Baron Vargas Vallakovich

"All will be well."
Baron Vargas Vallakovich is the burgomaster of the town of Vallaki, the latest in a long line of burgomasters descending from the Vallakovich line. His father, Vargon Vallakovich, was particularly known for his brutality and public hangings, all in the name of keeping the town safe from the vampire lord Strahd von Zarovich. Rumor has it that the Vallakovich line is of royal blood, and that the town of Vallaki was founded by a Vallakovich shortly after Strahd conquered the lands of Barovia. This burgomaster is far less brutal than his predecessor, but he still rules the town with a heavy hand. Those whom his disfavor falls upon find themselves either thrown into his dungeons or set in the stocks in the town square, wearing a donkey's head made of plaster. In the most severe cases, the Vargas's enforcer, Izek Strazni and his axe expel the miscreants from the town.
Vargas believes that hope and happiness are the keys to Vallaki's salvation. If everyone is happy than the town will be able to break free from Strahd's clutches and return to the forgotten world whence it came. He stages one festival after anothert to bolster the spirits of the townsfok, but most Vallakians consider these festivals to be pointless, meaningless affairs. The townsfolk make sure to be seen saying "All will be well." This is the phrase the Baron has imposed upon his citizens, the greeting and farewell that is ever present in the day to day affairs of normal Vallakians. To not speak this phrase could see one thrown in the stocks for "Malicious Unhappiness" or worse. Everyone in town will be happy or else.
Vargas is married to Lydia Petrovna with whom he has a teenage son, Victor Vallakovich. In an effort to patch generations of distust with the rival Wachter family, Vargas and Lady Fiona Wachter arranged a marriage between Victor and Stella Wachter. However, the betrothal had to be called off as the young lady turned out to be quite touched in the head. No wonder Victor had been so upset with the arrangement.
The party met the baron after being introduced by Lydia's brother, Father Lucian Petrovich after they stopped Ludmilla Vilisevic's plot to permanently alter Vallaki. The baron praised them for their deeds and asked them to be guests of honor at the Festival of the Blazing Sun. The party would be too late returning from a mission, but they would see the baron throw a luckless guard into his dungeons for "spite" after he laughed when the rain caused the effigy of Strahd to not alight.
During their meeting Ismark Kolyanovich inquired if the baron would be able to offer Ireena Kolyana sanctuary in Vallaki and Vargas heartily agreed. She would surely be safe in the home of Strahd's greatest enemy. They thanked him for his offer but didn't immediately take him up on it, wanting to discuss the matter further. Vargas understood and let it be known his hospitality would be available should Ireena wish it.
All will be well.

All will be well