Playing Strahd von Zarovich (Curse of Strahd DM Guide)

[@nickmanzo8459]

Currently running Curse of Strahd, nearly at the end as well. My players weren’t able to protect Ireena, after all their times of fighting him in the past, he had intentionally forced them to believe he was weaker than he was. When they underestimated him, he struck and forced them to realize that they were in for a hell of a fight. He then invited them to his wedding to Ireena, and had all this pomp and ceremony, the Abbot of Saint Markovia was the minister who was performing the ceremony, Vasilka was the flower girl, he even raised Ireena’s father as a Strahd Zombie to give her away. As the ceremony reached the part where they could object to the wedding, they objected... Strahd attacked, the Abbot attacked, Rahadin attacked, and after Strahd easily escaped when they presented their artifacts and weapons, they had a massive fight with Rahadin and the Abbott, Vasilka and the Flesh Golem turned on the Abbott after all his years of abuse, leaving him to fight alone. The Abbott and Rahadin were defeated resoundingly in spite of my trying to save Rahadin for later, but Strahd has tricked them by replacing the bride. It was the innocent and silly Gertruda rather than Ireena that was under the bridal veil. They were a bit upset after all that, but it was worth it.

[@poundtownlegend1564]

I might have to do this. lol

[@elsupernico]

I'm stealing this idea, haha! (If you allow me to)

[@DannySharesStories]

For sure stealing this idea!!!

[@jillianh7565]

As of right now I am the only girl in my group. With most of my friends playing fighters and me being the only diplomat, wouldn't it be wise if I transferred Ireena's soul into my character. This way, Strahd would take a particular interest in me rather than the NPC. This also might work out given the DM for my group is my boyfriend and we can play to how the other thinks.

[@FreddieMercurytheSharkWrestler]

@@jillianh7565 I just started DMing for the first time and I’m running this module. 3/4 of my players are girls and they all went combat heavy along with my 4th player. This sucks completely for them because this campaign will be role play and charisma focused. Stick with your gut and play it out.

[@AAron-gr3jk]

My favourite 5e release so far. Truly a work of art. So much love went into this product. I'm running it now and let me tell you. More than any other adventure module you really have to get into the mind of the villain(s) to get their motivations, their goals to come across. The players are scared of him. He appears without fear and they "understand" they can't just attack him. This from players who've taken on dragons and liches. Strahd has some dirty, dirty tricks up his sleeve. Any tactic is permissible. He's been honing his skills for decades and is in complete control of his domain. He's considered everything and is regularly tested by new adventuring parties. He's even been tested by Mordenkainen and won. You don't test this guy. He's THE badass BBEG

[@HowtoRPG]

Yes :)

[@stefanilic475]

I'm also playing my Sthrad similarly. I had him invite the PCs to Borovia for various reasons, each having something to do with their backstories, and he offored them work. He wanted them to go around and help the people of Borovia to give them hope, while in reality he was doing it to amuse himself. He told them that he was a good guy and that a great wizard casted a dark spell to make his people see him as a devil/vampire. My PC were torn some belived him and others didn't and one of the first things they did was brinking Irena to Sthrad, and now they are going a bit behind his back but they know that they have to do his biding or he will kill them.

[@HowtoRPG]

Very clever.

[@markymarksaddiction]

So I am running this campaign and am about to introduce the players to the Count for the first time. I decided to listen to the I, Strahd audio books. They are amazing and have helped me understand the character so much more. I recommend them to any DM who is interested in adding depth to their roleplay as strahd

[@HowtoRPG]

Thank you for sharing your advice.

[@devrarobertson8179]

Thank you I just grabbed the first to listen to.

[@billydefrancesco2376]

I first met Strahd back in 1985 in the original Ravenloft. I wish we had something like KZbin back in the day. Long Live Strahd!

[@HowtoRPG]

Long live Strahd. The Original Ravenloft was very cool, my players loved it till everyone died.

[@billydefrancesco2376]

@@HowtoRPG Strahd destroyed my group to. Damn adventure was so fun tho.

[@apex403]

I just started this adventure (I'm DM'ing) , my players just finished the death house - I now have Strahd giving them a ride to the tavern in his carriage I have had them all make a will save vs his charm 17 as he's trying to recruit them to fetch Ireena for him , 2 of them failed and are compelled (though, not commanded) to help him, the other 2 are very curious and suspicious. This is going to be A LOT of fun ...

[@HowtoRPG]

Yes it will be for you. The players might have a different view, but they signed up.

[@jillianh7565]

My party is definitely turning on each other and planning on splitting up during the final fight. Basically my character and our Dragonborn fighter have to deal with Strahd directly while the rest of the party fights a war on two fronts. To make matters worse, my half elf cleric and the Dragonborn fighter don’t get along currently because he thinks I’m not on his side. It doesn’t help that my character has grown very close to the vampires in the party to the point of falling in love with one of them.

[@HowtoRPG]

lol. I will not wish you all the best. Thanks for sharing your experience and story.

[@xebetax]

I was putting off introducing Strahd to my party, because I wasn't sure I was completely comfortable with the guides offered by the book. Your video has helped me discover and internalise how I want to play him, thank you.

[@HowtoRPG]

You are most welcome :)

[@markymarksaddiction]

I am starting this adventure soon. Your videos have been so helpful, thank you!

[@HowtoRPG]

I am glad you found them useful.

[@gonzalocianci6105]

Idk i do like the openly evil strahd like a cat plaing with a mouse it dosnt hide it's intenciones, it shows how easily it could end the mouse but it gets pleasure from the suffering of the party

[@HowtoRPG]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@paulcoy9060]

I want to make the vampire a police inspector, and call him "Lestrade Von Zarovich".

[@nickm9102]

currently running CoS. the party nearly TPKed in the Durst Manor and I relocated the house they encountered to the edge of Barovia after they got out of the house it Disappeared on them and a carrage met them and a man stepped out referring to himself as a Subject of the Lord of Barovia and he was instructed to present them with a Gift basket. it contained a meal for the five of them, a Greater Healing potion each and a Letter that read "Welcome to Barovia. I will see you soon." and it was signed by Strhad Von Zarovitch. and sealed with his crest. Thankfully they didn't force the issue for this was their first encounter with Strhad.

[@HowtoRPG]

Thanks for sharing your story Nick.

[@devrarobertson8179]

Your videos have been a great help in prepping this adventure for my players!

[@HowtoRPG]

Thank you Deva :)

[@JadeyCatgirl99]

Don't forget that Strahd is still a person. Deep down he has emotions, and that makes him good at manipulating those of others. Unfeeling monsters make for boring villains. The party might be able to reason with him, and make a deal to leave Barovia.

[@HowtoRPG]

I think Strahd would break any deal he makes with the group. Yes a master manipulator. Still do it as you like.

[@RaindropsGames]

he very specifically doesn't have emotions, that's stated in the book. he DID once, that's what makes him an effective manipulator.

[@joshd4119]

Thanks for helping to flesh out this character. Very useful for a first-time CoS GM

[@HowtoRPG]

You are most welcome Josh.

[@ohexenwahno5652]

DM: *RPs Strahd as a nice guy* The Paladin: "Detect alignment"

[@HowtoRPG]

Not something that a Paladin can do in D&D 5E.

[@ohexenwahno5652]

@@HowtoRPG Wrong name, similar effect. Divine Sense is what I should have written. Still ruins the good guy RP.

[@HowtoRPG]

@@ohexenwahno5652 Ok.

[@oskarb6885]

@@ohexenwahno5652 Define sense allows you to detect undead, but I don't think it tells you their alignment. Strahd could try and convince the players that he was made undead by evil forces but he's still "good".

[@ohexenwahno5652]

@@oskarb6885 I gave him Nystul's magic aura during his first meeting with the PCs. Let's just say they were a bit confused when they used Eyes of the grave.

[@kevin555able]

Thank you for this. Great stuff.

[@HowtoRPG]

You are welcome.

[@random_toaster]

About to run CoS. First real game is tomorrow and I'm so excited.

[@HowtoRPG]

All the best with your game 😀

[@thisiscait]

How did you go? :)

[@random_toaster]

@@thisiscait it started out fun but never got to finish. Lost 2 players and its no fun with just one other player.

[@savageantelope3306]

I love that just, how much should you change him from the book

[@HowtoRPG]

Thanks. That is completely up to you.

[@KoffiVelho]

Wonderful video! Could you give some exciting encounter examples for this campaign?

[@fhuber7507]

Watch some old Dracula movies

[@Dr.kittens]

I would disagree with your statement that he cannot feel things such as anger. he has a great love for Tatiana, so that would suggest that he has emotions.

[@HowtoRPG]

We can disagree. There are somethings that will make him angry, but I don't see it as a open aggression, more passive aggression.

[@A_real_Ha_So]

@@HowtoRPG I have to go with Kevin on this. Of course you can play it otherwise but his one weakness is his love for her. It is at the least novel canon that when an incarnation of her is killed, not only will he go into a blind rage towards her killer, he also goes into a temporary, fleeting melancholy state that he subconsciously allows himself to be in a vulnerable state as if he feels he's failed. Of course, at the end of the day, this doesn't go against what you're saying as you are correct. It just adds a variable.

[@palmagius]

@@A_real_Ha_So personally the way i like to see it is that strahd indeed loved tatyana.... once. a very long time ago when he was still human. when he turned into a vampire (his love for tatyana ironically being the reason for this transformation), everything that made him human went away, including his capability of love. instead of loving tatyana (and her reincarnations), he desires her. and love and desire are not the same thing. love goes beyond the physical body and what strahd feels for tatyana is just that. he remembers he wanted her because he loved her but now he just wants her for the sake of having her. same with everything else strahd has and seeks. he owns land for the sake of owning land, he can do with a coffin but he wants a castle for the sake of owning a castle, he eats and drinks the finest food and rules over the people of barovia all for the sake of owning them. he is power hungry, selfish and greedy. and the reason why he goes into a rage when someone kills tatyana's reincarnation is because of this combination of traits. he doesn't care he lost the woman out of love. he cares that someone took away what he sees as a possession he owns but this is just my interpretation of his personality

[@Hydroxica]

I wish I could watch this, I'm currently playing this campaign. I bet the video is good! Maybe I'll watch it someday :)

[@patryklesnau4388]

Great video! I love your explenations! 💪

[@andyh2783]

Fred have you ever checked out the kolbold press setting Midgard.....one of the regions there is ruled by vampires and there half breed Dhampire offspring. Seems to be a good setting would love to hear your thoughts on it.

[@richdeangelis5401]

My gf read some of curse pf strahd months ago not thinking they were bad spoilers but im not so sure. She knows souless barovians wear drab clothes as well as strahd loved someone. Does that change any big dynamics in the campaign?

[@fhuber7507]

Change who Strahd cares about. Fixed.

[@richdeangelis5401]

Yay. Thank you! Any ideas on the clothes or is it a big deal etc?

[@paulcoy9060]

@@richdeangelis5401 What if ALL Barovians wear drab clothes? The soulless, because they don't care, and those with souls because they care about their family and friends and don't want to draw attention to them. It could even be a kind of camouflage, trying to blend into the crowd. Maybe only the Vistani wear bright colors, to set them apart?

[@richdeangelis5401]

Awesome. Ive only just stsrted dming for the first time last week and want to save strahd for when i have things down more. Was worried that changed the dynamic too much. Thanks again guys :]

[@markymarksaddiction]

Also, I love the idea of having Strahd present himself as an ally. I am planning on starting my PCs with the death house mini adventure and would absolutely love to have strahd come to their aid as they are escaping the house. How would you recommend keeping my Paladin from detecting undead or using some of her holy abilities to see through his bull crap?

[@HowtoRPG]

I would not worry about it. Make it quiet clear he is a vampire. Tell the sad story.

[@piemaniac9410]

markymarksaddiction hes a wizard right? he could cast magic aura on himself to detect as a regular non evil humanoid with no magical gear

[@timkramar9729]

First off, let me say I had to leave this campaign because of time constraints...first I was playing a warlock with Strahd as his patron. Which he was unaware of. That character died in Death House. Then I took over a character that had only played one session. A paladin. The DM told me he was an oath of the crown paladin that followed Strahd. As a lawful good paladin. I had to believe that Strahd was a good guy, and was conveniently absent when he revealed his evil to the party. Until the wedding... then I had to change oaths.

[@HowtoRPG]

Thanks for sharing your experience and story Tim.

[@liquidcitrus145]

Another great video

[@quonomonna8126]

every time I hear your voice all I can think about is getting index cards

[@HowtoRPG]

Use your phone and save money.

[@quonomonna8126]

@@HowtoRPG apparently everything is on my phone these days, just played a game where a guy looked up spell information on his phone... way faster than flipping through a book!

[@Lordslade1]

you want to play Strahd....read I, Strahd the war against Azalin.....master piece

[@HowtoRPG]

I think Strahd can be played many ways depending on the DM and group.

[@recowabunga7200]

upvoted

[@HowtoRPG]

Thanks.

[@9Riders]

How to play anything Ravenloft, convert it to 2nd edition.

[@HowtoRPG]

lol

[@SchismaticBunny]

My DM made Strahd a woman. They said that if this campaign was going to be cringy, then they were gonna make it over exaggeratedly cringy 😂 it was fun, and learning more info just makes the game better. Technically I am still playing but learning this kind of information is fun for me! It also helps me work on my separation of character vs player. Cause while i may know the truth of why Strahd killed their brother, my character doesn't.

[@HowtoRPG]

It's still not really a video for players. I am glad you are enjoying yourself.

[@campingteddy9297]

Strahd is NOT Evil in my honest opinion!!! I know everyone likes to say he is evil, but i think he is Indifferent, there is a huge difference. While he surrounds himself with monsters in his dark castle, he himself is chaotic neutral more than chaotic evil in my opinion.. He helps others when it suits his desires, he spares others when he gets something out of it, if he was pure evil he would not spare anyone. Just from playing this campaign so much recently, I have really gotten to know strahd. He is a lost soul, a victim if you will, of circumstance. This is all my own opinion, and goes against the common conception of him, but honestly I can not in all good faith call strahd 100% evil. IDK what do you think? I totally agree with you though about strahd not showing up and attacking right away. Strahds personality is one of his best qualities. He is very condescending, he likes to play with his prey, toy with them, feel them out, mess with their heads. He feels he is the immortal, the unkillable, and as so, he has all the time in the world to play with his meal before finishing it. He prides himself for being smarter and better than all around him.

[@HowtoRPG]

Really? We will disagree.

[@niallkinsella2687]

I don't know about you, but deciding someone's fate based on how useful they might be to you seems pretty evil in my mind.

[@campingteddy9297]

@@niallkinsella2687 Not really, you chose to stay with your partner because they are useful to you, that doesnt make you evil. If we didnt seek to use people for our own gain, we would never strive. Whether its good or bad is only left to one perception of it. Who is to say whos right and wrong. Now, if he were to just slay them, useful or not, that would be evil in my opinion. While sparing someone because they are useful, to me is a neutral alignment call, it shows he has restraint, and is capable of being merciful, something a chaotic evil would never have nor be interested in.

[@niallkinsella2687]

And Strahd is lawful, not chaotic. He's a Machiavellian manipulator (in the worst sense of the word), violently jealous, narcissistic, sadistic, megalomaniacal. It's an absolutely evil characteristic to only see other people in terms of how they can be of benefit to you. A person doesn't need to be a mindless murderer to be evil, a person can be evil without ever physically harming a single person.

[@piemaniac9410]

Camping Teddy to me good vs evil is more about intent rather than action. An evil character only thinks of themselves and everything they do is for themselves, and a good character acts selflessly putting others before their own intrests and goals. neutral is the middle ground between the two extremes

[@flamethrowercandle2354]

I doubt he would visit the pc's at all.

[@HowtoRPG]

Why? Do you have a reason?