# [[Strahd von Zarovich]] Strahd von Zarovich is the ruler of the [[Barovia (the Land of)|land of Barovia]], and former prince under the rule of his father, King Barov the Great. Once a follower of the light of the [[Morninglord (Temple)|Morninglord]], the trajectory of his life changed after the death of his beloved [[Tatyana Ravenov]]. Mad with grief, he cursed the land with darkness, decay, and sadness. [[Zar]] knew of [[Strahd von Zarovich|Strahd]]'s existence prior to this adventure. The [[Vistani]] refer to him as their "bloodfather." In [[002_20260513 Session 2|Session 2]], we were warned by [[Stanimir]] that we would catch his attention soon--that, thanks to his spies, [[Strahd von Zarovich|Strahd]] has the ability to hear and see everywhere, while being seen or heard nowhere. We gained insight into his backstory through [[Tome of Strahd#Chapter 1|the first chapter of his diary]]. In [[003_20260520 Session 3|Session 3]], we were advised? bull-shitted? by [[Bildrath Cantemir]] that we could dispel [[Strahd von Zarovich]] by calling him out as "[[Strahd von Zarovich|the devil Strahd]]." In [[006_20260626 Session 6|Session 6]], we learned about Blood Sacrifices and [[Attend Kolyan's meeting with Strahd's envoys|attended a negotiation]]. ## Blood Sacrifices - To sustain themselves, Strahd and his "vamily" require blood sacrifices of the villages around [[Barovia (the Land of)|Barovia]]. Some of Strahd's brides in particular want the blood of local youths. - Periodically, local magistrates must meet with envoys of Strahd to learn the terms of their villages' next tribute. -