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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Coreyartus" data-source="post: 6854777" data-attributes="member: 5399">I really like the analogy of this version's Strahd hearkening to Jessica Jones's Killgrave, mentioned very early on in the thread. IMO, the difference between this 5.0Strahd and the Strahds of the past is that this one seems to be a complete and utter narcissist. Of course he should conquer Barovia--rulers should desire to expand their territory.  Of course he would treat his subjects with disdain--it's their lot to be there for him anyway because he's at the top of the social hierarchy.  It's all very reasonable.  Of course he would seek out the Dark Powers--power is, after all, what it's all about and if they're going to help him live forever and conquer more and control his political opponents then that's the right and proper thing to do...  He deserves it, of course...Power breeds contempt. And sycophants. Strahd lived in a world where everyone and everything has revolved around him.  Except his parents, apparently.  And the one creature he desired but couldn't have: Tatyana.  I think Strahd thinks he loved her, but he doesn't know what love is any more than Killgrave.  That's why her death was something he now sees as inevitable--of course he'd rationalize it away as "not his fault"!  Nothing is his fault according to him, and nothing he's done is wrong--he's had logical reasons for everything.And he's bored. OMG, 300 years after the choices he made he wants out, but he's running out of playthings let alone finding someone that's worthy of Barovia.  He's gone through so many and none. of. them. live up to his standards.  He gives them so SO many chances.  Over and over again he tests their mettle, helping them grow, putting them out of their misery when they don't measure up...He doesn't see himself as a tragic figure--that would imply that he's actually lost something.  And he doesn't need to be benevolent except when it serves his interests.  He wavers back and forth between Tatyana as love and Tatyana as possession... Her loss is not tragic.  To him it's inconvenience.  She'll come around.  Her soul at any rate.  She just has to learn. Strahd couldn't understand how Tatyana couldn't love him, just as Killgrave can't understand Jessica.And his toying congeniality with the party is simply a means to an end.  Perhaps one of them will live up his expectations this time?  Probably not--the chances aren't good.  But still...  One will come eventually.  He can't just dismissively cut them all down before they're ripe, can he?</blockquote>

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