The village of Krezk in Curse of Strahd may seem like a quiet, isolated settlement tucked away from the dark influence of Barovia’s infamous ruler, but appearances are deceiving. Governed by its reclusive burgomaster, Dmitri Krezkov, the village holds deep emotional scars and a cautious stance toward outsiders. For adventuring parties exploring the region, understanding the motivations, challenges, and dynamics surrounding the Krezk burgomaster is vital to progressing through the story and gaining potential allies. Krezk may not be as prominent as Vallaki or Barovia village, but it plays a unique and atmospheric role that can influence the campaign in meaningful ways.
The Village of Krezk: A Fortress of Isolation
Krezk is located in the western part of Barovia, near the Abbey of Saint Markovia and Lake Baratok. Unlike other settlements in the valley, Krezk is heavily fortified and wary of travelers. The villagers are devout and self-sustaining, depending on their own gardens, animals, and a deep-rooted sense of community. This makes the role of the burgomaster not only one of leadership but also of protection and spiritual responsibility.
Geography and Significance
- Krezk is surrounded by high wooden palisades with locked gates, only opened at the burgomaster’s discretion.
- The village lies at the foot of the cliff that leads to the mysterious Abbey of Saint Markovia.
- Its isolation helps maintain a level of safety from Strahd’s patrols and other external horrors.
Because of its isolation, Krezk is one of the few places where characters can feel a brief sense of calm if they can earn the burgomaster’s trust.
Burgomaster Dmitri Krezkov: A Grieving Leader
Dmitri Krezkov is the appointed burgomaster of Krezk, descended from a long line of leaders who have governed the village since before Strahd’s rise to power. He is a serious and reserved man who recently suffered a devastating loss: the death of his last remaining child. This grief shapes his demeanor and decisions throughout the adventure.
Character Traits and Background
- Alignment: Lawful Good
- Personality: Grieving, honorable, cautious
- Family: His wife, Anna Krezkova, and their deceased son, Ilya
- Role: Village leader, decision-maker, gatekeeper
Krezkov’s mourning makes him more difficult to persuade than other NPCs, but also provides a unique opportunity for roleplay and compassion. The party may need to demonstrate goodwill before he allows them entry into the village or access to the abbey.
Getting Into Krezk: Winning the Burgomaster’s Trust
Players approaching Krezk will not be welcomed with open arms. The gates remain closed unless the burgomaster is convinced that their presence won’t endanger the village. There are several ways for adventurers to earn that trust, and each option can develop into a narrative thread of its own.
Possible Approaches
- Delivering a Letter from the Church of Saint Andral: If the party visits Vallaki first, they may be asked to deliver correspondence or supplies to the Abbey.
- Bringing Wine: The people of Krezk are low on wine, and a delivery from the Wizard of Wines may serve as the key to entry.
- Offering Help: Volunteering to assist the abbey or help with the village’s needs can earn Krezkov’s approval.
- Demonstrating Peaceful Intentions: Simply being respectful, diplomatic, and patient can win him over.
Dungeon Masters can tailor Krezkov’s reaction based on the tone of the party. Brash or aggressive characters may find it harder to gain entry, while empathetic players could discover hidden emotional depth in the interaction.
Personal Quests: The Resurrection of Ilya
One of the most emotionally charged subplots in Krezk involves the burgomaster’s deceased son, Ilya. If the players gain access to the abbey and meet the strange Abbot living there, they may discover an opportunity to bring Ilya back to life using divine or unnatural means. This creates a powerful moral dilemma for both the party and Krezkov.
Choices and Consequences
- Agreeing to the Resurrection: The Abbot may offer to raise Ilya from the dead in exchange for a favor, often involving the creation of his bride for Strahd.
- Refusing the Offer: If the players decline or disapprove of the Abbot’s actions, the resurrection may not happen but they might gain Krezkov’s respect for opposing dark practices.
- Observing the Results: If Ilya is brought back, he may return with a strange demeanor, depending on the DM’s interpretation, adding a layer of mystery or horror to the village.
This storyline opens the door for deeper roleplaying and forces the party to consider their values. Do they side with grief-stricken parents, even if the resurrection feels unnatural? Or do they refuse and risk damaging their rapport?
Krezk’s Role in the Campaign
Though small in scope compared to Vallaki or Castle Ravenloft, Krezk serves a vital purpose in the narrative of Curse of Strahd. It is a place of reflection, quiet intensity, and emotional weight. It is also one of the last bastions of relative peace in Barovia a place where life attempts to go on despite the darkness outside the walls.
Story Functions
- Character Development: Allows players to explore emotional arcs, such as grief and hope.
- Moral Complexity: Presents ethically gray decisions with long-term effects.
- Worldbuilding: Offers insight into Barovia’s religious and cultural fabric through its relationship with the abbey.
Expanding the Role of the Burgomaster
For Dungeon Masters, the burgomaster of Krezk can be developed beyond what’s in the core material. His past could include connections to other major NPCs, or he might harbor secrets that influence future quests. Perhaps he once served in Ravenloft’s court, or maybe he’s hiding knowledge about the Abbot’s true nature. Giving Dmitri Krezkov greater agency in the story can enrich your campaign and make the village of Krezk more memorable.
Ideas for Expansion
- Secret Correspondence: Krezkov may be in secret communication with other burgomasters or resistance cells.
- Personal Connection to Strahd: A twist revealing family ties or past conflict with Strahd could deepen his motivations.
- Final Stand Location: Krezk could become a rallying point for the party’s final preparation before facing Strahd.
The Krezk burgomaster represents one of the most human and tragic figures in Curse of Strahd. Far from being just a quest-giver or gatekeeper, Dmitri Krezkov embodies themes of loss, responsibility, and moral struggle that define the campaign. Through him, players experience the emotional weight of Barovia, making Krezk a powerful and underrated location in the adventure. By engaging with the burgomaster thoughtfully and exploring his story, players can unlock one of the most meaningful and emotionally charged arcs in the entire game.