Barovia

The misty, forgotten valley of **Barovia** is the oldest and best known of the Domains of Dread. Originally a location in a forgotten world of the Prime Material plane, the entire valley was transported to the Shadowfell by mists controlled by evil entities known as the Dark Powers. The realm is a prison for its darklord, the vampire Strahd von Zarovich, as well as the entire population of the valley.

It is here that Umbra Venatores currently fight against the darklord's oppression, for their survival and freedom.

### Geography

Almost the entire valley consists of densely forested rough terrain, with sheer cliffs and outcroppings. Few areas were easily traversable, and it was always dangerous to stay off the road. Winters were usually long and bitter. The sky of **Barovia** is permanently overcast with storm clouds. Even during the brightest hours of the day, light was unnaturally muted and dimmed, and did not affect normally sensitive creatures such as vampires. In many locations, the mists partially or completely obscured vision.

### Government

Barovia is ruled by Strahd, who is known by the population as "the devil Strahd". Most inhabitants were not aware that Strahd was a vampire. His ruling style is mostly through proxy, as he makes few public appearances and all the duties of tax collection are carried out by the villages' burgomasters. However, Strahd is a feared tyrant who takes whatever he wants and whom no one dare disobey.

### Defenses

The valley is completely surrounded by deadly mists that saps the life force and can rapidly kill anyone who ventures inside. The mists are controlled by Strahd, who can choose to open or close the boundaries of his domain at will.

### Notable Locations

* **Village of Barovia** along the Old Svalich Road to the east is a hamlet that is most oppressed by Strahd. Nestled in a valley at the foot of **Castle Ravenloft,** it was the home of **Ismark Kolyanovich** and his sister **Ireena Kolyana**, the latest incarnation of **Tatyana**, Strahd's beloved.
	+ Mad Mary's Townhouse
	+ Burgomaster's mansion
	+ The Church of Barovia
	+ The Blood on the Vine tavern
* **Town of Vallaki**, The most central settlement of Barovia, on the Old Svalich Road, ruled by the Burgomaster '**Baron**' **Vargas Vallakovich**
	+ Burgomaster's Mansion
	+ Blue Water Inn
	+ Arasek Stockyard
	+ Coffin Maker's Shop
	+ Wachterhouse
	+ St. Andral's Church
* **Krezk** a fortified village to the west, along the Old Svalich Road, loomed over by an ancient abbey. For some reason, the children of this village have been dying.
	+ Abbey of Saint Markovia
	+ Burgomaster's Cottage
	+ Umbra Venatore's Lodge - A small wooden lodge given to Umbra Venatores as a reward, for restoring the flow of wine to the village.
* **Berez,** a ruined town that is home to a powerful evil entity, that uses scarecrows to frighten and harm those who approach.
* **The Wizards of Wine,** the only vineyard in barovia, and therefore only source of wine.
* **Yester Hill,** a site of power used by dark druids of the land.
* **Casa Venatores:** A anti-magic wizard's tower on an island near the shores of Lake Zarovich, that Umbra Venatores have declared as a home base.
* **Argynvostholt,** is a ruined mansion that was once the seat of power of a silver dragon and his knightly order.
* **The Amber Temple**, an ancient temple within which lurks something ancient and evil.
* **Castle Ravenloft**, Strahd's seat of power.A castle located atop a large spire of rock overlooking the village of Barovia.

### Visitors

#### **Ravenscore's Company**

Ravenscore, in search of dark power, used **The Rune Children** in order to complete a ritual to open a gate to Barovia. Now, he and his allies roam Barovia waiting for Umbra Venatores to free them from the mists when they defeat Strahd.

* Malicius Ravenscore
* Juliana Lightsbane
* Barok Frostmaw

#### **The Magicae Liberos / The Rune Children**

Having been used by Ravenscore to open a portal to **Barovia**, **Magicae Liberos** then banded together to survive the misty valley. Lead by the glorious Shaun Gilmore, the party was able to rouse a rebellious militia of villagers, guards and soliders, to storm Castle Ravenloft and attempt to slay the vampire Strahd. Magicae's rebellion was ultimately unsuccessful, and Anette, Roth and Helena each found themselves captives of Strahd. Gilmore, however, pushed Strahd to the very limit of his capabilities before being struck down and tossed from the ramparts of the castle. The victorious Strahd presumed the sorcerer dead and returned to imprison the other three members of **The** **Magicae**.

**Gilmore** somehow survived the fall, but during the chaos he had lost his mind. He roamed the base of **Mount Baratok** for several months in search for a solution to his predicament, before being found and eventually restored by Umbra Venatores.

##### **Members**

* Shaun Gilmore
* Annette Ravensglass
* Roth

#### **Umbra Venatores**

An adventuring party that has found itself trapped in Barovia.

##### **Members**

* Caiman, The Ravenous Ravenite
* Harbek Grunderthew
* Helvellyn Ravensglass
* Ku-Sith Penumbra
* Vekrin