New Baldur's Gate 3 mod lets you have dinner with Count Strahd in his castle

Modder Baldur's Gate 3 user Ocelot has released a mini-campaign called Dinner With Strahd – A Curse of Strahd Story Mod, which lets you take a break from saving Faerûn for a dinner party with one of Dungeons & Dragons' most iconic villains.

Count Strahd von Zarovich – ancient vampire, ruler of the gothic land of Barovia, and a thorn in adventurers' sides for decades of tabletop history. In the mod, he invites Tav and company to Castle Ravenloft, ostensibly out of curiosity about the illithid tadpoles rattling around in their heads, with a side of organ music performed through illusions.

The mod offers "over 600 fully voiced and animated lines of dialogue," battles, loot, and the chance to explore Castle Ravenloft's chambers. For those who prefer a less diplomatic approach, there's also the option to punch the Count square in the face. Ocelot has also teased "something secret for the Strahd romancers" – covering both camps of fans who've long had very different ideas about what they'd like to do with the ancient vampire.

The story kicks off in Rivington – the first area of the third act, as your party makes its way toward Baldur's Gate. A chance encounter with a woman near a cart and ox sets the whole chain of events in motion. For anyone without a save at the start of Act 3, Ocelot has included a pre-made tiefling bard character in the mod's optional files so you can jump straight in. Installation is recommended via LaughingLeader's Baldur's Gate 3 Mod Manager.

Future plans include expanding the castle with new rooms and characters, and giving its vampires some proper fangs.