Barovia
Overview:
Barovia is a haunted, hellish realm, undoubtedly one of the most evil places in the known world. Shrouded in eternal mist and darkness, overrun with dire wolves, undead, and worse, it is a place from which there is little chance of escape for those foolish enough to enter. For centuries, it has been ruled over by the capricious tyrant Strahd von Zarovich, whom the oppressed folk of Barovia refer to as "the Devil". His fortress Ravenloft is a dreadful edifice more akin in size to mountain than castle, and he is said to control even the weather - which is always cloudy and dim.
Yet life persists even here. In the central valley of Barovia, towns and farmsteads carve out a depressing existence among the deathly forest, alcohol the only solace of their inhabitants. In the foothills of the mountains, the savage Forest Folk live among werewolves, while to the south, harsh mining towns haul ore out of spider-infested caves. Connecting these disparate people are a welcoming nomadic folk called the Vistani - one of the only sources of joy in the country.
History:
The land now known as Barovia has a long history and many names. First, it was the savage land of Cerunnos: the home of the druidic Forest Folk who worshipped the Ladies Three . Then, it was "civilized" and home to a weak nation called Delmor. In addition, the land attracted wandering wizards, and above all, the Vistani. The Vistani are a nomadic people who travel the world, trading in information, entertainment, and exotic wares; despite their nomadicism, they consider Barovia their home.
By the time the Holmgardian Empire had reached its apex, numerous noble houses and even whole peoples had been displaced from the regions bordering what is now Barovia. Obscure Imperial records indicate that one of these groups, the militaristic House of Barov, migrated into the Kingdom of Delmor with a large army. Though what exactly happened next during this invasion is unknown, it is now clear that Barovia came under a fell aura shortly after.
Aside from occasional excursions by the Vistani, there are no reports of anyone leaving Barovia since the 4th century. Even the Vistani, normally happy to discuss all sorts of information for a price, are reticent when asked about their homeland. What little is known from the Vistani paints a bleak picture. It appears that Barovia was conquered by the immortal vampire lord Strahd and is afflicted by a terrible curse. Peasant folk near the border avoid the Barovian forest at all costs; whole families have disappeared into the mists, never to return.
The Fall of Strahd:
In 735 HR, a group of outlanders were trapped in Barovia, and worked to destroy Strahd and the dreadful mists engulfing the land. Though many before had tried and failed, these adventurers worked to gather allies, uncover ancient lore, and weaken the vampire before launching an attack on Ravenloft.
After the better part of a year, these brave souls challenged the devil vampire himself, and struck him down. Barovia was saved, and the outlanders and their allies became the new leaders of a rekindled Confederation of Barovia, a loose coalition of fortresses and towns dedicated to fighting the forces of Sanguine .
Demography and Population
Unknown. Ancient records suggest a population of ~400,000. Current estimates range from 150,000 - 300,000.
He is ancient. He is the land.
Type
Geopolitical, Country
Alternative Names
Delmor
Demonym
Barovian, Delmorian
Head of Government
Power Structure
Autonomous area
Currency
Kopeck = copper
Rouble = silver
Barov = electrum
Official Languages
Comments