The Effigy of Ivan Szimin (Golem)

The Effigy of Ivan Szimin is a dread golem and unique wood golem in Barovia. It was not purposefully created but rather is a product of conflict between the Gundarakites and the Barovians. It was accidentally created by Ardonk Szerieza as an act of defiance and intimidation against an overtaxing Baron Ivan Szimin. Ardonk believed he needed some sort of possession from Szimin's home. Ardonk found a gold medallion to steal, but he also found the irate baron. A battle ensued, and Baron Szimin was stabbed and left to bleed out. The flaming effigy was the last thing Baron Szimin saw before he bled to death. The wood golem awakened with a hate against all Gundarakite rebels. The farmer Stepan was his first victim.

The Effigy of Ivan Szimin was created by Stuart Turner for the Book of Secrets.