Barovia

The valley of Barovia

Geography
Almost the entire valley consisted of densely forested rough terrain, with sheer cliffs and outcroppings. Few areas were easily traversable, and it was always dangerous to stay off the road. Winters were usually long and bitter.

The sky of Barovia was permanently overcast with storm clouds. Even during the brightest hours of the day, light was unnaturally muted and dimmed, and did not affect normally sensitive creatures such as vampires. In many locations, the mists partially or completely obscured vision.

Geographical Features
The valley was located between Mount Baratok to the north and Mount Ghakis to the south. Both mountains were part of a larger mountain range known as the Balinok Mountains. The evergreen forest of the Svalich Woods covered the entire valley, which was trespassed by the Old Svalich Road that ran from East to West. At the center of the valley, south of the slopes of Mount Baratok, stood a large lake known as Lake Zarovich, which was fed by melting snow from the mountain.

Government
Barovia was ruled by Count Strahd von Zarovich, who was known by the population as "the devil Strahd". Most inhabitants were not aware that Strahd was a vampire. His ruling style was mostly through proxy, as he made few public appearances and all the duties of tax collection were carried out by the villages' burgomasters. However, Strahd was a feared tyrant who took whatever he wanted and whom no one dared disobey.

Defenses
The valley was completely surrounded by deadly mists that sapped the life force and could rapidly kill anyone who ventured inside.

Notable Locations

 * Barovia, Vallaki, and Krezk, the three villages located along the Old Svalich Road.
 * Castle Ravenloft, Strahd's seat of power.

Inhabitants
Sometime in the late 15 century, an archmage became trapped in Barovia. After an unsuccessful attempt to defeat Strahd and escape the realm, the archmage went insane. He roams the base of Mount Baratok.

The forests of Barovia teemed with wildlife. Land animals such as deer, rabbits, rats, wolves, and black bears were common in the woods. The sky was populated with ravens, hawks and songbirds, as well as nocturnal bats and owls.