Lunch Break Heroes Presents

Volume Two
 • Meto741 • shawn kuester
Credits • NoSmallParts • Shen Zhao Introduction
Lead Designer: Steve Miller • Nyadnar#17 • SlyKuga Curse of Strahd is a wonderful adventure
Writers: Steve Miller, Sven Truckenbrodt • Perry Shelton • Spencer Bodine module. One of its best features dates
• Pierre Charbon- • Stephen Schuldt
back to its original version from the first
Patrons •
neau
Rick Sigler
•
•
Talon ReQuo
Tamir Kushilevitz
edition of Dungeons & Dragons, which is
This guide was made possible through the • Rookhart • Tim Guinn the randomization of various campaign
generous support of the following patrons. • Ryan Katcha • Tom Anderson elements. This randomization is brought
• Ryan Shifley • Trenton Mynatt about by drawing several cards from a
Gold Tier • Scott Johnson • Will Brensdal Tarokka Deck (or a normal deck of cards).
• Aaron Dotson • Ian DeOrio • Scott Yates • Xavier Madison Each card determines the placement of a
• Alex Bishop • Isabella Orozco • Sean Brooks particular item, and which particular NPC
• Alexander Eh- • J1 shall become the party’s ally against Strahd
rhardt • Jame
Platinum Tier von Zarovich.
• Amy Moulton • Jason Reese • Aaron Tinnin • Monica Jones This guide aims to flesh out the latter
• Andrew Baird • Jay Woods • Alex Rosalez • Noah Moore resource: the NPC allies. There are twenty
• Balgur • Jeffrey Sheldon • Andy D’Amato • Steve Durr allies available in the adventure, and each
• Brandon • Joe Ford • Brenton Snyder • Tags can bring something special to the gaming
• Brent L Ross • Joseph B Gilliam • Charles • Thomas Stanley, table. Within the pages of this guide you will
• Bushwood • JOSEPH ROSS • Cisquatch TheNerdlyKing find extended information on each of these
• Cameron Flower • Joseph Trueblood • Corey McKinney • Thomas van Iersel
characters in order to help you understand
• Chantelle c • Joshua Audlee • Dash Panther • Tyler
their motivations, what it takes to gain their
• Chazzle • Joshua Stath • Edouard Jallad • Warmaster James
• Fantasy Games & trust, and suggestions on how to roleplay
• Chris Morgan • Jul
• Davis Herbig • Julian Gines Comics them.
• Debby • Justin Bastian • Greg Nothing in this guide is gospel, however.
• Dylan • Justin Scott • HanzelMan You are free to change anything you see fit—
• edward kalinowski • Kyler Christian • Haraka add and remove details as you feel necessary.
• Eric • Madison • John Nathon Additionally, if you’d prefer your party ally
• Garrett Eidson • Matt Niiro • Justin Bas- with an NPC that is not listed here, then go
• Genna Collins • Matthew Engles sett-Green right ahead! It’s your game, and there are no
• GHSupermonkey • MattLG That- • Kevin Brandon wrong answers.
• GolfLimaZulu gamerguy • Kevin R Cannon
• Hilthalion • Me-lissa • Lars Millahn

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, D&D, Wizards of the Coast, Curse of Strahd, Forgotten Realms, Ravenloft, Eberron, the dragon ampersand, Ravnica and all
other Wizards of the Coast product names, and their respective logos are trademarks of Wizards of the Coast in the USA and other countries.

This work contains material that is copyright Wizards of the Coast and/or other authors.

All other original material in this work is copyright 2021 by Lunch Break Heroes.
 ● Ireena is a noble, which commands
Ireena Kolyana respect among most civilized Barovians.
Just as Ireena’s presence can aid the party, she
might be trouble in some situations:
Innocent (Queen of Hearts) While she hardly revels in etiquette, she
knows how to carry herself and how ● As strong-willed and prepared to fight for
Ireena Kolyana is the adopted daughter of her freedom as she is, Ireena is not a very
the burgomaster of the village of Barovia and to impress when needed. Peasants are
likely to follow her command (Persuasion durable fighter (at least not until Krezk).
Strahd’s current obsession. Her childhood She uses the stat block of a noble, with
and origins are a mystery. She does not +5) and she knows her way around the
aristocracy (Deception +5, Insight +4). The the only slight boost being her hit points
remember where she came from herself, increased to 14. Her Parry ability does not
and Strahd believes her to be the true social arena is where she can really shine,
moreso than the battlefield. add much protection.
reincarnation of Tatyana, over whom he ● Strahd is obsessed with Ireena, and
sacrificed his humanity. ● While she finds the very idea revolting,
Ireena knows that Strahd’s obsession with convinced that she will become his bride.
Sooner or later, he will come for her.
Ireena’s Motivation her is something that can be used against
him. She can use her skills in Deception to This can precipitate a confrontation with
Ireena hates being at Strahd’s mercy, always mislead and distract him when necessary. Strahd before the party is prepared for it.
dreading his next move. She does not want to ● Ireena is one of the few companions with ● Ireena would rather die than submit to
stay the victim—she wants to take the fight to the potential for significant growth, both Strahd. The reality of her existence is
him! in terms of mechanics and character, by even worse than that, however: the Dark
using the “Something Blue—Revisited” Powers will never allow Strahd to have her.
Earning Ireena’s Trust event in the Krezk chapter of this guide. They kept Tatyana from him, and they will
continue to keep every re-incarnation of
This reflects her constant struggle to
Ireena dearly loved her adoptive father, improve herself and her coming to terms her just out of reach. Ireena is doomed,
Kolyan Indirovich. As much as she burns for with the experiences from Tatyana’s past and whenever it looks like Strahd could
her chance to confront Strahd, she won’t reincarnations. Supporting Ireena on this get her under his control, she will perish—
allow the devil to corral her and shirk her path of maturation and growth can be whether at her own hand or by her fate
duties as daughter. Anyone who helps her hugely rewarding to the party. being arranged by the Dark Powers. This
bury Kolyan Indirovich earns her trust. makes Ireena one of the most likely allies
to lose before her time.
Weals and Woes
There are several possible advantages to
having Ireena in the party:
● Strahd would never allow Ireena’s death—
except at his own hands, of course. This
may seem little consolation, except that
Strahd’s servants all know this, and they
would never risk harming Ireena and

Not like this! Not tonight, devil—not ever!

invoking Strahd’s ire. This can cushion
the party in many encounters throughout
Barovia while traveling with Ireena.
Roleplaying Ireena
Ireena does not remember where she comes from or how she ended up in Barovia. Despite the
love and safety Kolyan Indirovich and Ismark have shown her, she has always felt out of place, Personality
strangely disconnected from the world and people around her. At the same time, there is a pull I know many people look up to me
on her soul, and a sense of an inevitable fate that she’s inexorably moving towards. Although she because of my station, but I don’t feel
cannot tell what it will be, a sense of inevitable doom and finality accompanies this sensation special. This melancholia covers my
for, which has made her grow anxious and somber. life like a shroud, and I feel alone and
Ireena has a drive for self-improvement, and an urge to learn and better herself. This is her lost even among those I love and trust.
response to the feeling of a predetermined destiny that has accompanied her all her life. It does
not make that dreadful sense of fate go away, but it allows her to assert herself. Freedom and Ideal. My soul is clean and I’ll keep it
control are paramount to her. She will never hand a decision about her life off to someone else. that way—I’d die before I let evil touch
Now that Strahd has taken an interest in her, she rages against the possibility that he might be me.
her destiny. Although her encounters with him are only dimly remembered, she is repulsed by Bond. I feel this longing after
the very idea. She would rather die than become Strahd’s bride. Her dark premonitions have left something that I lost, I do not know
her anxious and prepared for the other shoe to drop all her life, and now she is not afraid to face what. Something… or someone?
Strahd in the least—if this is how it ends for her, so be it! In a very real way, finally being able to Flaw. Deep down, I don’t believe there
name the devil as a concrete threat has emboldened and encouraged her. is a future for me.
Befriending Ireena can be a strange experience. She fiercely, almost defiantly, embraces life
and cherishes every moment. You can see her hunger for life burning in her eyes every waking
moment. At the same time, she is bound to drift off into bouts of a bottomless and inexplicable melancholia, seemingly out of nowhere,
overcome by the sense of fate and doom that has followed her for as long as she can remember.
Arrigal Weals and Woes Just as Arrigal’s presence can aid the party, he
might be trouble in some situations:
Horseman (Joker 2) There are several possible advantages to
● Arrigal is a Vistana, and one who has
Arrigal is a Vistana who resides in the camp having Arrigal in the party:
openly served Strahd his entire life. His
outside Vallaki, which he controls with his ● Arrigal is an assassin, which likely makes reputation precedes him, and the party
older brother Luvash. The party can also him the most capable offensive ally the may even encounter some of his past
meet him at the very start of the adventure, party can find in Barovia. If all his attacks victims—or their blessed bereaved. The
as he is the courier who delivers Strahd’s hit, he can dish out a whopping average of best anyone who chooses to associate with
forged invitation in the Plea for Help 74 damage per turn! him can hope for from most Barovians is
adventure hook. ● With expertise in Stealth, for an instant damnation.
impressive +9 modifier, Arrigal is an ● Arrigal is arrogant and full of himself.
Arrigal’s Motivation extremely capable scout and ambusher. He is used to taking what he wants and
Arrigal has been an unquestioning servant ● Arrigal knows thieves’ cant and likely has unconcerned about his own reputation.
of Strahd his entire life, which makes him many connections to Barovia’s criminals This can become a problem for the
one of the more unlikely allies for the party. and other unsavory folk. He knows one party, when his actions taint them by
However, he is also exceedingly confident additional language besides Common, association.
and sees himself as a younger and better likely Elvish since he lives with dusk elves; ● The greatest problem about Arrigal is
version of Strahd—he will take his chance to this can also give him connections to this his dark ambition: he will help eliminate
usurp the ruler of Barovia if it presents itself. dwindling folk. Strahd, but only to take his place as lord
● The party might even use Arrigal as a of Barovia! He never risks his own hide for
Earning Arrigal’s Trust double agent against Strahd, if they figure
out their connection. He might easily deal
the party or their cause—and once they
achieve their common goal, he will betray
Arrigal is deeply traditional, which means he with Rahadin or other of Strahd’s minions. them. He is smart enough to plan out his
trusts his elder Madam Eva and her wisdom ● As the co-leader of one of the two Vistani move, and skilled enough in Deception
as an oracle. He accepts the card reading of camps in Barovia, he commands respect to keep his plans secret from the party.
Madam Eva as his true fate—especially as he among his people (even if born out of A single assassin might not seem like a
sees it as a supernatural confirmation of his fear). great threat to the party by the time they
own ambitions. He does, however, require confront Strahd, until they have to deal
some sort of proof for Madam Eva’s reading with him after an all-out fight to the death
or some sign he can interpret as confirmation with the devil! Arrigal will stab them in
that these washed-up adventurers before him the back when they are at their most
are indeed the key to his destiny. vulnerable.

You’re pretty, I’ll give you that—don’t think that

gives your opinions any weight, though.
Roleplaying Arrigal
Arrigal oozes machismo—he is a man in his prime, muscular and lithe, handsome with his
chiseled chin and long black mane, and he has a confident swagger to his step. He knows that Personality
there are few in Barovia who could oppose him and survive, and he has no qualms about taking I take what I want—who’s going to stop
advantage of that. me, you? I enjoy the good things in life:
Arrigal is a casually evil man who sees the fear of others as a sign of his own strength. He is also wine, women, and song!
a perfect opportunist—if he can get away with it and it will advance his goals, he will do it. Arrigal
also is a narcissist who does not care about the opinions of others, which he finds beneath his Ideal. I’m younger, more handsome,
concern. He does have a has a very high opinion of himself, however. He does not mind getting and just as cut out to be a ruler as
his hands dirty, especially if the work plays into his particular set of skills, but he won’t do Strahd—I’d make a better lord of
anything that he finds demeaning or that could put him in real danger. Choking a man to death Barovia!
in his sleep? Sure! Crawling through the sewers or charging Strahd in an open field? Certainly Bond. The traditions of the Vistani are
not! sacred, and pretty much the only thing
Despite his high opinion of himself, Arrigal does not exactly exude charisma. He may think I truly respect.
himself charming, especially with the ladies, but he usually just comes across as sleazy. Flaw. I’m overconfident and have
never really experienced failure or
been denied something I couldn’t take
by force.
Davian Martikov Weals and Woes Just as Davian’s presence can aid the party, he
might be trouble in some situations:
Raven (Queen of Clubs) There are several possible advantages to
● Davian has not survived this long
Davian Martikov is the head of the family having Davian in the party:
by flashing around his identity as a
that runs the Wizard of Wines vineyard, ● The Martikovs are the only source of wereraven. He is exceedingly reluctant to
which supplies wine to all of Barovia. He and wine in Barovia—which is, in many ways, risk using his abilities in a situation that
his entire extended family are wereravens, the life’s blood of the valley, and the might expose him—he has his family to
and members of the Keepers of the Feather, only glimmer of joy and hope to many think about as well! This has overriding
a secret society of wereravens opposed to Barovians. Having Davian along can open priority to him—this party might yet fail,
Strahd. doors to the party. but as long as the Keepers of the Feather
● Access to a flying speed of 50 feet, at will, remain, hope lives on.
Davian’s Motivation can be immensely useful, even if Davian ● Davian is a curmudgeonly old man, who’s
Davian has opposed Strahd his entire life, cannot share it with anyone in the party. best years are well behind him. This does
working tirelessly with the Keepers of the In raven form, this also makes Davian a not show in his stats, but it should show in
Feather to thwart the devil in whatever small perfectly inconspicuous spy. his behavior. He is likely to try and avoid
ways they could. He has longed to bring ● Despite his age, Davian is a surprisingly combat, reluctant to operate away from
down Strahd all his life, but it seemed an hardy fighter, owing to his supernatural the security of the party, often argues for
impossibility—until now! wereraven abilities. Most notable among the most straightforward approach to any
them is his unusual Regeneration feature, problem, and it is almost impossible to
Earning Davian’s Trust which can keep him alive pretty much
indefinitely—unless hit with a silvered
change his mind once he has voiced his
opinion. This inflexibility could hinder the
Davian does not need much convincing to weapon. party when quick decisions are required.
see that this new group of adventurers is ● Davian is a member of the Keepers of the ● As the patriarch of the Martikovs and
different, especially if they helped his family Feather, a cabal of wereravens opposing leader of the Keepers of the Feather,
by eliminating Wintersplinter or retrieving Strahd. His connections can provide the Davian is used to being obeyed. His take-
the magical gem that Baba Lysaga stole. party with access to the most extensive charge and commanding nature may not
He sees them as his last chance to finally network of spies and quickest means of sit well with adventuring parties who
do something permanent about Strahd. communication across all of Barovia. expect him to follow in their footsteps.
However, he wants his affairs in order before
joining them on what is likely to be his last
flight. If the characters agree to accompany
him to reconcile with his estranged son
Urwin, he is at ease and joins them against
Strahd.

You have some nerve, to ruffle an old man’s

feathers before he’s had his tea...
Roleplaying Davian Martikov
Davian is an old-school patriarch. He can come across as a condescending, thick-headed
reactionary, and is used to being obeyed and not have his opinions criticized. He is not a bigot, Personality
however—he values each and every member of his family greatly (even his son Urwin, who he is Those who can, do—those who can’t…
currently at odds with), and he harbors no particular prejudices against anyone but those who well, they need to quit their whining! I
serve Strahd. can never show my distress to others—
He has grown opinionated and inflexible mainly due to the huge burden that has rested on his they all rely on me, and they must
shoulders since a young age: maintaining the Wizard of Wines against all misfortunes. He was never lose confidence in me!
unprepared for inheriting this responsibility when his father died young in a werewolf attack,
and when his whole family looked to him as an anchor, he had nobody else to lean on for council Ideal. I want to see a Barovia free of
or emotional support. Strahd, it would allow me to die content.
He has lived up to the expectations heaped upon him, but he has grown rigid under them. His Bond. The Wizard of Wines has provided
heart is still in the right place, but the scars left on it from a harsh and sorrowful life will never hope to Barovians for generations, and
heal. He is not a kind grandfatherly figure, but remains an imposing and, at times, imperious I won’t be the Martikov who lets it fail!
patriarch who is used to being obeyed. He does not ask for help even when he might need it, Flaw. I have grown inflexible and scoff
since he believes that a man in his position must solve his own problems if he wants to continue at opinions that don’t happen to align
to lead. with my own.
Pidlwick II Weals and Woes Just as Pidlwick’s presence can aid the party,
he might be trouble in some situations:
Marionette (Jack of Hearts) There are several possible advantages to
● Communication with Pidlwick is difficult,
Pidlwick II is a clockwork effigy made in the having Pidlwick in the party:
since it cannot speak, read, or write.
image of the late fool and jester Pidlwick— ● Pidlwick has dwelled in Castle Ravenloft It understands Common, but it can
late, because Pidlwick II pushed him down a for centuries, and knows every nook effectively only communicate by mime
flight of stairs in Castle Ravenloft! The little and cranny—having used many of them or possibly sketches. This may lead to
effigy could never entertain people like its as spots to launch deadly ambushes misunderstandings and even frustration—
namesake could, and thus succumbed to a on visitors unappreciative of its and if Pidlwick gets frustrated, it is prone
jealous rage. entertainment. It can lead the characters to doing silly things… silly and murderous
Pidlwick II was commissioned by Duchess anywhere they want to visit, warn them of things. This can be an annoying trait for
Dorfniya Dilisnya as present to Sergei and dangers it knows of, and point out places the party to deal with, so consider giving
Tatyana, when she unsuccessfully courted of interest they may have missed. it the ability to learn at least rudimentary
Strahd, before his fall. Pidlwick II today hides ● Pidlwick’s performance skills are writing or sign language, if taught!
on the highest tower of Castle Ravenloft rudimentary, and it falls squarely into the ● More often than not, Pidlwick will creep
(chapter 5, area K57). category of “cute, but creepy.” However, it out its audience in its efforts to entertain.
still loves to perform and can thus serve This can quickly upset it, turning a playful
Pidlwick’s Motivation as distraction. And, who knows, it might performance into a murderous rampage.
All Pidlwick wants is to entertain! Strahd have an actual moment some day and ● Pidlwick is fragile and doesn’t deal much
himself never had any appreciation for unexpectedly delight someone the party damage, but flings itself into combat with
a fool’s entertainment, and Pidlwick has needs on their side! gleeful abandon, and at the drop of a hat.
been languishing in the deserted castle for ● Pidlwick is a construct, and as such If they don’t protect it, the party might not
centuries—despising and fearing Strahd. immune to poison, paralyzation, and get to enjoy their new companion for long.
petrification. It can safely traverse
Earning Pidlwick’s Trust areas that could be potentially deadly
to the characters. In many ways, being
Winning over Pidlwick is simple. If the sad a construct can give Pidlwick some
and lonely construct finds an appreciative advantages only undead creatures
audience in the party, it would do anything otherwise have in Barovia. Since the list
for them! Anything. of useful characteristics of Pidlwick as
an ally is short, keep these features in
mind and apply them liberally wherever
appropriate!

...
Roleplaying Pidlwick II
Pidlwick is a tragic figure. It only wants to bring joy to people, but all it seems capable of
eliciting is revulsion. This frustrates Pidlwick, like a child who only craves love but only Personality
receives rejection. Pidlwick is not truly evil, just damaged by being treated like a discarded toy I never give up, no matter how often
for centuries. This makes it prone to terrible rages, but equally itching for any small signs of I’m rejected. I want to be the center of
acknowledgment. Pidlwick wants to please, and all its behavior is aimed at delighting anyone it attention, all the time—and if I can’t
meets—even after countless bad experiences. If someone shows it the appreciation it craves, it make people laugh, I’ll make them
quickly grows attached and possessive like a small puppy. scream!
Unfortunately, this puppy has a deadly club and remains emotionally unstable even at the
best of times. Pidlwick is prone to psychotic breaks, and when it sees red it cannot be reasoned Ideal. I wish I could make people happy.
with—except, maybe, by someone it has grown fiercely attached to, who never showed any signs Bond. I would like to find someone—
of rejecting it. Pidlwick can swing between murder and complete docility within seconds, wich anyone—who isn’t afraid of me and who
makes its behavior highly erratic. enjoys my company.
Flaw. When I’m upset, I do bad things.