Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition - Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft

"Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft" is a comprehensive campaign sourcebook for the 5th edition of Dungeons & Dragons, published on May 18, 2021. This 256-page hardcover, delves into the horror-themed setting of Ravenloft, offering Dungeon Masters and players a wealth of material to craft suspenseful and chilling adventures.

Key Features:

• Expanded Domains of Dread: The guide provides detailed overviews of 39 Domains of Dread, each with unique horror themes, story hooks, and distinctive characters. Notable domains include Barovia, ruled by the infamous vampire Strahd von Zarovich, and Lamordia, inspired by Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein."
• Character Options: Players can explore new character lineages such as the Dhampir, Hexblood, and Reborn, each offering unique traits and abilities. Additionally, two new subclasses are introduced: the College of Spirits for bards and the Undead pact for warlocks.
• Dark Gifts Mechanic: This feature allows characters to receive supernatural abilities that come with potential drawbacks, adding depth and complexity to character development.
• Horror-Themed Bestiary: An expanded collection of monsters and entities tailored for horror settings is included, providing Dungeon Masters with a variety of creatures to challenge players.
• Adventure Module – "The House of Lament": The book contains a 20-page adventure that can serve as a standalone experience or be integrated into existing campaigns, offering a ready-to-play scenario that encapsulates the essence of Ravenloft's horror.
• Guidance on Running Horror Campaigns: Comprehensive advice is provided on crafting and managing horror-themed adventures, including discussions on various horror genres and the importance of player consent and safety tools to ensure an enjoyable experience for all participants.

"Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft" has been praised for its rich content and thoughtful approach to horror elements within the Dungeons & Dragons framework, making it a valuable resource for those looking to explore darker themes in their campaigns.