Called into action to fight back against the conquest of a warlord, the Order of the Silver Dragon had been sent by their leader Argynvost to the Zarovich Valley, intending to halt Strahd von Zarovich's takeover. From their fortress at the newly-built Argynvostholt, Captain Vladimir Horngaard pushed back against his armies, believing they could break his strength before his authority set in as law. When opportunity struck, a small unit descended from Argynvostholt and rode to the Village of Barovia, where the von Zarovich line had long held influence.
The greatest of their victories was a legendary battle later called the "Barovian Order." While Strahd and his soldiers were away suppressing threats west of Vallaki, the Order struck with alacrity, charging down the Old Svalich Road without resistance. The main unit led by Sir Godfrey Gwilym seized the village, broke hostile garrisons, and purged anyone believed to be collaborating with Strahd, while Captain Horngaard snuck inside with a small group. In the midst of the battle, Vladimir destroyed the von Zarovich ancestral home and killed Count Barov von Zarovich and his wife, Countess Ravenovia van Roeyen. This was thought to be an overwhelming success against some of the biggest proponents of the war.
Their true enemy, however, was still west of them. Strahd was enraged by the death of his parents and loss of his familial territory, but when he learned that his foes were commanded by a Silver Dragon, he became cautious. Rather than commit to a direct confrontation, he turned inward, focusing on the fortification of Castle Ravenloft. From there he plotted a longer, more personal vengeance.
Years later, after the Wedding That Never Was, he entered a dark pact that allowed him to crush the Order. Using new powers as a Darklord and controlling an army of Undead, he got his revenge in the Attack On Argynvostholt.