The First Page

I, Strahd von Zarovich, eldest son to King Barov and Queen Yuliana, create this Tome at the request of my esteemed friend the Abbot of Krezk, newly granted the rule of Markovia’s worthy house. May he find the answers that he seeks. — I have tried to be a just ruler to this land of Barovia, and yet, trapped here within the mists it seems that no good intention lasts for long. More and more, I find it impossible to separate the desires and impulses of Khiriad from my own. The longer that dark power is free of the Temple, and the more blood I drink in his name, the stronger he becomes.

The children of Khiriad are so many now that I cannot count their number. Most perished after only a little time or are nothing but mindless husks, but some I have been able to preserve almost intact, at least for a little while - soldiers, mages, scholars, even priests. All dancing to my tune. Mine, or his, at any rate. Perhaps there is no difference in the end.

When Tatyana comes again, then the grace of her love will redeem everything I have done. She will make pure every foul act that Khiriad has required of me. From the very start, it was all for her, every sacrifice that I have made. She must see that.

When she returns to me, as was promised, then with my true queen beside me I shall begin to live again.

It must be soon. My will cannot hold the tide at bay for ever. — Now that you and I have fought one another to a standstill, my dear Abbot, you profess a desire to understand how things began. Very well then, but it will take more than simple words. You must see things as I have seen them, if your mind is strong enough to bear such magic.

Should anyone be tempted to read this work before its time, or without my consent, be warned. It is not without defence.