| #1Rupert_ADnDJul 18, 2013 8:59:40 | I´m trying to run a new short adventure in Ravenloft using Strahd as a main Villain.
In my original idea, one of the characters is a sort of hired killer who is up for a last job before quitting the business. He makes a sort of pact with a dark figure who hires him to kill someone who's identity is unknown until the last moment, but he is assured their victim are about to get justice, as they have wronged the hirer many years in the ago... The PC finally discovers the victims are their parents … as he made a sort of pact, he is most likely not allowed to go back with this. He must kill his parents or face the consequences.
This is one adventure’s plots, I have chosen Strahd to be the dark figure who hires him. The reason for that being that his father, a boaird, was part of a rebelion in the past, which took the life of several of the Zarovich family. Strahd was too busy chasing a reincarnation of Tatiana in the occasion, and didn´t shown any interest in the situation. 20 years after that Strahd realizes it is time for the revenge.
There is another plot, which is the murder of Barovia’s only priest, which is replaced by a PC, that must face Strahds attempt to disrupt the Church.
Another plot line is that one of the PCs gets pregnant and the baby is a devilish creature, a gargoile Strahd magically created to be the new chief amongst his militia. Stopping the pregnancy is an urgent matter for the PCs.
I played Ravenloft very loose in the past, this time I am trying to run something as close to the original as possible. After starting to read a novel, I realize Strahd is the type of vampire that does things himself, I´m not sure if the first idea, him sending someone to avenge a person who supposedly committed a crime against him would be plausible, or if Strahd would do it himself. Also in the novel (I Strahd, second book) It feels like they painted Strahd as a kind of hero, I mean, he does his vampire stuff, but out of necessity for he is cursed and all… but he protects his land, and usually kill only those who committed crimes… after starting the book I was in doubt about having the characters works for Strahd rather than working against him.
The pregnancy idea is in the intention of torturing the players a bit, but also, I´m not sure if this holds together with Strahds personality, or would he just create such gargoyle himself.
For those of you that know Strahd well, let me know how you use him and what you think of this ideas, thanks! |