Hello, i'm about to DM CoS for the second time but this time for a table of new players. I thought about introducing them to both dnd and barovia by having them play a one/two-shots around serguei's wedding and Strahd's transformation.
I think that would help them understand what threat Strahd represents, and already have some notion of what to expect from him and from Barovia. Their reaction to the discovery that the bigger adventure is also set in Barovia might be very rewarding.
However, i'm afraid that it might ruin a whole part of their adventure, since Strahd's background wouldn't be a complete mystery to them (they wouldn't know everything but frankly if the only mystery left is the amber temple, what's the point of the tome?). Plus, even with warnings it might be a little rude to have an introduction that concludes on their characters having to run away or possibly dying.
So do you think i should do it, and if so, do you have any suggestions or ideas?