Deep in the heart of Barovia, within the mists of the dark and cursed land ruled by Count Strahd von Zarovich, lies the settlement of Vallaki a walled town clinging to a fragile sense of order amidst chaos. Central to the town’s governance is a man known as the Burgomaster of Vallaki, Baron Vargas Vallakovich. His presence, policies, and paranoia shape the lives of every citizen. The Burgomaster is a complex character within the world of Curse of Strahd, the iconic campaign setting for Dungeons & Dragons. His rule provides both narrative conflict and depth, making him a key figure to understand for anyone delving into the mysteries and horrors of Barovia.
Background of Vallaki
Vallaki is a town located west of Castle Ravenloft and the village of Barovia. It was established as a supposedly safer haven from the oppressive rule of Strahd. Surrounded by a tall wooden palisade and filled with both hope and fear, Vallaki is larger than the village of Barovia and more vibrant in its resistance at least on the surface.
The town attempts to keep evil at bay through rigid structure and endless celebrations. Unlike the village of Barovia, where despair reigns, Vallaki puts on a facade of joy. That facade, however, is the result of the Burgomaster’s increasingly authoritarian grip.
Who Is the Burgomaster of Vallaki?
Baron Vargas Vallakovich serves as the ruling authority of Vallaki. He believes that happiness is the ultimate defense against Strahd and evil itself. His core belief, often repeated to the townspeople, is that All will be well. He insists that joy and constant festivals can protect Vallaki from the vampire lord’s influence.
His Appearance and Personality
The Baron is a man in his late forties, balding and dressed in military-style garments. His posture and speech are always commanding. He is not inherently evil, but his desperate clinging to power, combined with delusional beliefs and paranoia, causes suffering among his people. His obsession with forced happiness becomes oppressive, and he reacts to dissent with hostility.
Festival Mania and Tyranny
To enforce his philosophy, the Burgomaster organizes near-constant festivals. These include:
- The Wolf’s Head Jamboree
- The Festival of the Blazing Sun
- The Feast of St. Andral
Attendance is mandatory, and those who refuse to smile or display enthusiasm are punished sometimes publicly. The Baron uses these festivals to maintain control and to reinforce the illusion that Vallaki is immune to Strahd’s influence. His guards, known as the town watch, enforce order under his command.
Lady Fiona Wachter and Political Rivalry
One of the central tensions in Vallaki is the Baron’s rivalry with Lady Fiona Wachter. She is a noblewoman who secretly worships Strahd and wishes to replace the Burgomaster with herself. Their political feud adds a layer of danger to Vallaki’s already tense atmosphere.
Fiona views the Baron’s rule as weak and misguided. She manipulates others from the shadows, plotting a coup while pretending to support his authority. Adventurers may find themselves caught between these two power-hungry figures when navigating Vallaki’s political scene.
The Baron’s Family
The Baron’s wife, Lydia Petrovna, shares his obsession with happiness, but she expresses it through nervous laughter and social etiquette. She often hosts tea parties and supports his policies, though she appears more fragile than authoritarian.
Their son, Victor Vallakovich, is a rebellious young man who dabbles in magic. He resents his father’s rule and becomes isolated. Victor is intelligent and potentially dangerous, practicing teleportation magic in secret. His relationship with the Baron is strained and can play a critical role in any campaign involving Vallaki.
Impacts on the Townspeople
The Burgomaster’s rule has deeply affected life in Vallaki. While the town may seem more lively than other places in Barovia, this vibrancy is built on fear. People pretend to be joyful to avoid punishment, creating a surreal atmosphere of forced positivity.
Common townsfolk whisper their frustrations in private, but few are willing to speak openly. The fear of arrest or public humiliation looms large. Some characters in town, like the toymaker Blinsky or the innkeeper Urwin Martikov, play along with the Baron’s rules to survive while secretly hoping for change.
Interaction with Adventurers
When adventurers enter Vallaki, they often meet the Burgomaster quickly either through formal introductions or conflict. The Baron may view them as allies or threats, depending on their behavior. If they challenge his authority or disrupt his festivals, they may face imprisonment.
However, clever adventurers can also use the Baron’s delusions to their advantage. By pretending to support his cause, they may gain access to resources or influence events from within. The political environment in Vallaki is fertile ground for intrigue, deception, or rebellion.
Potential Plot Hooks
The Burgomaster of Vallaki offers a wide range of narrative opportunities in a roleplaying campaign:
- Helping Lady Wachter overthrow the Baron or exposing her plot to him.
- Rescuing citizens unjustly imprisoned during festivals.
- Discovering Victor’s magical secrets and preventing a magical disaster.
- Working with the Martikov family, who are secretly members of the Keepers of the Feather, to uncover truths about Strahd’s agents in town.
Downfall or Redemption?
Whether the Baron is removed from power, assassinated, or reformed is up to the course of events within the story. Dungeon Masters often allow players to influence the fate of Vallaki. The Burgomaster may be seen as a tragic figure someone who tried to fight evil with joy but lost his humanity in the process. Alternatively, he may become a villain whose removal brings relief to a suffering population.
Ultimately, the Burgomaster of Vallaki is more than a one-dimensional ruler. He reflects the desperation of those who try to resist overwhelming darkness through control. His presence in the Curse of Strahd campaign adds depth to the world of Barovia and makes Vallaki one of the most memorable locations for players to explore.
The Burgomaster of Vallaki is a critical figure in the narrative fabric of Curse of Strahd. His rule brings to life the unsettling mix of control and delusion, joy and fear. His character serves as both an antagonist and a tragic symbol of resistance gone wrong. Whether players choose to support him, oppose him, or simply survive his twisted festivals, Baron Vargas Vallakovich ensures that their journey through Vallaki will not be easily forgotten.