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Curse of Strahd

Curse of Strahd is a gothic horror adventure module for the 5th edition of Dungeons & Dragons, published by Wizards of the Coast in 2016.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Curse of Strahd is a gothic horror adventure module for the 5th edition of Dungeons & Dragons, published by Wizards of the Coast in 2016. It adapts the earlier Ravenloft material and sends player characters into the vampire lord Strahd von Zarovich’s domain of Barovia.

Publication and development

Curse of Strahd was published by Wizards of the Coast for Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition in 2016. It was written by Jeremy Crawford, Laura Hickman, Tracy Hickman, Adam Lee, Christopher Perkins, and Richard Whitters.

Setting and premise

The adventure takes place in Barovia, a mist-shrouded domain associated with Ravenloft. Player characters are drawn into the land and must contend with Strahd von Zarovich and the dangers of Castle Ravenloft.

Gameplay structure

The module is built for characters from level 1 to 10 and is intended for a group of four to six players. Its structure includes a fortune-telling mechanic using the Tarokka Deck to randomize major story elements.

Relation to Ravenloft

Curse of Strahd is an updated adaptation of the original 1983 Ravenloft module. It preserves the classic vampire-horror premise while updating it for the 5th edition ruleset.

Key facts

  • The adventure is designed for a party of four to six characters.
  • It begins with the characters being drawn into Barovia, a realm surrounded by deadly mist.
  • The main antagonist is Strahd von Zarovich, a vampire wizard who rules Barovia.
  • The module is a gothic horror story and an adaptation of the original Ravenloft module.
  • A Tarokka reading determines key elements such as important items, an ally, and Strahd’s location.
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Canadian context

Curse of Strahd is widely played by Dungeons & Dragons groups in Canada and is part of the broader tabletop role-playing game market available to Canadian players through Wizards of the Coast products and local retailers.

Frequently asked questions

What is Curse of Strahd?
It is a 5th-edition Dungeons & Dragons adventure module set in the gothic horror world of Barovia and centered on defeating Strahd von Zarovich.
Who wrote Curse of Strahd?
The credited authors are Jeremy Crawford, Laura Hickman, Tracy Hickman, Adam Lee, Christopher Perkins, and Richard Whitters.
What level is Curse of Strahd for?
It is designed for characters from levels 1 to 10.
Who is the main villain?
The main villain is Strahd von Zarovich, a vampire wizard who rules Barovia.
Is Curse of Strahd connected to Ravenloft?
Yes. It is an adaptation of the original Ravenloft module for Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition.
What role does the Tarokka Deck play?
A Tarokka reading determines the location of key items, an ally, and Strahd’s location.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curse_of_Strahd
    Supports: Publication date, authors, system, character levels, and overview of the module's premise and Ravenloft adaptation.
  2. Ravenloft Wiki - Fandom — https://ravenloft.fandom.com/wiki/Curse_of_Strahd
    Supports: Barovia setting, Strahd von Zarovich, Tarokka reading, and adventure structure.
  3. D&D Beyond — https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/dnd/cos
    Supports: Official description identifying Curse of Strahd as a Dread adventure for Dungeons & Dragons.