Strahd von Zarovich - Curse of Strahd: Reloaded

# Roleplaying Strahd Strahd is cold and calculating, skilled in social manipulation and deception. As the adventure unfolds, his attitude toward the players shifts significantly. Though Strahd never conceals his nature or identity, this dynamic relationship manifests as three "roles" that he plays: the Gentleman, the Tyrant, and the Monster. ## The Gentleman When the players first enter Barovia, Strahd acts as the Gentleman—polished and poised, if somewhat sociopathic. He is welcoming, well-mannered, and insatiably curious. His goal—to learn the ins and outs of the players' minds, including their goals, strengths, and weaknesses. As the Gentleman, Strahd should flatter the players with his interest and curiosity, offend them with his arrogance and condescension, and disgust them with his disregard for human freedom. In this role, Strahd most often feels curious, amused, nostalgic, or disappointed. Consider channeling Hannibal Lecter (*The Silence of the Lambs*), Don Corleone (*The Godfather*), or Frank Underwood (*House of Cards*) when playing him. The Gentleman avoids clashes as much as he can, taking any player rudeness or defiance in stride. If pushed, he might send his minions to stop a player's physical attacks, but only as a last resort. ## The Tyrant When he learns that the players have relit the beacon of Argynvostholt at the conclusion ***Arc R: The Beacon of Argynvostholt***, Strahd becomes the Tyrant—harsh, stern, and somewhat cruel. He keeps his cool and aloof demeanor, but treats the players less like guests and more like disappointing protégés. His goal—to push the players to their limits, testing their resilience and assessing their competence. As the Tyrant, Strahd should offend the players with his insults and condescension, and disgust them with his disregard for human life. In this role, Strahd most often feels disappointed, scornful, satisfied, amused, and contemptuous. Consider channeling Moriarty (*Sherlock*), Tywin Lannister (*Game of Thrones*), Severus Snape (*Harry Potter*), and Omni-Man (*Invincible*). The Tyrant never strikes first—but will dare defiant players to back their words with action. Should a player back down, Strahd mocks their resolve and capabilities. Any players who attack him, though, are met with a swift and ruthless response—though never a lethal one. ## The Monster When he first learns that the players have restored the blade of the *Sunsword* in ***Arc V: The Sunsword***, Strahd abandons all pretense and becomes the Monster—a cold, unfeeling sociopath, described further in **Roleplaying Strahd** (p. 10). His goal—to achieve his goals, no matter the cost. As the Monster, Strahd should disgust the players with his complete indifference to life and death, inspire pity for his inability to feel happiness or love, and frustrate the players with his refusal to ever lose his cool. In this role, Strahd most often feels indifferent, curious, satisfied, and determined. Consider channeling Stan Edgar (*The Boys*), Gus Fring (*Breaking Bad*), and Thanos (*Avengers: Endgame*). The Monster crushes any resistance ruthlessly and efficiently. Though he can't be provoked, he's too proud to ever flee from a fight. # Strahd’s Relationships Strahd has a complex web of relationships with the denizens of Barovia, many of which are described below. ***Death House.*** Strahd views the cult of Death House with respectful disdain; he finds their methods and obsessions distasteful, but appreciates their efforts to bring worthy consorts and adversaries from the lands beyond the Mists. ***Village of Barovia.*** Strahd believes, without romance or obsession, that Ireena Kolyana’s body is the host for Tatyana’s soul, and that Tatyana’s soul belongs to him. Through his spies, he is aware of Ismark Kolyanovich’s position and relationship to Ireena, but finds him to be a lackluster leader and a half-rate swordsman. He views Donavich and Doru with scorn, disdaining the convictions, pride, and faith that Doru had in life. ***Tser Pool Encampment.*** Strahd finds Madam Eva a fascinating enigma, but has come to an unspoken understanding with her: she shall read his fortune whenever he requests it, and, in exchange, he will not delve too deeply into her history or affairs. ***Old Bonegrinder.*** Strahd is aware of the **night hag** coven’s presence, but has little interest in their affairs. ***Town of Vallaki.*** Strahd has no interest in Baron Vargas Vallakovich, but, through his spies, believes him to be a bumbling fool. He finds Lady Fiona Wachter to be a useful agent and favors her for her family’s history of loyalty, but cares little for her obsession with Vallakian politics. He is aware of the existence of the Keepers of the Feather (though not that the Blue Water Inn serves as their meeting-place), but does not view them as a significant threat. ***Vistani Encampment.*** Strahd holds Arrigal as one of his favored spies. However, he pays little mind to the dusk elves—Kasimir especially—and has little interest in their affairs. ***Argynvostholt.*** Strahd views the **revenants** of the Order of the Silver Dragon with disinterested contempt, but has long since determined that the knights pose no threat to him, and has largely ignored them as a result. He has heard the rumors that Argynvost’s spirit haunts the manor, but pays them no mind; he would refuse to believe that the beacon of Argynvostholt could be relit even if told to his face. ***Wizard of Wines.*** Strahd is aware that the winery is a stronghold for the Keepers of the Feather, but does not view them as a significant threat. He has delegated their “discipline” to Ludmilla, ensuring that their insubordination and resistance will be properly punished. ***Yester Hill.*** Strahd views the Forest Folk with disdain and some amusement. He finds their maddened worship to be more grating than gratifying, and views the modern generation as a poor shadow of their more distinguished forebears. He does find them to be useful tools, however, and knows that their “faith” is a necessary evil to ensure their continued loyalty. ***Village of Krezk.*** Strahd has little interest in Baron Dmitri Krezkov or the people of Krezk. He is, amused by the Abbot’s descent into madness and corruption. He intends to temporarily “play along” with the Abbot’s efforts to construct a **flesh golem** bride for him, but has no serious intention of accepting Vasilka when complete. ***Werewolf Den.*** Strahd finds Kiril Stoyanovich to be a useful and loyal servant, if somewhat brutish and unsophisticated. He intends to keep Emil Toranescu, the pack’s former alpha, as a prisoner in his dungeons until Emil is sufficiently mad with starvation to be “tamed.” ***Tsolenka Pass.*** Strahd is peripherally aware that the Mountain Folk roam the Balinok Mountains, but—due to Elder Burebis’s protection—is unaware of the existence of their settlement Soldav. He considers the Mountain Folk to be a lost and broken people and has no use for or interest in them. ***Amber Temple.*** Strahd respects Neferon’s dedication to protecting the temple and finds him to be a worthy guardian of the treasures contained within. He has historically had a collegial respect for Exethanter, but, after awakening from his own hibernation, was disappointed by Exethanter’s loss of memory—something Strahd has little interest in restoring. ***Castle Ravenloft.*** Strahd is amused by the efforts of his brides—Ludmilla Vilisevic, Anastrasya Karelova, and Volenta Popfsky—to placate and impress him. He is momentarily entertained by his newest consort, Escher, but has been distracted lately by other, grander designs. He views Rahadin as his most loyal, trusted, and favored servant, but spares little mind to the other staff and occupants of the castle, including Cyrus Belview, Lief Lipsiege, the coven of witches, and his own vampire spawn. By contrast, Beucephalus is his favored “pet” and most valued tool. # Strahd’s Goals Strahd’s primary goal is simple: to free himself and Barovia from the Mists. As a conqueror, Strahd craves new lands and the freedom—and power—to claim them. He seeks to restore his long-lost empire, with Castle Ravenloft and the valley of Barovia as its seat of power. To this end, he needs three things: a pacified kingdom, a host of loyal servants, and—most importantly—an escape plan. By defeating his servants and halting their schemes, the players can deny him the first; by defending Ireena Kolyana and resisting his temptations, they can also deny him the second. However, Strahd has plans within plans, and there is only one way to halt his final scheme: to destroy the vampire himself. ## Reclaiming the Valley When Strahd awoke from his century-long slumber, he found that much had changed. The people of Barovia had forgotten why they feared him, and their burgomasters no longer served him faithfully. His servants and consorts had dispersed across the valley in pursuit of their own schemes and whims, and the wilds themselves had somehow cleansed the stain of corruption. That, he knew, must be addressed. He moved quickly to reclaim the Forest Fane as his own, restoring its bond to the Heart of Sorrow once more. He bade Rahadin to find staff and attendants for Castle Ravenloft, and to ensure that each of the keep’s occupants served their master’s will. And he summoned his brides and spawn to Castle Ravenloft, commanding them to spread his shadow across the valley once more. Since then, Strahd has broken the village of Barovia and brought the werewolf pack to heel. He seeks next to break the town of Vallaki and the village of Krezk, to discipline the so-called “Keepers of the Feather,” and to capture the vampire hunter Dr. Rudolph van Richten. When his servants’ work is done, Strahd expects to look down from the Pillarstone of Ravenloft upon a faithful and fearful populace, its people subservient to the Devil of Castle Ravenloft once more. ## Renewing His Servants When Strahd awoke from his slumber, he found that many of his vampiric brides and other servants had dispersed across the valley, forgoing his dark will in favor of their own petty pursuits. He has quickly moved to correct this—but some doubts still remain. Strahd seeks assurances that, when he escapes Barovia, he will do so with an army that will heed his words and execute his will without error or hesitation. To this end, he has delegated many of his plots to reassert his authority to his servants. Should they succeed, they shall be exalted and placed in positions of authority beneath him; should they fail, they shall be locked in the crypts beneath Ravenloft for eternity. Strahd is always hungry for new talent, however, and is on the lookout for new generals to serve his conquests and fresh consorts to keep him entertained. When the players arrive in Barovia, he focuses his attention on those who are especially charismatic, arrogant, intelligent, cunning, or attractive, seeking to determine whether any among the party are worthy of serving him in undeath. Though Strahd has not said so expressly, his brides are well-aware of the risk of being replaced—a motivation that he hopes will fuel their efforts on his behalf. Strahd believes fully in the “survival of the fittest” and expects to see the strongest rise to the top. ## Escaping the Mists With Madam Eva’s reluctant guidance, Strahd has learned that the Grand Conjunction—a time when the barriers between worlds will be thinned, and the energies of the stars aligned—is a prime opportunity to free himself from the Dark Powers’ prison. To this end, Strahd has crafted an ambitious and dangerous ritual to escape the Mists, using the Heart of Sorrow as its conduit and anchor. This ritual has three necessary components: a power source, a control mechanism, and a catalyst. ***The Power Source.*** Strahd’s plan requires a substantial amount of power—far more than he can supply himself. So long as he remains bonded to the Fanes of Barovia, however, he can channel their power directly into the Heart of Sorrow for use in the ritual. Using the Fanes in the ritual will also allow Strahd to bring the valley itself—and all of its inhabitants—along with him to the Material Plane. Given that Barovia was his final conquest and the centerpiece of his power, Strahd will not relinquish it so easily. ***The Control Mechanism.*** The raw power of the leylines beneath the Fanes is wild and near-impossible to control. Even as their master, only a token of the Ladies’ divinity can allow Strahd to direct them. He has recently learned that a child with the blood of the Seeker resides somewhere within the valley—the Vistana Arabelle, though Strahd does not yet know her name—and has directed his spies to locate and capture her. Should this plot fail, Strahd must instead journey to the Whispering Wall at Yester Hill and make a sacrifice of great personal value—his **animated armor**, the symbol of his early conquests and might—exchanging a piece of his past for a promise of his future. ***The Catalyst.*** Power and control are all well and good. In order to break through a wall, however, all good conquerors need a point of attack. To this end, Strahd plans to forge a battering ram capable of piercing through the Mists—a siege weapon forged from the souls of the Barovians themselves. The Mists, as creations of the Dark Powers, are born of apathy, fear, and despair. To escape the Mists without drawing their ire, therefore, Strahd intends to surround the Heart of Sorrow with a shell of wailing, hopeless souls. He believes that, by brutally reasserting his dominion over Barovia, his subjects will lose themselves to fear and despair, darkening their souls to meet his needs. By consuming the Barovians’ souls, Strahd can also use the energies of his escape to repurpose their soulless husks as undead soldiers, forging a new army for his conquests to come. The sole exceptions include Ireena Kolyana and Dr. Rudolph van Richten, who Strahd will allow to keep their souls for his own purposes. ***Plans Within Plans.*** If the players reconsecrate the Fanes, Strahd quickly devises a backup plan. By becoming the champions of the Fanes, the players will unknowingly have made themselves into conduits for their power, allowing Strahd to access the Fanes’ energies if he can lure the players to Castle Ravenloft. He can do this by using the power stored in the Heart of Sorrow to plunge Barovia into eternal night, raising the deceased from their graves and sending a plague of undead against Barovia’s settlements—a siege that will end only if Strahd himself is defeated. As a bonus, Strahd believes that this undead apocalypse will surely drive the Barovians into fear and despair, counteracting the players' efforts to bring hope to the valley. # Strahd’s Allies Strahd commands a vast host of beasts, undead, and other minions, which he can direct in a host of plots or schemes. They include: * ***Rahadin,*** Strahd’s dusk elf chamberlain * ***Beucephalus,*** Strahd’s **nightmare** steed * ***Strahd’s vampiric brides,*** Ludmilla, Anastrasya, and Volenta * ***Strahd’s vampire spawn,*** including his consort, Escher * ***Undead servants,*** including **zombies**, **Strahd zombies**, and **wights** * ***Loyal beasts,*** including Barovian bats, rats, wolves, and **dire wolves** * ***The werewolf pack*** commanded by Kiril Stoyanovich * ***Vistani spies***, including Eliza (at Tser Pool Encampment) and Arrigal (at the Vallaki encampment) * ***The witches’ coven*** that dwells in Castle Ravenloft However, Strahd **always faces the final battle alone.** Whether by pride, fate, or mere coincidence, this fight is his to win—or lose. # Strahd’s Tactics Even in combat, Strahd is no ordinary foe. Like several of the enemies encountered in this adventure, he uses a **multi-phase statblock** in battle. Strahd’s statistics work as follows: ### Phases Strahd's combat statistics include three phases: the Mage, the Soldier, and the Vampire. Each phase has its own unique features, abilities, **and an independent pool of hit points.** (For example, damage dealt to the Soldier phase doesn’t carry over to the Mage phase.) Strahd can choose which phase he begins in when rolling initiative. By default, his starting phase is the Mage. When outside of combat, Strahd can: * switch into his Solder phase by drawing his longsword and extinguishing his focus; * switch into his Mage phase by lighting his focus (his cloak's ruby clasp) and stowing his longsword; * switch into his Vampire phase by stowing his longsword and extinguishing his focus. ### Phase Transitions When a phase is reduced to 0 hit points, Strahd’s statistics are immediately replaced by the statistics of another phase (your choice). **When this happens, all conditions afflicting Strahd end.** (For example, if Strahd was prone or paralyzed, he is no longer prone or paralyzed.) Damage dealt to one phase does not carry over to the next. By default, Strahd's second phase is the **Soldier**, and his third phase is the **Vampire**. When Strahd enters his second phase, his eyes glow crimson red and his fingernails lengthen and harden. When Strahd enters his third phase, his fangs grow longer and sharper, and his nostrils become batlike slits. A phase reduced to 0 hit points can’t be used again until Strahd completes a long rest in his coffin. ### Defeat If all three phases are reduced to 0 hit points, Strahd transforms into a cloud of mist instead of falling unconscious, provided that he isn't in running water or sunlight. **If he can't transform, he is destroyed.** While transformed in this way, he has a fly speed of 30 feet, can hover, and has immunity to all damage, except the damage he takes from sunlight. He must reach his coffin within 2 hours or be destroyed. Once in his coffin, he reverts to his vampire form. He is then paralyzed until he regains at least 1 hit point. After 1 hour in his coffin with 0 hit points, he regains 1 hit point. ### Attributes & Weaknesses All three phases share the following vampire attributes and weaknesses: * *Undead Nature.* Strahd doesn't require air. * *Forbiddance.* Strahd can't enter a residence without an invitation from one of the occupants. * *Chained to the Grave.* Strahd cannot gain the benefits of a long rest except by resting in his coffin for eight consecutive hours between dawn and dusk. * *Children of the Night.* Strahd can comprehend and verbally communicate with Barovian bats, rats, and wolves (including **dire wolves**), which obey his commands. * *Stake to the Heart.* If a piercing weapon made of wood is driven into Strahd’s heart while he is incapacitated in his coffin, he is paralyzed until the stake is removed. Additionally, Strahd can use the following action in his ***Vampire*** form: * ***Shapechange.*** If Strahd isn't in running water or sunlight, he polymorphs into a Tiny **bat**, a Medium **wolf**, or a Medium cloud of mist, or back into his true form. His statistics, other than his size and speed, are unchanged. Anything he is wearing transforms with him, but nothing he is carrying does. He reverts to his true form if he dies. While in mist form, Strahd can't take any actions, speak, or manipulate objects. He is weightless, has a flying speed of 30 feet, can hover, and can enter a hostile creature's space and stop there. In addition, if air can pass through a space, the mist can do so without squeezing, and he can't pass through water. He has advantage on Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution saving throws, and he is immune to all nonmagical damage, except the damage he takes from sunlight. While Strahd retains a connection to the Fanes of Barovia, he also possesses the following features in all three phases: * ***Dominion of the Mountain.*** While Strahd retains the power of the Mountain Fane, he is under the effect of a permanent *nondetection* spell. Additionally, Strahd can cast *control weather* as an action without components. * ***Dominion of the Swamp.*** While Strahd retains the power of the Swamp Fane, he can cast *major image* and *move earth* without components. * ***Dominion of the Forest.*** While Strahd retains the power of the Forest Fane, he can cast *beast sense*, *locate creature*, and *animal shapes* without components. * ***Rejuvenation.*** If Strahd is destroyed while he retains the power of at least one of the Fanes, he gains a new body in 24 hours, regaining all his hit points and phases and becoming active again. His new body appears within his coffin. > [!info]+ **Vampiric Forbiddance** > > When deciding whether and how Strahd's ***Forbiddance*** feature applies, use the following definitions: > > A **residence** is a place of residence that is not generally open to the public, including houses, apartments, cabins, and even certain types of rooms within a larger building, like an inn or church, provided they are used for living purposes and offer some degree of privacy. The definition does not include public places like taverns, shops, streets, or town squares. > > An **occupant** is an individual who expects to reside in the dwelling indefinitely, or a guest of such an individual. This person must have some claim to the space, such as by being a homeowner, renter, tenant, or guest of one of the aforementioned. > > Remember that an occupant charmed by the ***charm*** ability of Strahd’s Vampire phase will gladly invite him to enter if asked. ## Strahd's Statistics ### The Mage <div class="statblock"> <h2>Strahd, the Mage</h2> Medium undead (shapechanger), lawful evil <hr> Armor Class 16 (natural armor) Hit Points 331 (39d8 + 156) Speed 40 ft., climb 40 ft. <hr> <table class="ability-table"> <thead> <tr> <th>STR</th> <th>DEX</th> <th>CON</th> <th>INT</th> <th>WIS</th> <th>CHA</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td>20 (+5)</td> <td>20 (+5)</td> <td>18 (+4)</td> <td>20 (+5)</td> <td>15 (+2)</td> <td>20 (+5)</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <hr> Saving Throws Dex +11, Wis +8, Cha +11 Skills Arcana +17, Athletics +11, Deception +17, Insight +8, Perception +14, Religion +11, Stealth +17 Damage Resistances necrotic; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 24 Languages Abyssal, Common, Draconic, Elvish, Giant, Infernal Challenge 21, or 19 when fought in sunlight Proficiency Bonus. +6 <hr> Complex Casting. If Strahd casts a spell on his turn using a bonus action, he can also use his action to cast a leveled spell on the same turn. Legendary Resistance (2/Day). If Strahd fails a saving throw, he can choose to succeed instead. Regeneration. Strahd regains 20 hit points at the start of his turn if he has at least 1 hit point and isn’t in sunlight. If he takes radiant damage, this trait doesn’t function at the start of his next turn. Spider Climb. Strahd can move up, down, and across vertical surfaces and upside down along ceilings, while leaving his hands free. Sunlight Hypersensitivity. While in sunlight, Strahd takes 20 radiant damage at the start of his turn, and he has disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks. Innate Spellcasting. Strahd’s innate spellcasting ability is Intelligence. He can innately cast the following spells: 3/day: detect thoughts, animate dead 1/day: scrying <h3>Actions</h3> Multiattack. Strahd uses vampiric touch twice, or vampiric touch and telekinetic grasp once each. Vampiric Touch. Strahd casts or attacks with vampiric touch. A creature hit by an attack made with this spell must make a DC 19 Constitution saving throw or be dazed until the start of Strahd’s next turn. (That creature can move or take one action on its turn, not both. It also can’t take a bonus action or a reaction.) Telekinetic Grasp. 2nd-level transmutation, range 60 feet, components V S M, 1 round. Effect: Strahd exerts his will on one creature that he can see within 60 feet and forces it to make a DC 19 Strength saving throw. On a failure, that creature rises vertically, up to 20 feet, and remains suspended there until the start of Strahd’s next turn. That creature also takes 7 (2d6) necrotic damage and is restrained until the end of Strahd’s next turn. When the effect ends, the target falls to the ground if it is still aloft. <h3>Bonus Actions</h3> Circle of Sickness. 3rd-level necromancy, self, components V S M, instantaneous. Effect: A sphere of negative energy bursts from Strahd. Each creature within 10 feet of Strahd must make a DC 19 Constitution saving throw. On a failure, a creature takes 28 (8d6) necrotic damage and gains disadvantage on its next attack roll made before the end of its next turn. A creature that succeeds on the roll takes half damage and doesn’t gain disadvantage. Lightning Bolt. Strahd casts lightning bolt. <h3>Reactions</h3> Strahd can take up to three reactions per round, but only one per turn. If he would lose his reactions and isn't incapacitated, he loses one reaction instead. Misty Step. In response to taking damage, Strahd casts misty step. Blindness/Deafness. In response to taking damage from a melee attack, Strahd casts blindness/deafness against the attacker. A creature that fails its saving throw against the spell takes an additional 7 (2d6) necrotic damage. <h3>Lair Actions</h3> While Strahd is in Castle Ravenloft, he can take lair actions as long as he isn't incapacitated. On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), Strahd can take one of the following lair action options, or forgo using any of them in that round: Scatter. The air quivers around up to three creatures of Strahd's choice that he can see within 60 feet. Each creature must succeed on a DC 19 Wisdom saving throw or be teleported to an unoccupied space on the ground or floor that Strahd can see within 60 feet of him. Fiery Sphere. A 10-foot diameter sphere of fire appears in an unoccupied space of Strahd's choice within 60 feet that he can see until initiative count 20 on the following round. Any creature that starts its turn within 5 feet of the sphere must succeed on a DC 19 Dexterity saving throw or take 14 (4d6) fire damage. The sphere ignites flammable objects not being worn or carried, and it sheds bright light in a 30-foot radius and dim light for an additional 30 feet. </div> ### The Soldier <div class="statblock"> <h2>Strahd, the Soldier</h2> Medium undead (shapechanger), lawful evil <hr> Armor Class 16 (natural armor) Hit Points 331 (39d8 + 156) Speed 40 ft., climb 40 ft. <hr> <table class="ability-table"> <thead> <tr> <th>STR</th> <th>DEX</th> <th>CON</th> <th>INT</th> <th>WIS</th> <th>CHA</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td>20 (+5)</td> <td>20 (+5)</td> <td>18 (+4)</td> <td>20 (+5)</td> <td>15 (+2)</td> <td>20 (+5)</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <hr> Saving Throws Dex +11, Wis +8, Cha +11 Skills Arcana +17, Athletics +11, Deception +17, Insight +8, Perception +14, Religion +11, Stealth +17 Damage Resistances necrotic; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 24 Languages Abyssal, Common, Draconic, Elvish, Giant, Infernal Challenge 21, or 19 when fought in sunlight Proficiency Bonus. +6 <hr> Battlefield Awareness. Strahd has advantage on Strength and Dexterity saving throws against effects that he can see or hear, such as traps and spells. Additionally, Strahd can't be disarmed. Legendary Resistance (2/Day). If Strahd fails a saving throw, he can choose to succeed instead. Regeneration. Strahd regains 20 hit points at the start of his turn if he has at least 1 hit point and isn’t in sunlight. If he takes radiant damage, this trait doesn’t function at the start of his next turn. Spider Climb. Strahd can move up, down, and across vertical surfaces and upside down along ceilings, while leaving his hands free. Sunlight Hypersensitivity. While in sunlight, Strahd takes 20 radiant damage at the start of his turn, and he has disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks.  <h3>Actions</h3> Multiattack. Strahd makes two attacks, only one of which can be an umbral net. Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (1d10 + 5) slashing damage plus 7 (2d6) necrotic damage. If the target is a creature, Strahd can force it to succeed on a DC 19 Strength saving throw or be pushed 5 feet away and knocked prone. Umbral Net. Ranged Spell Attack: +11 to hit, range 30/60 ft., one creature. Hit: 7 (2d6) necrotic damage and the target is restrained until the start of Strahd’s next turn.  <h3>Bonus Actions</h3> Thunderous Wave. Strahd slams the point of his sword into the ground, creating a shockwave. Each creature within 5 feet must make a DC 19 Strength saving throw or take 14 (3d8) thunder damage and be pushed 5 feet away. A creature that succeeds on the roll takes half damage and isn’t pushed. Dark Volley. Strahd conjures a rain of shadowy arrows to fall toward a point he can see within 120 feet. Each creature within a 10-foot radius, 40-foot-high cylinder centered on that point must make a DC 19 Dexterity saving throw, taking 18 (4d8) necrotic damage on a failure or half as much damage on a success.  <h3>Reactions</h3> Strahd can take up to three reactions per round, but only one per turn. If he would lose his reactions and isn't incapacitated, he loses one reaction instead. Commander’s Retreat. In response to taking damage from a melee attack, Strahd forces his attacker to succeed on a DC 19 Strength saving throw or be pushed 5 feet away. He can then immediately move up to his speed away from them without provoking opportunity attacks. Vengeful Strike. In response to taking damage from a spell or attack, Strahd moves up to his speed toward the attacker and can make a longsword attack against them. This movement doesn’t trigger opportunity attacks.  <h3>Lair Actions</h3> While Strahd is in Castle Ravenloft, he can take lair actions as long as he isn't incapacitated. On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), Strahd can take one of the following lair action options, or forgo using any of them in that round: Ghostly Hands. All non-undead creatures in a 10-foot square starting from a point within 60 feet must succeed on a DC 19 Strength saving throw or be restrained by grasping ghostly hands until initiative count 20 on the following round. Fog Bank. A 40-foot radius sphere of fog appears centered on a point within 60 feet of Strahd that he can see. The sphere spreads around corners, and its area is heavily obscured. It lasts until initiative count 20 on the following round or until a wind of moderate or greater speed (at least 10 miles per hour) disperses it. When the fog appears, Strahd can immediately take the Hide action as a reaction and move up to his speed. </div> >[!info]+ **Fog Bank** >Because fog only creates heavy obscurement and does not extinguish or otherwise dim sources of light, Strahd and other undead are still affected by sunlight created by the *Sunsword* and other sources while heavily obscured by fog. ### The Vampire <div class="statblock"> <h2>Strahd, the Vampire</h2> Medium undead (shapechanger), lawful evil <hr> Armor Class 16 (natural armor) Hit Points 331 (39d8 + 156) Speed 40 ft., climb 40 ft. <hr> <table class="ability-table"> <thead> <tr> <th>STR</th> <th>DEX</th> <th>CON</th> <th>INT</th> <th>WIS</th> <th>CHA</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td>20 (+5)</td> <td>20 (+5)</td> <td>18 (+4)</td> <td>20 (+5)</td> <td>15 (+2)</td> <td>20 (+5)</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <hr> Saving Throws Dex +11, Wis +8, Cha +11 Skills Arcana +17, Athletics +11, Deception +17, Insight +8, Perception +14, Religion +11, Stealth +17 Damage Resistances necrotic; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 24 Languages Abyssal, Common, Draconic, Elvish, Giant, Infernal Challenge 21, or 19 when fought in sunlight Proficiency Bonus. +6 <hr> Father of the Night. A humanoid killed by Strahd’s bite, or which is reduced to 0 hit points by it and dies without regaining consciousness, arises as a vampire spawn under Strahd’s control at the start of his next turn. Legendary Resistance (2/Day). If Strahd fails a saving throw, he can choose to succeed instead. Regeneration. Strahd regains 20 hit points at the start of his turn if he has at least 1 hit point and isn’t in sunlight. If he takes radiant damage, this trait doesn’t function at the start of his next turn. Spider Climb. Strahd can move up, down, and across vertical surfaces and upside down along ceilings, while leaving his hands free. Sunlight Hypersensitivity. While in sunlight, Strahd takes 20 radiant damage at the start of his turn, and he has disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks.  <h3>Actions</h3> Multiattack. Strahd makes two attacks, only one of which can be a bite attack. Strahd can replace one of his attacks with a charm. Unarmed Strike. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (1d8 + 5) slashing damage plus 14 (4d6) necrotic damage. If the target is a creature, Strahd can grapple it (escape DC 19). Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 5 ft., one willing creature, or a creature that is grappled by Strahd, incapacitated, or restrained. Hit: 8 (1d6 + 5) piercing damage plus 10 (3d6) necrotic damage. The target's hit point maximum is reduced by an amount equal to the necrotic damage taken, and Strahd regains hit points equal to that amount. The reduction lasts until the target finishes a long rest. Charm. One humanoid within 30 feet that Strahd can see must make a DC 19 Wisdom saving throw or be magically charmed for 1 minute or until Strahd loses his concentration (as if concentrating on a spell). A target that can't see Strahd automatically succeeds. While charmed, the target regards Strahd as a trusted friend to be heeded and protected; it isn't under Strahd's control, but takes his requests and actions in the most favorable way and lets Strahd bite it. The target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on a success. If the target is still charmed at the end of the minute, the effect lasts for 24 hours, until Strahd is destroyed, or until he takes a bonus action to end it.  <h3>Bonus Actions</h3> Bats’ Frenzy. Strahd summons a swarm of bat-like shadows from his cloak, forcing each creature within 10 feet to make a successful DC 19 Dexterity saving throw or take 15 (6d4) necrotic damage and gain disadvantage on the next attack roll it makes before the start of Strahd’s next turn. A creature that succeeds on the roll takes half damage and doesn’t gain disadvantage. Predator’s Fury. Strahd summons a pair of wolf-like shadows from his cloak and chooses up to two creatures he can see within 60 feet that are within 5 feet of each other. A target must succeed on a DC 19 Dexterity saving throw or take 16 (2d10 + 5) force damage and be knocked prone. A creature that succeeds on the roll takes half damage and isn’t knocked prone.  <h3>Reactions</h3> Strahd can take up to three reactions per round, but only one per turn. If he would lose his reactions and isn't incapacitated, he loses one reaction instead. Night’s Retreat. In response to taking damage, Strahd can fly up to his speed without provoking opportunity attacks. Blood Frenzy. In response to taking damage, Strahd can move up to his speed toward the attacker and make an unarmed strike attack against it.  <h3>Lair Actions</h3> While Strahd is in Castle Ravenloft, he can take lair actions as long as he isn't incapacitated. On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), Strahd can take one of the following lair action options: Deluge of Blood. A wave of blood explodes outward from a point Strahd can see within 60 feet. Each creature within 10 feet of that point must make a DC 19 Strength saving throw. On a failure, a creature takes 7 (2d6) bludgeoning damage and is pushed 10 feet away from the point and knocked prone. The creature is also blinded until initiative count 20 on the next round. Wails of the Damned. Strahd summons an ethereal torrent of shrieking specters in a 5-foot radius centered on a point within 60 feet that he can see. Each creature in that area must make a DC 19 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened of Strahd until initiative count 20 on the next round. A creature frightened in this way is paralyzed. </div> # Design Notes: Strahd von Zarovich ***Roleplaying Strahd.*** The Gentleman, the Tyrant, and the Monster reflect three distinct popular community interpretations of Strahd's character. Many DMs will attempt to combine two or more of these archetypes into their campaign at a time, but doing so can risk making Strahd's character feel inconsistent and unpredictable. As such, this section provides a structured, methodical approach to developing Strahd's character through his relationship with the players. Importantly, each transition is tied to a particular point in the adventure's timeline, ensuring that Strahd does not, for example, spoil his relationship with the players before inviting them to dinner, or treat them as enemies before they have the capacity to defend themselves. ***Strahd's Relationships.*** This section preserves Strahd's canonical relationship with Ireena in order to keep his (cold, calculating, and sociopathic) characterization consistent. ***Strahd's Goals.*** This section is structured to ensure a high-tension, action-packed sequence of challenges from the beginning to the end of the campaign. Specifically, it explains: * why Strahd does not simply seize Ireena from the players (he fears the Dark Powers’ intervention if he does not escape Barovia first); * why Strahd’s forces are attacking St. Andral’s Church and the Wizard of Wines winery (he seeks to break the Barovians’ spirit to fuel his escape ritual); * why Strahd does not assist his forces in defeating the players at St. Andral’s Church or the Wizard of Wines winery (he seeks to separate the weak from the strong); * why Strahd “tests” the players instead of killing them (he wants to find generals for his future armies); * why the players must reconsecrate the Fanes (they must stop Strahd from using them in his ritual and remove Strahd's immortality); * why Strahd does not simply kill the players when they reconsecrate the Fanes (he seeks to use them as alternate conduits to the Fanes); * why the players cannot bring an army of allies to Castle Ravenloft (they are preoccupied defending their homes from Strahd’s undead apocalypse); and * why the players must confront Strahd at Castle Ravenloft (they must do so to end his undead apocalypse). ***Strahd's Allies.*** For reasons of both balance and narrative, it is important that Strahd faces the final fight alone. ***Strahd's Tactics.*** Strahd's original statblock is exceptionally fragile, allowing players to destroy him *without* the Sunsword as early as level 6. His ***phasing*** lair action, however, turns the original final battle into a torturous slog, ensuring that the players cannot win unless the Dungeon Master allows it or makes a mistake. Many substitute statblocks have been proposed, increasing Strahd's Challenge Rating beyond his original difficulty. However, these strengthened statblocks fail for two simple reasons: * Any Strahd statblock that is powerful enough to survive the players' attacks for more than three rounds is also powerful enough to knock players unconscious with a single attack, thereby starting a "death spiral" that kills the entire party. * Any Strahd statblock that is unable to knock players unconscious with a single attack is fragile and must rely on hit-and-run guerilla tactics instead, disappointing and frustrating players who had rightfully expected an epic confrontation. This issue can be solved by dramatically increasing Strahd's hit points and/or Armor Class (i.e., "Defensive Challenge Rating") while dramatically decreasing his attack bonus and/or damage output (i.e., "Offensive Challenge Rating"). These changes dramatically increase his lifespan without risking a TPK, ensuring a long, yet winnable boss battle Long battles, however, leave players exhausted and bored—especially for playgroups whose combats run slow. To inject energy and dynamism into the fight, we can split Strahd's statblock into three parts, or "phases," with each phase bestowing Strahd with new abilities and features. Each phase has been calibrated using [Challenge Ratings 2.0](https://www.gmbinder.com/share/-N4m46K77hpMVnh7upYa) to survive approximately three to four rounds against an average 10th-level party wielding the *Sunsword* and *Holy Symbol of Ravenkind* and accompanied by Ezmerelda d'Avenir, Ireena Kolyana, and Kasimir Velikov; the entire combat encounter should last nine to twelve rounds in total. To strengthen the themes of the final fight, each phase reflects a part of Strahd's history and descent into darkness: the Soldier (reflecting his history as a conqueror); the Mage (reflecting his search for immortality); and the Monster (reflecting his passage into undeath). Even with a multi-phase statblock, however, Strahd's battlefield remains relatively stagnant. To introduce additional tactics and dynamics into the fight, each of Strahd's phases have been given the following: two attack options (for moving enemies and imposing conditions, respectively); two bonus attack options (for punishing short- and long-range foes, respectively); and two reaction options (for escaping and aggressing, respectively). Strahd's legendary actions have also been replaced with the ability to take multiple reactions per round, maintaining his ability to react to changing circumstances while reducing memory issues for the DM. Note that the Mage statblock intentionally foregoes a traditional "spellcasting" feature in favor of an action-oriented selection of spells. While some DMs might be disappointed by Strahd's lack of choice, it is important to remember that each phase will survive for only a short period of time; as such, Strahd's spells have been carefully curated in order to provide players with the most challenging, tactical, and memorable experience possible. ***Vampire Forbiddance.*** Tension is the key to horror, and monsters are therefore scary only when bound by meaningful rules. Permitting Strahd to enter any home simply because “he is the Land” removes the players’ ability to meaningfully prevent it, thereby removing a large amount of suspenseful gameplay. Moreover, a monster is only as resonant as its most notable weaknesses; a werewolf that cannot be killed with silver, for example, is hardly a werewolf at all. Removing Strahd’s *Forbiddance* destroys a key part of the horror fantasy: the ability to defy a monster using its unique rules and weaknesses. As such, this guide intentionally retains that feature.