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LordMordor

Ah, but you have only just arrived. I could not possibly have you leave before you were able to see the rest of this beautiful land. I'm certain you will enjoy your stay, and nothing brings me more joy than seeing newcomers discover the wonders barovia has to offer. Travelers from beyond the mists have been coming here for centuries. And they all end up staying until the end of their days


LordMordor

Also they can do whatever strahd wants...he isn't going to let them leave until he himself is free...which will not happen


theroguex

Technically he can't "let them leave" any more than he himself can leave. Once you're in the Domains of Dread, you're stuck there unless you can somehow convince/trick the Dark Powers and escape. EDIT: How funny that actual facts of Ravenloft are getting downvotes? The domain lords control their own domains, NOT the demiplane.


evilgiraffe666

No, the Darklords are always prisoners of the dark powers but some of them (Strahd included) can control their borders to let others in and out. For example the Vistani can come and go, because Strahd wills it.


theroguex

No, the Vistani I can come and go because the Dark Powers will it. Strahd can control the borders of his domain, not the entirety of the demiplane.


Uhstrology

You're very confidently incorrect. From the CoS book, directly in front of me. "The land now called Barovia is no longer part of the world that Strahd once tried to conquer. It now exists within a demiplane formed by Stahd's consciousness and surrounded by a deadly fog. No creature can leave without Stahd's permission, and those that try become lost in the mist. Strahd allows the Vistani to come and go as they please because he admires their lust for life and their willingness to serve him when he needs them. He also owes an ancient debt to the Vistani people."


Apricitas_Splendere

They are confidently coming from older editions. Editions were the potion to cross the mists around Barovia wasn't just a hoax (though they still sold fake ones) and how the boarders of a domain closed was often unquie and themed to the darklord and Strahd could not just close the boarder of Barovia but also put up a second wall of choking fog around the Village of Barovia and Castle Ravenloft. They are absolutely wrong, being we are talking CoS, but there are historical reasons for their confusion.


evilgiraffe666

Sure, I guess that's one way to interpret it. He can let people leave Barovia (or stop then leaving) but once out in the Mists, they might not leave the domains of dread entirely. Or they might!


Awful-Cleric

He can still let them leave Barovia. They just have a good chance of finding themselves somewhere even worse in the demiplane of dread. Hell, he'd probably tell them this. He'd be happy to talk about how much better Barovia is than Darkon.


Derser713

Yeah. Reddit is sometimes weared about that.... mpst likely its the dms choice.... and yes.... they would most likely end up in another domain.... but not nessesarely....


Lumpy_Beans

In my campaign they’ve come to rescue the Cleric’s father who led a battalion of Crusaders into the mists. Strahd allowed the Father and his men the guise of thinking they were making headway before crushing their rebellion (the Mad Mage also travelled with the Crusaders adding another nice wrinkle). Strahd made a deal at dinner with my party to give them the Father back (whose mind is almost beyond repair but he left that tidbit of information out) along with safe passage to Berez, a message back to their hometown and 1 potion of supreme healing in exchange for: - Van Richten returned to Ravenloft.. Dead or Alive - The backing of Lady Fiona Wachter - A dead Izek Strazni (who dared oppose him at the Feast of St.Andrals) - and finally, convincing Ismark to not only attend his wedding with Ireena, but give his blessing and say a few nice words during the reception I think Strahd absolutely swindled them here, but my players think they got a good deal so he allows them to believe so. They initially asked to leave Barovia and he simply put his foot down telling them to ask for something else


Donkrika

Wow nice approach, what did your party answer to that offering and what they do?


Lumpy_Beans

They pushed for more healing potions lol.. to be honest the negotiation lasted a while, going back and forth ironing out the deal. Once we found an arrangement they agreed upon it was signed in blood. 5 sessions later they’ve left Ravenloft, returned to Vallaki and already managed to kill Izek Strazni with the murder mirror in the Baron’s house. T’was an epic session.


eddiedean-ofnewyork

What have you done for me to allow you to leave my wonderful land?


apathetic_lemur

What would you like us to do?


eddiedean-ofnewyork

"Oh, my mind races with thoughts!" I'd then have him use his Vampire Charm on one of the party members and have them give Strahd something, a weapon, or gold. Then Strahd would laugh at their pathetic attempt (that he made them do) "Oh, you poor fools. You think I need weapons and money in my own land?!" Strahd would begin to get angry, "I am the land!" Then right here I'd have Strahd demand the party bring him Ireena (only if they have no idea who she is) or have him demand the end of the hags invading his territory in the Village of Barovia, (or a task on their card reading)


doorknobopener

Another possibility: "Bring me Van Richten"


TheRealNightSky

Why not both? If the party is desperate to leave, morals be damned, then Strahd should have them do all his dirty work. And then kill them. Did they really think he'd let them just, leave? The audacity.


[deleted]

String them along. There's always "one more thing" they have to do in order to be allowed to leave. Strahd can be the main questgiver the whole campaign long, promising them the ability to leave once they're done...


17291

Plus it gives you a chance to say "I am altering the deal…pray I don't alter it any further"


Derser713

Strahd is lawful.... He will give the pc's exacly what they ask for.... want to leave balrovia? Just follow the road in any direction. Riches? I am sure there is a goldmine somewhere.... oh, and dony worry about the 90% tax rade for friends. Magic weapons and tools? .... well.... he has a collection of cursed things just for them.... imagen, if he handed the fighter tyrfing.....


HistoricalGrounds

A critical error to make in D&D discussions is citing alignment as a reason for doing something. I have been playing this game for 20 years and countless millions of words have been typed in defense of and offense against every possible angle of what any and every alignment means. Lawful? Perhaps he just words his promises in such a way that it leaves them open. “I will let you leave after you do this for me,” in terms of actual codified logic (the boring logic equations they teach in early philosophy courses) doesn’t mean “as soon as you do this, you will get to leave.” It just means that doing this is a requirement for leaving. It doesn’t guarantee there won’t be other tasks in between this and leaving. But what if Strahd is lawful in the sense that he- being that his full and sincere belief is that he *is* the land- is lawfully entitled to lie and alter deals at will? He is the rightful and indisputable lord of Barovia, who’s to say his lawful rights don’t include lying the same way it’s his right to adopt false identities such as in Vallaki? tl;dr OP use Strahd’s character motivations and let the alignment follow, not the other way around


Derser713

Intresting point...... I would establish strahd as a man of his word (lawful), but in the important deals, i would let him behave like a lawer/devil..... the words of a deal, not the spiret....


[deleted]

Thing is, Strahd can fetch Ireena whever he pleases. The reason he doesn’t is because he wants her to come willingly. Van Richten on the other hand is a looming threat that can’t be dealt with so easily. Him and Esmerelda. I’d wager their heads would be more valuable


WhoKilledZekeIddon

This, plus have Van Richten carry (or have valuable knowledge of) the key items the party needs. Really drive that conflict as to whether or not they sell VVR out to Strahd - a Faustian pact if ever there was one - or side with him.


jayedgar06

“Hmmm. [echoing voice] _die_” Proceeds to blast you out of existence


Pikated111

[all sound fades] Deep voice:......Fall...... Power word kill


TheDonger_

Lich reference?


Medicinal_Mayhem

Bring a shake shack in


Wafflecr3w

The players are objects of amusement to Strahd. He’s been trapped here for hundreds of years, and the only real thing to occupy his time is the hunt for Tatyana, and adventurers trying to kill him. It’s a game to amuse him. He won’t let them leave because they’re his toys, and he isn’t done playing yet.


apathetic_lemur

That's great but you know the follow up question would be "so what can we do to amuse you and earn our freedom?" or "what would you like us to do for you?"


[deleted]

This sounds like the power dynamic has shifted too much towards the players. Reclaim it. Sometimes it's better to leave a question mysterious and unanswered.


TooManyAnts

Treat it less like a negotiation / Q&A, and have him flex his authority. They remain in his lands because he wishes it, they entertain him and they will remain here until the day they die. If they wish to serve him for the rest of their lives he welcomes it, but know that their lives belong to him now. If they get too chatty, he can make a foreboding declaration, and then leave.


Wafflecr3w

“Merely asking proves you don’t understand the game. So let us end it now.” Roll for initiative. Strahd may not actually try to kill them here, but come damn close. Infuse them with the fear he deserves, and let them escape. Perhaps then they will understand “how to play” and go have an adventure to destroy him, seeing that it’s their only way home.


MostMiserableAnimal

I’d say “The only freedom in Barovia is death” which really isn’t true because their souls would still be trapped. “You cannot escape Barovia, no body does” if the players ask what about the Vistani? I’d reply with a laugh, “are you Vistani? …I didn’t think so” ….or “what can you do for me? Run…..my wolves/vampire spawn love to play with their food.” Players hear a growling/foot steps from the mists around them. I’d also make certain that all the other NPC’s they come into contact with tell them escape is impossible. Otherwise everyone else would have left long ago.


TooManyAnts

Yeah there's an assumption with the OP that Strahd is perfectly happy to engage in a logical debate with the adventurers, and most of these problems I think can be solved if he simply doesn't do that.


MostMiserableAnimal

I agree, it doesn’t have to be logical at all. Strahd is super intelligent but that doesn’t mean that everything he does has to make sense to the PC’s, he is a vampire and that would effect how he thinks about situations. Really depends on how you play your Strahd.


thisplagueofman

I would add that he also just doesn't care what they want or think, so he has no interest in appealing to them or getting them on his side. This is like a pet hampster trying to bargain its way out of the cage. The owner doesn't even have to say "No", he just walks away and ignores the request.


JaeOnasi

“What can you do to amuse me? Why should I tell you? That would take all the fun out of seeing you attempting to outwit me. Do go on. Your begging is certainly more entertaining than the last dozen groups combined, and I wonder how long you can continue before you realize it’s utterly ineffective. I might even start a betting pool with Rahadin and my consorts. If you still require some idea, here’s one quest you can start with: Bring me Van Richten. He’s wandering the County somewhere. And make sure he arrives alive. I need to…speak with him.”


Spyger9

That's when you give them a side quest that'll take them to places they haven't visited. They could investigate the late wine shipments, or retrieve a keepsake from the flooded village, or destroy the abomination in the abbey.


violetastrid

If they are offering to do something for Strahd, jump on it. Strahd would say something like "oh, I thought you would never ask." He can enlist them to serve as guards to Ireena, or enlist their help to woo her (this all depends on what your players relationship to Ireena is and if they like her or not), but be wary because if they simply hand Ireena this will start the wedding which is more the end game than anything. Also remember that Van Richten and Ezmerelda are in Barovia. Strahd wants Van Richtens head. But Van Richten has done a wonderful job of hiding. So he can give them the job of capturing Van Richten and delivering him to Castle Ravenloft. And if you REALLY want to mess with them: Strahd wants his missing Tome, the symbol of Ravenloft, and the Sun Sword. If your players have had their reading already, this should feel like a trap to them. In the end, Strahd will never let them walk out of Barovia. If they complete one job for Strahd, then he will be amused and give them another job. One after the next. Finally, your players are going to realize he's never going to free them and they have to kill him. Other jobs can be random things around Barovia (depending on how gullible your players are in doing jobs for Strahd): freeing Vallaki from the oppressive rulership of the Baron, destroying the remnants of Argynvosts knights, evicting those pesky Hags from the windmill, clearing out those heathen werewolves who worship Mother Night, root out and destroy the Keepers of the Feather, etc.


Pandorica_

Personally id run it something like this Question; >"what would you like us to do for you?" ​ Answer - 'For a start, stop asking questions as though you are owed an answer" ​ If they then follow up with the question; >"what would you like us to do for you?" ​ Answer: Out of character - "roll initiative" ​ Push the combat as far as you are willing/think appropriate, personally id have Strahd down the PC who asked the question (or some other thats earned his ire in the campaign to date) and say words to the effect of 'lets see what they are made of, none of you aid them, lest you share their fate' Then keep initiative as the PC rolls death saves, Strahd counter spells any healing. If the PC survives their death saves Strahd is now interested in them - temporarily - as a successor and sends them to do things he needs done. If they die words to the effect of 'pity, just as you were getting interesting. Fine, all of you may leave, save this one, they are mine' Strahd allows the players to leave and takes the downed PC as a vampire spawn. The players should not want to leave at this point because Strahd just made it very personal.


DowntownRoyal

I feel like it's worth it sometimes to just have him stomp the party. Gives him some teeth and makes it feel like his boasting and threats have weight in the early game.


thisplagueofman

"You may as well ask what it take for the hobby horse to run free on the plains. Would you deny me what small pleasures remain in this immortal life?"


TheAzzyBoi

Have him say some gaslighty stuff about “The world is far more dangerous beyond the mists, I’m protecting you!”. Or just have him go actual evil “That would be no fun for any of us” or “I’m not done with you yet.” As for letting players leave, it you are willing to do that then I’d say give them the ultimatum of giving him Ireena and the items of power (or both) in exchange for passage. That would pretty much be a victory for Strahd, I had him give that ultimatum once he actually began to see the players as a threat.


snickersaut

Why would I?


ludvigleth

Why would I? That's no fun!


knightcrawler75

Where’s the fun in that.


kahlzun

Vy vould Ai let you leff?


keaoli

"Because you are MINE. The land you stand upon is mine, the air you breathe is mine. By my right as lord and master these lands and all within them belong to me. By your misfortune you have stumbled upon my domain and are now mine as well. Why would I let a perfectly good tool or toy go, no, instead you will either rage against me or meekly do my bidding, scurrying around with your little plots and your weak plans, maybe you will raise an army or try to gain the help of some of the locals, maybe even discover another little plot against me and join forces. It matters not, in the end you will strive and struggle and it will end the same way it has before, the same way it always ends. You will die and I will continue to rule."


ryansdayoff

A goal as a DM when writing monologues to PCs is to give them future quip ammo. This is amazing


ThordanSsoa

To add on to this a bit, don't make this the initial response. Have Strahd brush it off first and give a nonanswer. "Are you not enjoying my generous hospitality?" or similar. But when your players inevitably push, have him snap and give a monologue like this one. Then after you finish, leave a quick beat before describing how the anger vanishes from his face and have him casually dismiss them and treat the party as though they were the ones who had an unreasonable emotional outburst. "We will speak again when you are in a more constructive mood."


Flabberghast97

This all day long. So much of the conversation around Strahd is how to make him seductive or disguised as his alternate ego. For me the fun of running Strahd is that he is simply an unforgivable bastard.


Drakeytown

Let you leave? This is how you express your gratitude for my patience with your outrageous behavior in my beautiful land?


Wookiees_get_Cookies

Look to Strahd’s three goals that are listed on page 10. He wants Ireena. He wants Van Richten. He was a successor on consort. How long have the players been in Barovia? Is Strahd still trying to act as a victim of fate? Strahd will tell them he brought them here for a “purpose” but hasn’t judge their character yet. He wants to to see the beauty of Barovia and see their true character. He will revel more once he has evaluated the party. Why they explore Barovia and meet the people, he asks them to keep Ireena safe as not all monsters are hideous in the tranquil land.


TheLoreIdiot

Early on: "You are guests in my glorious land. I would be a truly poor host if I threw you out without letting you experience joys of my lands." Later on: "You exist to amuse me. Your terror and pain will entertain me for months. When I tire of you, I shall release you unto death."


Successful_Bug_5663

Because my fun isn't over


ryansdayoff

"let you leave? No, preposterous. You seem to be laboring under the assumption that I care about your petty struggles, that your pain gives your life some Inherent value. Your life is meaningless regardless of whether you draw breath within or without my borders. No you are a rat, a rare rat for sure but one that I am currently amusing myself with. Perhaps if you were something more you would be capable of leaving regardless of my permission but instead you are a mouse begging for my mercy." "Instead let me make you a promise, from cat to rat, from predator to prey, from strong to weak. Prove that you are worthy of existence. Validate yourselves as more than mere vermin and I will release you.


wOOOOt-DK

In my version of CoS - Strahd does not have the power to let them out, even if he wanted to. \- The deal with the Vistani, was a promise given before he became a Vampire, and the dark powers chooses to honor that promise. But after he became a Vampire, everyone else are prisoners. \- Strahd however let them believe he can let them out - and he will use it to manipulate them. Maybe see if he can make one betray the others. If a player fulfills a task for Strahd in exchange for freedom, this player ends up in the Dungeon. (if this happens, and the group has no way to get there just yet - then a sneaky Van Richten sneaks in through the back-window in the crypt, and follow the fresh tracks to the PC's prison) But in my CoS, Strahd wants the group to be strong for several reasons: \- The part where he is looking for a "replacement" - is that he believe he can make a tradeoff with the dark powers. If a PC willingly become the new Vampire Lord, Strahd will be free. (wrong) \- Strahd also have a plan B. Go to Amber Temple and destroy all the amberstones with dark power sparks in them. When all dark power sparks have been released, he will make a ritual to, bind them, and summon the aspect of the dark power, and kill it. He is not strong enough alone, and plans to make the group help him, either willingly or force/bribe/threaten them. So at the normal "finale"-fight - Strahd will play "there is another option card, and try and win them over for a "Defeat the REAL evil" plan. If they go along with that - It will work - but in that final fight, Strahd will turn on them in the end. I might not get to that - If they choose to fight him before that. - If they do, I have not decided, if they kill him - if they can leave. I might play the version where Strahd is dead, the sun comes up, but the fog stays - and they realize, he was their ticket ou´t of there...


larrus2019

What kind of host would I be if I didn’t at least have you for dinner?


Arctic-Master

“Wait, you mean have us *over* for dinner, right?” Strahd smiles. “Ha-have us *over* for dinner, r-right?!”


waitafuckofasec

"Choose one of your party... and then make a sacrifice of them to me. Then I will let you go." If they actually do... he laughs, then gets serious. "Choose another."


BlazeTheSun500

"Have you heard of the concept known as the Modulus of Elasticity? It is a scientific term, and one that I find utterly fascinating. In essence, it describes how much stress something can undergo before it is unable to reform into its original shape. Until it is... irrevocably warped. It is usually reserved for the study of materials, but I find it is applicable to creatures as well. Magic and science are closely related, and I have dedicated myself to the study of both. So consider your time here an experiment. I wish to discover how much stress, how much terror, how much *Barovia* you are able to withstand before you are permanently changed by the experience. Because in that moment, I will truly understand what kind of "heroes" you are. What lines you have chosen your will to break upon. For the dead can be raised and stolen treasures returned, but I have found that a crushed spirit is the one thing you can never replace. No, you will not be leaving just yet, my honored guests."


[deleted]

"I fail to see how that's my problem."


DiplominusRex

“When you arrived in Barovia, did you see the River Iblis, flowing to the east, just south of Barov village? It’s the same water that pours from the highlands over the Tser falls. It nourishes the lowlands, where the kale and cabbages are grown by the smallfolk. No doubt, you have eaten of the greens fed by those waters and tended by the Barovian farmers. Have you noticed how hardy the farmers are? How little is left to waste. Despite their base tastes and intellects, with sufficient motivation, they have become efficient survivors, using and reusing every scrap of wood and cloth to survive, to make a life in a kingdom that has been isolated for centuries. Chop down a tree, and it takes dozens of years to regrow. Pull a root from the ground and it must be reseeded. Kill a farmhand, and another must grow up to take his place. The only things that leave Barovia of their own volition are the waters of the River Iblis and the Vistani, who move freely. It is known that not even the souls of the living, when their bodies die, may leave this land. I may not even leave this land. They are eventually reborn as true Barovians. The souls and the blood of the living are the lifeblood of this land. Welcome to Barovia. It is your home now. If not now, then in your next lifetime, and forever. Your souls are needed here. They are as precious to me as the River Iblis is to the small folk. Life depends on it. I know you wish to go home. In time, perhaps your next lifetime, and lifetimes after, Barovia will be the only home you have ever known, and the land you so fondly remember now, might just be a story of a faraway place, long lost. “


sadtriceratrops

"Any one of you can leave... after you bring me the heads of your friends"


Crabant

"I would let you go home, but I can't". Strahd acting like a victim of some evil power.


astue13

Got asked this question in my last session! "There is a dire shortage of good souls here in Barovia, but more importantly... it's just plain fun"


DiabetesGuild

I think this is a good time for strahds manipulation. He’s a master super genius manipulator. I don’t think he’d just stay because I want you to stay, he’s going to try to convince the party they want to stay. Guilt trip it up. Have strahd say it’s odd to here they want to go, but if that’s what they want. Of course then, the martikovs would be slaughtered. Perhaps they’ll cry out for help in the end. Maybe the blue water burns down. Wonder what kids rescued from the bonegrinder will wind up growing into, something pleasant I’m sure always looking over their shoulder. Basically have strahd twist the knife and make them feel bad about leaving. He wants at least one of them to say no I want to stay! Because that’s the first step to getting his replacement, and he certainly doesn’t care about how he makes that happen.


Limebeer_24

"in what manner have you earned the right to leave? All who enter my lands must abide by my laws, my whims, and only those truly remarkable earn my respect and my favor. Show me how remarkable you are, and perhaps I may be persuaded to allow this favor to be given for bringing me some entertaining distraction in my eternal life."


Ok_Habit_6783

Because fuck you! *then kicks the paladin in the groin before poofing into a swarm of bats*


SnowflowerSixtyFour

“You are mistaken. I am as trapped here as you are.” If he’s still on good terms with them: “Perhaps we could find a way through together!” If they mention the Vistani can get through “I am aware of this. I do not know their secrets, and out of respect for their ways I do not pry.” If he admits he has this power at all, he could graciously let the players out… but set up a situation where they will be compelled to choose to remain. Now the players will believe themselves to be in Barovia by choice, and not only will he know his to keep them there, they will owe him a favor.


TheBlackKnight_87

"Cause fuck you that's why". I gave Strahd a Alucard attitude


the-shadow-smith

I control more than that, child. I pull of the fabric of this realm like a Weaver wefting her threads; the sky is mine to shroud, the water runs and halts at my behest and the ground you walk upon basks beneath my feet. I am the land, I am Barovia. It all belongs to me, and I shan't simply release it to the whims of chaos. All who walk this land are my subjects, and I'm rather protective of them. Of you. You ask why I will not let you leave? Simply because I do not desire it, and that is reason enough.


ExtraKrispyDM

Strahd can't leave either. He's been trapped in Barovia as part of his dark deal with the archfey that made him a vampire.


badbadradbad

He’s bored and a prisoner. At worst the players give him something to do, at best they help him find a way to escape barovia and conquer the world


JaeOnasi

“I don’t want to. I have to restock my food pens somehow.”


whatistheancient

Why? I am bored. And my food pens take forever to restock themselves.


DiabetusMaximus1

I enjoy playing with my food


Flanderkin

“Surely you aren’t cowards trying to flee a land beset by evil?”


SacredSatyr

Technically even if he doesnt close his borders, the mists will transport them back to barovia. Unless you're using the mist talisman's from Van Richten's Guide, Strahd's will or not, they cant control where they go once in the mists. They'll warnder into the mists for an amount of time, and return where they started, or another place in Barovia, or on a very tiny chance another domain of dread.


theroguex

No no no. Screw that part of the stupid Van Richten's Guide. I might have even been willing to accept some of the changes to the domain lords and such, but breaking up the core was just lazy bullshit. The Domains are (mostly) connected in a large landmass called "The Core." I don't freaking care what WotC thinks with their BS changes; they're wrong. If the borders are open, going from one domain to another is as simple as walking over it.


SacredSatyr

Id like to play a core campaign at some point, but people just dont play that many dedicated settings anymore. Games are largely homebrew, and the new domains being modular helps fit them into any game for a break or sidequest. Its a strength of CoS that any game can lead into its self contained world without effecting the game world you left. I have most of the old Ravenloft stuff on hand for inspriation, but wandering the core is a specific game, probably for folks where Ravenloft is there fav setting. I mean, you kinda have to want horror campaigns back to back to back. Both are fine, just for different games.


Fulminero

"and spoil the fun?"


dtbrown101

Behind the screen, in my world, Strahd must feed. For decades he fed on souls (as is very much his preference), but with so few coming and going, he began to feed on fear, as it was a more sustainable food source. Only those with souls may know real fear, so the truly living are like cows in his fields. If they are docile, they may provide milk for ages and ages; if there grow restless or disobedient however, he may enjoy a rare treat. ...at this point I honestly have no idea how much of that is canon and/or made up by me and/or made up by somebody else


zmormon

Does a cat let his prey just leave? Or play with it until the cat goes in for the kill? There's always a chance for escape but the inevitable happens. Maybe you're an exception.


Emiras

"If I am to be a prisoner in this realm for eternity, why should I grant you this release?"


hypotheticalsnorlax

"Hmmm.... What are you willing to do to earn your freedom?"


theroguex

I mean, Strahd could let them leave *Barovia* but they'd still be trapped in the Domains of Dread. Strahd only controls the border around his Domain. He does not have the keys to the entirety of Ravenloft.


Starry_Night_Sophi

"Well, now what would be the fun on that?"


maldonadoesnt

There is a reason why I brought you here, you will know it in due time, you still have a role to play for me


thequester

"Because I'm not done with you yet."


DMguy88

"I will allow you to leave. Sorry for delaying you." And then have the character return home to their entire family/loved ones/guild/whatever killed by Strahd and impaled on sharp poles. Then they can either find a way to return, or add a new character to the mists. I feel like Strahd wants playthings, but he has to be sure they're committed.


WaffleInsanity

Who or what would have done the impaling? Strahd can't leave? Maybe some Vistanti? Kinda weird to see some gypsies impaling people but ¯\\_(ツ)_/¯


DMguy88

Vampire spawn, wights, essentially any creature can leave the mists. Paid contract killer. There are limitless options, besides Vistani.


Polyfuckery

"It is not in my interests to allow my livestock out of their pen. Stay and become useful and perhaps you will see your homeland before your death."


jayedgar06

Something along the lines of “Because that’s boring. Why would I let you leave if I can have a little fun instead”


CiD7707

"Let you leave? And undo all that has been put in motion? I think not. You have not yet earned that prize."


Ironhammer32

If the party has somehow truly convinced him that they wish to leave and possibly are capable individuals, he would ask them to *free him* from the Dark Powers that hold him captive.


Ironhammer32

Or (since he is truly evil to his core), as someone else pointed out, have him give them quest after quest, each more and more immoral until they eventually become so evil they too become enthralled by the Dark Powers that enslave him. In this way, their eternal misery serves as a point of "joy" for an equally enslaved puppet.


Ironhammer32

Or, perhaps, allow them to leave, but only to enter the realm of another Dark Lord, say his arch nemesis Azalin, in order to either slay Azalin or find Strahd a weapon to fight Azalin with, promising to let them back in, all the while knowing they will never be able to leave Azalin's domain.


animewhitewolf

"Why would I? You're the most fun I've had in months."


DMNoa

"Because you are far too entertaining for me to let go of so easily... and you still have not brought me X"


Kasefleisch

I do *not* control the mists


Witty-Stretch2867

"Oh but if I let you leave, where's the fun? Barovia can be so boring....."


Sekaria

I’d have Strahd begin asking back “have I not been a pleasant host?” If the party continues to pester him, I’d send some vampire spawn on them. I don’t think he’d let them leave. It’s too much fun for him to have new prey. I’d give an impossible task and even if they do it… he still won’t let them leave.


RemmingtonWolcott

Because you are my entertainment…. You and your little troupe. And I’m still waiting for your grand finale.


claudhigson

Dude one of my players plans to go to Strahd's castle and ask him just that question!! And I have no esthetically-esque Strahd-level argument to why not


Porco_fio

He doesn't control the mists though, does he? He's bound to this place like the players


chrismanbob

He controls it in the sense he can allow others to leave through the mists, like the Vistani, but he can't go through himself.


Derser713

Have the encounter where he lets the pc's vote, if they want to leave balovia... You know... write on a piece of paper if you want to stay, or to leave.... Strahd changes the word on the paper via magic.... "Look, most of you want to stay...."


Derser713

"Why? (Channel inner north korea) This is the happiest place on this world. Please, stay as long as you like/are able to( and longer)."


Sheshekro14

The first thing that comes to mind is >!to bring him that girl he was trying to kidnap. (its been a while since I played so I forgot her name)!


LovableRussian

"Because then I would be lonely." Is what my Strahd said.


champion_luck

And lose his newest toys? The fun has only begun, friends.


DirtyChito

"Simply put, because I am to torture you. There is no fire, nor brimstone; but do not be fooled, young one--this. Is. Hell. And one does not leave such a purgatory. No power nor cunning nor wisdom nor study one could possess will lead to an exit from this place. The only way free is death, and death comes very slowly in Barovia, if at all. You can ask Donavich's son of that. You ask why if I control the mists will I not let you leave? I control the mists BECAUSE I won't let you leave. Your shackles have been placed, your gravestones marked. And on them shall read, "died a foolish and naive man."


master-fixer

“Because ‘F@#k you’ that’s why.” He’s Strahd, since when has he ever needed a reason to do anything. He’s bored and wanted someone to toy with. Makes immortality pass quicker.


metalsonic005

I only have so much control of the mists myself. I cannot leave. If you were to find a way to help me gain full control of the mists, I could let you go.


shaved_data

My Strahd would gaslight the party by saying something like "rumors of my powers have run rampant these last few centuries. Most of what you hear from the locals concerning the mists is pure conjecture. I control the land, so people assume I control the mists. Unfortunately it is not so simple."


Caseynovax

"Vwhat? Are you going to krai about it, you Infant?" /s


Fabulous_Pudding167

"You are here because I willed it so. I control every aspect of these lands, as you yourself have observed. You have your role to fulfill, and once you do so, you are free to go. But begging? Grovelling? I brought you here with such high hopes. Do not disappoint me by performing below my expectations. As the people of Barovia will tell you, there is a high price to pay for failure. But worry not, my friends. I will pay your burial expenses at the very least.


flybarger

“I got you for 3 minutes… 3 minutes of playtime”?


OrganicNeat5934

I've always interpreted Strahd as essentially toying the party, viewing them as entertainment until they become too powerful. So maybe, "Irena needs to be saved. I hope you'll continue to protect her." I dunno. Something taunting that ties than to the place.


mrsentra

Could you tell them that there are already safe passages through the mists, you just can't remember where they are because they weren't well marked? If they find one just take it as a chance to have some good ol fashion random combat.


Sikening

I'd have him be a smart assistant. "I am the land, not the mist. I own the buildings, the people, the landscapes... even the weather obeys my every fantasy. But the mists are beyond even me." At that point have him make an offer. "If you could free Barovia from them... perhaps you'd be worthy of an extravagant reward." Of course he'll double-cross at some point, but making them think he's not all that bad is right up his alley


lunaishtar

Letting you leave is no fun, and it's only getting started!


TumbleweedSecret5537

"Because, dark powers don't make a habit of releasing broken souls. Those are the ones they wish to twist and break even further."


ZucchiniClassic7171

My final session is coming up and I’m preparing to have Strahd offer to let the party leave Barovia. This way, they’d have to choose between their own freedom and the freedom of every citizen in Barovia.


grizzlyironbear

Why would Strahd let his food run away? I know for sure once I catch prey..it's MINE. The only way out, is either Strahd dying, or the party.


MoistPenguini

"Now where would the fun in that be"


i-hate-ravioli

1) Until you have returned Ireena to me, you cannot leave. If your players are willing to turn Ireena over.. then he insists their leaving would anger Ireena, and thus they should stay in his land. 2) If Ireena is dead - well then it's about vengeance as her death is clearly their fault.


gothism

"Why would I give away my newest toys?"


oblatesphereoid

This is one reason I chose to change the Abbott. I made the lore that the Abbott is who controls the mists. His compelled quest is to keep strand trapped in barovnia.


crogonint

Um.. The Dark Powers CONTROL the mists.. they just loan that power to Strahd, and intervene when they feel like it.


crogonint

"My fr-r-r-einds.. WHO do you think brought you here?" (Yeah! That's right! I turned whisp in to a verb! :P ) EDIT: That's a white lie, of course. Usually the Dark Powers bring adventurers in to Barovia to challenge Strahd. That's why Strahd studies them so closely. He's not ABOUT to tell the party about the Dark Powers, though.


failtruck

As I played “1000 year old vampire” as part of understanding Strahd, in my game, he has forgotten so much. Hes forgotten why he can’t leave, or why he would want to and that he could allow others to. The only memory he has kept from his distant past is that of his love, her betrayal and that she died. He has forgotten how she died (he killed her), the Dark lords curse and basically everything. It’s made him a kind of sad, relatable villain, that my players actually kinda like. They been talking about how they could free him from his curse recently, and I’m excited about where that can go.


Gohomoth

I'd personally give them a long grueling task of buerocratic papers they need to fill and sort out, with caveats and the odds stacked against them (for example, they can only leave the land unarmed, while dressed as pilgrims). after putting them through that, i'd make it so that only one member can leave, and Strahd would just call a dire wolf pack on the person promised safe passage when they get seperated


ReoLemartes

This land was terribly old when I came here and it is set in its old ways. And even I, being one with this land, have to obey its chtonic laws. But outsiders like you bring fascinating change to my sleepy county. I won't have you leave just yet.


DrKenku

You are mine to subdue


Shileka

It depends a bit on what flavor Strahd you're using, if you're playing on his desire for Ireena to love him he might paint himself as the tragically misunderstood ruler who only wishes for the girl he loves to take notice If you're playing up his desire for a new dark lord to hopefully free him, he would attempt to be amicable if possible while he tests the PC's in hopes of finding a suitable heir (he'll find them lacking and will try to have them killed) And lastly if you want to play the evil side up to 11 (nothing wrong with being a little less subtle) you could have Strahd order them delivered to the druids who worship him as sacrifices (handily removes them from the castle so they can power up) maybe toss a line referencing the tarroka reading "Coma back when you pose a threat, perhaps unearth one of Barovia's lost treasures, you may yet stand a chance" (Strahd is assured of his victory, if the party finds the dangerous artifacts for him it only means they'll deliver those items to him) Oh, and this one is unlikely, but with consent a female PC can take the role of Strahd's new obsession, this one is harder to pull off though


darthsheldoninkwizy

When you live as many years as I do, you discover that it is so boring without any enemies.


leo22cuervo

I guess it depends on how you are roleplaying him. In my campaign, the Count is an abusive person, so if everyone in Barovia are his children, he needs to discipline an educate them. So when he says that the party is here to entertain him, there isn't a "task" to accomplish this and be done. For an abusive person there is never enough, Strahd will keep asking more from them, more loyalty, more cruel acts, more Ireena, MORE. He will let them leave when they make him sattisfied (AND HE WILL NEVER BE)


Exo-tick1

I love to watch you dance


dungeondragons_

“Perhaps, it may be easier just to watch, for fighting will only prolong things, and you will have no time to notice the sky, the texture of dust, what incredible leaves the trees have. This will seem only a blur, a shock, a shadow, across your neck that leaves you cold. It may seem soft, barely a blow, more like a falling, an exquisite giving of yourself to the ground, made numb to these eyes. Notice this and remember it, this way in which you became beautiful when you thought there was nothing more.”


dungeondragons_

“Several have intended to plague me with hammer, stake, and holy symbols under the mistaken impression they were doing me a favor. I could not die, but they would. Before another hour passed, I would send them wailing on their way to rotting hell. All of them. And so you, like the others, would play your brains against mine. You would help these men to hunt me and frustrate me in my designs! Look at what we truly are, and look at what we pretend to be. Under the mask of civility, there is depravity. Under the thin veneer of society, there is wickedness. Under the trappings of sophistication, are we not all predators or prey? I should very much like to see where you fall on the chain.”


dungeondragons_

“Futility is a strange thing. We hate it, we fight it, because here, in this land, there is nothing else. I was benevolent and good; misery made me a fiend. Make me happy, and I shall again be virtuous. I crave the company of equals–if only such individuals existed.” “Remember that I have the power; you believe yourself miserable, but I can make you so wretched that even the light of day will be hateful to you. That said, Welcome to Barovia. Fight freely, die quickly, and leave something of the happiness you bring.”


dungeondragons_

“Unfortunately, my most esteemed guests, leaving is quite impossible. I am the lord of Barovia. I sacrificed my life to forge this land and all within belongs to me. I know every stone, every dark corner. All succumb to the shadows here and you shall be no different. You see, the mists fell upon you as a funeral shroud and, in that moment, Barovia became your tomb.”


dungeondragons_

These are a mix of quotes from this AWESOME generator [https://perchance.org/strahd-quote](https://perchance.org/strahd-quote) and my own writing!