Argynvostholt
Argynvostholt, a ruined mansion once home to a noble silver dragon and his knightly order. Now haunted by undead revenants led by the vengeful Vladimir Horngaard, the stronghold holds the key to restoring hope in Barovia.
Perched high above the mist-choked forests of Barovia, the ruined mansion of Argynvostholt stands as a silent monument to a war long lost. Once a radiant stronghold of honor and justice, this fortress was the home of Argynvost, a silver dragon who defied the darkness of Strahd’s growing tyranny. Today, Argynvostholt is a place of sorrow and unrest, haunted by the spectral remnants of the Order of the Silver Dragon—knights who have traded their nobility for vengeance.
Lore: The Tragedy of the Silver Dragon
Centuries ago, Argynvost took up residence in Barovia in human guise, founding the Order of the Silver Dragon to guard against the evil imprisoned in the Amber Temple. Drawing champions of virtue from across the land, Argynvost became a beacon of hope. But when war came, Strahd’s armies swept through the valley, eventually overwhelming the order. Strahd himself killed Argynvost and had the dragon's bones desecrated and displayed in Castle Ravenloft.
The spirit of Argynvost lingers in torment, mourning not only his own fate but the fall of his noble knights. Most tragic of all is Vladimir Horngaard, the revenant commander who, in his despair and rage, turned against his own ideals. Now, Vladimir and the revenants of the Order continue to fight—not to redeem Barovia, but to ensure Strahd suffers eternally.
Only one thing can rekindle the light: returning Argynvost’s skull to his mausoleum. Doing so ignites a beacon of radiant light that offers hope to all who oppose the vampire lord, and grants peace to the fallen knights.
Layout of Argynvostholt – Navigating the Haunted Ruin
Argynvostholt is expansive, filled with crumbling rooms, hidden dangers, and potent story beats. DMs using a battle map will find its segmented structure ideal for layered exploration and tactical combat.
