Curse Of Strahd Burgomaster Son

In the dark and misty realm of Barovia, the Curse of Strahd campaign in Dungeons & Dragons introduces players to a wide range of haunting characters. One of the more complex and often overlooked figures is the son of the Burgomaster of the Village of Barovia. While he may seem like a minor NPC at first, his background, struggles, and development potential can provide players and Dungeon Masters with rich narrative opportunities. His name is Ismark Kolyanovich, the son of Burgomaster Kolyan Indirovich, and his role within the story reveals themes of leadership, loss, and quiet bravery in the face of overwhelming fear and darkness.

Ismark Kolyanovich: A Brief Introduction

Ismark the Lesser, as he is sometimes called, is the son of Kolyan Indirovich, the Burgomaster of the Village of Barovia. Though referred to as the Lesser, the nickname isn’t necessarily derogatory. Rather, it emphasizes his position in relation to his late father, a man who carried heavy responsibility in a town plagued by fear and the presence of the vampire lord, Strahd von Zarovich.

Ismark is a human male in his late twenties or early thirties, strong and disciplined, though not as seasoned or charismatic as others in the land. While he does not possess the grandeur or mystique of powerful heroes or cursed villains, his grounded realism and concern for his sister and his people make him one of the few genuinely noble characters in Barovia.

The Burden of Inheritance

When players meet Ismark in the campaign, his father has just died his heart broken from fear and relentless pressure from Strahd’s minions. Kolyan Indirovich’s death symbolizes the collapse of hope in the Village of Barovia. The son is left to pick up the pieces, not just of his household but of a broken, terrified community. This moment positions Ismark as a potential leader, though he is deeply unsure of himself.

Ismark’s first and most pressing concern is the safety of his adopted sister, Ireena Kolyana. She has caught the attention of Strahd himself, having been bitten by the vampire lord twice already. Ismark understands the threat Strahd poses, and he realizes that staying in the village would doom his sister. This urgency drives him to seek help from the players, asking them to escort Ireena to safety.

Relationship with Ireena Kolyana

Though they are not blood relatives, Ismark and Ireena share a strong familial bond. Ireena was adopted by Kolyan Indirovich after being found at the edge of the woods as a baby. Raised together, Ismark has always seen her as his true sister, and he has grown into a protective role over the years.

Ireena, for her part, is brave and independent, but she trusts Ismark’s intentions and judgment. Their relationship adds emotional weight to the questline involving Ireena’s escort and eventual fate, depending on how the players interact with and assist them. Ismark’s concern for Ireena is not based on fear alone it’s based on love, duty, and the heavy cost of their father’s death.

Role in the Campaign

In the official Curse of Strahd module, Ismark serves several functions. First, he acts as a quest-giver, requesting the party to help move Ireena to the fortified town of Vallaki. This mission sets the tone for the campaign’s dangers and also encourages players to explore outside the village.

Second, Ismark can potentially join the party as an NPC companion, though he is not a seasoned adventurer. His stats are comparable to a guard or fighter-type NPC with basic combat abilities. His inclusion in the party can add narrative flavor and local insight, especially during interactions with Barovian townsfolk.

Lastly, Ismark symbolizes the struggle of Barovia’s people. He is neither a hero nor a villain he is a man caught in a cursed land, trying to do the right thing with limited resources and against insurmountable odds. His courage is quiet but persistent.

Potential Character Arcs

For Dungeon Masters who enjoy expanding on NPCs, Ismark offers several possibilities for development:

• Leadership Evolution: Ismark could evolve from a doubtful son into a confident leader. Perhaps the players help him reclaim his father’s role, protect a town, or lead resistance against Strahd’s influence.
• Combat Growth: With training or exposure to the adventuring life, Ismark may grow stronger and gain new abilities, becoming a valuable companion or even a local hero.
• Moral Dilemma: A great narrative twist could involve Ismark facing tough choices sacrificing his safety for others, or perhaps confronting corruption in other towns like Vallaki or Krezk.

Symbolism and Themes

Ismark the Lesser represents more than just a grieving son. He is the embodiment of mortal resistance in a world ruled by supernatural terror. His struggle reflects the themes of legacy, fear, and responsibility that run deep through the Curse of Strahd adventure.

His nickname the Lesser can become a powerful theme can a man with no title, no magical power, and no grand destiny rise to the occasion? Players who recognize this may see his journey as one of growth from lesser to greater, from the shadows of his father to his own legacy.

How Players Can Influence His Fate

Ismark’s fate in the campaign is ultimately determined by the players. They can choose to help him and Ireena escape, support his efforts to lead, or abandon him altogether. In some campaigns, Ismark may be killed early on. In others, he may rise to become a key figure in the resistance against Strahd.

Encouraging the party to invest in Ismark’s development can enrich the emotional impact of the campaign. Players might help him reclaim the Burgomaster’s mansion, gather villagers into a militia, or even become mayor of Vallaki after exposing its corruption.

Ideas for Customization

If you’re a DM looking to make your campaign stand out, consider these ideas to add more depth to Ismark:

• Hidden Lineage: What if Ismark is unknowingly related to one of Barovia’s ancient noble families?
• Dark Bargain: Ismark may be tempted to use dark magic to protect Ireena or avenge his father.
• Political Ambitions: Perhaps he seeks to unite the villages of Barovia against Strahd, giving players a political subplot.

While Ismark Kolyanovich may not wield magical powers or strike fear into the hearts of enemies, his character in Curse of Strahd holds real narrative weight. As the Burgomaster’s son, a protective brother, and a reluctant leader, he embodies the human struggle for hope in a land overwhelmed by darkness. By paying attention to his story and offering him the chance to grow, players and Dungeon Masters alike can turn Ismark from a footnote into a meaningful symbol of Barovia’s quiet strength. Whether he survives, thrives, or falls in battle, his presence adds depth, emotion, and humanity to a campaign defined by dread and despair.