Strahd is not limited, like most vampires, in that he can enter any house he wants invited or not. I realize that he is supposed to be a very powerful vampire, but this ability introduces a very big plot hole:
Why doesnt Strahd just find where the PCs rest and kill them when theyre too weak to fight him, (assuming he has deceided they are indeed meddling too much in his affairs).
Im considering taking away his ability to enter private buildings to enhance his complexity/tie up that loose end. Any one have any advice or comment on the subject? Anyone run this adventure yet?
In any case, play with the PCs like Bram Stokers Dracula with Keanu Reeves. He may eventually want to kill them, but save that for the final encounter. Play him more dramatically than practically.
How fun is it to have the protagonist be killed by the antagonist in the 2nd chapter of a book?
In the zombie plague plotline, Strahd wants to use the PCs as carriers to take his zombie disease out of Barovia. In that scenario, he wants the PCs to survive and perhaps even seem to have defeated him, so they will leave Barovia.
In the "Strahd's Dynasty" plotline, Strahd wants to test the PCs to see if they are worthy of becoming his new "children." He would avoid killing the PCs unless he decided they weren't worthy or unless he decided that they were a genuine threat to him - which his pride probably wouldn't let him do until they were actively hunting him in the castle with the Sunsword.
In the Werewolf and witches plotlines, Strahd is -using- the PCs to eliminate threats to his control over Barovia. In those cases, the module notes that it's not unusual for Strahd to -help- the PCs subtly as long as they are working against his enemies.
If you're not using a secondary plotline, then Strahd hardly ever leaves his castle. He probably wouldn't consider the PCs a threat until they come hunting for him.
Which secondary plotline are you planning to use? Spoliers follow, you are warned.
Im the DM... how can it be a spoiler? x3
In the zombie plague plotline, Strahd wants to use the PCs as carriers to take his zombie disease out of Barovia. In that scenario, he wants the PCs to survive and perhaps even seem to have defeated him, so they will leave Barovia.
this is the secondary motive im using, i like it the most... also makes the most sense.
In the "Strahd's Dynasty" plotline, Strahd wants to test the PCs to see if they are worthy of becoming his new "children." He would avoid killing the PCs unless he decided they weren't worthy or unless he decided that they were a genuine threat to him - which his pride probably wouldn't let him do until they were actively hunting him in the castle with the Sunsword.
This one also makes sense.
In the Werewolf and witches plotlines, Strahd is -using- the PCs to eliminate threats to his control over Barovia. In those cases, the module notes that it's not unusual for Strahd to -help- the PCs subtly as long as they are working against his enemies.
This one makes NO sense. Why does Strahd even need the PCs help? Hes powerfull enough to nix off everyone and everything in the valley, including the witches x.x
These are just my takes, however. Id really like a way to incorporate the Descent into maddness 2nd motive with the undead legions 2nd motive... i just bought the herrors of horror; anyone have any advice on making it into a horror campaign and using taint?
In page 195 of "Expedition to Castle Ravenloft" say:
AFTER THE BATTLE
If the PCs defeat Strahd by chasing him away, they are free to investigate the contents of the coffi n. (...) If they defeat Strahd by ultimately destroying him, refer to the conclusion of this adventure (though PCs might still be interested in exploring other portions of the castle).
But... Where is this conclusion? I don't look it
Thanks!
Riley
> Why does Strahd even need the PCs help? Hes powerfull enough to nix off
> everyone and everything in the valley, including the witches x.x
It's in his nature to be a manipulator, and he doesn't like to dirty his own hands if he can help it - unless things have escalated to the point that he feels he has no choice.
If you'll forgive me for a campaign story, when my players wtfpwned Strahd (amazing freaking rolls, followed by a frantic, two-session-long rush through the castle to beat Strahd back to his coffin), I specifically did not have the castle disappear. The Necromancer and the surviving suddenly freed vampire spawn vacated during the night, taking about two thirds of the undiscovered treasure with them (they'll turn up later as recurring antagonists). The party paladin had taken levels in the Knight of the Raven prestige class - she declared herself lord of the castle and the party has dedicated itself to ressurecting the Order of the Raven. They're currently questing to get the paladin elevated to the nobility so that she can legally claim the castle.
Unfortunately, that game's been on hiatus for a year and a half now. One day, one day...