Page 28 - Curse of Strahd_Neat

traditions, settling disputes, setting the course for the VISTANI LORE
group's travels, and preserving the Vistani way of life.
Vistani elders make all the important decisions, but Vistani know or believe certain facts about their people
whether by choice or because of their age, tend to speak and their surroundings. This common lore is summa­
in cryptic, flowing riddles. rized here. Characters can learn this information after
Vistani families and clans are closely knit. They re­ earning a Vistana's trust.
solve disagreements through contests that end with rec­ STRAHD VON ZAROVICH
onciliatory singing, dancing, and storytelling. Although About Strahd, the Vistani believe the following:
they can seem lazy and irresponsible to outsiders, the
Vistani are serious people, quick to act when their lives Strahd comes from a royal bloodline. He died centu­
or traditions are threatened. They are merciless when ries ago yet endures as one of the undead, feasting on
they believe they must be. Vistani who knowingly bring the blood of the living. Barovians refer to him as "the
harm or misfortune to others of their kind are ban­ devil Strahd."
ished-the worst punishment a Vistana can imagine, Strahd has taken many consorts, but he has
even worse than death. known only one true love: a Barovian peasant girl
named Tatyana. (The Vistani don't know what hap­
STRAHD'S VISTANI SERVANTS pened to her.)
During one of Strahd's military campaigns, years before • Strahd named his castle, Ravenloft, after his beloved
he became a vampire, a group ofVistani rescued him mother, Queen Ravenovia. Strangers aren't welcome
after he was wounded in battle. These Vistani not only at the castle without an invitation.
nursed Strahd back to health but also delivered him 1)rn LAND OF BAROVIA
safely home. As a reward for their generosity, Strahd de­ Vistani know the following facts about Barovia and
clared that all Vistani had the right to come and go from Barovians:
his land as they please, and this privilege extends to
the present day. Thus, Vistani can travel freely through
the fog that surrounds Barovia, without fear of harm or
entrapment.
Strahd honors his debt to the Vistani in part because
he envies the Vistani way of life-the freedom they have
to go where they please, their devotion to family, and
their festive spirit. The courtesy he shows them is not
simply a matter of honor but is also born from his admi­
ration of them.
In the centuries since Strahd became a vampire,
many Vistani have allowed themselves to be corrupted
by Strahd, to the extent that they consider him their
king. Vistani who serve Strahd are less lively and
friendly than normal Vistani, and their hearts are poi­
soned with dark intentions. Strahd uses them to lure
adventurers into his domain and keep him informed
about the events occurring in lands beyond his reach.
These Vistani will lie to protect the
vampire, and they fear the con­
sequences of disobeying him.
When it comes to sharing
information about their
dark master, Strahd's
Vistani pretend to be
helpful, but the infor­
mation they impart is
misleading at best and
often deceptive. They
readily tell adventur­
ers that they have a
potion that protects
them from the deadly
fog that surrounds
Barovia. Although this
is a lie, they attempt to
sell their fake potion
for as much money as
they can get.

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