Once a large and bustling down below Castle Ravenloft and on the banks of the River Ivlis. The Village of Barovia is now decrepit and largely abandoned. The streets are lined with barricades, large pyres burn their dead, food and supplies are running low. However, many of the Barovians that remain hold onto hope that they will weather the siege and welcome a new dawn.
History
Named after Strahd’s father King Barov this was the first village settled by Strahd after his conquest of the valley. The city has always been under Strahd’s scrutiny with its close proximity to the castle. As the decades turned to centuries the town of Barovia feel into disrepair, many citizens seeking out the neighboring towns, that offer some, even if minor, escapes from the tyranny of the undying ruler. Due to this those that remain in Barovia are a tight knit community, relying on each other for support and distrusting of outsiders.
Doru’s Rebellion
Three month’s ago the priests son decided he could bring the light back to Barovia. Strahd had not been seen in generations and was likely asleep in his castle where he could easily be defeated. He convinced a group of villages and an outsider Alanik Ray to storm the castle and slay Strahd. However, the rebels only awoke Strahd and brought his ire to the people. Doru, Alanik, or the villagers that went with them were never seen again.
The Lord’s Retribution
Strahd was sift to quell the rebellion and stifle any future thoughts of disobedience. A dust skinned elf arrived in Barovia the day after the assault on the castle to inform its inhabitants that they had 3 months to leave the town before Strahd would lay waste to the village. Many evacuated to the neighboring village or Vallaki or Krezk. However, Ismark rallied many of the villagers into staying and defending their homes from the Devil Strahd. They built fortifications around the town and awaited Strahd’s siege. For the past 6 nights they have endured an assault by Strahd’s undead army. Weak, running short of rations, demoralized the village is barely holding onto hope.