The people of Barovia know certain "facts" and hold certain beliefs about their existence and their surroundings. Are all of them true? Not necessarily, but the following is considered "common knowledge" by the typical Barovian. Nobles and scholars will, of course, hold more knowledge than peasants, but even they may be subject to bias and inaccurate historical records. If you ask around town, you may learn:

• Anyone who attempts to leave the land of Barovia begins to choke on the poisonous fog surrounding the land and will ultimately perish if they don't turn back.
• Many strangers have been drawn to Barovia over the years, but almost all either die or disappear before long.
• Wolves, dire wolves, and werewolves prowl the Svalich Woods, and hungry bats fill the night skies. Many other monstrous creatures lurk in the darkness, so it is never safe to travel at night.
• It is only marginally less dangerous to travel by day, so most people of Barovia do not leave the relative safety of their towns.
• The village of Barovia sits at the east end of the valley. Its burgomaster is named Kolyan Indirovich.
• The town of Vallaki lies in the heart of the valley. Its burgomaster is named Baron Vargas Vallakovich.
• The fortified village of Krezk lies at the west end of the valley and is built around an old abbey. The village burgomaster is named Dmitri Krezkov.
• Wine is the lifeblood of Barovia -- they have no other forms of alcohol. Barovian taverns get their wine from the Wizard of Wines winery near Krezk.
• A mad wizard of great power supposedly haunts the foothills of Mount Baratok. He is an outsider and is no friend of the vampire's.