Scan barcode
A review by okeefe
I, Strahd : The Memoirs of a Vampire by Elrod, P. N.
dark
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Like many contemplating picking this book up, I’m about to start DMing Curse of Strahd. I wanted some backstory on Strahd, the major baddie in the adventure.
Did I get that backstory?
Yes, I now know about Strahd before he became a bloodsucker.
I also know how he became a vampire … kind of. Although the process is explained, the reader is left confused as to the whos and hows of the entire procedure.
There is one aspect to the Strahd‘s autobiography that is quite appealing: future motivation. Strahd is has one wish and one wish only. His inability to obtain his only desire leaves him defeated, jealous and disdainful of all the living. This tale will add pain to the way I play Strahd.
Is this a must-read for DMs? Not at all. I definitely enjoyed Strahd in revenge-mode, but there‘s a lot left undone to make this a good D&D book and / or a good vampire tale.
Did I get that backstory?
Yes, I now know about Strahd before he became a bloodsucker.
I also know how he became a vampire … kind of. Although the process is explained, the reader is left confused as to the whos and hows of the entire procedure.
There is one aspect to the Strahd‘s autobiography that is quite appealing: future motivation. Strahd is has one wish and one wish only. His inability to obtain his only desire leaves him defeated, jealous and disdainful of all the living. This tale will add pain to the way I play Strahd.
Is this a must-read for DMs? Not at all. I definitely enjoyed Strahd in revenge-mode, but there‘s a lot left undone to make this a good D&D book and / or a good vampire tale.