How To Play Strahd von Zarovich

Listen to a mediocre DM tell you how to play a 30 year old fictional vampire.

[@krysu7777]

I literally almost died of laughter when I heard how the plan fell apart to be precise the part where they yeeted strahd out the tower

[@DeadlyInsanaty]

I've always enjoyed playing up Strahd as someone who is obsessed with people choosing him. Think about it: His mother died, his Brother was everything he wasn't, the woman he desired rejected him enough to off herself, and his own soldiers betrayed him. Now you have Madame Eva/ The Vistani plotting to kill him, the Barovians fear him, and the new version of his desire also wants nothing to do with him. I play Strahd as more tortured than RAW. He can't see that he is the problem, and thinks that if only everyone would accept him, then the darkness would go away and he'd be free of his curse, which will obviously never happen. Barovia reflects this: No one trusts anyone else and the only constant is mist and fear. And what does Strahd do? Parade as a charicature of what he could have been. Everyone likes Vasili, but it's all a lie, and Strahd knows it. It's even more interesting if you have one or more party members that are either naive or empathetic. Strahd can slowly start winning them over, using the terrible things that happen to those characters against them, drawing them closer and closer to him. I've even had one player retire their character to go be with Strahd, which the party then fought in the final battle. It was terrible and bittersweet but everyone loved every second of it.

[@thefairybug40]

This is a *GENIUS* take on Strahd! Unfortunately, you have now put the cursed image in my head of Strahd speaking with Karolina Zebrowska's voice, saying that someone in the party is such a macaron.

[@jillianh7565]

In my groups most recent session we had dinner at the newly constructed castle. The king/lord of the castle took a particular interest in my character for whatever reason. My character is a half elf cleric noblewoman who is very charismatic and intelligent. She is also young and beautiful so….

[@VanNessy97]

I love your take on Strahd as a "pick me"

[@jillianh7565]

Funny thing is in my groups game my character (Zelda Alagondar) fell in love with Alexander, Strahd and Sergei's younger brother. Alexander is a lot like a foil for both Strahd and Sergei, being both a bloodthirsty and chaotic vampire and an honorable prince who wants to help his people. Just last session our party found out that Alexander was the rightful heir to Barovia after his parents disapproved of Strahd dabbling in dark magic. Additionally, we found out that Neverwinter is one of the most important places on the Sword Coast right now and that Strahd has a major influence on most of the Sword Coast already; he just needs Neverwinter now. As the true heir to Neverwinter, Zelda is the only thing standing between Strahd and Neverwinter, and ironically Alexander has more influence and power over Zelda than Strahd does. I wonder what will happen next.

[@electricangel4488]

Party: Ireena we did it we killed stradh. Hey where is our best buddy Vasili

[@robertbocchiere757]

4:17 really cracks me up for some reason. I can just imagine Strahd going "Boogity boogity boo!" While he chases someone through the woods.

[@S_047]

Jon! Jon! Recordings done.. that's it. Shows done.

[@JenJenRome123]

That actually happened to my Celestial Warlock. She had the symbol of Ravenkind. She went to go find Ismark and found Strahd instead. Needless to say....She ran/Mist Stepped as fast she could to the church. With Strahd at her heels. XD Also Ismark was at the church passed the hell out from being drunk. XD Me and my DM were laughing our asses off.

[@MOSES350]

Or just loudly "BUMP"

[@lucasperry1850]

Lmao the ending

[@weazywanderer7552]

I never thought of running Vasili like that...

[@larkinodair]

In my Strahd campaign, I played as a young (early 20’s) woman who desperately wanted to become a vampire due to being in love with a vampiric circus ringleader who had been manipulating her for years. My DM did such a fantastic job of transferring her obsession onto Strahd with gifts, promises, and secrets. About halfway through the campaign, my PC made a plan with Strahd after revisiting the castle alone in the middle of the night, and was supposed to bring Ireena to him, as they had become very close trusted friends. After her little plan didn’t work, she turned on Strahd and the party protected her by keeping her away from him until the final battle, which obviously frustrated him since he didn’t have an easy in anymore. It was such a fun campaign, and I wish I could do it all over again 😭

[@jillianh7565]

That sounds epic! Right now my character, Zelda Alagondar, is in a similar position with one of the vampires in her party named Alexander Von Roeyen, brother of Strahd and Sergei Von Zarovich. Alexander, fully aware of what Strahd did to both Sergei and Tatyana, keeps a close eye on Zelda and makes sure the both of them are protected from Strahd. Zelda never wished to become a vampire but after her and Alexander fell in love, the thought crosses her mind sometimes. Her love story with Alexander often plays out like a Shakespearian tragedy because of who they are and the political tension between Barovia and Neverwinter. Long story short, Zelda is the last true Alagondar heir to Neverwinter. She was sent to Barovia as a political pawn in an arranged marriage, that I later found out was discontinued. Halfway through the campaign Zelda met Alexander and thought about using him to play a "Game of Thrones" with Strahd. Eventually the two started liking each other and during their time in Neverwinter, developed a strong friendship that turned into a wholesome romance. She even convinced Alexander to become the Count of Barovia once the party defeats Strahd.

[@datastorm75]

Strahd is a bit reduced in power in 5e from his previous iterations. Also, if you can get Van Richten's guide to Vampires, it can provide quite a bit of flavor and power to vampires. Additional books detailing the Domains of Dread can help you handled game breaking things like divination.

[@117Jorn]

In DM's guild there actually is a CR-27 version of Strahd that goes all-out in terms of power. Its really cheap to buy and I highly recommend it.

[@MaindexOmega]

Oddly enough, in 4e he was a level 20 Skirmisher, in 3.5 he was a level 10 necromancer (i'm assuming wizard necromancer) and in 2e he was a level 16 necromancer I say it's odd because he's supposed to have been a warlord and blood thirsty warrior. But his statblocks are made to be either a powerful mage or a serial killer

[@momqabt]

Very good advice, I'll definitely incorporate them. Fun fact: I made my players terrified of vampires in my campaign already, although being a vampire the masquerade and dark ages veteran Does help in the regard of making them varied And highly dangerous even on their own, also roleplaying them a breeze And a blast.

[@thisiscait]

Any tips to share? :)

[@teagan_p_999]

Well, of course, no plan ever survives contact with the party. That's why I never plan what will happen, only set up a situation, and then react as I think would be appropriate. Great guide, though.

[@xyphious]

Excellent guide. Well thought out and your animations are great. Glad you mentioned Vasili at the end too. The DM who ran my first CoS game didn’t use him so when I came to DM it all these years later, I was blown away that I have this amazing resource to play with

[@internationalmanofmystery8511]

Bruh, just have it so that when they reach Strahd's keep, they find Vasili's penis or whatever and no Strahd. Then, they're all like "OH MY ASSORTED PANTHEON OF GODS, VASILI IS JUST STRAHD IN DISGUISE!" Then, they bust down the door of the church on the "if anyone objects to this marriage, speak now or forever hold your peace" and yell "I OBJECT, MOTHAFUCKA!"

[@MarshmallowMadnesss]

Strahd fell off his tower? In the book I, Strahd, he would assume bat form and fly.

[@mr7oclock346]

I want to GM this using the Hardcore rules of D&D. I'll probably model my version of Strahd allow after Angelus though. I've been studying Barovia, just to accurately portray this character. Seems like Strahd would be a master at Gaslighting too. Seems like a fun villain

[@jonc1130]

The effort put into this video is amazing. Glad to see more content from you.

[@MajinMaster97]

He threw a vampire off the tower, who can transform into a bat or a cloud of mist?

[@vanelli6900]

And first of all: how did he even lure strahd and grab him? Lmao

[@thisiscait]

​@@vanelli6900with his lair and legendary actions, yeah it's just ... wait how??

[@reeven1721]

5:54 And in any case, there is a library in the Amber Temple that the text confirms 100% has ALL the wizard spells in the Player's Handbook.

[@zeldaandTwink]

I'm thinking of tricking my players into thinking strahds alter ego is the faithful companion so they turn over all the anti-strahd swag to him

[@VanNessy97]

I kind of want to play Ireena as her own person separate from Tatyana's life. I like the idea of Ireena saying "I'm not Tatyana! I'm not your wife, I'm not Sergei's wife, I'm not a plaything, I'm not a thrall, I'm not any of the hundreds of names that everyone wants to give me! I'm my own person, who is getting out of this town! And whatever laws or reality-bending levers you've got to pull, you're gonna do it!" Bonus points if Strahd asks "But why would I? You're exactly where you're supposed to be, Tatyana."

[@Nazo-kage]

5:58 considering the adventurers would be considered his playthings. Whenever he uses charm or other means to get the information he wants from one of the PCs. And as stated here he would have a large array of magic spells at his disposal. Would it be out of character for him if he would say offer a spell to any wizard he use this tactic on? as kind of compensation and it means his toys might be more entertaining. I’ve always liked the idea of a powerful villain almost being friendly and cordial towards the adventures that her wanting to defeat them seeing it as almost a game and sees nothing wrong with possibly giving them a gift if they’ve done something for him of value.

[@TheDrexxus]

Wow. So narrator makes it a point to tell us Strahd and his brother look exactly alike, and Tatyana rejects strahd for looking old, but then takes his brother? I'd be pissed too.

[@ANDELE3025]

Mostly because its a retcon from the OG when they did spend time together and came to saw Strahd as her older brother.

[@VanNessy97]

Yeah, I modified that to where Tatyana favored Sergei over Strahd because Strahd was only nice to Tatyana in the hope that she would love him back, whereas Sergei just wanted Tatyana to be happy and didn't care if she loved him back or not.

[@SZRLM]

Came here as I'm looking to DM this, but I'm also a player in a current playthrough. My timid undying warlock kobold had seduced Ireena and become braver in her presence and we made it to Krezk and decided to keep her with the party. Later a building was collapsing and I sacrificed myself to save Ireena and now she's become a paladin. Good to know her actual importance now.

[@eva5193]

This was fantastic, and so helpful for my altered campaign with Strahd. Thank you!!

[@averym.8910]

I love the quality of this video. A great video for my favourite adventure. This truly helped me. I would love to see more dnd videos like this

[@ShionWinkler]

It is Uncle Strahd, and he is a nice guy that likes to give people hugs... yes big hugs. He also likes to have family BarBQ's, where he BarBQ's a family. Really he is a nice guy, I promise. 😁

[@fredie9858]

This Video was really helpful. It also is really well made. I was surprised that this doesn't have more views. I mean the way you make it is almost like the one's that Xp to level 3 and other D&D KZbinrs make.

[@Peanutbutter399]

Absolutely capital video, good sir. Entertaining and informative. Going to reveal Strahd to my party tonight so this was very helpful. Cheers

[@Direwolf9818]

This took place in curse of strahd but not to strahd. We had New player to the campaign like a session after being introduced we are fighting the Abby. This guy was lifted up 100+ feet in the air and decided to grab the wings and dive bomb to kill the Abby and himself. It was such a god of war moment

[@Direwolf9818]

Was reminded of this when, the mentioned of the players getting strahd or yetting themselves onto strahd.

[@FadedSpork]

Im running CoS and I play strahd as a forgiving ruler. The hidden agenda is he is being nice but seeding distrust among the party themselves and is basically going to be like "If you kill your friend, Ill let you all go" For his entertainment He isnt actually going to let them go

[@thejean7974]

Amazing video. You should do more D&D content

[@a_graif]

Where are the comics coming from? Those look cool

[@alinapleshkova3091]

This was super helpful!! Thank you so much

[@scyobiempire4450]

Divebombing Strahd? If only my friend would've been Shrek the Barbarian instead of a human paladin... Oh and my Necromancer will love this place!

[@gulfcoastwizards2736]

Great video, dude! Definitely deserve more views. It's tough breaking into this DnD genre of YT fo'sho

[@thekaiser3815]

I am playing a sorcerer/man in the Iron mask who lived in an Insane asylum Till he was brought to Borovia. at level 4 I beat madam Eva's eye and she died, as well as the vistani. Strahd was PO'ed he used wish to reset the event, he later give me two gold coins I'm a dead man , But Avec my character is luring how Strahd thinks how he plays the game, Avec want his freedom, the only way is to beat the game not the D&D game but Strahd' game.

[@AlliJoy31]

this was so helpful! thanks for sharing!

[@thefairybug40]

I am continually tickled pink at how many Curse of Strahd players/DMs suggest that folks read I, Strahd. CoS pretty much completely ignores I, Strahd's canon, right down to the smallest detail like the name of Strahd's mom. Which is hilarious, given that the book was written to correct and codify what had been at the time a *wildly* divergent and contradictory canon so far. Both canons are fine, but CoS and I,S should not be experienced together.

[@thisiscait]

Mm I disagree, which is fine. It really helped me get into the mind of Strahd, and in some cases through reading helped me decide aspects of his character I wanted to keep and which I wanted to bin. The same as any media we consume for inspiration, wet kept the good bits and throw out the trash, it's all helpful! Even just figuring out how he might talk and what his motivations are was really good.

[@SuperDPL]

Very good video, keep up the good work

[@sambucivox]

Oh man, I feel you with that ending. XD

[@carlosangel9404]

Hope my party doesn't see this, but I'm planning on playing Strahd as someone who was corrupted by dark magic and driven by love and remorse rather than just being a fucked up monster all the way through. In the book, there are tons of legends and superstitions about Barovia, the Vistani and Strahd that the book insists are all real, no questions asked. I thought it would be interesting to flip those myths and legends on their head, so that the world has a bit more depth to it. For example, in my version, Sergei is a widely celebrated figure in Barovia as being the kind preist who was murders unjustly by the Devil Strahd. But in reality, Strahd was the kind and wise one while Sergei was a cruel and selfish man, who treated Strahd as his lesser and undeserving of the power bestowed on him. He had their mother and father killed, tried to rape Tatyana on the eve of their wedding day, and attempted to stage a coup against Strahd for control over Barovia.

[@kennyschaufler3739]

OMG, when you introduced vasii van holz you used the same music I did for another thing in CoS, tho I dont use Vasili at all, I play Strahd as to pridefull to have alter egos. My Strahd is pretty honest to the players, will flat out ignore questions he doesnt want to answer. or just pretend there was no question asked

[@MisterFuckReligion]

I see so many things simular to wow: shadowlands and Revendreth and Sire Denthrius. Overall it seems all RPG are inspired by DnD.

[@alexandarvoncarsteinzarovi3723]

Good tips, will do,

[@Luis519RS]

They divebombed Strahd from the highest tower XD

[@EmuFH]

Great vid man!

[@chainer8686]

I was thinking of having Strahd waiting outside the Death House as the party makes their exit. Maybe applauding thier survival and/or taunt them? He usually shows up with just a couple minions. So as a 'screw you' to the party, having their meeting cut short, and the minions attack the party who are bound to be short on hp and resources. All this while he maybe says something cheeky and makes an exit.

[@xyphious]

I had him show up post death house but he cast mass suggestion (modified for a longer and higher level game) and forced everyone to listen to him briefly lament about how the death house is one of his biggest frustrations and failures as lord of Barovia. He then left the party a basket of gifts as an “apology” It’s left the group feeling really conflicted about who he is which is very handy for me

[@chainer8686]

@Natasel ooooh that's a better understanding

[@chainer8686]

@@xyphious i like it!

[@victorauberg2590]

Why doesn't this guy have more subscribers?

[@SnugglyTheCrow]

Cause I don't make videos on a regular basis like I should

[@victorauberg2590]

@@SnugglyTheCrow Quality over quantity is sadly not rewarded. This is so sad.

[@obadijahparks]

This is some Bram stoker stuff but better. At least it's all pg13 instead of that disaster from the 90s.

[@SassySalem]

In my curse of strahd game my half elf trickster is in borovia, to be strahd’s bride

[@vessel_dd3613]

I see in your video pieces of a comic of The curse of Stradh, where you find them? Please, is my favorite campaign 🙏🏻

[@SnugglyTheCrow]

Shadows of the Vampire

[@vessel_dd3613]

@@SnugglyTheCrow oh! Thank you so much! ♥️

[@SecondHandShaun]

I will sub if u keep making COS vids

[@hamescarlos]

Have you ever played Legacy of Kain? I roleplayed Strahd as Kain 👌🏼

[@OmegaX117]

Where are these cut scenes from??

[@thisiscait]

DDO's Ravenloft expansion - I recommend you don't play this if you're a PC, it's ruined plot lines for other players before!

[@Blackberry405]

What kind of information does strahd need from the party that would require him using charm + modify memory?

[@scyobiempire4450]

"What magic items do you own?" "What is your greatest fear?" (major illusion) "What can I give you to fuck off?"

[@AlexGoldhill]

Do you have any allergies or dietry requirements? Do you prefer red or white wine? He may be an evil monster but that's no excuse for being a poor host.

[@RUdigitized]

I channel the count from Sesame Street

[@welcomefire]

Wait, the party just jumped to a TPK?

[@wolfgang5566]

I played an oath breaker paladin I killed strahd with his own undead

[@CloneShockTrooper]

I would try a new approach.. Give Strahd his love; Tatyana.

[@RuinQueenofOblivion]

No offense, but that is a questionable approach. The entire point of Strahd and Tatyana is that Tatyana eternally rejects Strahd. Giving him what he wants entirely defeats the narrative of Strahd's character as well as the nature of Barovia and Ravenloft.

[@luffysh]

You did not say how to play the guy, you just said how did it go your adventure. wth

[@user-be2nt8bi9j]

Why only up to 5th lvl spells tho? Shouldn’t he be like a lvl 20 wizard by now?

[@korpsmaninfantry7238]

I'm sorry but your players did WHAT TO STRAHD!?

[@marca81]

Ive given strahd access to all wizard spells up to level 8.

[@darthweezy]

That would make him a 15th level spellcaster- did you up his other stats (HP/spell DC/proficiency bonus)? Characters at the level they are supposed to be wouldn’t stand a chance against him, why would you do that?

[@marca81]

@@darthweezy yes ive added the DC and spell casting bonus applicable. I also have 8 player characters that are extremely experienced and very clever

[@andykaufman7620]

Here's Strahd's way to undo the curse. Instead killing his brother, he chops half the brothers man-hood off, or maybe castrate him, but when he does so, his brother is unconscious and does not know Strahd did so. Later as his brother has a relationship, its on like Donkey Kong, but his lady will eventually lose interest in a dude that cannot give her tickets to Pound Town, and as such, Strahd can woo her, and then make a deal with the Dark Powers to make him the Strongest One their Is, in the Mighty Maca Man sense, and then her feminine hypergamy will kick in and she'll be Strahd's. That is the new Ravenloft possible ending.

[@VanNessy97]

Strahd ghostwrote this

[@HazyHerbivore]

I don't think vasili is a good concept at all, strahd isn't really an actor and having him be completely opposite to how his character is doesn't make sense.

[@Eclipsed_Embers]

I think it really depends on how you play him. Strahd always seemed to be extremely manipulative to me and in my mind a master manipulator needs at least a little acting skill. having him earn the trust of the party would certainly place him in a better position to push them towards his own goals.

[@andykaufman7620]

This module is written with certain conceits and prejudices, like the prejudice older men should NOT date younger woman, hence why it was mandatory for the original woman Strahd wanted not to love him, but what if, she did, and in real life, that actually happens potentially, not that most older woman love that, nor many older men who don't approve so this module is written to cater to their approved attitudes. Free this module, what if Irena feels the way she feels but there is a process that can open her up, like a Flower and when ready, like a Flower, she will open up and blossom. The wonderful thing is most players won't expect that, many won't like that, or approve. How can Strahd truly be free. The PC's need to help Strahd get Irena to become open-minded to true love, and ignore her own discriminatory attitude of Agism that she obviously holds. End the Agism in this module. Free Irena fro her own closed mind.

[@ronniejdio9411]

Watch mcpuffin forest curse of strahd videos and dont do that