Vladeska the Zombie Impaler
Vladeska Drakov is the Darklord of Falkovnia, a Domain of Dread infested by zombies that rise in droves to attack the inhabitants of the land. In Falkovnia, 2 things are certain; death and zombies (probably taxes too). Although not a constant threat, it is inevitable that a new wave of zombies will sweep across the landscape, decimating all in their way at some point. It may be a matter of days, weeks, or even months, but it is inevitable. The people are in a constant state of defending their settlements, or preparing for the next onslaught.
At the centre of these efforts is their Darklord, Vladeska Drakov, who rules with an iron fist, strictly enforcing martial law in the city of Lekar, and commanding all that can bear arms. It is a dreary cycle of survival for the people of Falkovnia, and Vladeska is constantly haunted by her past life as leader of the Falcon’s Talons mercenary group. In 2nd edition, the darklord of Falkovnia was Vlad Drakov (inspired by Vlad the Impaler). Vladeska is an alternate, gender-swapped version of Vlad Drakov, re-imagined for 5th edition.
Information About Vladeska Drakov
| Characteristic | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Vladeska Drakov |
| Domain | Falkovnia |
| Race | Human |
| Alignment | Neutral Evil |
| Home | Lekar |
| Mercenary Group | Falcon’s Talons |
Vladeska Drakov’s Stat Block
Vladeska Drakov is not only an experienced mercenary, but also a military leader with vast experience at handling undead hordes. As such, she excels in martial combat and even has some tricks up her sleeve for handling the undead. The following stat block is not an official release but my own creation as Darklord stat blocks haven’t been officially released by Wizards of the Coast for 5th edition.
- Medium humanoid (human), Neutral Evil
- Armour Class: 18 (plate)
- Hit Points: 124 (16d12 + 32)
- Speed: 30ft
| Str | Dex | Con | Int | Wis | Cha |
| 18 (+4) | 12 (+1) | 16 (+3) | 12 (+1) | 12 (+1) | 16 (+3) |
- Saving Throws: Con (+6), Wis (+4)
- Skills: Athletics (+4), Deception (+6) History (+4), Insight (+4), Perception (+5), Persuasion (+4)
- Condition Immunities: Frightened
- Senses: Passive Perception 14
- Languages: Common
- Challenge: 8 (3,900 XP) Proficiency Bonus +3
Zombie Hunter: Vladeska has been fighting against hordes of zombies for a long time now. She knows how they act and how to combat them. Because of this, Vladeska has advantage on all attack rolls against zombies.
ACTIONS
Multiattack: Vladeska makes two melee attacks.
Greatsword: Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d6 + 5) slashing damage. Vladeska’s greatsword is a +1 magical weapon.
Once per turn, Vladeska can use one of the following maneuvers as part of one of her melee attacks:
- Distracting Strike: The attack does an additional 4 (1d8) slashing damage and the next attack roll against the target by an attacker other than Vladeska has advantage if the attack is made before the start of her next turn.
- Sweeping Attack: If Vladeska hits her target, she can choose to hit another with the same strike as long as her attack would also have hit this 2nd target and as long as they are within 5 feet of her. The 2nd target takes 4 (1d8) damage from this strike.
- Menacing Attack: When Vladeska hits an opponent, she can choose to make a menacing attack. The opponent must make a wisdom saving throw (DC14) or be frightened until the end of their next turn. In addition, Vladeska adds 4 (1d8) to her damage for that attack.
Heavy Crossbow: Ranged Weapon Attack: +2 to hit, range 100/400 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d10) piercing damage.
BONUS ACTIONS
Rallying Call: Vladeska is a competent general and as such, can inspire her allies to feats of extraordinary heroism. Once per long rest, Vladeska can use her rallying call to inspire her allies. Any ally within 30 feet of Vladeska gains 8 (2d8) temporary hit points and becomes immune to the effects of fear for 1 turn.
LEGENDARY ACTIONS
Vladeska Drakov can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. She can take only one legendary action at a time and only at the end of another creature’s turn. Vladeska regains spent legendary actions at the start of her turn.
Greatsword Attack: Vladeska makes a greatsword attack.
Tactical Manouveurs: Vladeska instructs her troops to help turn the tide of battle. One ally within 30 feet of Vladeska can make an attack (no character can be targeted in the same turn twice by this action).
History of Vladeska Drakov
In Vladeska’s land of birth, she was known as the Crimson Falcon; the leader of a mercenary group known as the Falcon’s Talons. In her land of quarreling royal families, her mercenaries were hired to exterminate those that caused offense or animosity between the nobility. Her mercenary group caused many atrocities in the name of this cause but at the end of it, Vladeska knew that she could retire young and buy herself a title and a realm to rule.
This all changed when she attacked Yeivere. It was a job like most others, but her mercenaries went too far. No-one knows exactly who was killed – a prince, an angel, a saint – but whoever it was, that persons death caused the whole of the land to turn against Drakov and her mercenaries.
The ruling families all turned against Vladeska so she in turn, turned against them. Taking the upper hand by attacking first, the Falcon’s Talons went about burning the towns and villages of their previous employers. They would kill any noble they found and press citizens into their service. Once the entire empire had burnt in her wake, strange mists enveloped Vladeska and her people transporting her to a strange land.
This new land was ripe for the taking and Vladeska spared little time subjugating its citizens to her will. She soon took the capital city of Lekar and made herself ruler of her new empire; Falkovnia.
It wasn’t long before the full moon rose and the dead of vladeska’s conquest rose again as zombies. They quickly destroyed the villages and all who lived in them and laid siege on the city of Lekar. This siege lasted for 4 days but despite Drakov’s brilliant and desperate strategies, most of her soldiers were lost. This was not the end however; every month, the zombie hordes return again to destroy Falkovnia’s people, and each month, Vladeska and her soldiers repel their enemy. But slowly, her soldiers dwindle in number and morale, fighting ceaselessly this endless enemy.
Vladeska is tormented by the zombies. Upon each, she sees the grotesque faces of fallen soldiers and civilians that she has known. In this state of constant war, she is left with only bad decisions. Implementing a strict martial law, the people are oppressed, but Vladeska sees little other option than to rule with an iron fist upon the nation she has claimed as her own.
All Darklords of Ravenloft
| Ankhtepot | Hazlik | Nepenthe |
| Chakuna | House of Lament | Queen Tsien Chiang |
| Count Strahd Von Zarovich | Ivana Boritsi | Ramya Vasavadan |
| Dr Viktra Mordenheim | Ivan Dilisnya | Vecna |
| Duchess Saidra d’Honaire | Jacqueline Renier | Vladeska Drakov |
| God-Brain of Bluetspur | Mother Lorinda | Wilfred Godefroy |
| Harkon Lucas |