Epilogue - Curse of Strahd
Epilogue. Strahd is a deadly challenge for the characters. If they confront the vampire too soon, without the benefit of magic items such as the Holy Symbol of Ravenkind and the Sunsword, they will likely perish. Characters can improve their chances of survival by exploring the land of Barovia, defeating lesser evils, and gaining allies, magic items, and levels of experience. The outcome of the final showdown between Strahd and the characters determines how the adventure ends. Strahd Prevails Once he is done toying with the characters, Strahd sets out to defeat them utterly, having concluded that none of them is worthy to replace him as the lord of Barovia. He won't be satisfied until all the characters are dead or turned into his vampire spawn consorts. If Strahd prevails, he seals the characters in the catacombs (chapter 4, area K84, crypt 23) and instructs his servants to hide all their magic items. With the characters out of the way, Strahd shifts his attention back to making Ireena Kolyana his bride. If she is still alive and within his grasp, Ireena is turned into a vampire spawn and sealed in her crypt beneath Castle Ravenloft. Strahd Dies When Strahd von Zarovich is reduced to 0 hit points, he turns to mist and retreats to his coffin (see the Misty Escape feature in the vampire stat block). The vampire must be in his resting place to be utterly destroyed. If the characters finish off Strahd in his coffin, read: Strahd can't hide his surprise as death takes him into the black abyss. Surprise turns to rage, and the Pillarstone of Ravenloft trembles with fury, shaking dust from the ceiling of the vampire's tomb. The shudders abate as Strahd's burning hatred melts away, replaced at last with relief. The dark orbs of his eyes wither and sink into his skull as his corpse deteriorates before you. In a matter of moments, only bones, dust, and noble garb remain. Strahd von Zarovich, the dark lord of Barovia, is dead and gone. Rahadin's Revenge If Strahd dies but R...