Barovia Home and Garden
Contents
Celestial Forecast
By
Emery Wood
Pages 4 – 5
An Ode to Harry J.
By Farryn Ersies
Page 6
Hunting Ethically
By Farryn Ersies
Page 7
Tea for Two
By Purah Vaati
Pages 8 – 9
Red Velvet Cupcakes
By
Helia
Pages 10 – 11
Going on a Frog Hunt
By Felix Page 12 – 13
Melodies of the Open Road
By Rhemi Merrilees
Page 14 – 15
Selective or Collective
By Silvia Darelson Page 16 – 18
Classifieds
Quests abound Page 19
Vallaki Jewlers
Signature pieces with distinctive style B L U E W A T E R I N N B L O O D O N T H E V I N E
III
The Empress
Celestial Forecast
Good morning, Radiant souls of Barovia!
Today, the cosmos whispers a chic secret: transformation is in the air, and it’s time to let your inner luminary shine! Whether you’re sprucing up your shadowy abode or tending a mystical garden nook, trust your intuition—it’s your most stylish accessory. The stars hint at an unexpected twist in your day, a chance encounter or a spark of inspiration that will add a pop of magic to your space. Embrace the unexpected, and remember: even in Barovia’s darkest corners, your sparkle lights the way.
Stay fabulous and enchanted, Emery
Harry J.
In loving memory of Harry J. We only knew you for a short time, you placed such immense trust in us two-leggeds. Giving your life to help save the Ravens, and the Martikov family. We hope there are plenty of pastries in Owl heaven, and that your soul flys free.
Hunting Ethically
In my few short weeks in Barovia, I’ve noticed one thing for sure, there is an over abundance of wolves here. Wolves of all kinds, dire, regular, were, and they seem to lack a natural predator to keep their population in check.
I’ve spoken to the Game Wardens in the towns of Barovia and Vallaki about issuing hunting licenses to those skilled with a bow, or another weapon of choice, to work on controlling the wolf population. If you fit this description seek out the Game Warden’s office in your town for a license.
Please remeber to practice good hunting etiquette, always give fair chase, leave no trace, respect other hunters you may encounter in the forests, and shoot to kill do not leave an animal to suffer.
Tea for Two
Well, howdy there! Pull up a chair, sip on somethin’ warm, and let me tell ya ‘bout the simple, soul-soothin’ magic of a good ol’ cup of tea. Out here in Barovia, we don’t need much to feel connected to the earth—just a handful of leaves, a bit of hot water, and a whole lotta heart. These here teas ain’t just somethin’ to wet yer whistle—they’ve got a way of speakin’ to yer spirit, like the breeze rustlin’ through the trees or the wolfs howl in the evening. It’s nature’s gift, comin’ straight from the land to help us slow down, center ourselves, and get our health under control. So take a moment, breathe deep, and let that tea work its magic.
A Blend for Calm & Focus
Linden
Ginko
Gotu Kola
Spearmint
Valerian
Red Velvet Cupcakes
INGREDIENTS
1 ½ cups white sugar
½ cup butter
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1 fluid ounce red food coloring
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon salt
DIRECTIONS
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line two 12-cup cupcake pans with 20 liners.
Step 2: Beat sugar and butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Mix in eggs, buttermilk, red food coloring, and vanilla. Stir in baking soda and vinegar. Combine flour, cocoa powder, and salt; stir into the batter just until blended. Spoon batter into the prepared cups, dividing evenly.
Step 3: Bake in the preheated oven until the tops spring back when lightly pressed, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool in the pan set over a wire rack. When cool, arrange the cupcakes on a serving platter and frost with desired frosting.
Going on a Frog Hunt
We’re going on a frog hunt
We’re going on a frog hunt
And we’re not afraid And we’re not afraid
We’ve got our trusty sticks
We’ve got our trusty sticks
An Lil’ Hunter by our sides An Lil’ Hunter by our sides
Lake, deep, cold lake
We can’t go over it
We can’t go over it
We can’t see under it
We can’t see under it
We’re gonna have to JUMP RIGHT IN Splash Splash Splash
Frog hunting fun!
Melodies of the Open Road
The Painted City of Byroden
There is a town nestled in the Dividing Plains, not more than five days ride from where I grew up, who’s customs reminds me of how attending the Festival of the Blazing Sun must feel to Vallakians. Byroden, recently annexed into the kingdom of Tal’Dorei, was nearly lost when it resisted King Drassig’s growing influence. Yet, from the ashes of devastation, it stands not just as a town but as a testament to resilience. When the Tuatha’an caravan I traveled with first rolled into its streets, we were met with an explosion of hues—homes swathed in radiant blues, sunbursts of orange and red on shopfronts, murals of dancing figures painted upon every spare inch of stone. The town itself was alive, a chorus of color that spoke louder than words ever could. Each painted wall, each intricate
mural, was its own story of survival. Here, art was not merely decoration; it was memory, hope, and rebellion. Every year, the town holds its annual Paint the Streets festival, a tradition that predates the war by 147 years, where parents go with children to apply fresh coats of color to every dreary home in the main loop. Afterwards, there is usually a parade through the loop, and the day is concluded with potluck style feats.
My brother Rhafar had asked Ruika the weaver why they decided to continue with the festival when there are entire sections of the town raised to the groud. Her hands stained with dye and a faint smile on her lips, she’d answered, “A world without color is no world at all. We lost everything once—we refuse to live in the shadow of it.”
As the caravan set up camp just outside the town, I found myself
drawn to a massive mural stretching across the wall of the town’s largest inn. It depicted a tree split down the middle—half charred and blackened, the other half blooming with golden leaves. In the background were golden yellows to invoke the warmth of the sun, deep greens in the leaves to recall the life that still grows, and fiery reds of the soil where the roots dug, to symbolize the sacrifices that have brought them to where they are. Beneath it, words were painted in bold, looping script: “Even a burned root may grow again.”
I spoke with Elira Thorne, one of the town’s elder leaders, who told me, “Drassig sought to break our spirit, but he only gave us a new reason to rise. Our colors will never fade. They are our memory, our promise to the future that we will make this a better place for our children... It’s more than just a distraction, it’s the
path for our healing.”
That night, as I played my viol in the town square with the Tuatha’an caravan. We played a goofy old tavern song called Bed of Dust, but people gathered and sang along, they seemed to know the lyrics well. The children, their hands still smudged with paint, danced as though sorrow had never touched this place. But in the eyes of their elders, I saw it—the grief, the loss, the firelights shadow, the bags that never seemed to fade away. And yet, they sang.
As I meet the residents of Vallaki I can’t help but notice the same vibrant colors of their souls, despite the struggles of their day-to-day.
I look at you all and remember Byroden not for its tragedy, but for its defiant beauty. And perhaps, in the darkest nights ahead, I will remember that a burned root may still grow again, and I will sing.
Selective or Collective?
A Comparative Analysis on the Monarch Political System of Barovia and It’s Democratic Future, The Cerulean Republic
The land of Barovia is one shrouded in mystery, fear, and oppression, ruled by the iron fist of Count Strahd von Zarovich. Count Zarovich has ruled the land of Barovia for longer than there has been memory, acting as judge, jury, and executioner of the land. His absolute authority allows him to eliminate those he deems unwanted or undesirable without committee oversight or accountability. Though lord Zarovich is prefers the title of lord, he functions less as a feudal lord, but as a king.
Ruling in Chaos vs. Structured Justice
Lord Strahd’s domain over Barovia isabsolute, he sees all, his word is law, and his rule unchallenged. The people of Barovia are none stop bombarded by oppression and fear, have learned to comply with lord Zarovich’s demands, knowing that disobedience often leads to swift and brutal consequences. In such a society, justice is wielded as a tool of control rather than fairness, leaving no room for due process or defense.
In contrast, Silvia Darelson’s, an adventurer from the future, is from a country where democracy rules and the people are at the forefront. The Cerulean Republic is a land ruled by laws, enforced by fair justice and protection for all it’s people. Barovia’s climate of fear fosters instability, while lord Zarovich’s control prevents rebellion from forming, has led to disinterest in the progression of the country. While the Cerulean Republic fosters collaboration and community has led it citizens to prosper and progress further out to the stars. By examining the effects of these two political systems within their respective societies, we can determine which system benefits both the ruling class and the citizens.
The Cerulean Republic’s legal system is complex, having many levels and types of crime that fall under certain city’s jurisdiction.The Cerulean Department of Justice categorizes different legal systems into four main types of legal systems: common law , civil law , religious law, and customary law systems, with the latter two being exceedingly rare.
Within each type of legal system, there is considerable variation based on precedent and local practices.Cerulean uses a form of the common law system. A purely common law system is created by the judiciary, as the law comes from case law , rather than statute. Thus, a common law system has a strong focus on judicial precedent, stare decisis, and the rule of law.
In essence, a judge, jury, and executioner is ensured that every individual, regardless of their crime, is granted a fair trial. This commitment to structured justice was exemplified during a confrontation a few days before the Festival of the Blazing Sun.
When Strahd offered to kill two traffickers who had been harassing two of Darelson’s sisters, she refused, insisting they be tried in a court of law. Despite Strahd’s status as the ruler of Barovia, Silvia argued that no single individual should have the power to determine life and death without due process. This fundamental difference illustrates the stark contrast in governance—where Strahd sees justice as a personal decree, Silvia’s world of Cerulean ensures accountability through a legal system.
Fear vs Cooperation of The Ruling Class and Its Effect on Its People
Barovia’s people live under constant terror, which paradoxically creates more problems for Strahd than it prevents. Fear stifles initiative, leading to a populace that would rather hide issues than address them. Crimes go unreported, problems fester, and resentment grows beneath the surface. Strahd’s absolute rule does not eliminate disorder—it merely suppresses it until it erupts in ways even he cannot control.
The Cerulean Republic fosters an environment where people trust that justice will be served fairly, if not, it will be taken to a higher court where justice will be thoroughly gone reviewed. Because individuals believe in the process, they are more willing to compromise, report issues
early, and work collectively to prevent crime before it escalates. This proactive approach leads to a more stable and cooperative society, demonstrating that true order is maintained not through fear, but through trust in each other.
Conclusion
Where lord Zarovich’s rule is built on the fear and his absolute control of his citizens that he sees as objects, the Cerulean Republic thrives on community, justice, and structure. The contrast between the two systems highlight how unchecked power fosters instability and unrest. This has lead to unnecessary issues for lord Zarovich, such as the death and reincarnation of lady Tatyana.
If lord Strahd von Zarovich were willing to embrace even a fraction of the democratic principles of the Cerulean Republic, he might find that he may get what he wants most of all. Not from domination or fear, but through fairness, justice, and cooperation.
Help Wanted
Innkeeper’s Assistant
– The Blue Water Inn seeks a reliable worker to serve drinks and clean up. Pay includes room & board.
Classifieds
For
Sale
Old Manor, Cheap –Needs repairs, comes with furniture. Price negotiable.
For Sale
Help Wanted
Monster Hunter Needed – Large wolf problem outside Krezk. Must provide own weapons. Survivors will be paid handsomely.
Help Wanted
Alchemist’s Apprentice
– Looking for a steady hand to assist in potion-making. No experience necessary.
Silvered Weapons –Handcrafted.
For Sale
Mysterious Potion –Found in an abandoned hut in the woods. Smells like berries and regret. One silver bottle.
For Sale
Lantern with Eternal Flame – Burns without fuel. Owner claims it whispers at night.
Personal
Seeking a Dance Partner – “The dead don’t waltz like they used to. Looking for someone with a heartbeat to share a twirl under the moonlight.”
Personal
Your Shadow is Following Me – “I see your silhouette before I see you. Let’s meet and discuss this over wine… preferably before sundown.”
Personal
Tall, Dark, and Brooding – “You stood at the edge of the village, watching. I felt your eyes on me even after I ran home. Who are you?”
Personal
A Whisper on the Wind
– “You spoke my name last night, but I was alone. Do it again.”
The Siren Sisterhood