Barovia

Count Strahd von Zarovich is a pale man apparently in his forties. His jet-black hair is kept swept back from his face, resulting in a prominent brown and widow’s peak. His features are gaunt but handsome and his dark red eyes have an intensity that can make even the strongest man nervous. He tends to dress in exquisite finery, albeit in a somewhat outdated style, though his only adornments are a tasteful ruby-and-gold necklace and a gold signet ring. His physique is lean but muscular, and he has been noted for his height—well over six feet (he's 6'6")

Cruel, tyrannical, and every bit the "devil" that the denizens of Barovia make him out to be, Strahd is an incredibly arrogant man who views everyone around him as either playthings or food barring a select few unfortunate maidens who are spirited away by him for unknown fates. He also possesses a twisted sense of humor, taunting those who would stand against him and in some cases going so far as to use his charm abilities to turn friends against each other. It is also the source of his polite facade as he will act as though he is a courteous and gracious host towards others largely for his own amusement.

In life, Strahd von Zarovich was a count, a prince, a soldier, and a conqueror. After the death of his father, King Barov, Strahd waged many wars. He settled in the valley of Barovia, studied magic, and became immortal through a pact with the Dark Powers of the Shadowfell. Strahd's attention later turned to Tatyana, a young Barovian woman of remarkable beauty, but she fell in love with Sergei instead. Strahd killed Sergei, sealing the evil pact between Strahd and the Dark Powers. He then chased Tatyana through the gardens, determined to make her love him. Tatyana hurled herself off a castle balcony to escape, plunging to her death. The castle guards tried to kill Strahd, but he survived and became a vampire, but trapped everyone in Barovia. Strahd has been the master of Ravenloft for centuries, taking consorts and turning them into vampire spawns. He brings strangers to his domain for entertainment and believes that finding a worthy ruler is the key to escaping Barovia.