Hi,

New CoS DM here. I have a quick question: We know that Strahd can't enter a residence without an invite. So can he charm someone, and then ask them "I'd love to sit by the fire and chat. May I come in?" or something to that effect.

And, under the charm spell, the player invites them in. So Strahd is able to go in, upon this invitation. Sounds plausible, but also sounds kinda over powered to me. But hey, he's Strahd. He is powerful. Get used to it.

Thanks for the replies.

The book literally says he charms his way into the home of Ireena.

Yes he, and any vampire with a charm ability, can charm people to invite them in. 

OK, yeah thanks. I just read it too. I must have missed it the first 3 times around :-)

That said... you could house rule that he cannot magically charm his way in.

If you think about it, the "need an invite" is negated more or less if you can turn on the magic, literally, and say "Invite me in".  On the other hand, if a vampire has to "personally charm" someone into the invite that adds a little more depth to the story and reminds you that Strahd is a force to be reckoned with.  He doesn't just magically get what he wants, he's got the Charisma to get it other ways.

Yes the RAW allows for magical charm but how does one tell the overlord of an entire domain of dread "no" when he asks to come in out of the rain?