Ismark is a kind and warm young man, in stark contrast to the other Barovians around him. He is selfless, and generally optimistic, but has recently had his confidence severely shaken by the losses the village incurred during the Siege of Barovia.
Ever since he was a boy, Ismark has lived in the shadow of his namesake, his great-grandfather Ismark the Great. Following his father's death during the siege, Ismark has been made the new Burgomeister of the village, and given the less-than-kind nickname of "Ismark the Lesser". Ismark is still determined to do the right thing for his people and to protect them from Strahd's wrath, but he also cannot argue that there isn't a significant amount of blood on his hands.
When Doru's Rebellion failed, Strahd sent his servant Rahadin to tell the villagers to make peace with their gods, because in 100 days, judgment would fall upon them. Following this prolaimation, most of the villagers decided that it was better to risk the roads to Vallaki, rather than wait for certain death. Ismark rallied the villagers, and was able to convince a good number of them to stay and fight for their homes. For a moment, it looked like Ismark was living up to his namesake's legacy; however, the battle was a slaughter. The villagers who once followed him bravely into combat, now holding him in contempt. Blaming him for the deaths of their friends and families.
In addition to the troubles of the village, Ismark is concerned about his sister Ireena. Recently the vampire Strahd has been showing up at their home, charming Ireena, and biting her. Fearing that Strahd may soon come to "claim" her, Ismark has been looking for a way to get Ireena out of the village, and to a location where Strahd can't harm her. His opportunity came when he encountered the party at the Blood of the Vine Tavern in Barovia. After a brief conversation, interrupted by a disgruntled shopkeep, Ismark brought the party back to his manor to meet his sister. Unfortunately, it seemed that Ismark did not consult Ireena in his plan, as when the trip to Vallaki was mentioned, she became enraged that Ismark was trying to get rid of her. After a heated discussion, the siblings came to an agreement, and Ireena agreed to accompany the party to Vallaki, while Ismark handled local affairs in Barovia.
A Shadow in a shaded land
Ever since he was a boy, Ismark has lived in the shadow of his namesake, his great-grandfather Ismark the Great. Following his father's death during the siege, Ismark has been made the new Burgomeister of the village, and given the less-than-kind nickname of "Ismark the Lesser". Ismark is still determined to do the right thing for his people and to protect them from Strahd's wrath, but he also cannot argue that there isn't a significant amount of blood on his hands.
A Doomed Defence
When Doru's Rebellion failed, Strahd sent his servant Rahadin to tell the villagers to make peace with their gods, because in 100 days, judgment would fall upon them. Following this prolaimation, most of the villagers decided that it was better to risk the roads to Vallaki, rather than wait for certain death. Ismark rallied the villagers, and was able to convince a good number of them to stay and fight for their homes. For a moment, it looked like Ismark was living up to his namesake's legacy; however, the battle was a slaughter. The villagers who once followed him bravely into combat, now holding him in contempt. Blaming him for the deaths of their friends and families.
A Concerned Older Brother
In addition to the troubles of the village, Ismark is concerned about his sister Ireena. Recently the vampire Strahd has been showing up at their home, charming Ireena, and biting her. Fearing that Strahd may soon come to "claim" her, Ismark has been looking for a way to get Ireena out of the village, and to a location where Strahd can't harm her. His opportunity came when he encountered the party at the Blood of the Vine Tavern in Barovia. After a brief conversation, interrupted by a disgruntled shopkeep, Ismark brought the party back to his manor to meet his sister. Unfortunately, it seemed that Ismark did not consult Ireena in his plan, as when the trip to Vallaki was mentioned, she became enraged that Ismark was trying to get rid of her. After a heated discussion, the siblings came to an agreement, and Ireena agreed to accompany the party to Vallaki, while Ismark handled local affairs in Barovia.
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