Ravenloft, already a land of shadows and whispered evils, has slid deeper into darkness. The balance of power, so delicate after the chaos of the Grand Conjunction, has been shattered once again. Vecna, once bound to the Domain of Cavitius, has broken free of the Demiplane of Dread. In other places, on other planes, the battle against Vecna and his allies rages, drowning whole worlds in blood. Others, more distant, seek to stop Vecna himself, hoping to succeed where others have failed.

Emboldened by Vecna's freedom, Vlad Drakov of Falkovnia and The Dukkar, Malochhio Aderre of Invidia, have joined together in a war of conquest. Between them, they smashed the realm of Borca, putting its Darklords to the sword and smashing its people beneath their boot. Many have fled that realm, speaking of a Holocaust in which the Vistani are destroyed, and any who are not killed are pressed into service; either as slaves, soldiers, or given as prizes to others who gain the favor of Vlad or the Dukkar. The Talons of Falkovnia, have spent the past month consolidating their gains in Borca, but they and their dark masters grow restless. Already, patrols have been seen in Barovia, Sithicus, Verbrek, and Richemulot; word is trickling in that Mordent, Dementlieu, and Lamordia are also preparing for war.

No Lord is raising the call in the land of Barovia. Strahd has not been seen since the Mists rolled back from the land, and none have claimed the title of Lord. You do not fight for your cursed land. You do not fight for your absent lord. All that remains to fight for is the hope that your family will escape the talons of the Hawk of Falkovnia.