Vargis Vallakovich

> *"All will be well." -- Baron Vargis Vallakovich*
>
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The Baron of Vallaki **Vargis Vallakovich** is a distinctive character in Barovia.

He is often heard to make outlandish remarks on the security and power of Vallaki, on the strength of his guard unit, and the happiness of his citizens, often finishing his statements with the refrain *"all will be well"*.

He holds a strong contempt for the Wachter family and has always been suspicious of their motives, attempting to burn them alive in front of a packed crowd at the Festival of the Blazing Sun.

Vargis is married to Lady Petrovna and has one child - Victor Vallakovich. Vargis is a descendant of Harkus Vallakovich, a prolific author of numerous books, including the History of Barovia, and the Baron's mansion is packed with Harkus' works.

He also owns a mirror which has passed through his family for generations which can be used to summon the Ba'al Verzi. The mirror contains an inscription in Sylvan which reads:

*"Magic mirror on the wall / Summon forth your shade / Night's dark vengeance, heed my call / And wield your murderous blade."*

## History

Vargis has alluded to having a strained relationship with his father, who he says beat the sense into him as he beats sense into his own child.

During his reign as Baron of Vallaki, Vargis Vallakovich has created some unconventional laws, primarily centred around the charge of practicing or spreading "malicious unhappiness", along with compulsory attendance of weekly town festivals which he says keeps the town happy. He also outlawed the speaking of Count Strahd von Zarovich's name, with folk instead referring to him as "the Devil".

After Sigismund "the Bold" had been held in the pillories over night for various charges, Vargis met with him and agreed to release him on the condition that he spied on the Wachterhaus for him.

After devastation of the Feast it was discovered that a team of guards had successfully taken down a vampire spawn, and Vargis was happy for the party of Hallgrimm Mikkenson, Sigismund, and Narid Ashplantt to experiment on it to find out which methods from folklore held some truth. He did not care whether the vampire was left alive or dead as long as he had a body to burn at a huge town bonfire that evening.

At the end of the Festival of the Blazing Sun as the main event he attempted to burn Lady Fiona, Karl, and Nikolai Wachter alive in front of a packed audience. This macabre spectacle was interrupted by Hallgrimm, Sigismund, Narid, and Vassili van Holtz; all but Vassili later escaping town with the Wachters.

## Appearance

He is a large set fellow and usually dresses in accordance with his perception of his importance.

He is often seen with his two pet mastiffs.

## Personality

Vargis has a distinctively abrupt persona, often apparently ignoring important information if it flies against his belief if the fact that Vallaki is totally safe from attack. He would probably describe himself as an optimist, rather than delusional.

## Relationships

Vargis' relationship with his wife is as yet unknown.

He appeared to have a strained relationship with his son, Victor, who was forced to practice magic in secret in the attic of the mansion. His son was apparently killed by Sigismund whilst trying to help his father escape him, although he has since been seen alive again.

Vargis holds strong contempt for the Wachter family and their allies, and asked the party to keep an eye on them for him. He felt insulted that Lady Fiona Wachter avoids the festivals but notes that she has a lot of followers, so "politics" dictate he can not treat her like anyone else that breaks the law. He attempted to burn Fiona, Karl, and Nikolai Wachter alive in front of a packed crowd at the Festival of the Blazing Sun, and was only unsuccessful following the intervention of Hallgrimm, Sigismund, Narid, and Vassili.

He has a high opinion of Davian Martikov and believes that Davian loves Vallaki. Davian's feelings are not reciprical. Burgomaster Dmitri Krezkov described Vargis as an "old fool".

Vargis knows Bildreth of Bildreth's Mercantile in Barovia village, and he believes that the higher price of his wares is indicative of higher quality.