Deborah Chan
In the Curse of Strahd, Strahd is destined to never be with Ireena/Tatyana. Strahd's wedding is the setting for the final showdown, where he flaunts his 'victory' and goads the players. If the players fail, Ireena dies, and the Curse of Strahd continues. Strahd is aware of the players' presence and artefacts, and he may try to charm Ireena before the wedding. The Abbot may also crash the wedding, offering his flesh golem, Vasilka, as a bride to Strahd. So, will you die if you go to Strahd's wedding? It depends on whether you can save Ireena and stop Strahd.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wedding location | Ravenloft |
| Couple | Strahd and Ireena/Tatyana |
| Wedding guests | Adventurers, PCs, NPCs, prominent guests |
| Strahd's intention | Gloating, showing off his "win", dispatching guests |
| Ireena's intention | She would rather die than marry Strahd |
| Abbot's intention | To offer his flesh golem, Vasilka, to Strahd instead |
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What You'll Learn
Strahd's wedding to Ireena
In the Curse of Strahd module for D&D 5e, it is implied that Strahd's ultimate goal is to marry his beloved Tatyana, also known as Ireena Kolyana. Strahd has been hunting Ireena for centuries, wearing the mask of a gentleman, and wanting to make her fall in love with him. He desires a grand wedding with all of Barovia in attendance, including the adventurers, to humiliate them before he drains Ireena of her life.
However, the Dark Powers will never allow Strahd to possess Tatyana, and various incarnations of her have ended up dead. It is believed that even if Strahd were to marry Ireena, she would die on the night of the wedding or soon afterward. One suggestion is that the adventurers could kill Ireena before the wedding to "save" her from Strahd, unleashing his full fury for the remainder of the campaign.
Some players have shared their experiences with Strahd's wedding to Ireena. One player mentions that Strahd and his minions are willing to take innocent wedding guests hostage to manipulate the PCs. Another player describes a scenario where Strahd shows up at Ireena's father's funeral, raising the corpses in the graveyard as zombies to distract the characters and attempt to kidnap Ireena.
Despite Strahd's desires, it is clear that the wedding is destined for disaster. Even if the PCs fail to prevent the wedding, Ireena is fated never to be Strahd's, and her death or separation from him is inevitable. This outcome aligns with the premise of the campaign, where Strahd, despite his power, will never obtain his beloved.
In conclusion, attending Strahd's wedding to Ireena in the Curse of Strahd campaign is likely to be a dangerous endeavor. While it may provide an opportunity to confront Strahd directly, the possibility of dying or being taken hostage is ever-present. The wedding itself is a dramatic and pivotal moment in the campaign, setting the stage for the final showdown between the adventurers and Strahd.
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Ireena's fate
Ireena Kolyana is a reincarnation of Tatyana, Strahd von Zarovich's lost love. Strahd is determined to get Ireena in his grasp, but the Dark Powers always intervene, and Tatyana's reincarnations end up dead. Ireena is fated never to be Strahd's.
In one scenario, Strahd tries to impress Ireena with a wedding, but he must fail. Ireena dies or is separated from Strahd in some way. If Strahd succeeds in marrying Ireena, she dies on the night of the wedding. In another scenario, Ireena dies off-screen, and the party only finds out later. Strahd takes her from Izek, and she throws herself from a bridge rather than marry him.
In another variation, Ireena is reunited with Sergei von Zarovich, Tatyana's former fiancé, in a blessed pool. Sergei's spirit takes Ireena to a place where Strahd can't harm her, and she is safe with him.
Some players suggest that Ireena should always die so that the Curse of Strahd can continue eternally as intended.
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Strahd's minions
Greeting the Guests
In the first act of the Wedding at Ravenloft, Strahd's minions would be involved in welcoming the guests to Castle Ravenloft. This includes mingling with the guests and ensuring their compliance with Strahd's sacred hospitality rules.
The Ceremony
During the wedding ceremony, Strahd's minions may be present as witnesses to the unholy union. They contribute to the tense atmosphere, knowing that Strahd's victory in acquiring Tatyana could lead to dire consequences for everyone involved.
The Reception
After the ceremony, Strahd's minions betray the adventurers. They may receive commands from Strahd to attack those who are not allied with him. This betrayal marks the end of guest privileges and the beginning of Castle Ravenloft's dungeon mode.
The Devil's Wedding Night
In the final act, Strahd's minions continue to serve their master, aiding him in his plans and potentially hindering the adventurers' progress. They may also be involved in side quests or encounters within the castle.
It is important to note that Strahd's minions are loyal to him and act as extensions of his will. Their actions are driven by Strahd's desires, whether it is to capture Ireena, betray the adventurers, or carry out his commands during the wedding night. The minions' presence and actions contribute to the overall atmosphere of dread, uncertainty, and danger that permeates the Wedding at Ravenloft.
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The Abbot's role
The Abbot plays a significant role in the Wedding at Ravenloft in the Curse of Strahd. He believes that Strahd's infatuation with Ireena, also known as Tatyana, could be complicated, so he invites the players to an "engagement party" for his bride to Strahd. The Abbot's plan is to have Ireena drowned, suggesting that her friends would be the best ones to do it.
The Abbot has the ability to Commune and receive twisted responses from the Dark Powers, which he uses to his advantage. He is depicted as a calm, creepy, religious zealot with a particular interest in the female player's hands. The party fears him as they believe he is highly dangerous, and they are correct in assuming that he will take matters into his own hands if they do not comply with his wishes.
The Abbot's ultimate goal is to transplant Ireena's face onto his flesh golem, Vasilka, so that Strahd will love the golem instead. This fits with the themes of Ravenloft: despair, horror, and a twisted macabre.
During the wedding, the Abbot presides over the ceremony. If he is still alive, he crashes the wedding to object, offering Vasilka as a bride to Strahd instead.
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The final showdown
Greeting the Guests
Adventurers arrive at Castle Ravenloft and are expected to swear an oath of hospitality and mingle with the guests. This is an opportunity for them to explore the castle discreetly. The guests include various NPCs, such as dusk elves led by Kasimir Velikov, and prominent figures like the Abbot, who presides over the ceremony. Strahd's allies are present, and their allegiance will play a role in the upcoming battle.
The Ceremony
The wedding ceremony between Strahd and his bride, Ireena, is the main event. Strahd, triumphant after pursuing Tatyana for centuries, cannot resist gloating over his victory. The adventurers, witnessing the wedding, must decide whether to intervene directly or wait for a more opportune moment. Strahd's undead minions and brides are present in the hall, ready to attack anyone who opposes the union.
The Reception
After the ceremony, Strahd relishes his triumph and departs for his marital chamber. This is when he betrays the adventurers, signaling the end of guest privileges. Strahd's minions attack, and the castle enters dungeon mode. The adventurers must navigate through the castle to confront Strahd directly.
The Devil's Wedding Night
The final act takes place on the balcony, where the adventurers face Strahd. The Dark Powers intervene, ensuring that Strahd cannot have his happy ending with Tatyana. The adventurers have the chance to defeat Strahd, but the curse of Barovia persists—Strahd will always return, and Tatyana is doomed to die before him, only to be reborn into another cycle of misery.
Aftermath
The adventurers might escape Barovia after the wedding, but the curse of Strahd continues. The land remains under his tormented rule, and the souls of those who die are trapped, unable to find peace or escape from Strahd's grasp.
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Frequently asked questions
Strahd's wedding is an opportunity for a big showdown with him. It is an immaculately planned event with many guests and prominent NPCs. Strahd will gloat about his victory and then leave for his marital bed, signalling his minions to attack the adventurers.
Strahd is trapped by dark powers. The nature of his curse is that if he tries to claim Tatyana, she will die. Strahd will never have a happy ending. He will live on in torment for eternity without hope of escape. Tatyana will never love him, and she will die before he does.
Strahd's wedding is a dangerous event. The deck is stacked heavily against the adventurers. Either they triumph and live forevermore as heroes, or they die.
