The Curse of Strahd is a popular module for the tabletop role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons. It is part of the fifth edition of the game and is inspired by the classic adventure Ravenloft. In this module, players find themselves trapped in the mysterious and gothic land of Barovia, ruled by the vampire Count Strahd von Zarovich. The curse in question refers to the curse that Strahd himself is under, which has made him immortal and turned him into a vampire. This curse has also affected the entire land of Barovia, shrouding it with darkness and trapping its inhabitants in a perpetual state of fear. Players in this module must navigate the treacherous landscapes of Barovia and uncover its dark secrets in order to confront Strahd and find a way to break the curse.
The Last Witch of Langenburg also reminds historians of the contested nature of witch prosecutions. In order for the horrific crazes of the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries to gain momentum, a consensus had to prevail across society about the reality of the witches' sabbath, the validity of denunciations from common people, and the reliability of confessions procured through torture. In Germany in 1672, when Schmieg was arrested, this consensus was falling apart. Of course, some observers had always been skeptical or even openly critical of witch trials, most famously the Jesuit Friedrich von Spee and the Lutheran medical doctor Johan Weyer, but after 1650 this group was gaining ascendency. Particularly important among these skeptics were jurists who found it increasingly difficult to gather reliable evidence against witches.
Robisheaux uses this exceptionally well-documented case to illuminate how local accusations could lead to larger panics, as they had earlier in the century. Robisheaux tells his story very well, and it is a good story--a difficult and argumentative woman, an outsider who had to fight for everything she had in life, coming to grief on the accusations of her neighbors and her own daughter.
Players in this module must navigate the treacherous landscapes of Barovia and uncover its dark secrets in order to confront Strahd and find a way to break the curse. Along the way, they will encounter various allies and enemies, all of whom have their own stories and motivations. The Curse of Strahd module is known for its dark and atmospheric setting, with its gothic architecture, misty forests, and haunted castles.
The Last Witch of Langenburg: Murder in a German Village - Hardcover
On the night of the festive holiday of Shrove Tuesday in 1672 Anna Fessler died after eating one of her neighbor's buttery cakes. Could it have been poisoned? Drawing on vivid court documents, eyewitness accounts, and an early autopsy report, historian Thomas Robisheaux brings the story to life. Exploring one of Europe's last witch panics, he unravels why neighbors and the court magistrates became convinced that Fessler's neighbor Anna Schmieg was a witch―one of several in the area―ensnared by the devil. Once arrested, Schmieg, the wife of the local miller, and her daughter were caught up in a high-stakes drama that led to charges of sorcery and witchcraft against the entire family. Robisheaux shows how ordinary events became diabolical ones, leading magistrates to torture and turn a daughter against her mother. In so doing he portrays an entire world caught between superstition and modernity. 22 illustrations; 3 maps
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author:Thomas Robisheaux, a professor of history at Duke University, is the author of Rural Society and the Search for Order in Early Modern Germany. He lives in Durham, North Carolina.
From Booklist:By 1672, Count Heinrich Friedrich of Langenburg had restored order and prosperity to his southwest German domain, which had been ravaged by the Thirty Years' War. But a threat arose when a healthy young mother died suddenly, and suspicions fell on Anna Schmieg, a miller’s wife. Capitalizing on the meticulous record of Schmieg’s case, historian Robisheaux not only re-creates who Anna Schmieg was but also explores the confluence of social, legal, and religious streams that put her life in jeopardy. In literary terms, Robisheaux writes a courtroom drama that will hook readers and secure their attention until the last page through his perceptive portrayal of Schmieg’s personality, which was so disruptive that her altercations and tart tongue were seen in a diabolical light by villagers and the count’s officials alike. But burning Satan’s minions was no longer a summary affair: protomodern legal and medical procedures combined with the traditional fear of witchcraft to complicate the task of Schmieg’s inquisitors. With an incisive ability to view matters through the participants’ eyes, Robisheaux vividly brings this historical incident to life. --Gilbert Taylor
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
A good but depressing read based on outstanding research that illuminates a dark chapter of history.
It challenges players with difficult encounters, moral dilemmas, and suspenseful storytelling. It is recommended for experienced players and dungeon masters who are looking for a challenging and immersive adventure. Overall, the Curse of Strahd is a beloved module that has captivated players and dungeon masters alike with its rich lore, memorable characters, and haunting atmosphere. It continues to be a popular choice for those seeking a thrilling and atmospheric Dungeons and Dragons campaign..
Reviews for "The Haunting History of Straud: A Curse Unleashed"
1. John - 2/5 stars
I had high hopes for "Cursd of straud" after hearing so much buzz about it, but I was left disappointed. Firstly, the plot felt extremely cliché and predictable. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it tough to connect with any of them. The pacing was also off, with slow moments dragging on and action scenes lacking excitement. Overall, "Cursd of straud" failed to live up to the hype for me.
2. Sarah - 1/5 stars
I couldn't even finish "Cursd of straud" because the writing was just so poor. The grammar and spelling errors were distracting and made it difficult to follow the story. Additionally, the dialogue felt stilted and unnatural. It seemed like the author was trying too hard to be witty and clever, but it fell flat. I found myself cringing at the attempts at humor. I would not recommend this book to anyone.
3. Michael - 2/5 stars
"Cursd of straud" had an interesting premise, but it failed to deliver. The world-building felt shallow and underdeveloped, leaving me with more questions than answers. The relationships between the characters were also poorly explored, which made it hard to invest emotionally in their journeys. The book seemed to rely on shock value and twists, but they felt forced and lacked impact. Overall, "Cursd of straud" left me feeling unsatisfied and unengaged.
4. Emily - 2/5 stars
I had heard great things about "Cursd of straud," but unfortunately, it didn't resonate with me. The writing style was convoluted and filled with unnecessary details that bogged down the narrative. The pacing was inconsistent, making it difficult to stay engaged throughout the story. While there were moments of potential, they were overshadowed by the overall lackluster execution. I wanted to enjoy this book, but it ultimately fell short of my expectations.
5. David - 3/5 stars
"Cursd of straud" had its moments, but it didn't live up to the hype for me. The story had potential, but it felt like it was trying to tackle too many ideas at once, resulting in a convoluted and confusing narrative. The characters, though intriguing, lacked proper development, leaving me feeling disconnected from their struggles. While there were moments of suspense and excitement, they were undermined by the overall messy execution. I can understand why some people might enjoy this book, but it just wasn't for me.