OOC

[GM Marvel]

Due to his background, would Eloric recognize Vampire bites? Or know much about factual information about Vampires?  Granted he assumes Strahd sent those monsters to his village, but Honestly none of them would know for sure.  So I don't suspect he knows much more info about Strahd himself.

I'm not sure.  If this was the 5e module I would say yes because from what I understand, in that module pretty much everyone knows Strahd is a Vampire.  But from what I've been able to dig up about 1e, the villagers don't know he's a Vampire, which is kind of strange.  Keep in mind this module is before the Demiplanes of Ravenloft so things are a little different at this time.  I'm trying to stay close to the 1e version as possible because that's the game the players signed up for to play.  But when you guys ask questions that aren't really covered in the original module I will use 5e material.  For example, at this time there is no mention of Vallaki and Krezk in this module.  They were added when Barovia was expanded for the Ravenloft Campaign.  But you do mention Vallaki in your background.  So unless there is some reason your characters really want to go to Vallaki, there will be no reason to go to the village. 

I don't think your background comes right out and says your wife turned into a vampire though it does say your parents etc were killed by Vampire Spawn.  Killing one of Strahd's vampires would likely piss him off quiet a bit unless the vampire was specifically created the vampire to screw with you and it wasn't someone he was actually attracted to.  

To me it doesn't make sense that at least some people wouldn't know about Vampires or suspect Strahd is a Vampire, himself.  When people start noticing bite marks on their neck or are using wards against Vampires such as holy symbols and garlic, you'd have to assume they're at least suspicious.  Also you guys aren't low level so I have to assume you have some life experience.  Even if a particular character hasn't met a Vampire in person, I'm sure they've heard supernatural tales of Vampires.  

I don't want to assume everyone knows all about vampires, I can give you all a Wisdom check to know something about them.  And I will allow Eloric a -2 Bonus to know more about Vamps because of his background.  So roll a d20 and if your result is equal or below your ability score you will know more about Vamps. The closer to 1 you get, the better the roll and a roll of 20 is a complete failure.  If you fail it just means Eloric has blocked out much of what happened that day AND he was hiding under hay so he didn't see very much.