The Vampire's History

"In life, I was a count, a prince, soldier and a conquerer. After the death of my father, King Barov, I waged long, bloody wars against my families enemies. I cornered the last of these enemies in a remote valley and named it Barovia.

My mother, Queen Ravenovia, hated the death of my father and became fearful of me. She even kept my brother Sergei, from the battlefield. I hated the affection she showed me in favor of him so I remained in Barovia. Since the battles were won and peace was upon the land, I became restless. I feared my best years were behind me. I refused to go as my father before me and thus, I studied the Dark Powers of the Shadowfell in return for immortality.

I built a castle in Barovia and named it Ravenloft after my mother. I commanded she bring my brother and come live with me but on her journey, she passed. I mourned for days which became weeks. 

My life was forever changed by the young woman who stole my heart. Tatyana, my love, we should have had a long and prosperous life together. Yet, you chose my brother, and while my pride would not allow me to prevent your marriage, my love for you could not allow it to happen. Yes, I murdered my own brother but it was the only way for us to be together. I drank his blood and sealed the pact which gave me immortality. I wanted you to join me in that life, never worrying about death. Instead, you chose to hurl yourself from the balcony of the highest tower of Ravenloft to the rocks below. For over 200 years I have pondered the question of why you would choose death over eternal life? It matters not anymore. I will continue to search for your reincarnation until the day I am finally sent to a permanent grave."

Translated and paraphrased to first person from the Curse of Strahd Adventure module by Wizards of the Coast.  The author takes no credit of the following writing in this blog. This is intended for purely background knowledge of the group blog.