Ruin of Argynvostholt
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This section contains canon Ravenloft information from Fifth Edition, see references below. Please Note: 5th edition Ravenloft is not canon in Time of Unparalleled Darkness except for these specific segments. |
Argynvostholt was the headquarters of the formerly good and heroic Order of the Silver Dragon.[1]
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This section contains server-canon Ravenloft information from the Time of Unparalleled Darkness server; see the References below. |
During his campaign to liberate Barovia from the Tergish invaders, Strahd and his family was afield, and the silver dragon Argynvost settled in the valley which then was called Barovia. Posing as a rich nobleman, Argynvost funded the von Zarovich attempts to free the kingdom, seeing it as just and righteous. He formed the Order of the Silver Dragon to protect the commonfolk when the army was afield. It is said they strove to keep people from some great evil, though they never spoke on what, precisely. They settled in an ancient estate, formerly a church of a forgotten god, and went about their work.[2]
Frequently clashing with the creatures of old Noapte, and keeping the valley safe for its inhabitants, the Order became quite liked, if never entirely trusted by the local Barovians, and they came to find a fairly decent repute over time. Some travelling merchants within the valley came to deliver pieces to there despite the mild detour for it, and it is rumoured that the first forms of what became Barovian steel were deduced by the armourer of the order - which in itself spurs some speculation that Atanase Arms has some connection or another to the old order. If they do though, the matron of the family is silent on them. Either way they became quietly well-regarded, especially in the midst of such uncertain times.[2]
This was not to last, however: when Strahd returned from his successful campaign, he demanded the fealty of the nobility that remained, and while most of the boyars agreed, Argynvost did not; and so he and his order were put to the sword for their treason. The knights were cursed, however, so driven by their hatred of whom they saw as a tyrant that they persisted after death. There is some argument whether they constitute revenants or vengeful wraiths, but one thing is certain: they fight their last battle eternally now, against all whom seek to enter the grounds of Argynvostholt.[2]
