Brides of Strahd von Zarovich

Count Strahd von Zarovich had a number of **vampiric brides** who acted as his companions for centuries.

After Strahd had dined with the party of Hallgrimm Mikkenson, Narid Ashplantt, and Eklyre Temere he described how he suspected that one of his brides had become a traitor, but that he had been unable to identify which one it was, who they were reporting to, or why. He suggested the infiltration appeared to be above the station of the "Order of the Feather".

He asked for the party's help in identifying the traitor and in return he would allow the party to roam Castle Ravenloft and keep any items they found laying around, as long as they stayed away from the chambers and from his family's crypt. (He was persuaded to allow them into the catacombs at their own risk.) He gave the party permission to kill the traitor should the need arise.

It seems he had been lying about there being a traitor to toy with the party, as all of the brides fought loyally by his side until the end.

## Ludmilla Vilisevic

She came to Barovia as a Vistani girl from Faerûn to search for the secrets of the Amber Temple, until she was found by Rahadin who brought her to Castle Ravenloft. She was a bride of Strahd for around 200 years and studied magic with Strahd, both of them becoming wizards.

Strahd described her as smart but boring. She had however found an extra use for herself by turning to seeking out additional consorts for Strahd.

She admitted that she missed travelling and mostly enjoyed spending her time alone reading. Her personal library was immense, and she told the party she sometimes visited the Amber Temple in order to obtain more tomes.

Rahadin appeared to secretly harbour a romantic interest in Ludmilla.

The party believed they had deduced that Ludmilla was the spy, and she telepathically communicated with the party to confirm this. She then stated aloud that she agreed the spy was the short-tempered Volenta, in reference to the party's plan to frame Volenta and kill her without incurring the wrath of Strahd, and noted she would stay impartial.

She took part in the Battle of Ravenloft, assisting Strahd escape from a losing position at the fated location and ultimately defeated by Strahd's side in the chapel.

## Volenta Popofsky

Volenta appeared to get agitated at the idea of Strahd taking on another bride in Tatyana. She was a bride of Strahd for around 100 years. She was chosen by Ludmilla for her ferocity. Anastrasya described her as jealous. She wore a platinum mask to cover her face.

Strahd described her as quiet but filled with bloodlust, possessive, and protective. He stated that she had thrown herself at his feet to become a bride. She worked on art projects with Sirius Belview, and could often be found admiring the view from the castle spires.

She wished to show up Anastrasya by finding a dragon skull to complete an intimidating ornament for Strahd. She was happy that Strahd no longer sought other consorts but was not happy about Tatyana arriving as Strahd no longer made time for her. It was noted by Lief Lipseige that the ravens are sent from the spires. Anastrasya described her as the raven master.

When asked about Strahd's plans to anoint a new Champion of Vampyr and leave Barovia she stated that "he will not leave." She stated she had never been to the Amber Temple but that she would potentially be interested in the power available there. As she spoke of power she seemed to fiddle with something like a pendant beneath her shirt, which later was broken in battle and had turned out to be some sort of sponge for radiant damage - a tiny Heart of Sorrow. Narid could not detect any magic coming from it. She stated that when the traitor was found they should be torn limb from limb for their betrayal.

The party engaged her in battle and were able to defeat her, driving a stake through her heart. Before they could destroy her body to prevent her ever rising again Strahd appeared and kicked the body from the top of the spire to the ground hundreds of feet below.

She would take part in the Battle of Ravenloft, defeated whilst trying to defend the heart of sorrow.

## Anastrasya Karelova

Hostess of the dinner party, Anastrasya was the most recent bride of Strahd and had been his bride for around 50 years.

Strahd described her as (relatively) young, noble, and an extrovert that enjoyed loud parties in the dining hall, of which she would arrange multiple a day. She was generally positive about Tatyana's presence as she was a pleasant person to have around for parties. She stated she did not have any reason to go to the Amber Temple, but a temple made completely of amber sounded very attractive.

She stated that she did not know who may be plotting against Strahd but that she felt they should get a fair trial, but that it was understandable that they should be dealt with swiftly if guilty so as to make an example of how betrayal should be treated. She felt no-one would be stupid enough to act against him. She did note that Escher had been very unhappy.

The ghost of Alex Gwillim said he did not feel she could be working against Strahd as she would not be able to keep the secret, and had the least motive.

Anastrasya lead an ambush on the party under the guise of delivering invitations for Strahd and Tatyana's wedding and was defeated by the power of the Holy Symbol of Ravenkind. Anastrasya's body was not completely burned up by the sunlight like the other vampires, so after having held the symbol against her face to burn it badly her body was tossed to the bottom of the fast flowing Raven River, weighted down by chains, to ensure her form could not recover without assistance.

She would take part in the Battle of Ravenloft, defeated whilst trying to defend the heart of sorrow.

## Sasha Ivliskova

An apparent Tatyana incarnation, her vampiric body was within her crypt in the bowels of Castle Ravenloft with the inscription "Wife" below her name. She was killed by the party.

## Ireena Kolyana

Thought to be a reincarnation of Tatyana, Strahd's first love who he believed kept being reincarnated in the valley. He believed found her again as Marina Ulrich, and many times afterwards but never was able to marry any of the objects of his desire until Ireena Kolyana.

He was able to obtain Ireena's hand in marriage after she was handed over to him by the Abbot of St Markovia.

Anastrasya declared that her wedding to Strahd would be localised but very much witnessed by the entirety of the Barovian valley.