> [!columns|3 no-t] > >[!abstract|no-i title-center] **[[Up]]** > > > [!example|no-i title-center] **[[Elmanon]]** > > > [!question|no-i title-center] **[[Player Hub]]** > [!warning|no-i title-center] **[[Adventurer's Guild]]** --- > [!quote] Dungeon Master's Guide 2024 p. 361 > "A brilliant thinker and capable warrior in life, *Strahd von Zarovich* (*STRAWRD von zuh-ROH-vitch or ZAR-oh-vitch*) fought in countless battles for his people. After a long life of warfare and slaughter, he settled in the remote valley of [[Barovia]] and built a castle on a towering pinnacle. His brother [[Sergei]] came to live with him in [[Castle Ravenloft]], becoming *Strahd's* adviser and constant companion. > > In his brother, *Strahd* saw everything he was not. Resentment colored their relationship and eventually turned into hatred. *Strahd's* beloved [[Tatyana]] spurned *Strahd* for [[Sergei]], whom she pledged to marry. > > In a desperate attempt to regain [[Tatyana]]'s love, *Strahd* forged a pact with the [[Dark Powers]] that made him immortal. *Strahd* confronted his brother at [[Sergei]] and [[Tatyana]]'s wedding and killed him. [[Tatyana]] fled and flung herself from [[Castle Ravenloft]]'s walls. Guards shot *Strahd* with arrows, but he didn't die. He became a vampire. > > In the centuries since his transformation, *Strahd's* lust for life has grown. He broods in his castle, cursing the living for all he has lost and never admitting to his role in the tragedy."