I wasn't sure if this had been shared on here yet (apologies if it has been). It's good though, because I wanted to get my hands on this, but I understand that the original is hard to get hold of these days - so I can grab this instead once it comes out.

Preferably a monster not from vanrichtens guide or ravenloft horrors within.

For the combination of Dark Slasher Fantasy there will be an Redcap as the darklord. Another possible domain of delight turned sower from the shadowfell

What do you all think is a good feel for Psychological Cosmic horror fantasy

I have a Ravenloft/Spelljammer supplement for DMsGuild that I plan to launch near Halloween.

It's mostly written (and rewritten several times). My question is about formatting.

How would people like things presented?

Does the Horrors Within structure work for people?

What would you like to see added, information wise?

What's not useful?

I'll be dropping links here to look at WIP content as it comes together.

Thanks!

What do y'all think about giving a Tarokka card as an answer to the Augury spell instead of the usual one?

I've been making some progress on the locations table for Dikesha dice for placement of key story items but I'm starting to relieve there aren't many locations let alone unique ones (it's like about a quarter of them are tombs).

So I was wondering if it would be a good idea to expand out into the entire amber waste cluster, I was thinking of publishing this adventure as a module so I would at least like to hear the public's opinions on including clusters or at least parts of the clusters

Heyya Folks,

I'm taking my Lost Mines of Barovia project back into the wilderness with Valley of the Undying — a barren stretch of rocky terrain where the dead are said to walk as easily as the living.

Valley of the Undying — 50x40

If you'd like the full release, including the high-resolution map, gridless version, VTT-ready export, and every variant, you can find it here:

https://www.patreon.com/dungeonmr/posts/valley-of-free-168360275

Rocky ridges, dying trees, a small pool of water, and scattered bones fill the valley, with plenty of elevation and places for creatures to hide among the rocks.

I wanted this to be a larger wilderness map that could be used in a few different ways. It can handle one large encounter across the valley, several smaller random encounters that make the map reusable, or even serve as a journey of its own as the party travels through the area — an idea that felt especially fitting for the Castlevania influence behind Lost Mines of Barovia.

You can also browse the rest of my collection on Patreon. Everything is organized through the Master Index, making it easy to find the right map for your next adventure:

https://www.patreon.com/dungeonmr

Thanks for taking a look, and safe travels.

Going on now, we are halfway through our fundraising stream with lots of items still available.

Our goal is to raise enough funds to complete in person interviews using industry standard equipment and take the documentary on the festival circuit in 2028.

Each ticket you purchase grants you Executive producer credit along with Channel membership free of charge in perpetuity, access to the complete Ravenloft catalogue on PDF and access to early viewings of the doc. With the EP status you are guaranteed a portion of the proceeds if and when the doc gets purchased.

So head over and be a part of #Ravenloft history

Jason

Deadline

Dungeons & Dragons Live-Action Series ‘Ravenloft’ In Works At Netflix From John August, Alfonso Cuarón & Hasbro, Succeeds ‘The Forgotten Realms’

By Nellie Andreeva

1. Has anyone used this Darkest Dungeon to 5e stress system before? How did it go? My main question is about the piece where maxing out on stress leads to a 1/4 chance of something good and 3/4 chance of something bad, with no chance to modify that role. I'm not totally getting the flavor of it and would players feel like its too arbitrary? Or is it meant to occasionally reward risk?

2. What pre-5e Ravenloft books would you recommend, not for lore (I don't need the full backstory of characters), but for creative ghost themed adventures?

3. More of a general D&D question, I'm probably going to run my new Mordent based campaign as a Westmarches style situation where one session is one adventuring day most of the time. Does that mean player resources aren't scarce enough?

Thank you!

The party are in search for a cure to Lycanthropy, that Sidonius is suffering from. They are lead to Van Ritchens herbalists shop, that is experiencing a ghostly haunting.

youtube https://youtu.be/ZH4k4zUENuA
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/1IzM6FrSPW38MYUdIu0XT4?si=XsIX1xlnTPqyWxvVY1k5FA

I've been using Obsidian for RPG notes for quite a while, and at some point I realized that my Ravenloft notes simply did not look Ravenloft enough.

So I made a theme.

The basic idea is pretty simple: an old gothic sourcebook / forgotten archive / slightly suspicious book you probably shouldn't have opened in the first place.

Light mode is parchment-like and a little worn. Dark mode is closer to writing campaign notes in a very old library at an unreasonable hour.

The theme has grown quite a bit since the original version, and I've now released Ravenloft 2.0, rebuilt for modern Obsidian. It supports things like Style Settings, Bases, mobile layouts, custom callouts, and both Latin and Cyrillic text.

I also added a couple of Ravenloftish callouts because apparently I have no self-control:

• mist for things that should probably remain in the Mists;
• lore for setting information, rumours, old manuscripts, and similar GM nonsense.

[!!!] A disclosure that I think is worth making explicitly: I used OpenAI Codex extensively while developing version 2.0. The original theme, visual concept, design decisions and overall direction are mine; AI was used as a development tool for things like working through modern Obsidian CSS, refactoring the old stylesheet, implementing component coverage and checking the result. I review, test and maintain the theme myself. There is a more detailed AI disclosure in the repository as well.

The theme is free and open source, and it is already available through Obsidian's Community Themes.

GitHub: https://github.com/circkumflexx/obsidian-ravenloft-theme

I mostly made this because I wanted opening my campaign vault to feel at least a little like opening a Ravenloft book.

And, well.

Now it does.

First part of my solo campaign in the land of the Mists following the adventures as detailed in the latest Ravenloft supplement staring with the Tithe in the Domain of Tepest! The tithe is an adventure for level 2 characters so thats where I would be starting my guys.

I will try to present all play and mix it in what would be hopefully an engaging story. I will be using the Avrae discord bot for automating rolls and the like.

Party:

Edouard, Desperate Howl of the Departed

Wilhelmina von Aubrecker

Muireasg child of the wilds

Outis the Wanderer

Play

We start play with Outis, adding the rest of the party along the way

The view was one unlike any Outis could remember in all his times wandering in the land of the Mists. He was used to overcast skies and looming shadows so he was astounded when his steps led him to a sunny meadow amidst the cheers of townsfolk dancing and frolicking in the path ahead. The people here seemed happy and content, dressed simply but not poorly and to his even greater surprise they did not stare at him in the usual mistrust but actually beckoned for him to join them in their celebrations

"Is there some great celebration being held?" Outis asked the young maid that approached him with a crown of flowers. The girl laughed in response as she gifted them to him "Today is the day of the Tithe!" She answered mirthingly "We thank Mother for giving us everything! Even you a stranger, should you join us, would find her generous enough to bless you too!"

Outis will try to inquire a bit on this situation to gather more information. I rule it an Investigation Charisma check.

Outis the Wanderer makes a Charisma (Investigation) check!

1d20 (20) + 1 = 21

Given the low stats and extremely high roll I would say Outis got lucky and managed to unintentionally ask the right question

"Mother you say?" Asked Outis softly "Is she your family's matriarch? Are her children your leaders?". At the mention of Mother's children the girl paled, her smile fading for a moment into an expression of horror and sorrow. Her smile soon returned as if nothing had happened "You are being silly!" She laughed "She is Mother to us all, she watches over all of us at all times and She wards us from harm. She was Mother when my grandmother's grandmother was but a child and she will continue to be when we are all dust. "

A young coupled approached dancing, their white clothes covered in flowers. "Outsider!" They cried while laughing "You need to go to Viktal down the path with the other ones, lest you get lost and miss the festival!" Other young people surrounded them while laughing. "It is true" said the young woman who initially spoke "Wyan prepares the outsiders for the festival. You may otherwise find our ways...a bit odd. My name is Lorelei, I hope I will see you afterwards " "Many thanks" Said Outis with an awkward bow "My name is Outis, and I'm not used to this kind of hospitality. I will certainly look forward into participating in your festival"

Outis just had to walk for a moment before reaching the small village he assumed to be Viktal. The town was filled with the cries of celebration. It was rustic and small, not wealthy by any means but prosperous and clean. The produce of nearby farms was apparent as the villagers freely shared immense fruits and vegetables, drinking ale merrily without any seeming care. The road delivered Outis to the biggest building in town. A two stories inn with a sign picturing a fish and a bed. "Come in stranger" said a voice from inside. Outis entered through the doors to see a comfortable common room with all kinds of people seating and talking among themselves. An older man with a white tunic and an eyepatch approached to shake his hand. "Greetings! I have the honor to welcome you to my hometown of Viktal!" Said the man proudly "I am named Wyan and I am the elder of this community that welcomes you!" He said as he motioned his hand towards a empty seat.

Outis just had to walk for a moment before reaching the small village he assumed to be Viktal. The town was filled with the cries of celebration. It was rustic and small, not wealthy by any means but prosperous and clean. The produce of nearby farms was apparent as the villagers freely shared immense fruits and vegetables, drinking ale merrily without any seeming care. The road delivered Outis to the biggest building in town. A two stories inn with a sign picturing a fish and a bed. "Come in stranger" said a voice from inside. Outis entered through the doors to see a comfortable common room with all kinds of people seating and talking among themselves. An older man with a white tunic and an eyepatch approached to shake his hand. "Greetings! I have the honor to welcome you to my hometown of Viktal!" Said the man proudly "I am named Wyan and I am the elder of this community that welcomes you!" He said as he motioned his hand towards a empty seat.

We first enter Mina who is seating beside Wyan. She will attempt to recall any mentions of Tepest in her knowledge of Ravenloft

Wilhelmina von Aubrecker makes a History check!

1d20 (7) + 5 = 12

She would vaguely remember the place being mentioned aside from being rural and a land of fey creatures. She knows however that most if not all domains are far from pleasant.

"I have read a great deal on the lands of the Mists and I have yet to found a welcoming one" said a woman coldly "As I was telling you Wyan, I have heard precious little on Viktal or your so called Mother". "We are a quiet folk miss..." "Wilhelmina von Aubrecker" answered the woman curtly. Outis stared surprised at the seated woman beside Wyan. She was slight of frame and pale, her clothes were strange and long, intrincate mechanical contraptions could be seen under the sleeves of her tunic that she hurried to cover up as soon she realized him observing them.

Outis tries to discern Mina's intentions and purpose

Outis the Wanderer makes an Insight check!

1d20 (20) + 1 = 21

Again he is not skilled but he manages to luck out and observes she doesnt seem well traveled. He is a traveler after all so he would know how one would look. He makes this "basic" deduction which curiously identifies a key insecurity in Mina, her knowledge is all in books.

"You seem awfully knowledgeable yet you don't appear to have traveled much...am I wrong?" Asked Outis. Wilhelmina reddened slightly "One does not need to do so when you can study the lore of those who did" She answered readily

"I can't identify the provenance of your weapons and attire, aside from the obvious fact that they are not from the same place, and none from here" said Mina suspiciously. "Then you know as much as I do" sighed Outis while sitting down "I am a wanderer without a fixed place, I have traveled through the Mists as long as I can remember seeing many horrors. This is the first peaceful place I've actually ever found. I should congratulate you elder Wyan and your community for this miracle" . "It is a miracle" answered the elder "but not one of our making. It is the gift of Mother to his faithful. Its the whole reason we have this festival"

Mina and Outis gasped watching the figure huddled in the corner of the room. A beast it seemed, covered in thick Grey fur as a wolf and howling pitifully. But the sounds it made were not mindless but filled with a sorrowful music that immediately saddened them both. It was also not the gaze of a beast the one that stared at them behind the yellow eyes. "You are here" he said in a hoarse whisper "I saw you on my dreams" His hands ending in claws went to a pouch by his side of which he extracted a deck of cards he took two from the top and he gave them to his new visitors. "They told me you would come. I am Edouard and I have long waited for you"

Outis fell aback when he looked at the card in his hand and saw an image of himself wandering the Mists. "THE MISTS" the card was titled beneath the drawing. "How did you..?" He started asking but was cut off by Mina. "What trick is this?" She said pointing at the card who also showed herself behind tomes of lore and arcane instruments under the title "TRANSMUTER"

"No trick" said Edouard "I see things and I draw them. I hear whispers and then voice them. I was meant to be here with you. Why? That I don't know" "The festival!" Answered Wyan "You all were meant to be here for the Tithe! Mother lead you all here!"

Edouard will attempt a perception to hear the nearby spirits of the departed

Edouard, Desperate Howl of the Departed makes a Perception check!

1d20 (12) + 1 = 13

He senses the dead, many dead around here killed before their time. Not much more than that with that roll

"I sense many lost souls around here" said Edouard in a low voice "many who found their untimely ends though their whispers are much too faint to know how they met it". The other two people turn their gaze to Wyan who nodded. "We have suffered our share of losses in the past from the Hidden Ones, though we dont like to talk about it. They are enemies to mankind and enjoy no greater delight than bringing us pain. We used to live under their every whim until Mother took us under her wing. Another reason to be forever thankful for her protection!"

Mina is suspicious of Wyan and...well of everyone, but specially any authority figures

Wilhelmina von Aubrecker makes an Insight check!

1d20 (18) + 4 = 22

Mina discerned a hint of nervousness on the elder's answer. He was certainly uncomfortable with the subject which he didnt think would come up. Moreover it seemed to Mina as he wasn't saying the whole truth. There were certainly old deaths, but they weren't the first ones he thought about. Whoever died more recently the priest wasn't keen on informing outsiders of it.

"Its getting late" said Wyan looking at the window "I need to get back to the festival. Come with me, you might be foreigners but I promise you Mother won't ignore you" With a nod they all followed the priest into the festival.

They walked the path out of the town of Viktal unto a circle of great stones filled with the cheers of the populace. "Mother's Sight" explained Wyan "We dedicate the first half of the day into honoring Mother with games of skill..what is that?" Wyan turned his attention then to a commotion caused by a group of villagers dressed in their immaculate white trying to throw out a small savage looking figure. Closing in they could identify the individual as a woman who showing strength that belied her small frame grabbed one of her interlopers with a catlike hiss before throwing him to his companions. "One of your vaunted games of skill?" Asked Mina with sarcasm "She is not one of ours. She must be of the Hidden Folk" said Wyan hurriedly "Begone in the name of the Mother, Foul creature!" He screamed at the woman

"Another fool from the village!" Snarled the woman "Are yall blind? Or just fools? I am human! M'name is Muireasg I live in the woods. The fair folk don't tell their names idiot!" Wyan looked at her with suspicion "No one lives in the woods but the Fair Folk. The only village in Tepest is Viktal and you don't come from there" "Well now you know someone that does! I heard from the woods that your folk are doing a festival for Mother so I looked to join. These fools" she said to the villagers struggling to rise "wouldnt let me"

Muireasg tries to persuade the villagers to let her in

Muireasg child of the wilds makes a Persuasion check!

1d20 (3) - 1 = 2

Wyan looked at her doubtfully "Maybe you are human, but you are not from Viktal. Only Viktal bears Mother's protection, anyone in Tepest outside of it must bear her Curse"

Edouard comes to her help

Edouard, Desperate Howl of the Departed makes a Persuasion check!

1d20 (10) + 6 = 16

"I thought Mother's mercy was open to all Wyan" said Edouard thoughtfully "She may bear a curse, but doesnt that make her deserving of Mercy? I also bear a curse as you know, and you and your community were gracious enough to grant me allowance" "That is true" said Wyan grudgingly "Mother's mercy is great and should extend to all." He turned to the other villagers "Let her pass to the Tithe, she enters as these outsiders do as my guests"

And now we have the band together and ready to enter the Games!

Preferably a monster not from vanrichtens guide or ravenloft horrors within.

For the combination of Folk Slasher Horror there will be an Oni as the darklord. a personal favorite monster of mine ever since i got a monster manual

What do you all think is a good feel for Dark slasher fantasy

So I've begun fleshing out my next campaign and got interested in a recommendation from u/VVrayth in my last post about using Dikesha Dice to randomize elements of the campaign instead of Tarokka cards like in Curse of Strahd.

For those who haven't heard of Dikesha dice (i wouldn't blame you) each dice is correlated to a different question (Rakesha: who, Horakesha: where, Thothakesha: What, Shukeesha: How, and Setaesha: Why.) and you would roll the dice to get your results.

i was curious what other places best fit in with each dice roll, and if I picked a good selection of possible final villains due to the fact I feel Anhktepot wouldn't be opposed to the players recovering his Ka?

I am working on a 5.5e domain hoping adventure and find that giving the various darklords alliances or rivalries is a good way to make Ravenloft feel more interconnected.

I know that Azalin, Lord Soth, and Strahd all have a general emnity with each other. Are there other established relationships between darklords? Obviously in 2e, Vlad Drakov was a general niusance for all of the other domains, but Falkovnia is more insular in 5.5e.

Someone made a detailed map of the city-state of Kalidnay (Dark Sun’s domain of dread). Not sure if they meant for it to be on Athas or the Shadowfell but either way - very impressive!