Description[]
Castle Ravenloft was a towering keep looming over the settlement of Barovia, and the lair of Strahd von Zarovich.[1]
Geography[]
The huge Castle Ravenloft was precariously constructed on a 1,000 foot tall stone pillar called the Pillarstone of Ravenloft, with a narrow drawbridge connecting the stone with the winding road up to the arched front gates.[2]
Defenses[]
The ramparts and towering buttresses of Castle Ravenloft where guarded by Strahd's animated armors and gargoyles.[1] Climbing the castle was difficult enough, making the castle's shear size and position a defense in itself.[2]
History[]
Castle Ravenloft gets its name from Queen Ravenovia, Strahd's mother, and was built by the architect Artimus after the conquest of Barovia. The Castle was built upon the ruins of an even older fortress, with the aid of magic and artisanal work.[1]
On the fateful night of Starhd's transformation, Tatyana leapt off the 1,000 foot balcony into the gathering mists below, after Sergei von Zarovich was killed in the castle. From then on, Strahd dwelled in Castle Ravenloft, forever seeking out his bride.[3]
Notable Locations[]
- The crypts of Queen Ravenovia and King Barov.[1]
- The Organ Room, where Strahd spent his gloomy days.[1]
- Torture Chamber, hiding swarms of Strahd Zombies.[1]
Inhabitants[]
Some individuals who could be found populating the castles premises included:
- Strahd von Zarovich, the castles overlord and ruler.[1]
- Rahadin, the castles chamberlain.[1]
- Lief Lipseige, a simple accountant.[1]
- Helga Ruvak, a peasant-turned-vampire spawn.[1]
- Gertruda, a dreamy young girl.[1]
- A garrison of Strahd's animated armor, which patrol and guard different location throughout the keep.[1]
- A group of Barovian witches populated the ramparts.[1]
- Pidlwick II, the clockwork doll of the real Pudlwick.[1]
- Cyrus Belview, a mongrelfolk servant.[1]
- Emil Toranescu, a imprisoned werewolf.[1]
- In the deepest parts of the castle Strahd zombies could be encountered.[1]
Notable Items[]
- The skull of Argynvostholt, the silver dragon could be be found within the catacombs.[1]
- The Icon of Ravenloft, a holy relic.[1]
- Saint Markovia's Thighbone, a odd yet powerful mace.[1]
Trivia[]
The Ravenloft setting is named after this castle.
Appendix[]
External Links[]
- Castle Ravenloft article at the Forgotten Realms Wiki, a wiki for the Forgotten Realms campaign setting.
- Castle Ravenloft article at Mistipedia, a wiki for the Ravenloft campaign setting run by The Fraternity of Shadows.
References[]
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.18 1.19 1.20 1.21 Christopher Perkins, Tracy Hickman, Laura Hickman (March 2016). Curse of Strahd. Edited by Kim Mohan. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 49–79. ISBN 978-0-7869-6598-4.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Christopher Perkins, Tracy Hickman, Laura Hickman (March 2016). Curse of Strahd. Edited by Kim Mohan. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 23, 38. ISBN 978-0-7869-6598-4.
- ↑ Christopher Perkins, Tracy Hickman, Laura Hickman (March 2016). Curse of Strahd. Edited by Kim Mohan. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 9. ISBN 978-0-7869-6598-4.