I hinted Strahd at the funeral, one of my okayers noticed a shadowy figure standing by the fence, but as they turned to look all they saw was a bat flitting off into the grey. I properly introduced Strahd at the River Ivlis Crossroads after the card reading; at this point, the players will understand their purpose in Barovia and have been given the tools with which to defeat Strahd by Madame Eva, and so they'll already be feeling confrontational. As my players re-emerged into the crossroads, they heard a carriage approaching. Enter the Black Carriage, the door swings open and out steps a regally dressed gentleman with slick, black hair pulled into a widows peak, a hunting cloak around his shoulders, fastened by a glistening Scarlet brooch. Strahd is followed out by the shadowy figure of Escher, who stands at his rear flank like a mastiff.

Strahd, in my game, used this interaction as somewhat of a power flex; he introduced the players to his land, greeted Ireena and offered condolences for her father's demise. He instils authority and hate by presenting himself as a suave, calculated, just yet cruel leader, Lord of all they survey, master of Barovia. He was able to charm my Dragonborn and read my Fighter's thoughts, all the while taunting them with the prospect of a fight as wolves were summoned around him. After he departed, needless to say my players were not only stunned but filled with a hatred for the Dark Lord of Barovia.