I could probably use some general tips and etc., but there are plenty of threads like that around, so anyways, here is the story arc I am thinking about. It takes place in Barovia and I will probably be butchering the place canon-wise, as the CS and DMG don't really have a whole lot of information on the realms or Strahd himself (at least what he currently does, it has plenty of history).
So anyways, main storyline as follows. An uppity conjurer decided to try and bind a Glabrezu. Unfortunately for him, the Glabrezu realized that he was trapped in RL now, and basically enslaved the mage under pains of death. He also made the conjurer summon the Glabrezu's minions from the abyss, giving him a power base. Eventually he gets it in his head that he can return home if he usurps Strahd. To this end he tries to start a rebellion among the towns. Most of Strahd's armies are off fighting to keep the Gundarakites in line, but the wolves are still out in force (I am making it so Strahd has a wide latitude in controlling the wolves, I'm not sure if this is canon) and I have created more powerful wolves (advanced/templates), so the demon has something to worry about, which is why he is stirring up trouble in the first place.
Anyways, he basically uses his polymorphing abilites (He has 1 level in Mortal hunter) along with his succubi to appear as a villager, says he has a vision that they can be freed from the shackles of Strahd, and then kills the taxmen, or Strahd's stooges in the town. Then he sends in one of his succubi (He has 4) to begin training the men there in combat and getting them organized and such.
Of course, a bunch of commoner soldiers alone aren't enough to overthrow Strahd, so the Glabrezu needs more powerful allies as well. I am figuring if the PCs want to help him out, they can go try and find allies, and level up themselves to gain more power. The game should be pretty free flowing, so I don't know if they will even pursue this option, but it will be the major background action, and once they are higher level they will be sucked into it somehow. (Of course, they don't know he is a demon. I am ruling that Detect Evil will not work on evil outsiders and have informed the players of this)
Uh, well, I suppose I need to ask a question... What do you think about this, and what are some of the better resources I could check out, mainly about Barovia and Strahd? (free resources preferred, as I am a poor college student.
)http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1588469646/qid=1096339081/sr=8-2/ref=pd_csp_2/104-8123945-1605517?v=glance&s=books&n=507846
Your Ravenloft campaign is what you make of it, but outsiders in Ravenloft are often distant manipulators, plot devices or usually involved in major events in land of the mists.
If you're looking for inspiration or ideas, check out the fratenity. They have Ravenloft fan netbooks.
http://www.fraternityofshadows.com/Library.htm
You could use the PCs to hunt for items to use against Strahd or gather allies. Or other quests to build up strength before facing the necromancer.
Certainly, a demonic fiend finding himself suddenly trapped in RL might believe it's all a plot by one of his enemies in the Blood War. Then, when he hears some natives talking about the Devil-Strahd, jumps to the wrong conclusion and starts his own little private war.
And again, Gaz I is definately THE source for Barovia.
The demons certainly will not be overtly doing anything for quite awhile. And yes, the demon is pretending to be a hero, but probably will not adventure with the players. One of his cohorts might, though.
If the players ever find out what the true identity and purpose of "The Hero" is, I'm sure it will be a long time coming and a very unpleasant surprise.
I like the "Devil-Strahd" misunderstanding thing.
Thanks for the advice.