(Where is the weapon or tool that can wound the Count?)
Original Function: Location of the Sunsword / Holy Symbol
1886 Interpretation:
A relic capable of harming Strahd — not necessarily a sword. Could be:
A consecrated revolver
A silvered blade
A reliquary device
A sanctified lens or sigil
Typical Locations It Points To:
Amber Temple
Argynvostholt
Castle Ravenloft
Abbey of Saint Markovia
Madam Eva Line:
“Steel alone will not suffice. Seek the hand that dares to pull the trigger.”
(Who can stand against the Count?)
Original Function: Fated Ally
1886 Interpretation:
A person who can guide the party, provide shelter, or strike a critical blow — not necessarily a warrior.
Possible Allies:
A Martikov (raven-agent)
A hunter-knight of Argynvostholt
Van Richten–type figure
A redeemed or broken soul bound to Barovia
Locations It Points To:
Vallaki
Wizard of Wines
Argynvostholt
Tser Pool Encampment
Madam Eva Line:
“A light walks this land, though it does not know it burns.”
(Where is the truth that explains Strahd — and how to undo him?)
Original Function: Tome of Strahd
1886 Interpretation:
A journal, ledger, coded manuscript, or phonograph record revealing:
Strahd’s origin
His curse
His weakness
His obsession
Locations It Points To:
Castle Ravenloft
Amber Temple
Vallaki archives
Van Richten’s Tower
Madam Eva Line:
“Ink remembers what blood would rather forget.”
(Where can the soul be saved… or damned?)
Original Function: Holy refuge / divine corruption site
1886 Interpretation:
This is where faith, science, or morality is tested. Often tied to:
Healing
Resurrection
Moral cost
Locations It Points To:
Abbey of Saint Markovia
Krezk
A hidden chapel or asylum
Madam Eva Line:
“Hands meant to heal have learned to shape flesh instead.”
(Where does Strahd face them?)
Original Function: Strahd’s final location in Castle Ravenloft
1886 Interpretation:
Where the confrontation occurs:
The throne room
A tower observatory
A ballroom
A crypt beneath the castle
Madam Eva Line:
“He waits where the walls remember his name.”
These don’t replace the core five, but add flavor and side objectives.
→ Argynvostholt, oathbound hunters
→ Vallaki’s enforced joy and lies
→ Berez / Baba Lysaga
→ Krezk’s moral horror
→ Strahd’s hunters and roaming threats