Category:Tyrant Mage

This section contains canon info from officially published sources

The Tyrant Mages are members of the Von Zarovich line and are servants of Count Strahd von Zarovich himself. These individuals are typically patriarchs or matriarchs of Von Zarovich holdings and are trained in the art of blood magic. They do not commonly act as burgomasters or take up other positions of political power.^[1]

Acting as Count Strahd's highest-ranking enforcers, the Tyrant Mages keep justice through threats of arcane retribution, as well as unearth dangers to Barovian security. They are authorised to make arrests and to perform executions. They are often accompanied by elite guards.^[2]

Tyrant Mages specialise in arcane mind control through spells like suggestion, charm person, and dominate person.^[1]

Those of close relation to the Von Zarovich family are recruited if they are shown to have particular arcane potential. It is usually Count Strahd himself who makes the offer. Recruits typically take three years to graduate to the position, but particularly gifted candidates may take as little as a single year of training.^[2]

Like all members of the Von Zarovich line, the Count holds Tyrant Mages to higher standards than he holds himself. They must keep their clothes, equipment, and household in good condition, must not engage in gross displays of magic, and may never engage in brawls, drunkenness, or other "plebian" revelry. Failure to obey these rules prompts a visit from a Von Zarovich servant. Failure to heed the warning means a further visit from a high-ranking member of the Von Zarovich family.^[3]

The Tyrant Mage is also a Prestige Class for arcane spellcasters in Dungeons & Dragons 3.5.

References