Statting out Strahd VOn Barovitch - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Statting out Strahd VOn Barovitch

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
Demetri_Knighthawk
Dec 29, 2008 22:01:03 I would like some help putting stats to the lord of ravensloft.
Now, in the novel "I, Strahd" he is shown as a general in an army as a human then he develops his magic after making his pact withdeath. In other modules he has been placed as a wizard to explain his magical nature and his vampiric might seems to cover his martial prowess.

From my opinions I am trying to form him as a Dark pact warlock with the planeshifter paragon path, limited to his own plane (questioning epic but leaning to demi god as he is the imortal ruler of his own plane.)
I would like help and opinions in how to build Strahd to be a smooth and patient tactitian
#2
anguirus23
Dec 29, 2008 22:15:40 I wouldn't try to pigeonhole him into a paragon path and epic destiny. Those are really for players. You don't even have to stick him into a class. Make a wicked elite controller of whatever level you want, with martial and arcane powers, throw on the vampire lord template to make it a solo and "officially" a vampire (if you want, or just build as a solo with vampiric traits), and you're set.

Strahd strikes me as a unique monster. I would look at the demon lords for inspiration on how to buld him before I tried to stat him PC-style.
#3
GMforPowergamers
Dec 29, 2008 22:30:58 if I were going to try to build strad as a PC...I would say Warlord...multi into warlock paragon multi warlock...
#4
JayM
Dec 29, 2008 22:31:44
I would like some help putting stats to the lord of ravensloft.
Now, in the novel "I, Strahd" he is shown as a general in an army as a human then he develops his magic after making his pact withdeath. In other modules he has been placed as a wizard to explain his magical nature and his vampiric might seems to cover his martial prowess.

From my opinions I am trying to form him as a Dark pact warlock with the planeshifter paragon path, limited to his own plane (questioning epic but leaning to demi god as he is the imortal ruler of his own plane.)
I would like help and opinions in how to build Strahd to be a smooth and patient tactitian

For someone like Strahd, it would be a mistake to pin him into a specific class, unless you are drawing a connection to a party member through it.

Instead, look at what powers you want him to have when he fights the party. If your aiming for a tactical master, then look at Warlord style powers that would let him grant extra attacks and healing to his servants. Combine that with some summoning flavored powers that call up extra minions so that he always has something to assist.

You should also include the basic vampire powers, whatever they might be in your campaign. Strahd is an unusual vampire but he is a vampire and should have the basic advantages and flaws in some form.

Then look at what the party can do. Particularly if they have stun-lock powers, you might want to give Strahd some defenses against that sort of thing. A no-action power that negates status conditions or just a massive bonus to save. Don't go overboard, you don't want to make him impossible to stun, but you want it to be impossible to keep him stunned.

Jay
#5
Irving
Dec 29, 2008 23:05:16 You're not even limited to just one build. Strahd's the sort of villain who can slip away just when the party's got him on the ropes and come back for more; you can easily use him as a leader in one encounter with an undead horde, then an elite, then a solo. The idea is that he always "has" access to every power he's statted with, but you only write down the ones that are tactically relevant to the encounter.
#6
Dragoloth
Dec 29, 2008 23:13:34 Not sure if it will help, but Strahd will be stated out in Open Grave, due out next month.
#7
tsage
Dec 31, 2008 13:43:31 I hrad Strhad was going to be in the Open Grave source book. IF so, it'll be interesting to see what his "offical" stats are.
#8
sjmcc13
Dec 31, 2008 15:10:34 Ya, just wait the what 20 days till he is officially released.

but if you must I would think he would be a Warlord/Wizard Vampire lord+, I really can not see him as a warlock. I would also base it on an old version of his stats, the only one I have is in my copy of Domains of dread (don't know if there were any versions after that)
#9
sepsis
Dec 31, 2008 18:56:55
...but if you must I would think he would be a Warlord/Wizard Vampire lord+, I really can not see him as a warlock. I would also base it on an old version of his stats, the only one I have is in my copy of Domains of dread (don't know if there were any versions after that)

Well given he became a Vampire by making a "pact with the dark powers of Ravenloft", you can easily make an argument that he should be a Warlock. Also since 4e Wizards are not quite what they used to be in 3.X Warlock works just as well, if not better thanks to the fluff. As well the "final" 3.X version of Strahd can be found in Expedition to Castle Ravenloft.

And in case there are still any doubters out there about wether or not he will be in Open Grave, take a look at the Table of Contents.
#10
sjmcc13
Jan 01, 2009 3:23:35 This is purely a judgment call, so everyone has to admit we are just going on feelings, but I can at least explain why I prefer Wizard over Warlock. I am going by "Domains of Dread" for my info, so there may be some differences, The pact made him a vampire, but according to that book he had some magic ability before the pact, and took time to refine it into Necromancy after he "ascended" to Vampire-hood. Also the forcing the Lich Azlan to teach him Magic indicated a slow and methodical approach, more in line with a wizard. That and his slow calculating personality feels more in line with a controller then the warlock's striker.
#11
sepsis
Jan 01, 2009 7:33:19
This is purely a judgment call, so everyone has to admit we are just going on feelings, but I can at least explain why I prefer Wizard over Warlock. I am going by "Domains of Dread" for my info, so there may be some differences, The pact made him a vampire, but according to that book he had some magic ability before the pact, and took time to refine it into Necromancy after he "ascended" to Vampire-hood. Also the forcing the Lich Azlan to teach him Magic indicated a slow and methodical approach, more in line with a wizard. That and his slow calculating personality feels more in line with a controller then the warlock's striker.

I always got the impression from the texts and books that while Strahd thought he was studying magic, his actions were being guided by the Dark Powers without his knowledge. They only "showed" themselves at the last moment, to get his soul in exchange for immortal life.

It is true that Azlan would have tutored him in more standard magics, but in Expedition to Castle Ravenloft it seems as though they had recconed him out of Strahd's storyline (this could be because the "Ravenloft setting" no longer existed...damn Vecna...and therefore he no longer fit the story), and from the looks of Open Grave Azlan won't be returning anytime soon, so I think he will remain removed from Strahd's storyline.

That would leave them open to transform him into a Warlock without upsetting any "history" they will create. They may still go the Wizard route, but without an "official" Necromancer class I think they will be turning him into an Infernal Pact Warlock. Still I may be wrong about this, I can just see them moving him more toward a 4e feel (Wizards don't seem nefarious enough for his origin) in this incarnation.

Note: Now I want to see Lyssa Von Zarovich given 4e stats. I've always liked her
#12
princeofshapeir
Jan 06, 2009 9:29:07 the dark pact Strahd made gave him power and immortality (yep, vampire powers) and power over his domain. Magic was something he did on is own.

Anyway, he was a necromancer, so I suspect the class we should give him does not exist yet...

If I had to do it right now, I would probably go for warlord/wizard
#13
tsage
Jan 06, 2009 12:30:10 Is Barovia going to be up-dated in Open Grave or just Strahd. I bet just Strahd.
#14
sepsis
Jan 06, 2009 12:45:21
...Anyway, he was a necromancer, so I suspect the class we should give him does not exist yet...

The question then becomes; What will they stat him as (NPC with Template, or Solo-style Monster, or a bit of both) when he comes out in OG later this month. If anything it makes me wonder, what if any plans exist for creating a Necro class. It seems like that should have been done hand-in-hand with the release of OG.

Is Barovia going to be up-dated in Open Grave or just Strahd. I bet just Strahd.

For the most part Ravenloft is now the Shadowfell (that and it isn't listed in OG's Table of Contents), so I would say we may never see the Domains done again, although many can now become cities and locales in the Shadowfell. And I'm sure we will see just that when the sourcebook for the SF finally comes out.
#15
tsage
Jan 08, 2009 13:23:28 Too bad it will not be in open graves. However, I've been thinking, since the Domains of Dread are in the Shadowfell anyway, I'm just going to leave all the domains intact along with the islands of terror and drop it in some sea of the Shadowfell. After all, they Isle of Dread was droped into the Feywild.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 Demetri_Knighthawk Dec 29, 2008 22:01:03	I would like some help putting stats to the lord of ravensloft. Now, in the novel "I, Strahd" he is shown as a general in an army as a human then he develops his magic after making his pact withdeath. In other modules he has been placed as a wizard to explain his magical nature and his vampiric might seems to cover his martial prowess. From my opinions I am trying to form him as a Dark pact warlock with the planeshifter paragon path, limited to his own plane (questioning epic but leaning to demi god as he is the imortal ruler of his own plane.) I would like help and opinions in how to build Strahd to be a smooth and patient tactitian
#2 anguirus23 Dec 29, 2008 22:15:40	I wouldn't try to pigeonhole him into a paragon path and epic destiny. Those are really for players. You don't even have to stick him into a class. Make a wicked elite controller of whatever level you want, with martial and arcane powers, throw on the vampire lord template to make it a solo and "officially" a vampire (if you want, or just build as a solo with vampiric traits), and you're set. Strahd strikes me as a unique monster. I would look at the demon lords for inspiration on how to buld him before I tried to stat him PC-style.
#3 GMforPowergamers Dec 29, 2008 22:30:58	if I were going to try to build strad as a PC...I would say Warlord...multi into warlock paragon multi warlock...
#4 JayM Dec 29, 2008 22:31:44	I would like some help putting stats to the lord of ravensloft. Now, in the novel "I, Strahd" he is shown as a general in an army as a human then he develops his magic after making his pact withdeath. In other modules he has been placed as a wizard to explain his magical nature and his vampiric might seems to cover his martial prowess. From my opinions I am trying to form him as a Dark pact warlock with the planeshifter paragon path, limited to his own plane (questioning epic but leaning to demi god as he is the imortal ruler of his own plane.) I would like help and opinions in how to build Strahd to be a smooth and patient tactitian For someone like Strahd, it would be a mistake to pin him into a specific class, unless you are drawing a connection to a party member through it. Instead, look at what powers you want him to have when he fights the party. If your aiming for a tactical master, then look at Warlord style powers that would let him grant extra attacks and healing to his servants. Combine that with some summoning flavored powers that call up extra minions so that he always has something to assist. You should also include the basic vampire powers, whatever they might be in your campaign. Strahd is an unusual vampire but he is a vampire and should have the basic advantages and flaws in some form. Then look at what the party can do. Particularly if they have stun-lock powers, you might want to give Strahd some defenses against that sort of thing. A no-action power that negates status conditions or just a massive bonus to save. Don't go overboard, you don't want to make him impossible to stun, but you want it to be impossible to keep him stunned. Jay
#5 Irving Dec 29, 2008 23:05:16	You're not even limited to just one build. Strahd's the sort of villain who can slip away just when the party's got him on the ropes and come back for more; you can easily use him as a leader in one encounter with an undead horde, then an elite, then a solo. The idea is that he always "has" access to every power he's statted with, but you only write down the ones that are tactically relevant to the encounter.
#6 Dragoloth Dec 29, 2008 23:13:34	Not sure if it will help, but Strahd will be stated out in Open Grave, due out next month.
#7 tsage Dec 31, 2008 13:43:31	I hrad Strhad was going to be in the Open Grave source book. IF so, it'll be interesting to see what his "offical" stats are.
#8 sjmcc13 Dec 31, 2008 15:10:34	Ya, just wait the what 20 days till he is officially released. but if you must I would think he would be a Warlord/Wizard Vampire lord+, I really can not see him as a warlock. I would also base it on an old version of his stats, the only one I have is in my copy of Domains of dread (don't know if there were any versions after that)
#9 sepsis Dec 31, 2008 18:56:55	...but if you must I would think he would be a Warlord/Wizard Vampire lord+, I really can not see him as a warlock. I would also base it on an old version of his stats, the only one I have is in my copy of Domains of dread (don't know if there were any versions after that) Well given he became a Vampire by making a "pact with the dark powers of Ravenloft", you can easily make an argument that he should be a Warlock. Also since 4e Wizards are not quite what they used to be in 3.X Warlock works just as well, if not better thanks to the fluff. As well the "final" 3.X version of Strahd can be found in Expedition to Castle Ravenloft. And in case there are still any doubters out there about wether or not he will be in Open Grave, take a look at the Table of Contents.
#10 sjmcc13 Jan 01, 2009 3:23:35	This is purely a judgment call, so everyone has to admit we are just going on feelings, but I can at least explain why I prefer Wizard over Warlock. I am going by "Domains of Dread" for my info, so there may be some differences, The pact made him a vampire, but according to that book he had some magic ability before the pact, and took time to refine it into Necromancy after he "ascended" to Vampire-hood. Also the forcing the Lich Azlan to teach him Magic indicated a slow and methodical approach, more in line with a wizard. That and his slow calculating personality feels more in line with a controller then the warlock's striker.
#11 sepsis Jan 01, 2009 7:33:19	This is purely a judgment call, so everyone has to admit we are just going on feelings, but I can at least explain why I prefer Wizard over Warlock. I am going by "Domains of Dread" for my info, so there may be some differences, The pact made him a vampire, but according to that book he had some magic ability before the pact, and took time to refine it into Necromancy after he "ascended" to Vampire-hood. Also the forcing the Lich Azlan to teach him Magic indicated a slow and methodical approach, more in line with a wizard. That and his slow calculating personality feels more in line with a controller then the warlock's striker. I always got the impression from the texts and books that while Strahd thought he was studying magic, his actions were being guided by the Dark Powers without his knowledge. They only "showed" themselves at the last moment, to get his soul in exchange for immortal life. It is true that Azlan would have tutored him in more standard magics, but in Expedition to Castle Ravenloft it seems as though they had recconed him out of Strahd's storyline (this could be because the "Ravenloft setting" no longer existed...damn Vecna...and therefore he no longer fit the story), and from the looks of Open Grave Azlan won't be returning anytime soon, so I think he will remain removed from Strahd's storyline. That would leave them open to transform him into a Warlock without upsetting any "history" they will create. They may still go the Wizard route, but without an "official" Necromancer class I think they will be turning him into an Infernal Pact Warlock. Still I may be wrong about this, I can just see them moving him more toward a 4e feel (Wizards don't seem nefarious enough for his origin) in this incarnation. Note: Now I want to see Lyssa Von Zarovich given 4e stats. I've always liked her
#12 princeofshapeir Jan 06, 2009 9:29:07	the dark pact Strahd made gave him power and immortality (yep, vampire powers) and power over his domain. Magic was something he did on is own. Anyway, he was a necromancer, so I suspect the class we should give him does not exist yet... If I had to do it right now, I would probably go for warlord/wizard
#13 tsage Jan 06, 2009 12:30:10	Is Barovia going to be up-dated in Open Grave or just Strahd. I bet just Strahd.
#14 sepsis Jan 06, 2009 12:45:21	...Anyway, he was a necromancer, so I suspect the class we should give him does not exist yet... The question then becomes; What will they stat him as (NPC with Template, or Solo-style Monster, or a bit of both) when he comes out in OG later this month. If anything it makes me wonder, what if any plans exist for creating a Necro class. It seems like that should have been done hand-in-hand with the release of OG. Is Barovia going to be up-dated in Open Grave or just Strahd. I bet just Strahd. For the most part Ravenloft is now the Shadowfell (that and it isn't listed in OG's Table of Contents), so I would say we may never see the Domains done again, although many can now become cities and locales in the Shadowfell. And I'm sure we will see just that when the sourcebook for the SF finally comes out.
#15 tsage Jan 08, 2009 13:23:28	Too bad it will not be in open graves. However, I've been thinking, since the Domains of Dread are in the Shadowfell anyway, I'm just going to leave all the domains intact along with the islands of terror and drop it in some sea of the Shadowfell. After all, they Isle of Dread was droped into the Feywild.