
became concerned about Baba’s unwholesome Strahd’s sinking of Berez, Baba confronted Strahd,
effect on Strahd and exiled her. trying to make her see how this pursuit could only
Though exiled, Baba Lysaga kept a distant eye on bring about the destruction of Strahd’s domain, and
Strahd, and appeared to her whenever possible. consequently, Strahd herself. The dispute ran so
Strahd, distant from her parents and her mother in foul that Strahd expelled her from Castle Ravenloft,
particular, welcomed Baba’s devotion, and over and the two women have not properly spoken
time she began to see Baba as not only a teacher of since.
magic but a confidante. Nevertheless, Baba Lysaga keeps a constant close
After the downfall of Strahd and the descent of eye on her “daughter” through the witch coven in
Barovia into the Mists, Baba Lysaga returned to Castle Ravenloft. Baba Lysaga knows the threat the
Strahd and settled in Castle Ravenloft. Together, wereravens pose to Strahd, as well as of the
they sought ways to consolidate Strahd’s rule by powerful gem that allows the flourishing of grapes
exploiting the land and siphoning its magic. They at the Wizards of Wines vineyard, so she enlists
accomplished these goals by corrupting the Fanes, the druids of Yester Hill to help her steal the gem
powerful places of magic which once had been and destroy the winery. Two birds with one stone,
connected to the Feywild. They also sought famed so to speak.
crystal gems, said to contain powerful arcane
capabilities. They found one of these gems under
the foundations of the abbey in Krezk, once a
beacon for the Morninglord’s light and healing.
Using the red-colored gem, they created an arcane
contraption called “The Heart Of Sorrow,” which
added its vitality to Strahd and protected her.
Baba Lysaga is devoted to Strahd above all else,
but this does not mean she is not critical of the
Countess. Indeed, Baba despises Strahd’s eternal
pursuit of Tatyana. After the killing of Marina and

34
 Chapter 3: Countess von Zarovich, a Biography

n this section you will find a detailed spark of magic, and commending it to Mother Night.
biography for Countess von Zarovich, Soon enough, the Queen found herself with child. The
from birth to undeath. This guide revises, pregnancy was arduous and took a heavy toll on the
and even contradicts, some events as Queen’s health, who agonized through the months.
described in the published Wizards of the After a harrowing labor, Queen Ravenovia gave birth
Coast Curse of Strahd, to explore a more to a girl with raven-black hair and eyes like starless
nuanced villain and fill in details. nights.
The biography implements many of the world- Rather than a joyous occasion, the birth of Princess
building and primer aspects covered in this guide. Our Strahd von Zarovich was tainted by the reality of her
aim is to inspire you and provide a solid backstory to gender. The King had expected a son and heir who
Strahd, but it is a guide, written with the intention that would take over his armies and lead ambitious military
you as a DM should feel free to change events to better campaigns. The Queen, bed-ridden and recovering
suit your storytelling style. from the ordeal of the difficult labor, found herself
unable to bond with the newborn, and assigned her
The Child care to Baba Lysaga, who already saw the princess as
her own.
Centuries ago, deposed monarchs King Barov and Strahd grew in the cold shadow of her father’s
Queen Ravenovia von Zarovich longed for an heir who disappointment and her mother’s rejection, consoled
would aid them in their ambition to reclaim their only by Lysaga’s care and attention. As she grew older,
ancestral throne. Years came and went, and still the Baba Lysaga confirmed Strahd’s aptitude for magic, and
couple remained childless. In desperation, they sought started educating the young princess in the arcane.
the services of a famed midwife called Baba Lysaga, For years the King and Queen tried for a male heir
who was, unbeknownst to them, a powerful witch but their prayers went unanswered. Queen Ravenovia,
devoted to the long-forgotten goddess Mother Night. frustrated by Baba Lysaga’s inability to help her
Under the full moon and the gaze of Mother Night, conceive again and weary of the extent of the attention
Queen Ravenovia ceremoniously drank a mysterious she had toward the young princess, decided to exile
concoction prepared by the witch. Baba Lysaga had Baba Lysaga. In return, the witch sacrificed many
secretly mixed her own blood into the concoction, beasts to Mother Night, praying for the death of the
ensuring that it would imbue the future child with the Queen. Shortly after, the Queen lost her life to a

35
 The General
In time, King Barov’s health declined. Strahd was
barely sixteen when she took command of her father’s
forces and began reclaiming her family’s lands with the
assistance of her father’s most faithful general, the dusk
elf Rahadin.
Rahadin was a skilled swordsman who had been
exiled because of his refusal to bow down to a dusk elf
prince whom he deemed meek, and gave his allegiance
to King Barov instead. He helped King Barov conquer
the dusk elves’ lands, killing hundreds of his own kind
mysterious, unexplainable illness. From that point on, and obliterating the royal bloodline.
Baba Lysaga kept a watchful eye on Strahd, following Learning of King Barov’s poor health, the remaining
her actions with twisted pride, from a distance, but dusk elves rallied into a rebellion which was quickly
never too far away from her princess... and mercilessly quashed by Strahd’s forces. Rahadin
King Barov married again, this time to a took a liking to Strahd’s forceful character and peerless
noblewoman named Lavernia, who gave birth to a male determination, and offered his services to her, as he
heir when Strahd was seven years old: Prince Sergei. had to her father. Through the years the pair would
Strahd looked on as the prince was doted on and form a strong bond of loyalty and respect.
showered with all the love and affection she had never For twenty years Strahd waged long and bloody wars
received. Her temperament darkened and deep-rooted against her father’s enemies. Under General Strahd’s
resentment and insecurities developed into an leadership, for the first time, women were welcomed
overwhelming need for control and perfectionism into the military as warriors, medics, and strategists.
which she demanded of herself and others. Strahd became particularly close with a skilled
Even as a child, Princess Strahd exhibited signs of swordsman, Aleksandra Gwilym, whom she raised to
narcissistic and sadistic behavior, showing little the rank of commander and fought many battles with.
empathy or remorse for the emotions of others, and Strahd always seemed to be a step ahead of her
quickly learned that she could control the behavior of enemies, her victories fueled by her cunning and
others using fear. With Sergei she was particularly viciously intelligent mind which could overcome any
cruel, seeming to extract great pleasure in relentlessly disadvantage in battle, allowing her to re-conquer land
playing cruel pranks on the young Prince, such as after land.
telling him his mother had died and rejoicing at the War made Strahd victorious, but also cold and
child’s tears. ruthless. While she had her father’s admiration for her
Queen Lavernia begged the King to do away with the achievements, she had yet to earn his fatherly love,
princess, perhaps marry her off to a distant ruler, so which seemed irrevocably directed at Sergei. Sergei
her beloved Sergei would be free of her. However, himself was kept away from the battlefield by Queen
Strahd’s behavior seemed to greatly amuse King Barov, Lavernia, who had grown to fear her stepdaughter’s
a sadistic and cruel man in his own right. King Barov formidable nature.
began to spend more time with his daughter once Prince Sergei—raised in privilege, love, and peace—
Sergei had been born. The young princess reminded developed into a gentle soul, more inclined to matters
him of himself and he wondered if she might have been of the spirit. He took up his clerical studies with great
the heir he had hoped for all along. He recognized passion and wrote letters to his half-sister to ask for
precocious intelligence and ambition in Strahd as well her guidance and advice in matters of governance and
as an aptitude for strategy and deception. He hoped to leadership. His letters went unanswered.
use her lack of empathy and compassion to groom her Though primarily a solitary and independent
into a ruthless general. individual, Strahd enjoyed the occasional dalliance with
As such, Strahd spent much of her early life learning a lover, and in her late 30s she found herself chasing
the ways of governance, law, and war. Demonstrating down the last few remnants of her father’s enemies
an almost preternatural strength of will and while pregnant with the child of a soldier whose name
determination, she began to reclaim her father’s she hadn’t bothered to learn.
affection and attention. Amongst Strahd’s many enemies, none were worthier
Choosing to focus on strategy rather than brawn, opponents than the silver dragon Argynvost and his
Strahd devoured history books and military tactics. order of knights. The knighthood, originally founded
From the age of ten, she accompanied King Barov on to protect the secrecy of a prison of the vestiges of
his military campaigns, learning how to best erode the ancient evil gods known as the Amber Temple, now
enemy’s strength and how to use their bravado against attempted to hold the advance of Strahd and her forces,
them. Ambushes and psychological warfare became her sheltering her enemies and facing down her armies.
expertise. In one such battle, Vladimir Horngaard, a high-
ranking commander of the Order, managed to land a
heavy blow on Strahd. Severely wounded and bleeding

36
 his beloved knights at her hands. Sir Horngaard was the
last one to die.
With the last of her enemies slaughtered, Strahd
climbed atop a hill and marveled at the beauty of the
land she had just conquered. She decided to name the
land Barovia, after her father, and determined this was
to be their new homeland.
From her conquered lands she called forth wizards
and artisans capable of raising a castle that would
surpass any rival fortress in beauty and fortitude. She
entrusted this endeavor to archmage Khazan, and was
so pleased with the results that, as a gift, she granted
him the land around Lake Baratok. There, the
archmage would construct his own abode in the shape
of a tower.
True to her word, Strahd had Argynvost’s corpse
hacked and his skull brought into the castle as a
testament to her unbeatable force and power.

The Countess
Strahd began to repopulate the valley with conquered
subjects from other lands, and ruled Barovia in her
father’s stead. Peace and politics made her restless. War
had given her a sense of purpose and control. Her sense
of purpose now lay perilously ambiguous, and the
emptiness further sharpened her already mercurial and
cruel temper.
Behind Strahd’s back, noble families of the Valley
plotted against her, eager to reclaim the domain of the
lands she had captured and stop the influx of foreign
intruders. The Valley may have been beautiful, but
heavily, Strahd collapsed atop her horse, which Strahd began to suspect its inhabitants were not.
galloped away from the field and into the forest. Many It was at this time that Strahd met a young Barovian
hours later, fate guided the horse and a barely woman of noble lineage and remarkable beauty:
conscious Strahd into a Vistani camp. Tatyana Federovna. Tatyana’s spirit was joyful and so
The Vistani nursed her terrible injuries and saved her full of life that it rekindled a sense of purpose in
life, but her unborn child was lost, and, though the care Strahd, who filled her emptiness with a devotion and
of the Vistani healers had been supreme, the damage of fervor toward Tatyana.
the wound was such that she would never be able to The two women quickly sparked up a friendship. To
bear a child again. In thanks for her life, Strahd swore Tatyana, Strahd was a brilliant and complex mind—not
to always protect the Vistani people and granted them without its sharp edges, but rewarding and stimulating
the freedom to always wander freely and safely in her to navigate. She found in Strahd’s devotion a sense of
lands. security and self-worth that she had never felt before.
After regaining her strength, Strahd returned to her The two women traveled through the Valley
army. Still grieving the loss of her child, Strahd rallied together, and Tatyana showed Strahd the towns and
her forces, recruiting hundreds more to her cause. natural sights as well as the valley’s secret and awe-
With overwhelming strength in numbers, Strahd inspiring locations and traditions. This is how Strahd
chased down the last of her enemies and the knights of would come to learn about the Fane, ancient shrines
the Order into a remote mountain valley. devoted to the Ladies Three, a trio of Archfey whose
Overwhelmed, the dragon Argynvost fell trying to influence flowed through the land and powered its
defend his knights. Strahd made her way to beauty and bounty.
Commander Vladimir Horngaard and returned the Their friendship soon turned into a passionate
terrible blow she had received. Before he died, Strahd romance, and, for the first time in her life Strahd
promised Vladimir that the skull of his beloved experienced joy and spiritual peace. While they kept
Argynvost would forever decorate the halls of her their affair a secret from prying eyes, those close to
castle, at which the dying commander swore to forever them knew of their love. Their relationship did not go
hunt her down, even in death, and avenge Argynvost’s unnoticed in the Federov family; their Patriarch and
death. Strahd twisted her blade, making sure the wound Tatyana’s father, a dry man by the name of Baron
caused Vladimir agonizing pain, and held his gaze, Yovnar Federov, disapproved of the new Countess and
relishing the torture of seeing him witness the death of secretly plotted against her.

37
 Regardless, the two women spent days wandering her conquered lands, remembering the countless lives
along the shores of the newly renamed Lake Zarovich, that had been lost to gain them, and wondered to what
strolling through the magnificent vineyards of the purpose it all had been. In sorrowful disappointment
Wizards of Wines, and trekking through the tall that her parents would never witness her
mountain passes that guard the valley. When the accomplishments, Strahd sealed her parents’ bodies in a
construction of the castle was complete, Strahd invited crypt beneath the castle.
Tatyana to take up residence within it. Eager to escape Strahd’s grief fed her insecurities about having lost
the tense atmosphere at her own homestead, Tatyana her youth to warfare. Her body had suffered many
promptly accepted Strahd’s offer. wounds and injuries, which had left her with scars and
Strahd also asked her father, King Barov, and his a limp she despised. In the cold, Strahd’s joints ached,
family to live with her in the lands she had conquered and she would regularly cough, as if her lungs were
in his name. Strahd named the castle Ravenloft, as a trying to expel years’ worth of dust from the
tribute to her deceased mother. This gesture was not battlefields.
lost on Queen Lavernia, who had come to see Strahd as Strahd remembered only too well her father’s own
a dangerous threat to Sergei’s future as Barov’s ill-health from battle wounds, and even Tatyana’s sweet
successor. words and affections could not calm her fears that her
The King and Queen, together with Prince Sergei, body was failing to keep up with her ambitions. She
now a charming and good-natured young man in his grew cold toward Tatyana, resenting her for her youth,
early 30s, traveled to Barovia in the comforts befitting as well as for the easy friendship she had now struck
their stations. However, King Barov had become frail with Sergei.
in his old age and he suffered greatly during the In truth, Strahd resented them both, for it did not
journey. He died shortly before arriving at the Valley escape her intelligent and tortured mind that the two of
that bore his name. them could together share a future and create a family,
King Barov’s death struck a deep, existential fear in a legacy; something she could never provide for
Strahd. The old man had spent his life striving for the Tatyana. Surely Tatyana, like Strahd’s own parents,
kingdom that now lay before her, but he was too frail would soon realize her preference for the young
and overcome with illness to savor his daughter’s prince? Envy and fear of rejection and abandonment
victory. As Strahd gazed at her father’s once-powerful consumed Strahd, whose temper now flared toward
body, an overwhelming sense of dread overcame her: anyone who got too close.
she saw that her best years were behind her, A group of Barovian nobles, led by Tatyana’s father,
squandered away in a youth spent chasing the approval plotted to ensure that Barovia would be ruled by a
and respect of others. Now in her late 40s, she surveyed native family rather than a conquering foreigner.
Constantly, Strahd navigated petitions of families measure. She quickly recalled the fiend back into the
urging her to marry a Barovian noble to legitimize her statuette, both in awe and in fear of the creature’s
rule and give her a true Barovian heir. innate malevolence and power.
Strahd became irritated at the incessant petitions and Back in Castle Ravenloft, the native nobles of the
began sending those who dared present themselves as land saw an opportunity in Strahd’s absence, none
suitors into the castle’s dungeons for a night or even more so than Tatyana’s father. Emboldened by Queen
fortnight of arrest. Of course, this only aggravated the Lavernia herself, Baron Federov had secretly started
nobles, who grew to see Sergei as a much preferable persuading other families to push for Sergei’s
ruler. The nobles found a natural ally in Queen coronation—after all, it should be only right that the
Lavernia, who had come to believe that Sergei would male heir of the von Zarovich line be formally declared
only be safe in a world without Strahd. the ruler of Barovia: Wouldn’t it surely have been King
As the months passed, Strahd’s grief and anguish at Barov's will, were he still alive? Besides, the Countess had
the prospect of aging became her all-consuming not been seen for months and was clearly neither willing nor
preoccupation, and the consumption made her mad. able to take up her duties as Lord.
She shunned Tatyana’s company, dismissing her as a Meanwhile, Tatyana was frantically searching for
spoiled youth who knew nothing about the world. Strahd. Month after month, she searched for Strahd in
Tatyana took comfort in her friendship with Sergei, the places they had visited together. Witnessing her
whose kindness and empathy were a soulful balm desperation, Aleksandra eventually relented and told
against Strahd’s lashing words. Tatyana about the Amber Temple. Together with
Becoming increasingly isolated, Strahd focused her Aleksandra and Sergei for company and protection,
attention on the study of the arcane, and, in particular, Tatyana rode to the temple, exposing herself to many
ways to prolong one’s youth and health. Rumors and dangers in her search for Strahd. However, when she
superstitions of the Countess’s fervent study spread arrived, she was turned away by Strahd herself, who
throughout Barovia, adding fuel to the flame of those had become blinded by the influence of the evil vestiges
who saw her as a power-hungry tyrant. in the temple and could not see past the fact that
Rumors of the Countess reached Patrina, an Tatyana had chosen Sergei to accompany her in her
ambitious dusk elf woman and scholar of the dark arts travels.
who found in Strahd a kindred spirit. Patrina traveled Strahd berated Aleksandra for betraying her secret
to Castle Ravenloft where she met with Strahd and told and Tatyana for the perceived treachery, hurling abuse
her of the Amber Temple, a place that held the secrets and spite and forcing her back down the mountain
to immortality. path. Sergei interceded, placing his body protectively
In the dead of night, Strahd, Rahadin, and Patrina left between Strahd and Tatyana, until Strahd struck him
Castle Ravenloft and took up residence in the Amber down with a furious blow to the face. Dejected,
Temple. Strahd told no one of her whereabouts except Tatyana, Sergei, and Aleksandra made their way back
her loyal ally and friend Aleksandra Gwilym, whom she down the mountain, each secretly wondering when
swore to secrecy. Strahd had become such a monster...or if perhaps the
monster had lain dormant all along...
The Magus Tatyana and Sergei found solace in each other’s
company and from the shared pain of rejection
Within the Amber Halls, Strahd found many tomes of bloomed a purer, selfless love. The young ones saw
arcane knowledge. The seed of magic that Baba Lysaga each other for what they were, unmarked by
had planted in her grew strong roots, as Strahd resentments, regrets, and projected insecurities. And in
devoured tome after tome, frantically creating her own the acceptance of each other they found a sense of
spellbook and mastering the dark arcane arts, urgently peace and belonging they had never felt before. Though
searching for a way to reclaim her lost youth and fend aware that their love would cause Strahd incalculable
off death itself. pain, they hoped the undeniable truth of their love for
When not at study, Strahd explored the abandoned each other would sway her wrath and allow her to
temple, which she soon learned had been designed as a understand. Queen Lavernia and the Barovian nobility
prison for ancient evil gods, now weakened into rejoiced at this development and immediately began
vestiges of themselves and trapped within amber preparations for the wedding.
sarcophagi. In time, Strahd began to commune with On the morning of the wedding the vestige of
these entities, and eventually she connected with the Vampyr reached out to Strahd once again, baiting her
vestige of Vampyr, an ancient evil power who offered with the news of the impending wedding of her
her immortality at a steep blood price. Strahd, beloved Tatyana and her brother Sergei. Strahd felt as
unwilling to pay such a price, refused the deal. if a dagger had been plunged into her stomach.
Also within these halls, Strahd found a handful of Sergei…once more, would be granted and possess everything
powerful artifacts, one of which was a statue in the Strahd had worked for: her domains, her power, her family,
shape of a black stallion. After some research, Strahd her lover. But Vampyr offered something Sergei could
discovered that the statue was also in fact a prison, in never possess: The secret of everlasting life and the
this case for a nightmare—a powerful steed, black as power to defeat all her rivals, forevermore. Strahd’s
sin with fire for a mane and tail. The nightmare’s rotten mind succumbed to unhinged envy and lust for
brimstone eyes peered into Strahd’s soul, taking her

39
power. She agreed to Vampyr’s blood price and this opportunity to attack Strahd, riddling her with
prepared to seal the deal. arrows and plunging their swords into her body. Strahd
Using the arcane knowledge she had gained, Strahd collapsed into the bride’s arms…
smashed the stallion statuette, freeing the nightmare But she did not die. Vampyr honored the pact that
within. But this time, as the fiendish creature stared had been made. The sky went black as Strahd turned on
into Strahd’s soul, it saw evil glaring straight back. the guards, her eyes blazing red. She had become a
“Bucephalus,” Strahd whispered, naming the nightmare vampire: immortal, cruel, and predatory.
for herself and forging a bond of service with the In a feeding frenzy, Strahd slaughtered the guards
creature she had freed. and wedding guests. As she reached for the Baron’s
Astride the nightmare, Strahd and Rahadin entered throat, Tatyana begged her one-time lover to stop, but
the Ethereal Plane, leaving Patrina behind in the Strahd was too far gone and snapped the Baron’s neck.
Amber Temple, and heading at incredible speed toward As the bloodied bride collapsed in grief, Strahd saw
Castle Ravenloft. the faces of her father and mother in the
thunderclouds, looking down upon her and judging
The Vampire her. She had destroyed the family bloodline and
doomed all of Barovia. The castle and the valley were
Bucephalus reappeared on the castle grounds and spirited away, locked in a demiplane surrounded on all
Strahd rushed inside. But she was too late: the beautiful sides by deadly fog. For Strahd and her people, there
young couple had been wed that morning and were would be no escape.
celebrating a banquet in the great dining hall of the In her trance, Strahd had failed to notice Tatyana
castle. approaching the Castle’s balcony. In horror she
Blinded by heartbreak and rage, Strahd took up her watched as Tatyana turned one last time, locking eyes
sword and spell focus and began slashing at every guest with her former lover, before hurling herself off the
in the hall. Sergei grabbed his own sword and balcony and plunging to her death.
attempted to stop his crazed sister, but he was no Seeing her plummet, Strahd threw herself from the
match. Fuelled by the pain of betrayal, Strahd quickly balcony after her in a desperate attempt to reach
disarmed Sergei. With Vampyr’s promise still echoing Tatyana and whisk her away from danger. But it was
in her ears, Strahd began to strangle Sergei with her too late. As they tumbled toward the earth, Strahd saw
bare hands. As her brother gasped his last breath, Tatyana's body hit the ground, and let out an agonizing
Strahd plunged her teeth into his neck, drinking his cry just before hitting the ground herself.
blood and sealing the pact with Vampyr. But death no longer held power over Strahd who,
Blood still dripping from her mouth, Strahd turned thanks to the pact with Vampyr, would be reborn the
to her beloved Tatyana and begged for her forgiveness following day, condemned to live forever within the
and love. Tatyana stood aghast, fear paralyzing her misery of her own creation.
limbs. The treacherous Baron and several guards took

40
The Cursed
The horrid deeds that led to such a fate were so vile
that they drew the attention of the Dark Powers, who
whisked away the land and enshrouded it in Mists,
forever condemning it as a Demiplane of Dread and
cursing the souls of its inhabitants to remain trapped in
it for eternity. For no soul could ever escape the Mists;
if one should die, the soul would linger there, trapped
until it was reincarnated into a new body, only to relive
a miserable existence in an endless cycle.
Perhaps none feel this curse more deeply than the
knights of the Order of the Silver Dragon, who, led by
their commander Vladimir Hornsgaard, returned to
Barovia as crazed revenants thirsting for revenge.
The Vampire Countess quickly consolidated her
absolute power across the valley of Barovia. First, she
ensured that every Baron and noble who had stood
against her was publicly and ruthlessly executed. In
their stead, she elevated families who had pledged
themselves to her.
Strahd returned to the Fanes she had once visited
with Tatyana, desecrating the ancient shrines and
draining their fey magic from them. In doing so, Strahd
became “The Land,” able to command the weather, the
Mists, and the animals of her domain.
Once Strahd’s dominion had been established, Patrina
returned to Strahd, this time with another tempting
offer: a proposal of a dark marriage, a ceremony that
would convert Patrina into a full vampire, equal to
Strahd—an eternal companion. Still grieving for
Tatyana and aware of the solace Patrina’s company
afforded her, Strahd agreed.
However, before the ceremony, the remaining dusk
elves learned of this scheme. Led by Patrina’s own
brother Kasimir, the dusk elves lured Patrina into a
trap that left her paralyzed, then stoned her to death.
That very night, Strahd fell upon the dusk elves with
murderous vengeance, slaughtering every dusk elf
woman and child, leaving the men without mates and
condemned to witness the slow end to their race.
Strahd took Patrina’s body and buried her in a crypt in The latest reincarnation of Tatyana is a young
Castle Ravenloft. woman named Ireena.
Strahd has been the master of Ravenloft for centuries Ireena was born in the village of Krezk, daughter to
now and few things about her land are significant fur traders and sister to a boy named Izek. At the start
enough to hold her attention. Since becoming a of the cold season, the family would take their horse
vampire, Strahd has taken several consorts—both male and cart loaded with furs to be sold in Vallaki’s market.
and female—but none as beloved as Tatyana. It was on one of these trips that the family was beset by
Whenever a new incarnation of Tatyana appears, a crazed revenant, blinded with hatred and driven
Strahd knows that their tragic fate is only postponable, insane by its desire for revenge.
not preventable. The first few times it happened, Strahd, who always kept an eye on any new Tatyana
Strahd was hasty in her courtship, and time and time reincarnation, arrived on Bucephalus moments too late
again, Tatyana would slip through her fingers, to prevent the revenant from killing Ireena’s parents
choosing suicide over an eternity with…her. and severing the little boy’s arm.
Over time, Strahd learned to cultivate patience, to be Impassive, Strahd killed the revenant and scooped up
more measured in her approach, to tempt fate. She the crying baby girl, abandoning the boy to his fate or
came closest with a reincarnation named Marina…but the wolves. As it happened, the boy, moments away
the Dark Powers demonstrated their cruelty yet again from death, heard a disembodied voice that promised
when Marina’s own father chose to kill his daughter him salvation. In agreeing, Izek became the champion
rather than to allow her to fall into the Countess’ of Great Taar Haak, a vestige trapped in the Amber
hands. The Dark Powers love mirroring tragic details. Temple whose influence had reached him. The Vestige
saved the boy from certain death, and in the place of

41
the severed child’s arm, Izek grew a devilish claw that easily destroyed and therefore provide a welcome, if
he learned to use as a weapon. In time, Izek’s memory only momentary, diversion.
of that horrible night became a vague recurring
nightmare, and it was only in these nightmares that he
could see his long-lost sister. As Izek aged, so did the
Parting Words
red-haired girl in his nightmare. From baby to young When I first decided to run Curse of Strahd I knew
woman, Izek kept drawings of his visions, unsure of immediately I would be running a female version of
what they meant or what purpose they would serve. Strahd von Zarovich because that is what I was most
Fortunately for baby Ireena, none of these traumatic comfortable roleplaying as and I knew I wanted to to
events would take purchase in her memory. Strahd get into the mind and psyche of this wonderful, love-
deposited the baby with Burgomaster Kolyan to-hate villain.
Indirovich, a cowardly and begrudgingly loyal Since then, I have gone down a joyous rabbit hole of
administrator of the small village that lay at the foot of narrative theory, gender identity and sexual identity
Castle Ravenloft, from which Strahd could keep a theories, philosophy, psychology, history, and media
watchful eye on young Ireena. studies, the result of which I have tried to synthesize
Strahd knows that Ireena is doomed, and so has and convey through this guide.
endeavored to keep her distance from her, relishing My hope is to have been able to provide you with
what little time she may have with her beloved enlightening facts, tips, and tricks to inspire you on
Tatyana. But the love and yearning Strahd still has for your DMing journey, and birth your unique take of
Tatyana is stronger than her restraint. Strahd with which to terrorize your players.
A few years ago, when Ireena had become a young I expect this guide will evolve through the years and
adult, the Countess visited Ireena and soon enough the if you would like to share your thoughts or feedback
two women struck a friendship—much to the dismay of (or how you modified the ideas contained herein!) with
the Burgomaster, who was well aware of the Countess’s me, please do reach out to me over on the CoS Discord
concubines. or Subreddit.
To Ireena, the Countess was fascinating: a learned Thank you for reading and I wish you abundant
woman of bright intelligence and wit, generous in natural 20s,
praise and attention. Ireena’s sense of pride swelled in
the knowledge that the Countess favored her company Jija
above all others in the land, and she, like many before
her, developed a deep attraction to the Countess.
The young woman also developed romantic notions
of immortality and the power that came with Strahd’s
vampiric nature. In fact, it was Ireena who first asked
the Countess to bite her. Strahd refused, at first,
worried that the Dark Powers would take it as an
opportunity to yank Ireena’s life away. But Ireena was
relentless and convincing, and Strahd gave in to her
wishes, and her own desires of eternity with her
beloved.
It was after that first bite that Ireena began to pull
away from the Countess. That first bite had opened the
floodgates of inscrutable memories and emotions that
belonged to every reincarnation of Tatyana. It also
filled her soul with the knowledge that, somehow,
inexplicably so, Strahd would lead to her doom.
The Countess didn’t take kindly to Ireena’s rejection
and has, for the past fortnight, been sending her
creatures of the night to assault Ireena’s home, the
Burgomaster’s Mansion in the Village of Vallaki.
Strahd’s torture is knowing that what she desires
most will bring doom to her most beloved, and further
anguish to her own soul. Yet she cannot help herself.
All she can do is find alternative sources of diversion to
keep her mind off Tatyana.
Although she feeds on the hapless souls of Barovia,
they provide little nourishment and no comfort. From
time to time, strangers from faraway lands are brought
to her domain, to play the vampire’s game of cat-and-
mouse. Strahd savors these moments, for though these
strangers offer her no lands to conquer, they aren’t so

42
 Appendix A: Encounter - The Lilac House

n this encounter, the characters explore includes audible, visual, tactile, and olfactory elements.
Tatyana’s original homestead and perhaps Any piece of the illusory image (such as a rock or an
uncover some of the secrets behind Curse item in the house) that is removed from the area
of Strahd. Two beautiful maps included! covered by the spell disappears immediately.
Furthermore, the illusion spreads to weather effects,
which means that, even if it were to be raining/
Introduction snowing/drizzling in the village of Barovia, the area
around the Lilac House is free of such inclement
This is a short exploration/combat encounter in which weather and the sky above the house is covered only by
the characters uncover the secrets of the Lilac House, a light cloud blanket that blocks out sunlight.
Tatyana’s old home, magically preserved by Strahd. Creatures with truesight can see through the illusion
The Lilac House once belonged to Baron Federov, the to the real appearance: an empty, half-dilapidated house
former Burgomaster of the Village of Barovia and covered in dust and cobwebs. However, all other
father to Tatyana. Tatyana was born and raised in the elements of the illusion remain, so while the creature is
homestead and lived there before she moved into Castle aware of the illusion's presence, the creature can still
Ravenloft. With her death, and Strahd’s slaughter of physically interact with the illusion.
her parents at the wedding, the house has been left Most items in the house are also illusory; the few that
uninhabited for centuries. are real and can be removed are noted in the text.
The main purpose of this encounter is to provide The house’s exterior and interior are also protected
some early clues to the backstory of Tatyana and by alarm spells which make Strahd aware of intruders.
Strahd: little pieces that will make sense to the If Strahd has been alerted, she uses the mirrors in the
characters as they discover more about the lore of the house to scry on the intruders. Some objects in the
land and Strahd’s past; it also provides parties of levels room may be equipped with magic mouth spells that
3–4 with an eerie but non-deadly encounter. deliver a message from Strahd to those unwanted
Depending on how difficult you want the encounter visitors. Try to describe unsettling objects to spook
to be or what level your party is when they enter the your players; perhaps a taxidermied bear head mounted
Lilac House, you might want to throw in a couple of on the wall whose life-like eyes follow the characters as
additional brooms of animated attack (CoS), they move through the room, strange dolls that seem to
animated armor, or flying swords, depending on change positions when the party isn’t looking, or a
how much of a challenge your party needs. music box that plays without being touched.

Fortunes of Ravenloft Local Knowledge

You may use this location as one of the places The majority of the denizens in the Village of
where the Tome of Strahd, the Holy Symbol of Barovia know that the Lilac House is a favorite
Ravenkind and the Sunsword are hidden, as location of Countess Strahd and that it is kept in
suggested in the “Fortunes of Ravenloft” section in such pristine conservation by her will. This fuels
the book. The card that reveals this location is the further superstition about the powers of the She-
Nine of Coins (the Miser) and the prophecy is as Devil to alter reality and maintain her dominion
follows: “Look for a house that defies the test of across the land.
time, then behind a portrait that defies death.” The Ireena does not recognize this house as the
treasure is behind Tatyana’s portrait in Tatyana's homestead of her previous self, but if she goes in
room, area L8. she has a strong, eerie sensation that she has
somehow already been inside this place. This déjà
vu is particularly strong in Tatyana’s room and
might completely overwhelm Ireena.
After regaining her memories at the pool in Krezk,
An Enduring Delusion Ireena remembers this house and wants to return
Strahd has protected the Lilac House and surrounding
to visit it, with or without the party.
garden with a powerful illusion spell, maintaining its
appearance from when Tatyana was alive. The illusion

43
44
Areas of the House scry on intruders. When Strahd scries via the mirror,
any character with a passive Perception of 15 or higher
sees that the reflection in the mirror has slightly
1. The Approach changed:
As you head out onto the main road, poised to You catch a glimpse of your reflection in the
leave the dreary village of Barovia, you turn a mirror and notice something strange: two
corner and f ind a most unexpected sight: A two- indentations are behind you on the carpet, as
story wooden townhouse sits atop a verdant, though someone invisible is there.
flower-dotted hill. The exterior of the house is
neatly painted in lilac and white. Unlike the The framed mirror (not an illusion) is worth 75 gp, but
decrepit and ravaged cottages you have seen
throughout the village, this house seems to be Barovians are reluctant to buy it if they learn it was
immune to the passage of time. No dust has taken from the Lilac House, fearing Strahd’s wrath. The
settled on wooden sills beneath the large windows coat-of-arms carving (also real) is not worth anything
on the sides of the house. Two long rose bushes to a merchant, as they won’t recognize the heraldry.
grow along the walls surrounding the property.
Above the house, high on the cliff top, tower the However, it might be of interest to other noble
ever-looming spires of Castle Ravenloft. families.
The hallway leads to the living room through a door
The front door and all windows are locked but the
on the left, upstairs through the stairs at the back, into
locks can be picked by succeeding on a DC 15 Dexterity
the dining room through a door on the far right, and
check using thieves’ tools or broken open with a
into the kitchen through a door nearest to the door on
successful DC 15 Strength (Athletics) check. However,
the right.
the windows and doors are further protected by glyphs
of warding that can be easily discerned without an
ability check. 3. Living Room
The first time a character touches any of the windows You enter a comfortable and well-decorated living
or doors they receive an electric jolt and lose 1 hit room that has an air of nobility and yet exudes an
eerie atmosphere. A large velvet sofa faces a carved
point. The idea is not to kill the characters but to warn f ireplace, and windows allow you to glimpse the
them away. The second time they do it, they are zapped pleasant outside. A clavichord sits on a corner
again and lose 5 (1d12) hp. Describe this as a near two velvet armchairs. Three intricately
mechanism powering up, which should serve as a
woven rugs decorate the room.
warning should a character disregard the “warning The fireplace is cold but clean: it clearly has not been
zaps” and try to open the windows or doors a third used in a long time, yet no dust or soot remains. If a
time, at which point they trigger the glyph and take character sits on the large sofa, the wood in the
(13) 3d8 lightning damage (half on a successful DC15 fireplace kindles and flames on its own volition.
Dexterity save). Once triggered, the glyph begins to The clavichord is still perfectly in tune, but
recharge, taking one minute to do so, after which it is enchanted with an alarm spell. If it is played, Strahd is
ready to discharge the 3d8 lightning damage again. alerted. Once this spell is triggered, the clavichord
Players can discern bits of the interior by peeking stops making any sounds, regardless of how hard or
through the windows, however, the rose bush by the well a character plays it. Upon investigation, the
window is also enchanted. Any player within 5 feet of characters find nothing mechanically wrong with the
the rose bush can smell its potent fragrance and must instrument, it has just gone “mute.”
succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or become On the bookshelves the characters can find real music
charmed for 1 minute. Charmed creatures have a strong sheets, history books, a book of poems, and some
desire to leave the premises for the duration. If a valuable silver candleholders (10 gp total)
creature succeeds on their saving throw, they are
immune to the rose bush charm for 24 hours. 4. Dining Room
Further, some of the roses are enchanted with the A large dining table with a lilac table runner,
magic mouth spell which Strahd or Rahadin, can choose around which are eight cushioned, high-backed
to use to warn or bait the characters. chairs, dominates this room. A large painting of
an orchard decorates the northernmost wall,
opposite of which hangs a taxidermied bear’s head.
2. Hallway
The large wooden double doors open to a long, Other than the furniture and a large gold and silver
luxuriously carpeted hallway that ends in a set of candle holder worth 30 gp, this room holds little of
stairs heading up. Two doors on the right hand value. The plants that decorate this room look and feel
side of the hallway flank a large golden-framed real, but if removed they reveal their nature as an
mirror. On the opposite wall is another door,
next to which hangs a wooden carving of a coat- illusion. A door on the south wall leads to the kitchen.
of-arms depicting a flying dove surrounded by Strahd can use the bear’s head to scry on the party. If
double roses. she does, any character who has a passive Perception of
The house is magically illuminated, with wall sconces 15 or higher has an eerie feeling, as if the bear was
lighting up in the presence of visitors. The foyer is watching them.
protected by an alarm spell (detectable by a successful
DC 15 Wisdom [Perception] check) which alerts
Strahd to intruders. Strahd can also use the mirror to

45
5. Kitchen 8. Master Bedroom
Inside this room is a kitchen equipped with a This large bedroom contains a double bed, a
large stove, a butcher's block, and a large basin. wardrobe, a chest of drawers, a large leather
Copper pans and utensils hang from the walls, armchair, and a f ireplace. Everything about this
immaculate as the day they were made. Jars and room, from the decorative rugs to the intricate
small boxes fill the teal-blue wooden shelves. cotton bed linens, denotes an air of class and
sophistication. Behind a copper divider is a
The kitchen and pantry contains food that the wooden tub with ornate feet and another chest of
characters can taste and eat, but it is all illusory. The drawers, atop which sits a small iron stove with a
cabinet is unlocked and contains real porcelain and copper kettle.
golden filigree tableware, as well as finely crafted glass The wardrobes contain several sets of fine male and
goblets (50 gp for all). female clothing. The bathroom chest holds towels made
If anything else is removed from the homestead, the of soft cotton cloth monogrammed with the letters YF
illusion fades, the illusion fades and the item (Yonar Federov), ZF (Zelda Federov), and TF (Tatyana
disappears. Federovna).
A character who makes a successful DC 12 Wisdom
6.Staircase and Second-floor Landing (Investigation) check finds Baroness Federov’s jewelry
The spacious main hall ends in an elegantly box in one of the drawers. It is locked but can be
carved mahogany staircase that curves to meet a opened by a character who makes a successful DC15
balcony overlooking the lower level. Carved Dexterity check using thieves’ tools; it contains a gold
balusters depicting soaring ravens support a solid
handrail. Another long hallway sprawls ahead, ring set with an emerald (200 gp), Baron Federov’s
leading to two doors on the right side of the wall signet ring (50 gp), and a ruby-and-emerald tiara (370
and another on the left wall. gp). Because of their high value, Barovian merchants
The staircase leads to the second floor, which contains will be suspicious of their origins and unwilling to
the bedrooms and study. trade for them unless a character succeeds on a DC 15
Charisma (Deception, Intimidation, or Persuasion)
7. Baron Federov’s Study check.
Of course should any of your party take jewels, or
An exquisite wooden desk flanked by two large wear them on display, Strahd is displeased. If Ireena is
cushioned armchairs takes up most of the room.
Three of the walls are lined with bookshelves but with the party when they recover these jewels she feels
on the wall opposite the desk hangs an oil portrait deeply drawn to the tiara, which also gives her a
depicting two nobles, seemingly husband and strange sense of déjà vu.
wife, between whom stands a young girl with
bright red hair.
9. Tatyana’s Bedroom
This was once Baron Yovnar Federov’s study and a seal
A sweet floral scent permeates the air in this
bearing his initials can be found in the study desk, as bedroom, emanating from half a dozen bouquets
well as some letters that mention him by name. One of flowers held in glass vases on the far side of the
drawer is locked but a character can pick the lock by wall. In the middle of the room is a double bed, in
succeeding on a DC 15 Dexterity check using thieves’ front of which sits a vanity with a mirror; beside
it is a wardrobe. Nearest to the door is a desk, on
tools or break it open with a successful DC 15 Strength top of which is a letter. A portrait of a stunning
(Athletics) check. Inside the drawer is a letter: young woman with bright red hair hangs above a
cold f ireplace.
Esteemed Yovnar, An open letter rests on the desk (no DC check
required). The lack of a seal or remnant of wax might
Your last correspondence was indeed greatly troubling. And clue in the more intuitive characters that this letter was
yet I wonder if the connection between your sweet Tatyana never sent nor received. The letter reads:
and the Usurper is precisely the edge we need to strike down
this poisonous viper. Other noble families have been My beloved Tatyana,
informed and are moving against our common enemy.
Protect your daughter as best you can, it shall be over soon. Incessantly, I relive in my memories the lines that make up
your features, the tones that make up your laugh, the
Yours faithfully, movements that make up your being. I shall know no
Gediminas Vallakovich happiness nor respite until I gaze upon your incomparable
self once again. Until then I am mere kindling for the
The bookshelves contain books about governance and agonizing fires that breed from your absence.
history. Use this opportunity to give your characters Release me from my torment! Free me of my solitude and
some information about the lore and history of yearning! My immortal beloved. Once again I await your
Barovia. If you are feeling generous, you may also inevitable return. My wait will never end nor fail, for you
consider placing a map of the local area, or a map of must always find your way to me.
Barovia, in this study.
Ever yours. Ever mine,
Strahd von Zarovich

46
A further inspection of this room reveals fine female
clothing in the wardrobe, including a warm cold-
weather coat. The flowers are real and are regularly
changed by Strahd or one of her minions.
The portrait on the wall is a portrait of Tatyana. Any
character who is acquainted with Ireena notices the
remarkable similarity between her and the lady in the
portrait. This room (and the portrait) makes Ireena
deeply uncomfortable and she tries to leave as soon as
possible.

Fortunes of Ravenloft
If the tarokka reading foretold treasure in this
location, it is behind Tatyana’s portrait, which
happens to be a guardian portrait (CoS). The
guardian portrait morphs grotesquely into a
monstrous amalgamation of Tatyana’s and Strahd’s
features, with wickedly fanged teeth.
Unfortunately for the party, in front of the portrait
is also a rug of smothering, which attacks as soon
as the guardian portrait is triggered.
 Appendix B: A Compendium of Female Villainy
ant to delve further into the wonderful human sacrifices were required to protect his life.To
world of female villainy? We have put this end, she murdered three middle-aged women and
together a handy list of both historical turned their bodies into soap and teacakes, which she
and fictional women to inspire and then served to visitors. After confessing to the
horrify you. murders, she was sentenced to thirty years in prison
and three years in a criminal asylum, where she died of
Historical a brain hemorrhage in 1970.
Ilse Koch, aka The Witch of Buchenwald
Countess Elizabeth Bathory, aka The Blood Wife of the commandant of the Buchenwald
Countess concentration camp and one of the first prominent
A 16th century Hungarian noblewoman who holds the
Nazis to stand trial for war crimes. Koch rode around
Guinness World Record for most prolific female
the camp on her horse, whipping prisoners; she became
murderer. Bathory allegedly killed up to 650 women,
renowned for acts of unfathomable sadism. Most
most of whom were young servant girls of noble birth.
notably, she was accused of collecting lampshades, book
She reportedly had vampiric tendencies and used to
covers, and gloves made from the skin of tattooed
drink the blood of virgins and bathe in the blood of her
inmates. After World War II, she was arrested and
young victims to retain her youth. Stories abound of
sentenced to life imprisonment. In 1967, she hanged
Bathory covering victims in honey and live ants, or
herself using a bedsheet.
burning them with hot tongs before placing them in
freezing water. She would stab others with needles or Jiang Qing, aka Madame Mao
scissors, and bite off their breasts, limbs, or faces. A A Chinese Communist revolutionary, actress, and
torture chamber found in her home contained the political figure and the fourth wife of Mao Zedong. In
bodies of those she had mutilated. 1966 she became the first deputy head of the Cultural
Revolution, overseeing terror and purges that resulted
Delphine LaLaurie, aka Madame Blanque in the death of tens of thousands and the suffering of
A wealthy socialite from New Orleans who was a serial
millions. She was particularly adept at manipulating the
killer who tortured and murdered her black slaves. Her
media and stoking the young radicals known as the Red
crimes were discovered in 1834 when firefighters
Guards.
responding to a fire at her house found several bound
and abused slaves in her attic. She appeared as a Myra Hindley
character in American Horror Story in which she was Considered by many as the most evil woman in British
played by Kathy Bates. history. In the 1960s, along with her partner Ian Brady,
she kidnapped, sexually tortured, and murdered five
Amelia Dyer children and teenagers in a spree that became known as
Reportedly murdered over 400 babies during a 20-year
the Moors murders. Hindley showed no remorse for
period in Victorian London. In a practice known as
her crimes and pleaded not guilty, maintaining her
baby farming, she would be paid by mostly young,
innocence for twenty years. In 1987 she finally
unmarried women to take care of their children.
admitted her involvement in all five murders and later
Instead, Dyer would kill them and dump their bodies in
died in prison in 2002.
the River Thames.
Rosemary West
Rozalia Zemlyachka Along with her husband, Fred, she kidnapped, abused,
A Russian revolutionary and Soviet politician and one
killed, and dismembered several young women—
of the organizers of the Red Terror in Crimea in 1920–
including her own daughter, Heather—and buried them
1921, during which 120,000 soldiers were executed. To
in their cellar. In 1995 she was convicted of the torture
cut costs at a time when munition supplies were low,
and murder of ten women.
Zemlyachka decreed that captives should not be shot,
but should have rocks tied to their feet and be tossed
into the sea. When the waters were calm and visibility EvilQueensorSlanderedby History?
good, rows of standing bodies could be seen swaying Mary Tudor, “Bloody Mary”
with the currents below. Mary Tudor oversaw the brutal religious persecution of
Leonarda Cianculli, aka The Soap-Maker of Protestants in16th century England, 280 of whom were
Correggio burnt at the stake for heresy. For a thought-provoking
In 1939, Cianculli learned that her son had signed up to appraisal of the misogynistic undertones of Mary’s
join the Italian army in World War II and decided that

48
image as an unchecked tyrant, read: The Myth of “Bloody serial killer who slit his victims’ throats during a
Mary.” 15 particularly close shave. After the first of Todd’s
murders, Lovett convinces him to let her bake his
Catherine de Medici, aka The Black Widow victims’ Åbodies into pies and sell them to the
An Italian noblewoman and queen consort of France unwitting public, simultaneously covering up the crime
from 1547 until 1559. According to history, she was a and expanding her business. The deeds of Lovett and
diabolical woman who poisoned her enemies and Todd were first popularized in the Victorian penny
oversaw the massacre of thousands of Protestants dreadful, The String of Pearls, most famously adapted for
during the religious wars of the 16th century. the stage by Stephen Sondheim and the screen by Tim
Allegedly, de Medici was also a sexual deviant and a Burton.
worshipper and practitioner of the occult. While the
rumors are widespread, this is a good starting point to Bellatrix Lestrange (Harry Potter series)
consider a more nuanced take: Was Catherine de Medici A witch obsessed with blood purity who takes
really an evil queen? 16 particularly perverse pleasure in torturing and killing
non-magical folk. Lestrange is famed for using the
Fictional “Cruciatus Curse” to extract maximum pain from her
victims. She shockingly kills her own cousin and one of
Carmilla (Carmilla) the narrative’s heroes, Sirius, in cold blood.
The titular character from one of the earliest works of
Dolores Umbridge (Harry Potter series)
vampire fiction, first published as a serial in a London-
Despite presenting a particularly saccharine image of
based magazine in 1871–72. Carmilla is a female
pink “girlishness” and kittens, Umbridge is one of the
vampire who causes a suspected epidemic in Styria,
most hated and compelling villains from the Harry
Austria, by preying on young women. Carmilla could
Potter universe. Umbridge is appointed as High
pass through walls and change her form, most notably
Inquisitor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and
by morphing into a monstrous black cat. The novel is
Wizardry, where she delights in extracting brutal
narrated by one of her victims, Laura, who becomes the
punishments on the pupils, such as forcing them to use
target of Carmilla’s intense affection and is bitten by
a cursed quill that carves and scratches their hands
Carmilla as a cat during a “nightmare.” Carmilla is
while writing. She is eventually imprisoned in Azkaban
revealed to be the vampire Mircalla, Countess
for interrogating, torturing, and killing Muggles (non-
Karnstein, a noble ancestor of Laura who was thought
magic folk).
to have died centuries ago. The Countess’ body is
exhumed from its grave, where it is pierced through Jadis, aka The White Witch (The Chronicles of
the heart by a stake and has its head struck off, before Narnia)
being set on fire and the ashes then thrown into a river. A powerful sorceress and tyrant who subjected the
people of Narnia to the “Long Winter,” a hundred years
Lady Macbeth (Macbeth) of ice, snow, and oppression, in which she established
One of Shakespeare’s most frightening characters. She the first Narnian “Secret Police.” Jadis abolished any
was the orchestrator of the plot to kill King Duncan judiciary system, punishing political prisoners by
and the driving force behind the accession of her turning them into stone and exhibiting their statues in
husband, Lord Macbeth, to the throne. As she descends her palace courtyard.
into madness, Lady Macbeth experiences terrible
visions and nightmares while sleepwalking. Nurse Ratched (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s
Shakespeare’s play implies that women can be just as Nest)
cruel and manipulative as men, but social constraints Head nurse at the Salem State mental institution.
restrict their ambitions. Ratched presents a facade of nicety and care, but in
reality is an autocratic and fearsome figure who abuses
Azula (Avatar: The Last Airbender) her patients by controlling their access to medication,
Princess Azula is one of the main antagonists of the food, and basic necessities like toiletries, and revoking
animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender. She is the them whenever she pleases.
crown princess of the fire nation and its intended heir.
She is a fire-bending prodigy who has a cruel, Queen Cersei (Game of Thrones)
sociopathic personality. She shows no empathy or The twentieth ruler of the Seven Kingdoms and one of
remorse, not even to those closest to her such as her the most compelling villains in Game of Thrones. Cersei
brother and her friends. Azula uses control and is devoid of empathy, and in her struggle for power she
manipulation to induce fear in both friends and foes. In exhibits a wealth of cruel and narcissistic traits that she
the series, it is alluded that Azula’s own mother regularly acts upon. For example, she physically
thought of her as a monster. This motherly rejection traumatizes her younger brother Tyrion when he is an
further pushes Azula into mental health disorders and infant, kills her husband Robert, supports her sadistic
extreme behaviors. son Joffrey, and is directly responsible for the torture
and murder of many characters throughout the series.
Mrs. Lovett (Sweeny Todd)
Owner of a London pie shop and accomplice of
Sweeney Todd, the “Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” a

49
Annie Wilkes (Misery)
The antagonist of Stephen King’s novel, Misery (1987).
A brutal, cunning, and devious woman who kidnaps
and tortures a famous writer and forces him to rewrite
his latest unpublished novel according to her own
wishes. When he tries to escape, Wilkes cuts off his
foot with an axe and cauterizes the wound with a
blowtorch. Wilkes is a nurse by training, and is loosely
based on Genene Jones, an American nurse who was
responsible for the deaths of up to sixty children during
the 1970s and 1980s.
Ms. Agatha Trunchbull (Matilda)
A psychopathic head teacher and the primary
antagonist in Matilda. Trunchbull has a passionate
hatred for children and takes sublime pleasure in
terrorizing those in her care. She operates a makeshift
torture chamber in her office which she calls “the
Chokey,” a narrow cupboard with broken glass and
rusty nails which children in detention are forced to
squeeze into. Trunchbull enforces strict rules, such as
the banning of pigtails and eating in class, and in one
famous scene, she forces an overweight young boy to
eat a huge chocolate cake in front of the whole school
(all the while secretly snacking on her own stash of
snacks and cake).

50
 Appendix C: Inspiring Media
ant to delve further into the themes unforgettable love triangle. This erotic horror explores
we have explored in this guide? Check the existential fear of death and old age from the
out this list of books, films and TV perspective of John, a vampire who has suddenly begun
shows! to age at an alarming rate. As he and his vampire lover
Miriam search for a solution, they come across Dr.
Sarah Roberts, a gerontologist with whom Miriam
Films and TV begins an affair. It is a cult classic and an atypical
depiction of the bisexual vampire and goth culture
Let the Right One In (2008) alike.
This Swedish film adaptation of the novel by John The Vampire Lovers (1970)
Ajvide Lidqvist tells the story of a young boy who The Vampire Lovers is the first of a trilogy of lesbian
develops a friendship with the girl next door, who vampire films produced by Hammer Films in Great
happens to be a vampire. A masterful blend of coming- Britain in the early 1970s. While this film and its two
of-age romance and horror, the film is a unique take on sequels, Lust for a Vampire and Twins of Evil, are very
the relationship between prey and predator, and a much "of their time" and in no way perfect films, they
vampire’s need for companionship, as well as substance. have become cult staples of the genre and are useful
The film was remade as an American production examples of early “bloodshed and bosoms” lesbian
titled Let Me In, but we recommend sticking to the vampire character depiction and the male gaze. It’s
Swedish original. good to see how far we have come in certain aspects.
Byzantium (2012) Jennifer’s Body (2009)
Directed by Neil Jordan (who also directed the Woefully misunderstood, Jennifer’s Body marketing
adaptation of Interview with the Vampire) and based on a featured Megan Fox’s curves and targeted young men,
play by Moira Buffini, Byzantium is unique in that it presenting this film as a sexy horror movie rather than
follows a mother-daughter vampire duo who are being the subversive horror-comedy feminist comdenation of
hunted by a strictly patriarchal order of vampires. The sexploitative films that writer director Diablo Cody had
film explores themes of female survival in a world intended. Nowadays, the film has finally reached its
dominated by male vampires. intended audience and is experiencing a bit of a
A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014) renaissance. Jennifer’s Body subverts the succubus
An incredible debut by Iranian-American director Lily archetype by embracing the man-eating, revenge-
Amirpour, this unique vampire film focuses on “The driven female monster and humanizing it, making it
Girl,” a skateboarding vampire who lives in the vulnerable.
appropriately named “Bad City” and preys on the worst The Handmaid’s Tale (2017–)
that mankind has to offer. This uniquely anti-hero A TV show based on the novel by the same name
vampire is a refreshing exploration of the mythology of written by Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid’s Tale is set
the creature not only as an apex predator, but also as a in a dystopian future in which a totalitarian society
lonely, eternal being condemned to a life of blood- called Gilead has emerged. In Gilead, women are
addiction. Further, it is an excellent depiction of a subjected to a number of roles depending on how they
terrifying female killer who does not rely on sexuality can serve society, with fertile women (the
for her agency. “Handmaids”) being forced into involuntary child-
Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019) conception and slavery.
Written and directed by Celine Sciamma, Portrait of a Among many other things, this show is a horrifying
Lady on Fire is an accomplished portrayal of a lesbian depiction of an extreme form of patriarchy, though
relationship filmed in an undeniably refreshing female some themes and plot points are eerily familiar to many
gaze. Set in France in the eighteenth century, the story women in our society. It is also a masterclass on the use
revolves around an affair between an aristocrat and a of physical, emotional, and psychological violence
painter commissioned to paint her portrait so that she against women perpertrated by other women.
may find a husband. The film explores themes of sexual We also recommend the novels on which the show is
identity, intimacy, female empowerment, and societal based: The Handmaid’s Tale (1985) and The Testaments
constraints, as well as the “female artistic gaze.” (2019).

The Hunger (1983)

Tony Scott’s first film, The Hunger, stars Susan
Sarandon, David Bowie, and Catherine Deneuve in an

51
The Witch (2015) with themes and imagery, primarily the bloody and
Robet Eggers’s debut film deals with witchery and gruesome revenge of the marginalized. But it also
superstition. Set in 1630s New England, a small Puritan explores female empowerment and sexuality and
family contends with the kidnapping of their young provides a critique of a society which often uses both
baby, seemingly by a coven of witches in the nearby extremes (religious chastity and the punishment of the
forest. The film depicts the repressive, patriarchal sexually inclined) to control women.
elements of a Puritan society and the need for A few film adaptations that we recommend are Brian
independence, freedom, and acceptance of women on De Palma’s 1976 version as well as Kimberly Peirce’s
their own terms. The film is also a masterclass of 2013 film by the same name. However, we find that the
supernatural horror, pacing, and imagery, a must for book articulates the themes and Carrie’s state of mind
any horror fan! more than the films do.

Raw (2016)
Written and directed by Julia Ducournau, Raw tells the
story of Justine, a vegetarian who tastes meat for the
first time and develops an uncontrollable craving for
flesh. The parallels between cannibalism and
vampirism are obvious. This relatively small horror
film manages to both create a brutal and unredeemable,
but completely magnetic, female villain who we just
can’t help but be in awe of.

Books
Vampires and Violets: Lesbians in the Cinema
by Andrew Reiss (1993)
A fantastic retrospective on lesbian and crossdressing
cinema in general and a thorough exploration of the
“lesbian vampire” character, cinema’s most persistent
and reincarnated lesbian character.
Carmilla by Sheridan LeFanu (1872)
The seminal and original work on the female lesbian
vampire, Carmilla predates Bram Stoker’s Dracula by
more than twenty years. The novella follows the titular
character, a vampire who preys upon a teenaged
woman. As an original, the premise and plot of this
short novella is pretty straightforward, though it is
worth noting here for its historical resonance.
The novella has been adapted many times into film
but we recommend the most contemporary version of
Carmilla, released in 2019 and directed by Emily Harris;
it provides a revisionist view on this story and a
modern, contemporary take.
The Queen of the Damned by Anne Rice (1988)
The third installment of Anne Rice’s The Vampire
Chronicles deals with the origin myth of vampires and
the mother of all vampires herself, the pre-Egyptian
queen Akasha. The novel explores the descent of power
through the maternal line, and provides an entertaining
and inspiring thematic read on vampires in general,
whether alone or in combination with the previous two
novels Interview with the Vampire and The Vampire
Lestat.
Carrie by Stephen King (1973)
This horror novel published in 1973 follows the
eponymous Carrie, an outcast teenager and the
daughter of a religious zealot. Carrie is heavily bullied
by both her high school peers and her mother back
home, but she finally gets a chance for revenge when
she discovers her telekinetic powers. The book is heavy

52
 Appendix D: NPCs Stat Blocks

Anastrasya Karelova14 Shapechanger. If Anastrasya isn’t in sunlight or

running water, she can use her action to polymorph
Medium Undead, Neutral Evil into a Tiny bat or a Medium cloud of mist, or back into
her true form.
Armor Class 15 (natural armor) While in bat form, Anastrasya can’t speak, her
Hit Points 105 (14d8 + 42) walking speed is 5 feet, and she has a flying speed of 30
Speed 30 ft. feet. Her statistics, other than its size and speed, are
unchanged. Anything she is wearing transforms with
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
her, but nothing she is carrying does. she reverts to its
16 (+3) 16 (+3) 17 (+3) 13 (+1) 12 (+1) 18 (+4) true form if she dies.
While in mist form, Anastrasya can’t take any actions,
Saving Throws Dex +6, Wis +4 speak, or manipulate objects. She is weightless, has a
Skills Deception +7, Perception +4, Stealth +6 flying speed of 20 feet, can hover, and can enter a
Damage Resistance necrotic; bludgeoning, piercing, hostile creature’s space and stop there. In addition, if
and slashing from nonmagical attacks air can pass through a space, the mist can do so
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14 without squeezing, but it can’t pass through water. She
Languages Common has advantage on Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution
Challenge 6 (2,300 XP) Proficiency Bonus +3 saving throws, and is immune to all nonmagical
damage, except sunlight.
Regeneration. Anastrasya regains 10 hit points at the
start of her turn if she has at least 1 hit point and isn't Children of the Night (1/Day). Anastrasya magically
in sunlight or running water. If Anastrasya takes calls 2d4 swarms of bats or rats, provided that the sun
radiant damage or damage from holy water, this trait isn’t up. While outdoors, she can call 3d6 wolves
doesn't function at the start of Anastrasya's next turn. instead. The called creatures arrive in 1d4 rounds,
acting as her allies and obeying her spoken commands.
Spider Climb. Anastrasya can climb difficult surfaces, The beasts remain for 1 hour, or until she dies or
including upside down on ceilings, without needing to dismisses them as a bonus action.
make an ability check.
Telekinetic. Anastrasya telekinetically wields a
Vampire Weaknesses. Anastrasya has the following longsword with the properties of a flying sword that
flaws: acts on her initiative. When wielded in this way by
Forbiddance. Anastrasya can't enter a residence Anastrasya and within 50 feet of her, the sword has a
without an invitation from one of the occupants. Strength of 16 and cannot be targeted or damaged by
Harmed by Running Water. Anastrasya takes 20 acid attacks or spells, as though it were a held item. While
damage when she ends her turn in running water. wielding it, Anastrasya can use her bonus action to
Stake to the Heart. Anastrasya is destroyed if a allow it to perform two Longsword attacks against a
piercing weapon made of wood is driven into her heart target she can see using its modified Strength score
while she is incapacitated in her resting place. (1d8+3).
Sunlight Hypersensitivity. Anastrasya takes 20 radiant Anastrasya also telekinetically wields a shield that
damage when she starts her turn in sunlight. While in acts as if it were an animated shield while under her
sunlight, she has disadvantage on attack rolls and control, making her armor class 18.
ability checks.

Charm. Anastrasya targets one humanoid she can see ACTIONS

within 30 feet of her. If the target can see Anastrasya, Multiattack. Anastrasya makes two attacks, only one
the target must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving of which can be a bite attack.
throw against this magic or be charmed by the
vampire. The charmed target regards Anastrasya as a Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
trusted friend to be heeded and protected. Although willing creature, or a creature that is grappled by
the target isn’t under Anastrasya’s control, it takes her Anastrasya, incapacitated, or restrained. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3)
requests or actions in the most favorable way it can, piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) necrotic damage. The
and it is a willing target for Anastrasya’s bite attack. target's hit point maximum is reduced by an amount
Each time Anastrasya or her companions do anything equal to the necrotic damage taken, and Anastrasya
harmful to the target, it can repeat the saving throw, regains hit points equal to that amount. The reduction
ending the effect on itself on a success. Otherwise, the lasts until the target finishes a long rest. The target dies
effect lasts 24 hours or until Anastrasya is destroyed, is if this effect reduces its hit point maximum to 0.
on a different plane of existence than the target, or
takes a bonus action to end the effect. Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
Anastrasya can have only one target charmed at a creature. Hit: 8 (2d4 + 3) slashing damage. Instead of
time. If she charms another, the effect on the previous dealing damage, Anastrasya can grapple the target
target ends. (escape DC 13).

53
Escher damage when he starts his turn in sunlight. While in
sunlight, he has disadvantage on attack rolls and
Medium Undead, Neutral Evil ability checks.

Armor Class 15 (natural armor) Taunt. Escher can use a bonus action on its turn to
Hit Points 119 (14d8 + 56) target one creature within 30 feet of him. If the target
Speed 30 ft. can hear Escher, the target must succeed on a DC 13
Charisma saving throw or have disadvantage on ability
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA checks, attack rolls, and saving throws until the start of
16 (+3) 16 (+3) 19 (+4) 13 (+1) 12 (+1) 16 (+3) the Escher’s next turn.

Saving Throws Dex +6, Wis +4 Spellcasting. Escher’s spellcasting ability is Charisma
Skills Perception +4, Stealth +6 (spell save DC 13, +6 to hit with spell attacks). He wields
Damage Resistance necrotic; bludgeoning, piercing, a silver lyre as his arcane focus, and has the following
and slashing from nonmagical attacks bard spells prepared:
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14 At will: friends, prestidigitation, vicious mockery
Languages Common 4/ day each: charm person, heroism, sleep, dissonant
Challenge 6 (2,300 XP) Proficiency Bonus +3 whispers, hideous laughter
3/day each: invisibility, crown of madness
Regeneration. Escher regains 10 hit points at the start
of his turn if he has at least 1 hit point and isn’t in ACTIONS
sunlight or running water. If Escher takes radiant
Multiattack. Escher makes two attacks, only one of
damage or damage from holy water, this trait doesn’t
which can be a bite attack.
function at the start of Escher’s next turn.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
Spider Climb. Escher can climb difficult surfaces,
willing creature, or a creature that is grappled by
including upside down on ceilings, without needing to
Escher, incapacitated, or restrained. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3)
make an ability check.
piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) necrotic damage. The
Vampire Weaknesses. Escher has the following flaws: target’s hit point maximum is reduced by an amount
Forbiddance. Escher can’t enter a residence without equal to the necrotic damage taken, and Escher regains
an invitation from one of the occupants. hit points equal to that amount. The reduction lasts
Harmed by Running Water. Escher takes 20 acid until the target finishes a long rest. The target dies if
damage when he ends his turn in running water. this effect reduces its hit point maximum to 0.
Stake to the Heart. Escher is destroyed if a piercing
Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
weapon made of wood is driven into his heart while he
creature. Hit: 8 (2d4 + 3) slashing damage. Instead of
is incapacitated in his resting place.
dealing damage, Escher can grapple the target (escape
Sunlight Hypersensitivity. Escher takes 20 radiant

54
Jeny Greenteeth
Medium Humanoid, Chaotic Evil
Summon Shadowspawn
Armor Class 10 3rd-level conjuration
Hit Points 65 (10d8 + 20) Casting Time: 1 action
Speed 30 ft. Range: 90 feet
Components: V, S, M (tears inside a gem worth at
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
least 300 gp)
7 (-2) 11 (+0) 15 (+2) 18 (+4) 12 (+1) 13 (+1) Duration: Concentration, up to 1 hour
Skills Arcana +7, Insight +3, Medicine +7, Perception +2 You call forth a shadowy spirit. It manifests in an
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 12 unoccupied space that you can see within range.
Languages Common This corporeal form uses the Shadow Spirit stat
Challenge 2 (450 XP) Proficiency Bonus +2 block (see page 61). When you cast the spell, choose
Coven Matriarch. Jeny can use the Help action as a
an emotion: Fury, Despair, or Fear. The creature
bonus action. Additionally, when she uses the Help resembles a misshapen biped marked by the chosen
action to aid an ally in attacking a creature, the target emotion, which determines certain traits in its stat
of that attack can be within 30 feet of Jeny, instead of block. The creature disappears when it drops to 0
the usual 5 feet, as long as the target can hear or see hit points or when the spell ends.
Jeny. The creature is an ally to you and your
companions. In combat, the creature shares your
Summon Snakes. Once per day, Jeny can summon a
initiative count, but it takes its turn immediately
swarm of poisonous snakes. The summoned snakes
emerge from the ground within 30 feet of Jeny. The after yours. It obeys your verbal commands (no
swarm is friendly to Jeny and her coven. action required by you). If you don’t issue any, it
takes the Dodge action and uses its move to avoid
Spellcasting. Jeny’s spellcasting ability is Intelligence danger.
(spell save DC 14, +6 to hit with spell attacks). She can At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a
cast the following spells, and she has the arcane focus spell slot of 4th level or higher, use the higher level
and spell components to do so.
wherever the spell’s level appears in the stat block.
At will: mage hand, prestidigitation, ray of frost, detect
magic, magic missile (at 1st level), false life, levitate (self
only), mage armor (self only)
3/ day each: alter self, invisibility, shield, witch bolt
2/day each: counterspell, slow, polymorph
1/day each: summon shadowspawn (see sidebar)

ACTIONS Summon Construct

Claws (Requires Alter Self). Melee Weapon Attack:+3 4th-level conjuration
to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 ( 1d6 + 1 ) slashing Casting Time: 1 action
damage. This attack is magical. Range: 90 feet
Components: V, S, M (an ornate stone and metal
Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack:+2 to hit, lockbox worth at least 400 gp)
reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 2 (1d4)
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 hour
piercing damage.
You call forth the spirit of a construct. It manifests
in an unoccupied space that you can see within
range. This corporeal form uses the Construct
Spirit stat block (see page 58). When you cast the
spell, choose a material: Clay, Metal, or Stone. The
creature resembles a golem or a modron (your
choice) made of the chosen material, which
determines certain traits in its stat block. The
creature disappears when it drops to 0 hit points or
when the spell ends.
The creature is an ally to you and your
companions. In combat, the creature shares your
initiative count, but it takes its turn immediately
after yours. It obeys your verbal commands (no
action required by you). If you don’t issue any, it
takes the Dodge action and uses its move to avoid
danger.
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a
spell slot of 4th level or higher, use the higher level
wherever the spell’s level appears in the stat block.

55
Kai Tiny Force Cannon. Kai is proficient with �nker’s and smith’s
tools. His engineering skills have provided him with a
Medium Undead, Neutral Evil magical cannon. As an ac�on, Kai can summon a �ny cannon
that manifests in his le� hand. He can only summon the
Armor Class 15 (natural armor) cannon once a day. On each of Kai’s turns, he can take a
Hit Points 105 (14d8 + 42) bonus ac�on to make a ranged spell a�ack, origina�ng from
Speed 30 ft. the cannon, at one creature or object within 120 feet of it.
On a hit, the target takes 9 (2d8) force damage, and if the
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
target is a creature, it is pushed up to 5 feet away from the
16 (+3) 16 (+3) 16 (+3) 18 (+4) 12 (+1) 12 (+1) cannon.

Saving Throws Dex +6, Wis +4 Spellcas�ng. Kai’s spellcas�ng ability is Intelligence (spell
Skills Perception +4, Stealth +6 save DC 15, +7 to hit with spell a�acks). He can cast the
Damage Resistance necrotic; bludgeoning, piercing, following spells, using a wand as his arcane focus.
and slashing from nonmagical attacks At will: mending, firebolt, message
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14 3/day each: thunderwave, disguise self, grease, expedi�ous
Languages Common retreat
Challenge 6 (2,300 XP) Proficiency Bonus +3 2/day each: scorching ray, sha�er, pyrotechnics

Regenera�on. Kai regains 10 hit points at the start of his Shared Spellcas�ng. While Zhoya and Kai are within 30 feet
turn if he has at least 1 hit point and isn't in sunlight or of each other they can cast the following spells:
running water. If Kai takes radiant damage or damage from 2 day/each: blink, dispel magic, counterspell
holy water, this trait doesn't func�on at the start of Kai's 1 day/each: summon construct (see p.55), animate objects
next turn.
ACTIONS
Spider Climb. Kai can climb difficult surfaces, including
upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an ability Mul�a�ack. Kai makes two a�acks, only one of which can
check. be a bite a�ack.

Vampire Weaknesses. Kai has the following flaws: Bite. Melee Weapon A�ack: +6 to hit, reach 5 �., one willing
Forbiddance. Kai can't enter a residence without an creature, or a creature that is grappled by Kai, incapacitated,
invita�on from one of the occupants. or restrained. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6)
Harmed by Running Water. Kai takes 20 acid damage when necro�c damage. The target's hit point maximum is reduced
he ends his turn in running water. by an amount equal to the necro�c damage taken, and Kai
Stake to the Heart. Kai is destroyed if a piercing weapon regains hit points equal to that amount. The reduc�on lasts
made of wood is driven into his heart while he is un�l the target finishes a long rest. The target dies if this
incapacitated in her res�ng place. effect reduces its hit point maximum to0.
Sunlight Hypersensi�vity. Kai takes 20 radiant damage
Claws. Melee Weapon A�ack: +6 to hit, reach 5 �., one
when he starts his turn in sunlight. While in sunlight, he has
creature. Hit: 8 (2d4 + 3) slashing damage. Instead of dealing
disadvantage on a�ack rolls and ability checks.
damage, Kai can grapple the target (escape DC 13).
Twin Bond. Kai and Zhoya are permanently bonded by their
nature as twins. Whilst they are within 30 feet of another,
they can roll a d4 and add the number rolled to an a�ack
roll, an ability check, or a saving throw they make. Each twin
can add the d4 no more than once per turn.

56
Ludmilla Vilesevic information about nearby locations and creatures,
including whatever they can perceive or have
Medium Undead, Neutral Evil perceived within the past day.

Armor Class 15 (natural armor) Beast Form. Once per day, Ludmilla can magically
Hit Points 105 (14d8 + 42) polymorph into a beast or elemental with a challenge
Speed 30 ft. rating of 4 or less and can remain in this form for 3
hours. She returns to her human form if she dies or
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA falls unconscious, or uses a bonus action on her turn.
16 (+3) 16 (+3) 17 (+3) 13 (+1) 18 (+4) 12 (+1) While in her new form, Ludmilla retains her normal
statistics and ability to speak, but her AC, movement
Saving Throws Dex +6, Wis +4 modes, Strength, and Dexterity are replaced by those of
Skills Perception +7, Stealth +6 the new form, and she gains any special senses,
Damage Resistance necrotic; bludgeoning, piercing, proficiencies, traits, actions, and reactions that the new
and slashing from nonmagical attacks form has. Ludmilla cannot cast spells while in her new
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 17 form.
Challenge 6 (2,300 XP) Proficiency Bonus +3
Spellcasting. Ludmilla’s spellcasting ability is Wisdom
Regeneration. Ludmilla regains 10 hit points at the (+7 to spell attacks, 15 DC). She knows the following
start of her turn if she has at least 1 hit point and isn’t spells and casts them using a raven skull as her arcane
in sunlight or running water. If Ludmilla takes radiant focus:
damage or damage from holy water, this trait doesn’t At will: druidcraft, poison spray, produce flame,
function at the start of Ludmilla’s next turn. shillelagh
3/day each: entangle, thunderwave, faerie fire, cure
Spider Climb. Ludmilla can climb difficult surfaces, wounds
including upside down on ceilings, without needing to 2/day each: animal messenger, beast sense, barkskin
make an ability check. 1/day each: conjure animals, plant growth, locate
creature, freedom of movement
Vampire Weaknesses. Ludmilla has the following
flaws:
Forbiddance. Ludmilla can’t enter a residence without
ACTIONS
an invitation from one of the occupants. Multiattack. Ludmilla makes two attacks, only one of
Harmed by Running Water. Ludmilla takes 20 acid which can be a bite attack.
damage when she ends her turn in running water.
Stake to the Heart. Ludmilla is destroyed if a piercing Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
weapon made of wood is driven into her heart while willing creature, or a creature that is grappled by
she is incapacitated in her resting place. Ludmilla, incapacitated, or restrained. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3)
Sunlight Hypersensitivity. Ludmilla takes 20 radiant piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) necrotic damage. The
damage when she starts her turn in sunlight. While in target’s hit point maximum is reduced by an amount
sunlight, she has disadvantage on attack rolls and equal to the necrotic damage taken, and Ludmilla
ability checks. regains hit points equal to that amount. The reduction
lasts until the target finishes a long rest. The target dies
Speak with Beasts and Plants. Ludmilla enters into a if this effect reduces its hit point maximum to 0.
trance for 10 minutes, at the end of which she gains the
ability to comprehend and verbally communicate with Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
beasts and plants for 10 minutes. The knowledge and creature. Hit: 8 (2d4 + 3) slashing damage. Instead of
awareness of many beasts is limited by their dealing damage, Ludmilla can grapple the target
intelligence, but at minimum, beasts will give her (escape DC 13).

57
Pidlwick II Construct Spirit
Small Construct, Neutral Evil Medium Construct

Armor Class 14 (natural armor) Armor Class 13 + the level of the spell (natural armor)
Hit Points 27 (6d6 + 6) Hit Points 40 + 15 for each spell level above 3rd
Speed 25 ft. Speed 30 ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
10 (+0) 15 (+2) 12 (+1) 8 (-1) 14 (+2) 14 (+2) 18 (+4) 10 (+0) 18 (+4) 14 (+2) 11 (+0) 5 (-3)

Skills Performance +2 Damage Resistances poison

Damage Immunities poison Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened,
Condition Immunities paralyzed, petrified, poisoned incapacitated, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned
Senses passive Perception 12 Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10
Languages Common (understands but doesn’t speak Languages understands the languages from its summoner
and can’t read or write) Challenge — Proficiency Bonus equals its summoner
Challenge 1 (200 XP) Proficiency Bonus +2
Heated Body (Metal Only). A creature that touches
the construct or hits it with a melee attack while within
Ambusher. During the first round of combat, Pidlwick 5 feet of it takes 1d10 fire damage.
II has advantage on attack rolls against any creature
that hasn’t had a turn yet. Stony Lethargy (Stone Only). When a creature the
construct can see starts its turn within 10 feet of the
Construct. Pidlwick II doesn’t require air, food, drink, construct, the construct can force it to make a Wisdom
or sleep. saving throw against your spell save DC. On a failed
save, the target can’t use reactions and its speed is
ACTIONS halved until the start of its next turn.
Silver Needle. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5
ft., one creature. Hit: 1 piercing damage plus 3 (1d6) ACTIONS
necrotic damage, and the target must succeed on a DC Multiattack. The construct makes a number of attacks
12 Charisma saving throw or become cursed for 1 equal to half this spell’s level (rounded down).
minute. While cursed in this way, the target’s speed is
reduced by 10 feet, and it must roll a 1d4 and subtract Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: equals to its summoner
the number rolled from each ability check or attack spell attack modifier to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit:
roll it makes. 1d8 + 4 + the spell’s level bludgeoning damage.

Soul Swap. Pidlwick II targets a creature it can see REACTIONS

within 15 feet of it that is cursed by its Silver Needle.
Berserk Lashing (Clay Only). When the construct
Unless the target is protected by a protection from evil
takes damage, it makes a slam attack against a random
and good spell, it must succeed on a DC 12 Charisma
creature within 5 feet of it. If no creature is within
saving throw or have its consciousness swapped with
reach, the construct moves up to half its speed toward
Pidlwick II. Pidlwick II gains control of the target’s
an enemy it can see, without provoking opportunity
body, and the target is unconscious for 1 hour, after
attacks.
which it gains control of Pidlwick II’s body. While
controlling the target’s body, Pidlwick II retains its
Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma scores. It
otherwise uses the controlled body’s statistics, but
doesn’t gain access to the target’s knowledge, class
features, or proficiencies.
If Pidlwick II’s body is destroyed, both Pidlwick II
and the target die. A protection from evil and good spell
cast on the controlled body drives Pidlwick II out and
returns the consciousness of both creatures to their
original bodies. The swap is also undone if the
controlled body takes damage from Pidlwick II’s Silver
Needle.

58
Volenta Popofsky Evasion. When subjected to an effect that allows
Volenta to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only
Medium Undead, Neutral Evil half damage, she instead takes no damage if she
succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if
Armor Class 15 (natural armor) she fails.
Hit Points 119 (14d8 + 56)
Speed 30 ft. Sneak Attack. Once per turn, Volenta can deal an
extra 4d6 damage to one creature she hits with a claw
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA attack if she has advantage on the attack roll or if
16 (+3) 19 (+4) 18 (+4) 13 (+1) 18 (+4) 12 (+1) another enemy of the target is within 5 feet of it, that
enemy isn’t incapacitated, and Volenta doens’t have
Saving Throws Dex +6, Wis +4 disadvantage on the attack roll.
Skills Perception +7, Stealth +6
Damage Resistance necrotic; bludgeoning, piercing, Blood Frenzy. Volenta has advantage on melee attack
and slashing from nonmagical attacks rolls against any creature who is below half their hit
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 17 points.
Languages Common
Challenge 6 (2,300 XP) Proficiency Bonus +3 ACTIONS
Multiattack. Volenta makes two attacks, only one of
Regeneration. Volenta regains 10 hit points at the start
which can be a bite attack.
of her turn if she has at least 1 hit point and isn’t in
sunlight or running water. If Volenta takes radiant Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
damage or damage from holy water, this trait doesn’t willing creature, or a creature that is grappled by
function at the start of Volenta’s next turn. Volenta, incapacitated, or restrained. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3)
piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) necrotic damage. The
Spider Climb. Volenta can climb difficult surfaces,
target’s hit point maximum is reduced by an amount
including upside down on ceilings, without needing to
equal to the necrotic damage taken, and Volenta
make an ability check.
regains hit points equal to that amount. The reduction
Vampire Weaknesses. Volenta has the following flaws: lasts until the target finishes a long rest. The target dies
Forbiddance. Volenta can’t enter a residence without if this effect reduces its hit point maximum to 0.
an invitation from one of the occupants.
Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
Harmed by Running Water. Volenta takes 20 acid
creature. Hit: 8 (2d4 + 3) slashing damage. Instead of
damage when she ends her turn in running water.
dealing damage, Volenta can grapple the target (escape
Stake to the Heart. Volenta is destroyed if a piercing
DC 13).
weapon made of wood is driven into her heart while
she is incapacitated in her resting place.
Sunlight Hypersensitivity. Volenta takes 20 radiant
damage when she starts her turn in sunlight. While in
sunlight, she has disadvantage on attack rolls and
ability checks.

Assassinate. Volenta has advantage on attack rolls

against any creature that hasn’t taken a turn in the
combat yet. In addition, any hit against a creature that
is surprised is a critical hit.

59
Zhoya Snake Defender. Zhoya is proficient with �nker’s and smith’s
tools. Her engineering skills have granted her a faithful
Medium Undead, Neutral Evil companion: a steel defender in the shape of a metallic snake
(see p.61). In combat, the defender shares Zhoya’s ini�a�ve
Armor Class 15 (natural armor) count, taking its turn immediately a�er hers. It can move
Hit Points 105 (14d8 + 42) and use its reac�on on its own, but the only ac�on it takes
Speed 30 ft. on its turn is the Dodge ac�on, unless Zhoya takes a bonus
ac�on on her turn to command it to take another ac�on.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
That ac�on can be one in its stat block or some other ac�on.
16 (+3) 17 (+3) 16 (+3) 18 (+4) 18 (+4) 12 (+1) If Zhoya is incapacitated, the defender takes no ac�ons.
If the mending spell is cast on the defender, it regains 2d6
Saving Throws Dex +6, Wis +4 hit points
Skills Perception +7, Stealth +6
Damage Resistance necrotic; bludgeoning, piercing, Spellcas�ng. Zhoya’s spellcas�ng ability is Intelligence (spell
and slashing from nonmagical attacks save DC 15, +7 to hit with spell a�acks). She can cast the
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 17 following spells, using a wand as her arcane focus.
Languages Common At will: mending, acid splash
Challenge 6 (2,300 XP) Proficiency Bonus +3 3/day each: shield, disguise self, faerie fire, expedi�ous retreat
2/day each: heat metal, enlarge/reduce, blur

Regenera�on. Zhoya regains 10 hit points at the start of her Shared Spellcas�ng. While Zhoya and Kai are within 30 feet
turn if she has at least 1 hit point and isn’t in sunlight or of each other they can cast the following spells:
running water. If Zhoya takes radiant damage or damage 2/day each: blink, dispel magic, counterspell
from holy water, this trait doesn't func�on at the start of 1/day each: summon construct (see p.55), animate objects
Zhoya’s next turn.
ACTIONS
Spider Climb. Zhoya can climb difficult surfaces, including
upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an ability Mul�a�ack. Zhoya makes two a�acks, only one of which
check. can be a bite a�ack.

Vampire Weaknesses. Zhoya has the following flaws: Bite. Melee Weapon A�ack: +6 to hit, reach 5 �., one willing
Forbiddance. Zhoya can't enter a residence without an creature, or a creature that is grappled by Zhoya,
invita�on from one of the occupants. incapacitated, or restrained. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage
Harmed by Running Water. Zhoya takes 20 acid damage plus 7 (2d6) necro�c damage. The target's hit point
when she ends her turn in running water. maximum is reduced by an amount equal to the necro�c
Stake to the Heart. Zhoya is destroyed if a piercing weapon damage taken, and Zhoya regains hit points equal to that
made of wood is driven into her heart while she is amount. The reduc�on lasts un�l the target finishes a long
incapacitated in her res�ng place. rest. The target dies if this effect reduces its hit point
Sunlight Hypersensi�vity. Zhoya takes 20 radiant damage maximum to 0.
when she starts her turn in sunlight. While in sunlight, she
Claws. Melee Weapon A�ack: +6 to hit, reach 5 �., one
has disadvantage on a�ack rolls and ability checks.
creature. Hit: 8 (2d4 + 3) slashing damage. Instead of dealing
Twin Bond. Kai and Zhoya are permanently bonded by their damage, Zhoya can grapple the target (escape DC 13).
nature as twins. Whilst they are within 30 feet of another,
they can roll a d4 and add the number rolled to an a�ack
roll, an ability check, or a saving throw they make. Each twin
can add the d4 no more than once per turn.

60
 Shadow Spirit
Medium Monstrosity

Armor Class 11 + the level of the spell (natural armor)

Hit Points 35 + 15 for each spell level above 3rd
Speed 40 ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

13 (+1) 16 (+3) 15 (+2) 4 (-3) 10 (+0) 16 (+3)

Damage Resistances necrotic

Condition Immunities frightened
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 10
Languages understands the languages from its summoner
Challenge — Proficiency Bonus equals its summoner

Terror Frenzy (Fury Only). The spirit has advantage

on attack rolls against frightened creatures.

Weight of Sorrow (Despair Only). Any creature,

other than its summoner, that starts its turn within 5
feet of the spirit has its speed reduced by 20 feet until
the start of that creature’s next turn.

ACTIONS
Multiattack. The spirit makes a number of attacks
equal to half this spell’s level (rounded down).

Chilling Rend. Melee Weapon Attack: equals to its

summoner spell attack modifier to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target. Hit: 1d12 + 3 + the spell’s level cold damage.
Zhoya’s Snake Defender Dreadful Scream (1/Day). The spirit screams. Each
Medium Construct, Neutral creature within 30 feet of it must succeed on a Wisdom
saving throw against your spell save DC or be
Armor Class 15 (natural armor) frightened of the spirit for 1 minute. The frightened
Hit Points 39 (6d8 + 12) creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each
Speed 40 ft. of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
14 (+2) 12 (+1) 14 (+2) 4 (-3) 10 (+0) 6 (-2)
BONUS ACTIONS
Shadow Stealth (Fear Only). While in dim light or
Saving Throws Dex +4, Con +5 darkness, the spirit takes the Hide action.
Skills Athletics +5, Perception +6
Damage Immunities poison
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, poisoned
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 16
Languages understands Common
Challenge Rating 3 (700 XP) Proficiency Bonus +2

Vigilant. The defender can’t be surprised.

ACTIONS
Force-Empowered Rend. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to
hit, reach 5 ft., one target it can see. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2)
force damage.

Repair (3/Day). The magical mechanisms inside the

defender restore 11 (2d8 + 2) hit points to itself or to
one construct or object within 5 feet of it.

REACTIONS
Deflect Attack. The defender imposes disadvantage on
the attack roll of one creature it can see that is within 5
feet of it, provided the attack roll is against a creature
other than the defender.

61
 Appendix E: Footnotes
1
Bram Stoker, Dracula, 1897. [Go back] administer assets,” The World Bank Blogs. June 18,
2019. [Go back]
2
An intensely popular figure of the Silent Movie Era,
12
Thera Bara became notorious for her portrayal of “the Moms; “How Parents May Treat Sons &
Vamp,” a vampiric creature, killer of men, and the Daughters Differently,” by Ashley Wehrli,
epitome of sex and evil. [Go back] February 8, 2021. [Go back]
3 13
As defined by Derald Wing Sue in her book The Guardian; “Are mothers harder on their
Microaggressions in Everyday Life: Race Gender, and daughters – and if so, why?,” by Jenny Colgan,
Sexual Orientation (2010), microagressions are Luisa Dillner, Anne Karpf, and Susie Orbach,
unintended slights that take their toll on people of October 6, 2010. [Go back]
color, women, LGBTQIA+, transgendered, people
with mental health issues, and other groups. The 14 Anastraya, Volenta, and Escher’s stat blocks are
microaggression betrays an implicit, often modified from DragnaCarta’s Curse of Strahd:
unconscious, bias that resonates with the receiver, Reloaded, Chapter 15: Residents of the Castle. [Go
further reiterating their “lower status” in back]
comparison to the societal norm. [Go back]
15
Smithsonian Magazine; “The Myth of ‘Bloody
4
For more tips, watch Travis Baldree’s YouTube Mary,’” by Meilan Solly, March 12, 2020. [Go back]
video “Female Voices as a Male Audiobook
16
Narrator.” [Go back] Madame Mélissande; “Was Catherine de Medici
Really An Evil Queen?,” Madame Mélissande:
5
Weiss, Andrea, Vampire and Violets: Lesbians in the Discovering the delights of French history (blog),
Cinema (Penguin Books, 1993). [Go back] September 30, 2020. [Go back]
6
Dragon Talk. Wizards of the Coast. January 21,
2016. “Chris Perkins and Tracy Hickman on Curse
of Strahd.” Audio blog post. [Go back]
7
Baker-Sperry, Lori, and Liz Grauerholz. “The
Pervasiveness and Persistence of the Feminine
Beauty Ideal in Children’s Fairy Tales.” Gender and
Society 17, no. 5 (2003): 711–26. [Go back]
8
A matriarchy is a social organization characterized
by women holding the primary positions of power
and status as they relate to political and moral
leadership, control of property, and defining the
descent line. For contemporary examples of
matriarchal society, research the Mosuo women in
China and the Minangkabau people from
Indonesia. [Go back]
9
If you are looking for further inspiration for this,
research the female-only village of Umoja in
Kenya. [Go back]
10
Kelly Buchanan, “Execution by Stoning and
Privacy Laws Related to Sexual Crimes in Iran and
Afghanistan,” In Custodia Legis (blog), April 30,
2021. [Go back]
11
Nayda L. Almodóvar-Reteguis, “Where in the
world do women still face legal barriers to own and

62
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