Curse of Strahd is a gothic horror-themed campaign module for the popular tabletop role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons. It was released in 2016 as a fifth edition module and is a revised and expanded version of the original "Ravenloft" adventure module from 1983. The module takes place in the fictional realm of Barovia, a secluded valley ruled by the vampire lord Strahd von Zarovich. The players, acting as a group of adventurers, find themselves trapped in Barovia and must navigate its dark and treacherous landscape to defeat Strahd and escape. Barovia is a desolate and oppressive land, perpetually shrouded in mist and filled with danger at every turn. The players will come across various NPCs, both friendly and hostile, as they explore the land.
The players will come across various NPCs, both friendly and hostile, as they explore the land. They will also encounter a multitude of supernatural creatures, such as zombies, werewolves, and witches, that are under the control of Strahd. The module is designed to be challenging, with numerous potential hazards and deadly encounters.
The Salem Witch Trials: Restoring Justice
Please note: Capacity is limited in the Salem Witch Trials: Restoring Justice exhibition gallery. Visitors may experience long wait times, especially on the weekends. Please stop by the Witch Trials exhibition entrance to be added to the waitlist. While you wait, listen to our latest PEMcast for a sneak peek of the exhibition with the curators.
Salem’s witch trials are a definitive example of intolerance and injustice in American history. This exhibition examines the extraordinary series of events in 1692-3 that led to the deaths of 25 innocent women, men and children who were wrongfully convicted of crimes. More than 300 years later, the personal tragedies and grievous wrongs that occurred still provoke us to reflect and reckon with the experiences of those involved.
The exhibition tells this story through court documents and authentic historic objects presented as tangible fragments directly tied to people in Salem and nearby communities in the late 17th century. A handwritten petition, a carved loom, a walking stick — each illuminates an aspect of individuals who lived through Salem’s witch trials and serves as a reminder of the real people impacted by these harrowing events.
Many Salem area residents realized the judicial proceedings were flawed and the trials unjust. As early as the late 1690s, victims and their communities took action in attempts to restore the innocence of those wrongly accused and convicted. While the trauma and loss can never be fully repaired, these tangible steps over the centuries have made progress toward healing a deeply fractured community. The process continues today.
The Salem Witch Trials: Restoring Justice is organized by the Peabody Essex Museum. This exhibition is made possible by Carolyn and Peter S. Lynch and The Lynch Foundation. We thank James B. and Mary Lou Hawkes, Chip and Susan Robie, and Timothy T. Hilton as supporters of the Exhibition Innovation Fund. We also recognize the generosity of the East India Marine Associates of the Peabody Essex Museum.
Follow along on social media using #1692witchtrials
TOP IMAGE: Tompkins Harrison Matteson. Trial of George Jacobs, August 5, 1692, 1855. Oil on canvas, 39 × 53 in. (99.1 × 134.6 cm). Gift of R. W. Ropes, 1859 (1246).
Crow Haven Corner, SALEM’S OLDEST WITCH SHOP, invites you to our psychic fair! LORELEI, THE LOVE WITCH, and 10 of her Salem Witches specializing in Tarot, palmistry, and mediumship! Open.
Players will need to carefully manage their resources and make strategic decisions to survive. The overarching story revolves around Strahd's curse, which has plagued the land for centuries and binds both the inhabitants of Barovia and Strahd himself to an eternal cycle of torment. Throughout the campaign, the players will uncover the dark history of Barovia and learn about Strahd's tragic past, which led to him becoming a vampire. They will also have the opportunity to gather powerful artifacts and allies to aid them in their quest to defeat Strahd. Curse of Strahd is known for its atmospheric and immersive storytelling, which draws heavily from classic horror literature and films. The campaign module offers a rich and detailed setting for players to explore, with countless opportunities for role-playing and character development. Overall, Curse of Strahd is a beloved and highly regarded campaign module that offers a unique and thrilling experience for players looking to delve into the world of gothic horror in their Dungeons & Dragons adventures..
Reviews for "The Gothic Inspiration of Curse of Strahd: Tracing Literary Roots"
1. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Curse of Stramd". The storyline felt weak and predictable, and the characters lacked depth. The scares were also quite lackluster, with very few truly creepy moments. I found myself bored and unengaged throughout the film, and it failed to leave any lasting impact. Overall, "Curse of Stramd" definitely did not live up to the hype for me.
2. Michael - 3/5 stars - While "Curse of Stramd" had some visually stunning scenes and impressive cinematography, the plot was convoluted and confusing. There were too many subplots that went unresolved, and it felt like the film was trying too hard to be complex. The pacing was also quite slow, and I found myself losing interest halfway through. I had higher expectations for "Curse of Stramd" and was ultimately left feeling underwhelmed.
3. Emily - 2/5 stars - I'm usually a fan of horror movies, but "Curse of Stramd" just didn't do it for me. The dialogue felt cheesy and forced, and the acting was subpar. The jump scares were predictable, and the overall atmosphere felt cliché. It didn't offer anything new or innovative to the genre, and I found myself more frustrated than scared. I would not recommend "Curse of Stramd" to fellow horror enthusiasts.
4. Alex - 1/5 stars - I cannot believe how awful "Curse of Stramd" was. The acting was atrocious, with wooden performances that felt completely unconvincing. The storyline was confusing and poorly executed, leaving gaping plot holes and unresolved questions. Even the scary moments felt forced and relied heavily on cheap jump scares. I was genuinely disappointed by "Curse of Stramd" and would strongly advise against wasting your time on this film.