Vincent Vasil Stravokov [The Stravokov Coat of Arms]
the screams of a woman in labor came from the room as the Servant approached the door. as he opened it the woman had just given Birth to a baby boy, her husband Vasile held his son up high welcoming him into the world. "i shall name you Vincent Vasil Stravokov... after your Grandfather and myself". as he returned his son to his wife Nadia noticed his unusual eye Color of Light hazel Gray eyes. upon announcing her discovery to the room, the servant who had just walked in quickly left mumbling "its bad omen" under his breath.
Vincents Parents where of Wealthy Blood. his Father Owned the Stravokov Mercantile business in Zeidenburg. his wife was the daughter of another wealthy family. and the union of the Couple had secured Nadia's Dowry for the Stravokov family. and in time they eventually came to respect and love one another.
as Vincent was growing strange occurrences began to happen throughtout the family's Manor. candlesticks, books, and all other manner of household items began to move and levitate on their own. the House had become a becon for spiritual activity, the servants of the manor where wrought with fear. but Vincent seemed unafraid of his surroundings. and each year he grew, the more activity was produced until his 12th year of age.
walking home one day with his Father and the Family Dog Vix'thra, a Carriage cam barreling down the road out of control. the horses clearly spook and unwilling to calm down, charged the passing family head on. his father acting quickly dived grabbing his son and saving his life. however Vix'thra had been run over and killed instantly. as the carriage finally came to a stop further down the road, Vincent began to cry hysterically as his beloved friend had perished in an instant. his father helped him to his feet and grabbed the dog heading back to the mansion.
as they arrived his father had one of the servants dig a grave at the southern end of the property near the forest edge. there they conducted a small burial service in light of their son to ease his loss. after the servants and family had fallen asleep, Vincent snuck out into Old Night rushing to Vix'thras grave. there he fell to his knees planting his hands into the freshly moved soil, wishing his companion back to life...
and then it happened...
the ground around him began to split, red light seeping from the cracks. Moans and cries of the dead filled his mind as two decrepit paws began to emerge from the earth. Vincent jumped back with fear as the Corpse of his beloved Vix'thra took life once again sprouting from the ground. the dogs eyes glowing red as it slowly approached its master. in this moment Vincent knew now of the powers he possessed. and could now account for the strange happenings of his home. he had been the becon for the spirits that now Plagued his home. and looking down at the Undead dog and realized his power over the deceased.
spending months trifling through his fathers library and rare books collection. he found literature describing Witches and warlocks that had the power to manipulate the dead into doing their bidding. they where called Necromancers from what he read, and realized he may be one of them. the next 20 years he began to practice these powers. running into the graveyards at nightfall uncovering sarcophagus and coffins, experimenting with the dead unlocking new powers and secrets over the years. eventually learning how to Repell the dead and freeing his home of unwelcome Guest..
after many years he heard rumors of such practice in or around Vallaki, and so he decided to go there under the guise of furthering his fathers business relations and expanding the family business. while in some ways this was true, the true nature of his leave was the expedition of furthering his ability's. and so near his 35th Birthday, he packed his belongings and made way for the door. as he approached the door his father, mother, and all of the servants of the Manor surprised him for his 35th birthday. after spending hours laughing and celebrating he made for his father's carriage. a voice came from behind him yelling "son! wait! i have but one more gift for". a Servant walked out from behind his father revealing a black and red suit made from exquisite rare materials, cut from the best Tailor in ZeidenBurg as it bore his signature on the inside of the suit. his father said "your mother and i Know how much you have always looked to Strahd the 1st as a role model, and we made this suit tailored for you in his Honor". Vincent grabbed his father Vasile hugging him in the excitement. the servants loaded his belongings into the carriage and he kissed his mother and father goodbye promising to write them from time to time.
as Vasile watched as the carriage vanished into the horizon... he could swear he saw the shape of a familiar canine traveling behind it...