Barovia

The valley of **Barovia** is a densely forested terrain surrounded by a thick mountain range and vast moors.

Prior to the Battle of Ravenloft Barovia was a demiplane removed from the rest of the Forgotten Realms, and seemingly surrounded by thick and almost impenetrable mist. It was the domain of Count Strahd von Zarovich, who used his magical power to keep the land under perennial cloud cover for a century, and was known to bring adventurers at his leisure to challenge him and ultimately be defeated.

According to the mountainfolk of the valley it was previously known as *"Cerrunos"*, before being renamed by Strahd.

## History

See Timeline of Barovia for an overview of events and History of Barovia (book) for specific information on several topics.

Before conquerors set foot in the valley it was home to the native forestfolk and mountainfolk.

King Barov arrived and conquered Barovia, and was then driven out by the Turgs. Barov's son, Strahd, would ultimately win back the valley and retain dominion for centuries, until his downfall at the Battle of Ravenloft.

## Geography

### Landscape

Barovia is a valley with a thick forest cover running east to west through the centre. To the north runs a more mountainous area with a couple of large lakes, and across the south run more mountains and inhospitable swamps. The Old Svalich Road traverses the centre of the valley, running from the Krezk in the west past Barovia Village in the east and through giant gates at the eastern edge of the valley. From Lake Mikkenson (formerly known as Lake Zarovich) a river runs south-east to Tser Falls and Tser Pool, then past Barovia Village. The River Luna runs south from Lake Mikkenson to the west of Vallaki and east past Berez.

### Places of interest

* Barovia Village
* Vallaki
* Krezk
* Castle Ravenloft
* Wizards of the Wine
* Yester Hill
* Berez
* Argynvostholt
* Lake Baratok
* Baratok Tower
* Lake Mikkenson
* Mount Gakis
* Amber Temple
* Balinok Mountains
* Tser Pool

## Ecology

The valley is home to numerous wild animals, most recognisably wolves and ravens, but also boars, snakes, and frogs. Travellers and adventurers are usually advised by inhabitants not to spend too long in the forests, and if they do not to stray too far from the beaten path.

To most natives in Barovia ravens receive something of a mystical respect, and a common refrain to be heard is "never harm a raven". Some merely use them as messengers, others believe they offer protection and the party saw this firsthand when a raven dissuaded them from approaching Granny's windmill early in their adventures. The Martikov family are secretly wereravens. As part of his revelation as a cleric of the Morninglord, Narid became aware that it was an angel disguised in the form of a raven that delivered the Holy Symbol of Ravenkind to a paladin to drive out forces of darkness.

### Mountainfolk

The valley has long been home to native "Mountainfolk" who used to be spread across Barovia. Since Strahd reconquered the valley they have been pushed out to the outskirts, and now only around 50 of them remain, living on Mount Gakis.

They are lead by the Elder, their warriors are lead by Chieftain Helga, and they live in a settlement on Mount Gakis known as Kavanen. They revere Narid Ashplantt as Kavan reborn.

### Forestfolk

Native druidic "Forestfolk" have lived in the valley for centuries and now occupy the land around Yester Hill, which seems to hold some mystical value to them.

## Culture

Barovia is mostly populated by humans, although it also has natives that are dusk elves as well as vampires and werewolves.

Most natives to Barovia are at least nominally followers of the Church of the Morninglord, although many do not practice regularly.

There is a common belief that the souls of Barovians are reincarnated after death, and that the recycled being will retain physical and emotional characteristics throughout the ages. Some say that recently passed souls are retrieved and carried by a skeletal figure that rides a skeletal horse and delivers them on to their next host - a belief relayed to the party by Father Lucien. Some, such as Father Lucien, have described the souls as being "trapped".

Barovians have long been known enjoy their wine, in particular the brands produced by the Wizards of the Wine to the south of Krezk.