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{{Short description|Dungeons & Dragons fictional campaign setting}}
{{About|Dungeons & Dragons Campaign setting}}
{{Infobox game
|title     = Ravenloft
|image     = Ravenloft Dungeons and Dragons logo.png
|caption   = 
|designer  = [[Tracy Hickman]], [[Laura Hickman]], [[Bruce Nesmith]], [[Andria Hayday]], [[William W. Connors]], Andrew Cermak, John Mangrum, Andrew Wyatt, et al.
|publisher = {{Plain list|
* [[TSR, Inc]]
* [[Wizards of the Coast]]
* Swords & Sorcery Studios and [[White Wolf Publishing#Imprints and labels|Arthaus]] ([[White Wolf Publishing]] imprints)
}}
|date      = 1983–2021
|genre     = [[Gothic novel|Gothic horror]]
|system    = {{Plain list|
* ''[[Advanced Dungeons & Dragons]]'' 1st and 2nd Editions
* ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'' 3rd Ed. [[d20 System]]
* [[Dungeons & Dragons 3.5 edition|D&D v3.5]]
* ''D&D'' 5th Edition
}}
}}

'''Ravenloft''' is a [[campaign setting]] for the ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'' [[roleplaying game]]. It is an alternate time-space existence known as a ''[[Demiplane|pocket dimension]]'' or demiplane, called the [[Demiplane]] of Dread, which consists of a collection of land pieces called "[[Ravenloft domains|domains]]", brought together by a mysterious force known only as [[#The Dark Powers|the Dark Powers]]. Each domain is tailored to and mystically ruled by a being called a [[Darklord (Ravenloft)|Darklord]] who is forever trapped and surrounded by magical mists surrounding the domain. [[Strahd von Zarovich]], a vampire in the original ''AD&D'' ''Ravenloft'' I6 module released in 1983, became the first Darklord, both ruler and prisoner of his own personal domain of Barovia. The story of how Count von Zarovich became Darklord of Barovia was detailed in the 1993 novel ''[[I, Strahd: The Memoirs of a Vampire]]''. As originally established in the ''[[Ravenloft: Realm of Terror]]'' boxed set known as "the Black Box" released in 1990, the Ravenloft campaign setting was located in the Ethereal Plane. As a physical manifestation of that plane, lands, monsters and even people were created out of the mysterious mists, and the realm acted as a prison where one could enter or be transported, but means of escape were few. Other Ravenloft Domains and Darklords were eventually added in various ''AD&D'' 2nd edition (and then later in 3rd edition) products establishing a core continent attached around Barovia which could be traveled to by others if their respective lords allowed entering or leaving their borders; while some Domains remained isolated in the mists and were referred to as Islands.<ref name="drivethrurpg">{{cite web|last=Appelcline|first=Shannon|title=Ravenloft: Realm of Terror (2e) {{!}} Product History|url=https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/17474/Ravenloft-Realm-of-Terror-2e|access-date=2021-05-13|publisher=DriveThruRPG|language=en}}</ref>

== Creative origins ==
In 1978, [[Tracy Hickman|Tracy]] and [[Laura Hickman]] wrote adventures that would eventually be published as the ''[[Dungeons & Dragons|Dungeon & Dragons]]'' [[Adventure (Dungeons & Dragons)|modules]] ''[[Desert of Desolation#Pharaoh|Pharaoh]]'' and ''[[Ravenloft (module)|Ravenloft]]''.<ref>{{cite news|last=Hickman|first=Tracy|title=Tracy Hickman's Works with Laura Curtis|publisher=TRHickman.com|url=http://www.trhickman.com/Intel/HandC.html|url-status=dead|access-date=2009-08-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090726054507/http://www.trhickman.com/Intel/HandC.html|archive-date=2009-07-26}}</ref> [[Strahd von Zarovich]] was created by the Hickmans "after Tracy returned home from a disappointing session of ''D&D''. Back in First Edition, the game was less of a storytelling game. [...] It didn't make sense to [Tracy] why a creature like a vampire was just sitting around in a random dungeon with oozes, goblins, and zombies. So he and his wife set out to create a vampire villain with fleshed-out motivations and history".<ref name="cbr">{{cite web|last=David|first=Ari|date=2020-03-15|title=Strahd Is More Than Just Dungeons & Dragons' Dracula|url=https://www.cbr.com/strahd-is-more-than-just-dungeons-dragons-dracula/|access-date=2020-12-28|website=CBR|language=en-US}}</ref> When the Hickmans began work on ''Ravenloft'', they felt the [[vampire]] archetype had become overused, trite, and mundane, and decided to create a frightening version of the creature for the module.<ref name="30Years 114">{{cite book|last=Winter|first=Steve|title=[[30 Years of Adventure: A Celebration of Dungeons & Dragons]]|publisher=[[Wizards of the Coast]]|year=2004|isbn=0-7869-3498-0|page=114|chapter=Ravenloft|display-authors=etal|author-link=Steve Winter (game designer)}}</ref> They [[Playtest|play-tested]] it with a group of players every [[Halloween]] for five years<ref name="Dragon 250 120">{{cite journal|last=Varney|first=Allen|author-link=Allen Varney|date=August 1998|title=Profiles: Tracy Hickman|journal=[[Dragon (magazine)|Dragon]]|publisher=Wizards of the Coast|issue=250|page=120}}</ref> on their own game system with the adventure titled ''Vampyr''.<ref name="cbr"/> However, the Hickmans kept being asked about their "Ravenloft game", and so the Ravenloft name stuck. The duo eventually caught the attention of ''D&D'''s original publishers. They were hired to adapt it into the first edition of ''[[Advanced Dungeons & Dragons]]'' and it was released as ''Module I6: Ravenloft''<ref name="cbr"/> in 1983 by [[TSR, Inc.|TSR]].<ref name="Dragon 250 120" />

==Publication history==
=== 1st edition ===
The first appearance of the setting was in ''[[Ravenloft (module)|Ravenloft]]'', a stand-alone ''[[Advanced Dungeons & Dragons]]'' adventure module, published in 1983.<ref>{{cite web|year=2003|title=Dungeons & Dragons FAQ|url=http://www.wizards.com/dnd/DnDArchives_FAQ.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000818164317/http://www.wizards.com/dnd/DnDArchives_FAQ.asp|url-status=dead|archive-date=2000-08-18|access-date=2009-02-09|publisher=[[Wizards of the Coast]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Rateliff|first=John D|title=L2. The Assassin's Knot|url=http://www.wizards.com/dnd/article.asp?x=dnd/dx20001229b|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010617011036/http://www.wizards.com/dnd/article.asp?x=dnd/dx20001229b|url-status=dead|archive-date=2001-06-17|access-date=2009-08-13|publisher=Wizards of the Coast}}</ref><ref name="Hick4to6">{{cite book|last1=Hickman|first1=Tracy|title=Ravenloft|last2=Hickman|first2=Laura|publisher=[[TSR, Inc.|TSR]]|year=1983|isbn=0-88038-042-X|page=30|author-link=Tracy Hickman|author-link2=Laura Hickman}}</ref><ref>Mona, Erik; Jacobs, James; Dungeon Design Panel (2004). "The 30 Greatest D&D Adventures of All Time". Dungeon. Paizo Publishing (published November 2004) (116): 68–81.</ref> In 1984, it won the Strategists' Club Award for Outstanding Play Aid.<ref name="HW">{{cite book|last=Schick|first=Lawrence|title=Heroic Worlds: A History and Guide to Role-Playing Games|publisher=Prometheus Books|year=1991|isbn=0-87975-653-5|page=102|author-link=Lawrence Schick}}</ref> It was popular enough to spawn a 1986 sequel, ''[[Ravenloft II: The House on Gryphon Hill]]'', and an [[Advanced Dungeons & Dragons Adventure Gamebooks]] novel, ''Master of Ravenloft'', the same year.<ref name="HW" /><ref name="WD87">{{cite journal|last=Sargent|first=Carl|author-link=Carl Sargent|date=March 1987|title=Open Box: ''AD&D'' Adventures|journal=[[White Dwarf (magazine)|White Dwarf]]|publisher=[[Games Workshop]]|issue=87|pages=2–3}}</ref><ref>Bulmahn, Jason; Jacobs, James; Mike McArtor; Mona, Erik; Schneider, F. Wesley; Todd Stewart; Jeremy Walker (September 2007). "1d20 Villains: D&D's Most Wanted; Preferably Dead". Dragon. Pazio. 32(4) (359): 54–69.</ref>

=== 2nd edition ===
Ravenloft was launched as a full-fledged campaign setting, for ''AD&D'' 2nd Edition, in 1990,<ref name="history">{{cite web|title=The History of TSR|url=http://www.wizards.com/dnd/DnDArchives_History.asp|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080924195557/http://www.wizards.com/dnd/DnDArchives_History.asp|archive-date=2008-09-24|access-date=2005-08-20|publisher=[[Wizards of the Coast]]}}</ref> with the ''[[Ravenloft: Realm of Terror|Realm of Terror]]'' boxed set, popularly known as the "Black Box", and winner of the [[Origins Award]] in 1991 for "Best Graphic Presentation of a Roleplaying Game, Adventure, or Supplement of 1990".<ref>{{cite web|title=Origins Award Winners (1990)|url=http://www.originsgamefair.com/awards/1990|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071105015050/http://www.originsgamefair.com/awards/1990 <!--bot-retrieved archive-->|archive-date=2007-11-05|access-date=2007-10-29|publisher=Academy of Adventure Gaming Arts & Design}}</ref>

The campaign setting was revised twice during ''AD&D'' 2nd Edition: first as the ''Ravenloft Campaign Setting'' or "Red Box", then as the ''Domains of Dread'' hardback.

In 1994, Ravenloft spun off into a sub-setting called ''[[Masque of the Red Death (Ravenloft)|Masque of the Red Death]]'', set on Gothic Earth, an [[Edgar Allan Poe]]-influenced [[Alternate history|alternative Earth]] of the 1890s, where fantasy creatures and magic exist in the shadows of civilization.<ref>{{cite book|last=Connors|first=William|title=Masque of the Red Death and Other Tales|title-link=Masque of the Red Death and Other Tales|year=1994|publisher=[[TSR, Inc.]]|isbn=1-56076-877-0|author-link=William W. Connors}}</ref>

TSR also published a series of novels set in Ravenloft. Each was typically focused on one of the Darklords that inhabited the Ravenloft world, with several focusing on the figure of Count Strahd von Zarovich. Many of these early novels were by authors who would later receive wider fame as horror/dark fantasy authors. These authors have included [[Elaine Bergstrom]], [[P. N. Elrod]], [[Christie Golden]], and [[Laurell K. Hamilton]].<ref name="contemp">{{cite journal|date=January 1, 2007|title=Golden, Christie 1963–|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G2-2591000055.html|url-status=dead|journal=[[Contemporary Authors]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140921212020/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G2-2591000055.html|archive-date=2014-09-21|access-date=2012-09-27|via=[[HighBeam Research]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Melton|first=J. Gordon|url=http://www.visibleink.com/title.php?id=41|title=The Vampire Book: The Encyclopedia of the Undead|year=1994|publisher=Visible Ink Press|isbn=0-8103-2295-1|location=Detroit|page=852|author-link=J. Gordon Melton}}</ref>

=== 3rd and 3.5 edition ===
A major revision of ''Dungeons & Dragons'' was released in 2000, the first edition published by [[Wizards of the Coast]] (which had acquired TSR in 1997).<ref name="Gygax-GygaxFAQ">{{cite web|title=What Happened to Gygax - TSR?|url=http://www.gygax.com/gygaxfaq.html#What%20Happened%20to%20Gygax%20-%20TSR?|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990128161605/http://www.gygax.com/gygaxfaq.html#What%20Happened%20to%20Gygax%20-%20TSR?|archive-date=1999-01-28|access-date=2006-07-04|publisher=gygax.com}}</ref> In the same year, Wizards of the Coast licensed the Ravenloft brand to [[White Wolf Publishing]].<ref>{{cite web|title=White Wolf To Publish Ravenloft|url=https://icv2.com/articles/games/view/160/white-wolf-to-publish-ravenloft|access-date=2020-12-29|website=icv2.com|language=en}}</ref> Under its [[Sword & Sorcery Studios]] (and later [[White Wolf Publishing#Imprints and labels|Arthaus]] imprints), White Wolf Publishing released the 3rd Edition [[d20 System]] ''[[Ravenloft (Sword and Sorcery Studios)|Ravenloft Campaign Setting]]'' (2001)<ref>{{Cite book|last=Cermak|first=Andrew|title=Ravenloft Campaign Setting – Core Rulebook (3e)|publisher=Sword & Sorcery|others=Mangrum, John W., Wyatt, Andrew.|year=2001|isbn=1-58846-075-4|location=Renton, WA|pages=8–18|oclc=48893605}}</ref> and the 3.5 Edition ''Ravenloft Player's Handbook'' (2003).

The campaign settings published by White Wolf introduced a number of alterations, many due to conflicts with existing Wizards of the Coast [[intellectual property]]. Specific references to ''D&D''-specific deities were replaced with new names in the White Wolf Ravenloft settings (for example, Bane was changed to the Lawgiver). The license to the Ravenloft [[trademark]] reverted to Wizards of the Coast on August 15, 2005, but White Wolf retained the right to continue to sell its back stock until June 2006. The timing of this reversion meant that the Ravenloft supplement ''[[Rudolph van Richten|Van Richten]]'s Guide to the Mists'' did not see print. Instead, it was released by White Wolf as a free download in late September 2005.<ref>{{cite web|title=Van Richten's Guide to the Mists|url=http://download.white-wolf.com/download/download.php?file_id=410|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060723064753/http://download.white-wolf.com/download/download.php?file_id=410|archive-date=2006-07-23}}</ref> The majority of the ''Van Richten's Guide'' series had already been published by TSR in the 1990s, before White Wolf's involvement.

In October 2006, Wizards of the Coast released ''Expedition to Castle Ravenloft'', a hardcover version of the original 1st Ed. adventure, updated for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' v.3.5 rule set.<ref name="stormgiantgames">{{cite web|date=January 3, 2020|title=Everything You Need To Know About Ravenloft|url=https://www.stormgiantgames.com/posts/everything-you-need-to-know-about-ravenloft|access-date=2020-12-29|website=Storm Giant Games|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-08-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812173103/https://www.stormgiantgames.com/posts/everything-you-need-to-know-about-ravenloft|url-status=dead}}</ref> This version includes maps from the original ''Ravenloft'' adventure, and new character-generation options. ''Expedition to Castle Ravenloft'' is a stand-alone supplement set for any ''D&D'' worlds, and only requires the three core books for usage. This book's setting is distinct from the Ravenloft of the White Wolf product line.<ref>{{cite web|title=Product Spotlight: Expedition to Castle Ravenloft|url=http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd%2Fps%2F20061006a|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726065822/http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd%2Fps%2F20061006a|archive-date=2014-07-26|access-date=2019-08-24}}</ref> Shannon Appelcline, author of ''Designers & Dragons'', highlighted that by 2006 people were beginning to wonder if Wizards of the Coast might be preparing a fourth edition of ''Dungeons & Dragons'' and stated that "the release of ''Expedition to Castle Ravenloft'' (2006) might just have offered another clue to the changing winds that lay ahead. First, it was a new line for 3.5e, suggesting that their original series of 3.5e books was coming to an end. Second, it was a fond look back at one of the most notable adventures from the ''AD&D'' days, just the sort of thing that Wizards published in the waning days of 2e".<ref name="designers">{{Cite book|author=Shannon Appelcline|title=Designers & Dragons|publisher=Mongoose Publishing|year=2011|isbn=978-1-907702-58-7}}</ref>{{rp|294}} Appelcline later noted that, once fourth edition was officially announced, "the ''Expedition'' books that had begun publication in 2006 were revealed to indeed be part of Wizard's slow slide into 4e".<ref name="designers" />{{rp|295}}

=== 4th edition ===
In 2007, Wizards of the Coast announced the printing of two new Ravenloft novels for 2008, ''Black Crusade'' and ''The Sleep of Reason'',<ref>{{cite web|title=Fiction – Dungeons & Dragons|url=http://ww2.wizards.com/Books/Wizards/?doc=main_2008ravenlofttitles|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070519211214/http://ww2.wizards.com/Books/Wizards/?doc=main_2008ravenlofttitles|archive-date=2007-05-19|access-date=2007-10-23|work=ww2.wizards.com|publisher=[[Wizards of the Coast]]}}</ref> fueling more speculation. A short story by [[Ari Marmell]], "Before I Wake", based on the realms of Darkon, Lamordia, and Bluetspur was released on October 31, 2007, on the Wizards of the Coast website as a special for Halloween; it featured characters inspired by [[H. P. Lovecraft]] and [[Clark Ashton Smith]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Before I Wake|url=http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd%2F4dnd%2F20071031a|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090603105439/https://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd%2F4dnd%2F20071031a|archive-date=2009-06-03|access-date=2020-01-15}}</ref>

In 2008, Ravenloft was revealed to be re-introduced to 4th edition of ''Dungeons & Dragons'', as was depicted in the October issue of the ''Dragon'' online magazine.{{Citation needed|date=February 2021}} The ''Dungeons & Dragons'' 4th edition supplement ''[[Manual of the Planes#Dungeons & Dragons 4th edition|Manual of the Planes]]'' (2008) established that in the [[retconned]] cosmology, the Domains of Dread (and by extension the Ravenloft setting) were now located within the [[Plane (Dungeons & Dragons)#The Shadowfell|Shadowfell]], a mirror-plane of death and gloom lying adjacent to the mortal realm.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Baker|first=Richard|title=Manual of the Planes|publisher=Wizards of the Coast|year=2008|isbn=978-0-7869-5002-7|location=Renton, Wash.|page=51|language=en|oclc=1090865842}}</ref><ref name="Hoffer">{{cite web|last=Hoffer|first=Christian|date=January 25, 2019|title='Dungeons & Dragons' Unofficially Returns to the Shadowfell With New Supplement|url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/dungeons-and-dragons-shadowfell/|access-date=2021-02-24|website=ComicBook.com|language=en}}</ref> While a 4th edition update to the Ravenloft setting was announced at [[Gen Con]] 2010,<ref>{{cite web|date=August 9, 2010|title=D&D Podcast: D&D Preview Show Gen Con 2010|url=http://www.wizards.com/dnd/Article.aspx?x=dnd/4pod/gencondnd|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101221103510/http://www.wizards.com/dnd/Article.aspx?x=dnd/4pod/gencondnd|archive-date=2010-12-21|access-date=2020-12-29|website=Wizards of the Coast}}</ref> the product was never released.<ref name="stormgiantgames"/>

In 2010, Ravenloft was the setting for the ''[[Castle Ravenloft Board Game]]''.<ref name="dmsguild">{{cite web|last=Appelcline|first=Shannon|title=RM4 House of Strahd (2e) - Wizards of the Coast {{!}} Product History|url=https://www.dmsguild.com/product/17503/RM4-House-of-Strahd-2e|access-date=2020-12-29|website=Dungeon Masters Guild|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Ewalt|first=David M.|date=May 23, 2011|title=Take A Dungeon Crawl With The Castle Ravenloft Board Game|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidewalt/2011/05/23/take-a-dungeon-crawl-with-the-castle-ravenloft-board-game/|access-date=2020-12-29|website=Forbes|language=en}}</ref> Ravenloft also appeared in official magazine articles, such as, ''[[Dungeon (magazine)|Dungeon]]'' #207 "Fair Barovia" (October 2012)<ref>{{cite web|title=Fair Barovia {{!}} Article {{!}} RPGGeek|url=https://rpggeek.com/rpgissuearticle/125882/fair-barovia|access-date=2020-12-29|website=rpggeek.com|language=en-US}}</ref> and ''[[Dragon (magazine)|Dragon]]'' #416 "History Check: Strahd and Van Richten" (October 2012).<ref>{{cite web|title=History Check: Strahd and Van Richten {{!}} Article {{!}} RPGGeek|url=https://rpggeek.com/rpgissuearticle/126154/history-check-strahd-and-van-richten|access-date=2020-12-29|website=rpggeek.com|language=en-US}}</ref>

=== 5th edition ===
In 2016, Barovia (one of the main locations within Ravenloft) was the main setting for adventure module ''[[Curse of Strahd]]'' which acts as an adaptation of the original ''Ravenloft'' module for the [[Editions of Dungeons & Dragons#Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition|5th edition]] of ''Dungeons & Dragons''.<ref name="polygon">{{cite web|last=Hall|first=Charlie|date=2016-01-18|title=D&D's Ravenloft returns with the help of its original creators|url=https://www.polygon.com/2016/1/18/10777502/d-ds-ravenloft-returns-with-the-help-of-its-original-creators|access-date=2020-08-21|website=Polygon|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Curse of Strahd – Dungeons & Dragons|url=http://dnd.wizards.com/products/tabletop-games/rpg-products/curse-strahd|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160121045100/http://dnd.wizards.com/products/tabletop-games/rpg-products/curse-strahd|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 21, 2016|work=[[Wizards of the Coast]]}}</ref> The adventure states: "The lands of Barovia are from a forgotten world in the D&D multiverse [...]. In time, cursed Barovia was torn from its home world by the Dark Powers and bound in mist as one of the Domains of Dread in the Shadowfell".<ref name="Curse"/> The module was developed in-house by the Wizards of the Coast team, led by [[Chris Perkins (game designer)|Christopher Perkins]], with story contributions by original creators Tracy and Laura Hickman.<ref name="polygon"/><ref name="Curse">{{Cite book|last1=Perkins|first1=Christopher|title=Curse of Strahd|last2=Crawford|first2=Jeremy|last3=Mearls|first3=Mike|publisher=Wizards of the Coast, Inc.|year=2016|isbn=9780786965984|series=D&D 5th edition|location=Renton, Washington|page=5|oclc=944137375}}</ref> Charlie Hall, for ''[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]'', explained that "instead of reinventing the wheel, {{sic|principle|expected=principal}} designer Chris Perkins brought in the module's original writers — the husband and wife team of Tracy and Laura Hickman — to create the very best version of the famous module yet. [...] Tracy and Laura have been hosting nearly annual sessions of the original ''Ravenloft'' at their home, for friends and family, over the course of decades. When Perkins asked for their input, they flew out to meet with the team. The result was a torrent of ideas for new locations, characters and encounters".<ref name="polygon"/> Ravenloft was also the setting of the [[Limited series (comics)|limited series]] comic ''[[Dungeons & Dragons (IDW Publishing)#Shadows of the Vampire|Dungeons and Dragons: Shadows of the Vampire]]'' (2016) written by [[Jim Zub]], and illustrated by Max Dunbar and Nelson Daniel.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Sheehan |first=Gavin |date=May 10, 2020 |title=We Review Dungeons & Dragons: Days Of Endless Adventure |url=https://bleedingcool.com/comics/we-review-dungeons-dragons-days-of-endless-adventure/ |access-date=2021-04-01 |website=bleedingcool.com}}</ref>

Wizards of the Coast released a new edition of the ''Curse of Strahd'' module, entitled ''Curse of Strahd: Revamped'',<ref name="ign">{{cite web|date=2020-07-29|title=Dungeons & Dragons: Curse of Strahd Revamped Announced for October Release|url=https://in.ign.com/tabletop-1/149412/news/dungeons-dragons-curse-of-strahd-revamped-announced-release|access-date=2020-10-23|website=IGN India|language=en-in}}</ref> on October 20, 2020.<ref>{{cite web|title=Curse of Strahd Revamped|url=https://dnd.wizards.com/products/tabletop-games/rpg-products/curse-strahd-revamped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803112509/https://dnd.wizards.com/products/tabletop-games/rpg-products/curse-strahd-revamped|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 3, 2020|access-date=2020-11-21|website=[[Wizards of the Coast]]}}</ref> This module is the first released with the publisher's new focus on diversity and inclusion.<ref name="polygon2">{{cite web|last=Hall|first=Charlie|date=2020-07-31|title=One of Dungeons & Dragons' best campaigns is getting two extravagant new reprints|url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/7/31/21349378/dungeons-and-dragons-curse-of-strahd-revamped-beadle-grimms-halloween|access-date=2020-10-23|website=Polygon|language=en}}</ref> Wizards of the Coast stated that "the adventure includes the latest [[Erratum|errata]] and a revised depiction of the Vistani" who are based on stereotypes about the [[Romani people]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Macgregor|first=Jody|date=2020-08-03|title=Popular D&D tabletop campaign Curse of Strahd is being re-'vamped'|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/popular-dandd-tabletop-campaign-curse-of-strahd-is-being-re-vamped/|access-date=2020-11-21|website=PC Gamer|language=en-US}}</ref>

Wizards of the Coast released a new Ravenloft campaign sourcebook, ''[[Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft]]'' (2021), which introduces other Domains of Dread to the edition.<ref name="polygon3">{{cite web|last=Hall|first=Charlie|date=2021-02-23|title=Next Dungeons & Dragons campaign book reboots the many realms of Ravenloft|url=https://www.polygon.com/2021/2/23/22295817/dungeons-dragons-ravenloft-reboot-van-richtens-guide-release-date-price|access-date=2021-02-23|website=Polygon|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Whitbrook|first=James|date=February 23, 2021|title=How Dungeons & Dragons' Next Sourcebook Expands Its View of Horror|url=https://io9.gizmodo.com/how-dungeons-dragons-next-sourcebook-expands-its-view-1846309760|access-date=2021-02-23|website=io9|language=en-us}}</ref> It was published on May 18, 2021.<ref name="polygon4">{{cite web|last=Hall|first=Charlie|date=2021-05-12|title=Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft is the biggest, best D&D book of this generation|url=https://www.polygon.com/22430494/dungeons-dragons-van-richtens-guide-to-ravenloft-review|access-date=2021-05-13|website=Polygon|language=en}}</ref> The limited series comic ''[[Dungeons & Dragons (IDW Publishing)#Ravenloft: Orphan of Agony Isle|Ravenloft: Orphan of Agony Isle]]'' (2022), by writer Casey Gilley and artist Bayleigh Underwood, then featured the mad scientist Viktra Mordenheim, the Darklord of Ravenloft's Lamordia domain introduced in ''Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft''.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Doran |first1=Michael |date=2022-05-27 |title=Explore the gothic horror realm of Dungeons & Dragons in Ravenloft - Orphan of Agony Isle |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/explore-the-gothic-horror-realm-of-dungeons-and-dragons-in-ravenloft-orphan-of-agony-isle/ |access-date=2022-05-28 |website=gamesradar |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=June 29, 2022 |title=Comic Book Reviews for This Week: 6/29/2022 |url=https://comicbook.com/comics/news/new-comic-reviews-dc-marvel-image-june-29-2022/ |access-date=October 27, 2022 |website=[[ComicBook.com]] |language=en}}</ref> The novel ''Ravenloft: Heir of Strahd'' (2025), by [[Delilah S. Dawson]], was the first Ravenloft novel to be published in 17 years.<ref name="Law-2025">{{Cite web |last=Law |first=Eric |date=March 5, 2025 |title=Dungeons and Dragons Adapting Popular Campaign Into a Novel |url=https://gamerant.com/dungeons-and-dragons-ravenloft-heir-of-strahd-popular-campaign-novel/ |access-date=May 9, 2025 |website=[[Game Rant]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Rusak-2025">{{Cite web |last=Rusak |first=Rotem |date=May 8, 2025 |title=DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: RAVENLOFT: HEIR OF STRAHD Exclusive Excerpt |url=https://nerdist.com/article/dungeons-dragons-ravenloft-heir-of-the-strahd-exclusive-excerpt/ |access-date=May 9, 2025 |website=[[Nerdist]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Fictional setting==
{{See also|Strahd von Zarovich|List of Ravenloft characters}}
Ravenloft is primarily a [[Gothic novel|Gothic horror]] setting. [[Dungeon Master]]s are encouraged to use scenes that build apprehension and fear, culminating in the eventual face-to-face meeting with the nameless evil.<ref>{{cite book |last=Hite |first=Ken |author-link=Ken Hite |title=Nightmares of Mine |publisher=[[Iron Crown Enterprises]] |year=1999 |page=171 |isbn=1-55806-367-6}}</ref>  Characters have a much greater significance attached to their acts, especially if they are morally impure, as they risk coming under the influence of the Dark Powers (through the game process called "dark powers checks") and gradually transforming themselves into figures of evil.

The magical mists of Ravenloft could appear anywhere in the ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'' universe, drawing evil-doers (or player characters) into the Ravenloft setting. One exception is the [[phlogiston]] of the [[Spelljammer]] setting.<ref>''Advanced Dungeons & Dragons'' 2nd Edition</ref>{{complete citation needed|date=August 2019|reason=That is not a source; there are numerous AD&D 2nd Ed. books and modules. A page-number is also needed}}<ref>''The Polyhedron'' magazine, issue 151.</ref>{{page number needed|date=August 2019}} The phlogiston blocks all planar travel, but the Ravenloft mists can appear in deep space inside crystal shells, according to the ''Complete Spacefarer's Handbook''.<ref>''Complete Spacefarer's Handbook''</ref>{{page number needed|date=August 2019}}

Luis Javier Flores Arvizu named the continuous presence of supernatural beings as one of the factors that made ''Ravenloft'' a very well received role-playing game setting during the 33 years of its existence.<ref name="MRJ">{{cite book|last=Rangel Jiménez|first=Mauricio|year=2021|title=Lanzando los dados: aproximaciones académicas a los juegos de rol|language=es|publisher=[[Universidad Iberoamericana]]|isbn=978-607-417-763-3}}</ref>

===The Dark Powers===
{{one source|section|date=January 2024}}
The Dark Powers are a malevolent force who control the Demiplane of Dread. Their exact nature and number are deliberately kept vague, allowing for plot development in accordance with the [[Gothic novel|Gothic]] tradition of storytelling – where the heroes are frequently outclassed and outnumbered by unknowable evil forces beyond their control.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Bicudo de Castro |first1=Vicente |last2=Coelho |first2=Heitor |last3=Frambach |first3=Danilo |date=2023 |title=Mistification: The Dreadful Side of Cloud Computing |url=https://revistes.ub.edu/index.php/coolabah/article/view/43188 |journal=Coolabah |issue=34 |pages=91–111|doi=10.1344/co20233491-111 |s2cid=259964519 |doi-access=free}}</ref>

The Dark Powers most frequently serve as a plot device for Ravenloft, especially concerning the Darklords, the {{lang|la|de facto}} visible rulers of the Ravenloft Demiplane. Where the player characters are often tormented and opposed by the Darklords, the Darklords are themselves tormented and opposed by the Dark Powers. The difference lies in order of power—while many ''D&D'' adventures focus on allowing a band of heroes to prevail over a Darklord (much as in the spirit of Bram Stoker's novel ''[[Dracula]]''), no such victory over the Dark Powers seems possible, or even conceivable, for the Darklords. [[Vecna]] and [[Lord Soth]] "escaped" Ravenloft, but are the only two Darklords known to have done so; Vecna by attaining the status of Greater God (and thus becoming too powerful for the Dark Powers to contain) and Lord Soth by ignoring his domain and punishment, causing the Dark Powers to lose interest in imprisoning him, and agents of his former curse on the world of [[Krynn]] coming to collect him.

Most frequently, the Dark Powers make their wishes and intentions known through subtle manipulations of fate. Thus, [[Barovia]]'s vampire lord [[Strahd von Zarovich]]'s many attempts to win back his love, Tatyana, are doomed to failure, but the Dark Powers arrange such that he never truly loses hope. Each time, for example, Strahd's own actions may be partially culpable for his failure, and as such he may go through crippling self-recrimination, rather than cursing the gods solely and giving up. Most other Darklords have similar tales of frustration, kept all the more unbearable because the flicker of the possibility of success is never truly extinguished.

Not all Darklords acknowledge the Dark Powers directly, however. Strahd, for example, in his own memoirs, speaks only of a force known as Death, who mocks him with the voices of his family and former colleagues throughout his life. [[Vlad Drakov]], the Darklord of Falkovnia whose military expeditions are doomed to constant failure, seems even to be totally oblivious to any non-mortal factors in his repeated defeats.

The Dark Powers also seem capable of non-evil manipulations. Although their machinations are often directly responsible for the misery of many of Ravenloft's inhabitants, they also appear to play a role as dispensers of justice. Some tales of innocents who have escaped Ravenloft for happier environs are attributed to the Dark Powers, who have judged a being worthy of reward and release from their misty domain.

=== Domains of Dread ===
There are many Domains of Dread that makeup the landscape of Ravenloft. The Domains are surrounded by strange mists that can ensnare both people and places in Prime Material Plane and pull them into the Domains. Each Domain is ruled by a Darklord, but each Darklord was imprisoned in their Domain by the Dark Powers.<ref name="cbr2">{{cite web|date=2021-05-13|title=Dungeons & Dragons: 10 Things to Know About Ravenloft Before Van Richten's Guide|url=https://www.cbr.com/dnd-ravenloft-van-richtens-guide-facts/|access-date=2021-05-14|website=CBR|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="Dungeons">{{cite web|last=Hoffer|first=Christian|date=May 11, 2021|title=Dungeons & Dragons: Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft Provides a New Take on a Beloved Campaign Setting|url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/dungeons-dragons-van-richtens-guide-to-ravenloft-review/|access-date=2021-05-12|website=ComicBook.com|language=en}}</ref> The Dark Powers "are believed to have been responsible for the overall creation of the Dread Domains".<ref name="cbr2"/> The concept of Domains and locations in Ravenloft besides Barovia and Mordent was introduced in the 2nd Edition campaign setting book ''[[Ravenloft: Realm of Terror]]'' (1990).<ref name="drivethrurpg"/> This book outlined that the size of Ravenloft is "40,000 square miles [spanning] 26 different domains, including Barovia and Mordent. All of the core domains are overviewed in ''Ravenloft'', as are eight 'islands'".<ref name="drivethrurpg"/> The revised 2nd Edition boxset ''Ravenloft Campaign Setting'' (1994) is an update to ''Realm of Terror'', but it removes Domains that were destroyed in the Grand Conjunction adventure series and adds new Domains.<ref name="drivethrurpg2">{{Cite web|last=Appelcline|first=Shannon|title=Ravenloft Campaign Setting, Revised, Boxed Set (2e) {{!}} Product History|url=https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/28838/Ravenloft-Campaign-Setting-Revised-Boxed-Set-2e|access-date=2021-05-13|website=DriveThruRPG|language=en}}</ref> The [[metaplot]] of the adventure series was used to update the setting: "David Wise, leader of the 'Kargat' of ''Ravenloft'' designers at TSR, has said there were a few reasons for the changes. Some domains were changed or removed because they didn't fit into Ravenloft ecologically [...]. Some domains were removed or merged because their lords were too similar, and finally some islands of terror were kicked to the curb just because they were 'less exciting'. [...] A few domains that had appeared since the publication of ''Ravenloft: Realm of Terror'' were notably missing [...].  All told, ''Ravenloft Campaign Setting'' covers 20 core domains and nine islands".<ref name="drivethrurpg2"/> The 5th Edition campaign guide ''[[Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft]]'' (2021) includes an overview of 39 Domains and many Domains are given a "wholesale revision" while "other Domains keep their original lore but are advanced in other ways".<ref name="Dungeons"/> Rob Wieland, writing for [[Forbes]], explained that in this book "many of the domains have new Darklords that reflect their original character but have details changed to better fit the type of horror the domain is supposed to represent".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Wieland|first=Rob|date=May 17, 2021|title=An Exclusive Look Inside Van Richten's Guide To Ravenloft|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/robwieland/2021/05/17/an-exclusive-look-inside-van-richtens-guide-to-ravenloft/|access-date=2021-05-24|website=Forbes|language=en}}</ref>

Some of the more notable Domains include:
* Barovia: the first Domain introduced and "foreboding" home of Strahd von Zarovich.<ref>{{cite book |title=Dungeons & Dragons Art & Arcana: a visual history |last1=Witwer |first1=Michael |last2=Newman |first2=Kyle |last3=Peterson |first3=Jonathan |last4=Witwer |first4=Sam |last5=Manganiello |first5=Joe |date=October 2018 |isbn=9780399580949 |publisher=[[Ten Speed Press]] |oclc=1033548473 |page=229}}</ref><ref name="Hick4to6" /><ref name="polygon4"/> This domain was "inspired by [[Bram Stoker]]'s ''[[Dracula]]''".<ref name="screenrant">{{cite web|date=2021-05-13|title=D&D: Why Ravenloft's Lamordia Is Perfect For Frankenstein Fans|url=https://screenrant.com/dungeons-dragons-ravenloft-lamordia-domains-frankenstein-horror-setting/|access-date=2021-05-13|website=ScreenRant|language=en-US}}</ref>
* Carnival: this domain<ref name="cbr3">{{Cite web|date=2021-05-22|title=Dungeons & Dragons: The Best Domains in Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft|url=https://www.cbr.com/dnd-van-richtens-guide-ravenloft-best-domains/|access-date=2021-05-22|website=CBR|language=en-US}}</ref> "wanders the mists" itself, "populated by wild performers and a powerful, living sword".<ref name="polygon4"/>
* Darkon: this domain is<ref name="cbr3"/> "a broken land [...] whose central castle is frozen mid-explosion, its disparate rooms desperately trying to reassemble the whole in mid-air",<ref name="polygon4"/> and "Darkon is now a Domain in decline after the disappearance of the iconic lich Azalin".<ref name="Dungeons"/>
* Falkovnia: in its original incarnation, this domain's "Darklord was a fairly basic analog for [[Vlad the Impaler]] [...] and it had few defining characteristics beyond being a land ruled by a brutal warlord with a penchant for ultraviolence".<ref name="ign2">{{cite web|last=Ryan|first=Jon|date=5 May 2021|title=How D&D is Going Full 'Zombie Apocalypse' Mode in Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/dnd-ravenloft-book-van-richtens-guide-early-look-preview-falkovnia-zombie-apocalypse|access-date=2021-05-14|website=IGN}}</ref> In ''Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft'', "Falkovnia has been reimagined as a nightmarish Groundhog's Day-style loop, where a struggling nation—which happens to be ruled by a brutal warlord—is endlessly besieged by massive hordes of the walking dead, who just so happen to look like everyone this warlord has ever killed".<ref name="ign2"/> The Darklord Vladeska "Drakov's ruthless efficiency and relentless perfectionism has turned her into a tyrant. Rather than retreat and save the lives of citizens and soldiers alike, every day she rebuilds the barricades that keep death at bay. Those same walls keep her trapped within".<ref name="polygon4"/>
* Hazlan: this domain<ref name="cbr3"/> is a magocracy ruled by the [[Red Wizards of Thay|Red Wizard]] Hazlik who treats the domain as a "vast magical laboratory".<ref name="gizmodo">{{cite web|date=2021-05-17|title=D&D's Guide to Ravenloft: Magical Disaster Horrors Await Players|url=https://io9.gizmodo.com/d-ds-guide-to-ravenloft-magical-disaster-horrors-await-1846888128|access-date=2021-05-17|website=io9|language=en-us}}</ref> [[F. Wesley Schneider|Wes Schneider]], lead designer of ''Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft'', highlighted that "Hazlan's a great example of a Ravenloft domain where the 'technology' behind its horror concept has improved since its origin. [...] Since the '90s, our collective imaginations have expanded on what an evil magic dystopia might look like. [...] Hazlan is a domain where anything wizards could do they've done to the extreme, and they're still doing it, all in the name of magical discovery and with the effects scarring the realm's people and land. This makes it the domain for all manner of weird monsters, amoral experiments, magical contagions, unnatural weather, collapsing reality, meteor showers, mutations, disasters, and so much more".<ref name="gizmodo"/>
* Lamordia: this domain "paid homage" to ''[[Frankenstein]]'' by [[Mary Shelley]].<ref name="screenrant"/> In its original incarnation, Lamordia was a coastal domain with two small settlements<ref name="screenrant"/> and was ruled by [[Adam (Ravenloft)|Adam]], a flesh golem-like creature created by Doctor [[Victor Mordenheim]]. In ''Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft'', the region is now ruled by Viktra Mordenheim, a mad scientist tormented by her inability to replicate the Unbreakable Heart device that keeps her reborn lover Elise alive, even as Elise flees from her at every turn.<ref name="Dungeons"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/dungeons-dragons-dnd-van-richtens-guide-ravenloft-lamordia-frankenstein-preview |title=D&D's Ravenloft settings include Lamordia, a domain of 'stitches and semi-dead flesh' |publisher=Syfy.com |date=2021-05-03|access-date=2021-05-22}}</ref>

===Darklords===
{{Main|Darklord (Ravenloft)}}
Darklord is the title used to refer to the mystically imprisoned and cursed ruler of a domain. A Darklord was originally an individual who had committed a truly horrific crime, which drew the attention of the enigmatic Dark Powers. The Dark Powers then proceeded to craft a personal kingdom around the Darklord. This crafted domain serves both as a kingdom and a prison:<ref name="cbr2"/> the Darklord gains incredible powers whilst within its borders but can never leave it, although most Darklords can seal their domain borders with a thought.<ref name="thegamer">{{cite web|date=2021-05-16|title=D&D Fans: The Lack Of Darklord Statblocks In Van Richten's Is The Point|url=https://www.thegamer.com/dnd-darklord-statblocks-van-richtens-guide-ravenloft/|access-date=2021-05-17|website=TheGamer|language=en-US}}</ref> Within their domains, the Darklords are forever tormented by the objects of their desires, which are often the objects for which they committed their crimes.

===Vistani===
{{Main|Vistani}}
The Vistani are a nomadic ethnic group. They are based on depictions of the [[Romani people]]. Since their introduction in the original ''Ravenloft'' module (1983) as fortune-tellers, they became a unifying element in the Ravenloft and the Masque of the Red Death [[campaign setting]]s, which offer Gothic horror scenarios. In a Ravenloft adventure, the Vistani have some control of the Mists of Ravenloft, which divide realms,<ref>{{cite web|date=August 6, 2020|title=Is Dungeons & Dragons Getting Ready to Return to Ravenloft?|url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/dungeons-and-dragons-ravenloft-return-subclasses/|access-date=2021-05-14|website=ComicBook.com|language=en}}</ref> while the players are generally confined to a region from which they must escape by solving one or more problems. Players generally need help from the Vistani to travel reliably from one open realm to another.

The Vistani people were "described as [[Superstition|superstitious]]"<ref name="thegamer2">{{cite web|date=2020-10-22|title=Curse Of Strahd Revamped: What It Changes From The Original|url=https://www.thegamer.com/curse-of-strahd-revamped-what-changes-vistani/|access-date=2021-05-14|website=TheGamer|language=en-US}}</ref> and had "abilities to curse and hypnotize players or cast spells like [[Evil eye|Evil Eye]]".<ref name="gizmodo2">{{cite web|last=Muncy|first=Julie|date=July 27, 2020|title=D&D's Culturally Sensitive Strahd Revamp Is Here, But It'll Cost You [Updated]|url=https://io9.gizmodo.com/d-ds-culturally-sensitive-strahd-revamp-is-here-but-it-1844521228|access-date=2020-11-21|website=io9|language=en-us}}</ref> They were also originally stereotyped "as 'uncivilized' and heavy drinkers", but this portrayal was removed in the adventure module ''Curse of Strahd Revamped'' (2020).<ref name="gizmodo2"/> Their portrayal was further [[Retroactive continuity|retconned]] in ''Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft'' (2021); the Vistani people are no longer considered superstitious but instead focused on their traditional practices and their abilities are grounded in the forms of [[Magic in Dungeons & Dragons|magic found in ''Dungeons & Dragons'']].<ref name="polygon5">{{cite web|last=Hall|first=Charlie|date=2021-05-18|title=Dungeons & Dragons retcons one of its most problematic characters|url=https://www.polygon.com/22440453/dungeons-dragons-ezmerelda-davenir-retcon-van-richtens-guide-to-ravenloft|access-date=2021-05-18|website=Polygon|language=en}}</ref>

The fictional character [[Rudolph van Richten]], a famous Monster Hunter in Ravenloft and author of a series of guides to hunting and slaying various monsters, had a great enmity for the Vistani for most of his monster-hunting career, but his opinion improved during his penning of ''Van Richten's Guide To The Vistani'', during which he befriended a ''mortu'' (a Vistani outcast).

==Reception==
Game designer [[Rick Swan]] commented in 1994 that when the Ravenloft setting first came out, it "just didn't seem special, a Forgotten Realms variant with a few more bats", but after supplements like ''[[Forbidden Lore]]'', ''[[The Created]]'', and the ''Van Richten's Guide'' series, Swan felt that "the Ravenloft campaign has proven to be a credible adventure alternative for players interested in the dark side of the ''AD&D'' game. Though it lacks the flamboyance of ''[[Call of Cthulhu (role-playing game)|Call of Cthulhu]]'' and the, er, bite of ''[[Vampire: The Masquerade|Vampire]]'', the Ravenloft setting remains the hobby's most enduring fusion of horror and fantasy".<ref name="Dragon #205">{{cite journal |last=Swan |first=Rick |author-link=Rick Swan |title=Role-playing Reviews |journal=[[Dragon (magazine)|Dragon]] |issue=205 |pages=100–101 |publisher=[[TSR, Inc.|TSR]] |location=[[Lake Geneva, Wisconsin]] |date=May 1994}}</ref>

Darker Days Radio declared Ravenloft the "greatest D&D campaign setting", citing the unique gothic horror elements and classic villains such as Azalin Rex.<ref>{{cite web |title=Darkling #33 |url= http://podcast.darker-days.org/e/darker-days-presents-darkling-33-ravenloft/ |work=Darker Days Radio |date=January 26, 2014 |access-date=2019-01-24}} Ravenloft game overview.</ref>

In the ''[[Io9]]'' series revisiting older ''Dungeons & Dragons'' novels, Rob Bricken highlighted that ''[[Vampire of the Mists]]'' "isn't scary, per se, but Strahd wreaks enough horror and carnage to drive home that Ravenloft is much, much more sinister than the [[Forgotten Realms]]. [...] Ravenloft (and I guess Forgotten Realms) vampires have ''all'' the tropes: They can turn into bats, wolves, and mists, and they don't cast reflections. They can control animals and enthrall people, to a degree. They can't cross running water, and they have to be invited into a home to enter. Unless they're an extremely powerful vampire like Strahd, natch".<ref>{{cite web|last=Bricken|first=Rob|date=December 12, 2020|title=Dungeons & Dragons & Novels: Revisiting Vampire of the Mists|url=https://io9.gizmodo.com/dungeons-dragons-novels-revisiting-vampire-of-the-1845744777|access-date=2020-12-28|website=io9|language=en-us}}</ref>

Shelly Jones, in the journal ''Analog Game Studies: Volume IV'', highlighted the Tarokka Deck mechanic used in both the original ''Ravenloft'' (1983) module and the 5th edition ''Curse of Strahd'' (2016) module to add randomization to the game and increase [[replayability]]. Jones wrote: "The Tarokka Deck incorporates an inconsistency in the game play that reflects fragmented traumatic memory and reifies the inconsistency present within an abusive relationship".<ref name="analoggamestudies">{{Cite journal|last=Jones|first=Shelly|year=2017|title=The Psychological Abuse of "Curse of Strahd"|url=https://analoggamestudies.org/2017/01/the-psychological-abuse-of-curse-of-strahd/|journal=Analog Game Studies|volume=IV|issue=I|issn=2643-7112}}</ref> Jones also highlighted that "without sunshine as a key time-tracking element, players are forced to rely upon other means to signal the passage of time within Barovia. Further adding to that disorientation is the knowledge that the players have been abandoned from anything familiar or real. [...] This alienating effect, based upon the physical environment as well as the psychological manifestations, traumatizes characters".<ref name="analoggamestudies"/>

The Ravenloft setting has been criticized<ref name="thegamer2"/><ref name="gizmodo2"/><ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Dungeons & Dragons' Racial Reckoning Is Long Overdue|language=en-US|magazine=Wired|url=https://www.wired.com/story/dungeons-dragons-diversity/|access-date=2021-05-14|issn=1059-1028}}</ref> "for reinforcing harmful stereotypes through its portrayal of the Vistani, an in-fiction analogue for the Roma people".<ref name="polygon6">{{cite web|last=Hall|first=Charlie|date=2021-05-03|title=D&D's new Ravenloft book swaps outdated tropes for a high-fantasy approach|url=https://www.polygon.com/22417339/van-richtens-guide-to-ravenloft-harakir-ankhotep-the-mummy-preview|access-date=2021-05-14|website=Polygon|language=en}}</ref> In 2020, Wizards of the Coast announced "in the editorial process for ''Strahd''{{'}}s reprint, as well as two upcoming products, Wizards worked with a Romani consultant to present the Vistani without using reductive tropes".<ref>{{cite web|date=June 18, 2020|title=Dungeons & Dragons Team Announces New Plans to Address Race and Inclusivity in the Game|url=https://io9.gizmodo.com/dungeons-dragons-team-announces-new-plans-to-address-1844084273|access-date=2021-02-24|website=io9|language=en-us}}</ref> On this update, Jon Ryan, for ''[[IGN]]'', wrote that "it's worth noting that the book's illustrations of the Vistani still evoke Romani culture, and some players may still associate certain abilities [...] with outdated cultural stereotypes".<ref name="ign3">{{cite web|last=Ryan|first=Jon|date=July 27, 2020|title=Exclusive: First Look at D&D's 'Curse of Strahd Revamped' Collector's Edition|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/dnd-curse-of-strahd-revamped-reveal-unboxing|access-date=2020-11-21|website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> Julie Muncy, for ''Io9'', criticized the "granular changes" to the Vistani people as not very extensive and that "while there's a real opportunity here to do better work—the aforementioned diversity pledge also mentioned future works that will feature the Vistani people and aim to complicate their depictions—starting that work with a fancy collector's edition feels less like a promise to do better and more like a victory lap".<ref name="gizmodo2"/> Muncy also highlighted that the unrevised parts, such as the art and specific magical abilities, still lean "into tropes that suggest the Romani have mystical, dangerous powers, tropes that have been used in the past to target Romani for persecution".<ref name="gizmodo2"/>

Christian Hoffer, for ComicBook.com, highlighted that in ''Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft'' (2021) the Domains of Dread "all now function as originally intended: prisons meant to torture specific souls. Many of the original Ravenloft domains featured strange punishments that didn't necessarily fit the crime of the Darklord. The revised domains are usually a better utilization of the ironic intent that flavors the immortal prisons of Ravenloft. The domains also now include a variety of different horror genres rather than a fixation on gothic horror. Finally, much of the misogynistic, colonialist, or racist elements have been purged out of this new iteration of Ravenloft. Although these changes will likely be the most talked about part of the book in some circles, these changes seem to have occurred naturally during the course of updating Ravenloft to reflect more diverse horror genres and to make the domains conform to Ravenloft's internal laws".<ref name="Dungeons"/>

In his 2023 book ''Monsters, Aliens, and Holes in the Ground'', RPG historian Stu Horvath noted, "In many ways, Strahd is a vessel for the audience's relationship with an ever-changing and evolving vampire legend. While a character in his own right, he is broadly drawn, so every group of players can make him their own. There are many Strahds, each defined by the tastes of the people at the table."<ref name=mahg>{{cite book| last = Horvath| first = Stu| title = Monsters, Aliens, and Holes in the Ground| publisher = MIT Press| date = 2023| location = Cambridge, Massachusetts| pages = 118| isbn =9780262048224 }}</ref>

== Official products ==
{{Main|List of Ravenloft publications}}
''Ravenloft'' has acted as the official campaign setting for multiple ''Dungeons & Dragons'' roleplaying adventure modules, sourcebooks and accessories. It has also been the main setting for novels and video games.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ravenloft: Reviews|url=http://www.fraternityofshadows.com/DrawingRoom.html|access-date=2020-01-15|publisher=Fraternityofshadows.com}}</ref>

===Video games===
* ''[[Ravenloft: Strahd's Possession]]'' PC game (1994)
* ''[[Ravenloft: Stone Prophet]]'' PC game (1995)
* ''[[Iron & Blood: Warriors of Ravenloft]]'' PlayStation 1 game (1996)
* ''[[Dungeons & Dragons Online#Expansions|Dungeons & Dragons Online]]'' PC game expansion "Mists of Ravenloft" (2017)
* ''[[Neverwinter (video game)]]'' expansion module Ravenloft; Windows, Xbox One, PS4 (June 26, 2018)<ref>{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Wilson|url=https://venturebeat.com/2018/06/26/neverwinter-ravenloft-module-launches-on-pc/ |title=Neverwinter: Ravenloft module launches on PC |publisher=VentureBeat |date=2018-06-26 |access-date=2020-01-15}}</ref>

== In other media ==
* In 2016, Wizards of the Coast added an additional license option to their 5th Edition ''Dungeons & Dragons'' [[Open Game License|open game license]]. It allows individuals and third party publishers to create and sell content based on specific Wizards of the Coast [[intellectual property]], if the content is sold through the [[Dungeon Masters Guild]] storefront.<ref>{{cite web|date=2016-07-31|title=D&D's Dungeon Masters Guild Wants Players To Monetise Fan Content|url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2016/07/dds-dungeon-masters-guild-wants-players-to-monetize-fan-content/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160801131651/http://www.kotaku.com.au/2016/07/dds-dungeon-masters-guild-wants-players-to-monetize-fan-content/|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 1, 2016|access-date=2019-11-23|website=Kotaku Australia|language=en}}</ref><ref name="escapistmagazine">{{cite web|last=Lemon|first=Marshall|date=January 12, 2016|title=Wizards of the Coast Puts Out New Dungeons and Dragons Open License With Forgotten Realms Content {{!}} The Escapist|url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/165838-Wizards-of-the-Coast-Puts-Out-New-Dungeons-and-Dragons-Open-License-With-Forgotten-Realms-Content|access-date=2019-11-23|website=Escapist Magazine|language=en|archive-date=2019-10-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191029215003/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/165838-Wizards-of-the-Coast-Puts-Out-New-Dungeons-and-Dragons-Open-License-With-Forgotten-Realms-Content|url-status=dead}}</ref> Multiple third party supplements and adventures set in Ravenloft have since been released through this program.<ref name="Hoffer"/><ref>{{cite web|last=Hall|first=Charlie|date=2020-01-13|title=Dungeons & Dragons basically has DLC now, and it's excellent|url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/1/13/21064147/dungeons-dragons-dungeon-masters-guild|access-date=2021-02-24|website=Polygon|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Hoffer|first=Christian|date=September 14, 2019|title=Terrify Your Players With Creepy New Dungeons & Dragons Adventure|url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/dungeons-and-dragons-happy-jack-funhouse-clowns/|access-date=2021-02-24|website=ComicBook.com|language=en}}</ref>
* ''Tales From the Mists'' (2019–2020) was an [[List of Dungeons & Dragons web series#Actual play series|official actual play]] series which [[Livestreaming|streamed]] on the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' [[Twitch (service)|Twitch]] and [[YouTube]] channels.<ref name="Hoffer2">{{cite web|last=Hoffer|first=Christian|date=February 4, 2019|title='Tales From the Mists' is 'Dungeons & Dragons' Spooky New Show|url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/dungeons-and-dragons-tales-from-the-mists/|access-date=2021-02-24|website=ComicBook.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Tales from the Mists|url=https://dnd.wizards.com/articles/events/tales-mists|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415111749/http://dnd.wizards.com/articles/events/tales-mists|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 15, 2019|access-date=2021-02-24|website=[[Wizards of the Coast]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=July 6, 2020|title=For the last time, until next time, we shall see you in the Mists...|url=https://twitter.com/misttalesdnd/status/1280224047993929728|access-date=2021-02-24|website=Twitter|publisher=MistTalesDnD|language=en}}[[Wikipedia:SPS|{{sup|[''self-published'']}}]]</ref> TK Johnson was the show's [[Dungeon Master]] with a "cast of four players (Lysa Chen, Kayla Cline, Hadeel Al-Massari, and Ashley Warren) plus two rotating party slots filled by new players every four episodes".<ref name="Hoffer2"/> The first season was set in the city of Harmonia in the Kartakass Domain of Dread; each character is from a different domain of Ravenloft.<ref>{{cite web|date=2019-02-07|title=D&D's TALES FROM THE MISTS Gives You a Different Kind of Chill This Winter|url=https://nerdist.com/article/dds-tales-from-the-mists-gives-you-a-different-kind-of-chill-this-winter/|access-date=2021-02-24|website=[[Nerdist]]|language=en}}</ref> Christian Hoffer, for ''[[ComicBook.com]]'', wrote: "One of ''Tales from the Mists''' greatest strengths is that it feels very much like a gothic horror story, with an emphasis on death, the macabre, and terror lurking right around the corner. [...] While ''Dungeons & Dragons'' is perhaps best known for its combat encounters, ''Tales from the Mists'' seems to take its gothic horror roots seriously. [...] This might be an adjustment from how some people think of ''Dungeons & Dragons'', but ''Tales from the Mists'' is a masterclass on how to run a horror campaign using mood and environment to set the tone instead of a constant parade of scary monsters".<ref name="Hoffer2"/>
* ''The Black Dice Society'' (2021–2022) was an official actual play streaming series broadcast on the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' channels which premiered on April 1, 2021, and is set across multiple Domains of Dread in Ravenloft.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hoffer|first=Christian|date=April 1, 2021|title=Dungeons & Dragons Launches The Black Dice Society, a Creepy Ravenloft Streaming Show|url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/dungeons-dragons-black-dice-society/|access-date=2021-04-01|website=ComicBook.com|language=en}}</ref><ref name="screenrant2">{{cite web|last=Baird|first=Scott|date=2021-04-01|title=D&D: The Black Dice Society Arrive In Ravenloft On April 1|url=https://screenrant.com/dungeons-dragons-black-dice-society-streaming-interview-ravenloft/|access-date=2021-04-01|website=ScreenRant|language=en-US}}</ref> B. Dave Walters was the show's Dungeon Master with a cast of six players: [[Tanya DePass]], Noura Ibrahim, Deejay Knight, [[Mark Meer]], Saige Ryan and Becca Scott.<ref name="screenrant2"/><ref>{{cite web|date=March 12, 2021|title=Coming SOON from: @cypheroftyr @DeejayKnight @nouralogical @Mark_Meer @NotSaige @thebeccascott and @BDaveWalters We're announcing properly March 22 and the adventure begins Thursday April 1 at 4 PST!|url=https://twitter.com/TheBlackDiceSoc/status/1370511663640670209|access-date=2021-03-22|website=Twitter|publisher=The Black Dice Society}}[[Wikipedia:SPS|{{sup|[''self-published'']}}]]</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=2021-03-26|title='The Black Dice Society': How to Watch the Twitch Premiere of This Official 'Dungeons & Dragons' Stream|url=https://collider.com/the-black-dice-society-twitch-stream-premiere-how-to-watch/|access-date=2021-03-28|website=Collider|language=en-US}}</ref>

==References==
=== Citations ===
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

=== General and cited sources ===
{{Refbegin}}
* {{cite book
 |first1=Tracy |last1=Hickman |author-link1=Tracy Hickman
|first2=Laura|last2=Hickman|author-link2=Laura Hickman
 |title=Ravenloft
 |publisher=[[TSR, Inc.|TSR]]
 |date=1983
 |isbn=0-88038-042-X|title-link=Ravenloft (D&D module)}}
* {{cite book
 |first1=Tracy |last1=Hickman |author-link1=Tracy Hickman
 |first2=Laura |last2=Hickman |author-link2=Laura Hickman
 |first3=David "Zeb" |last3=Cook |author-link3=David Cook (game designer)
 |first4=Jeff |last4=Grubb |author-link4=Jeff Grubb
 |first5=Harold |last5=Johnson |author-link5=Harold Johnson (game designer) 
 |first6=Douglas |last6=Niles |author-link6=Douglas Niles
 |title=Ravenloft II: The House on Gryphon Hill
 |publisher=[[TSR, Inc.|TSR]]
 |date=1986
 |isbn=0-88038-322-4|title-link=Ravenloft II: The House on Gryphon Hill}}
* {{cite book
 |first1=Bruce |last1=Nesmith |author-link1=Bruce Nesmith
 |first2=Andria |last2=Hayday |author-link2=Andria Hayday
 |title =Realm of Terror
 |publisher=[[TSR, Inc.|TSR]]
 |date=1990
 |isbn=0-88038-853-6|title-link=Ravenloft: Realm of Terror}}
* {{cite book
 |first1=Dale |last1=Henson |author-link1=Dale Henson
 |first2=J. Robert |last2=King|author-link2=J. Robert King
 |title=Book of Crypts
 |publisher=[[TSR, Inc.|TSR]]
 |date=1991
 |isbn=1-56076-142-3|title-link=Book of Crypts}}
* {{cite book
 |first1=Andria |last1=Hayday |author-link1=Andria Hayday
 |first2=William |last2=Connors |author-link2=William W. Connors
 |first3=Bruce |last3=Nesmith |author-link3=Bruce Nesmith
 |first4=James |last4=Lowder |author-link4=James Lowder
 |title=Darklords
 |publisher=[[TSR, Inc.|TSR]]
 |date=1991
 |isbn=1-56076-137-7|title-link=Darklords}}
* {{cite book
 |first1=William |last1=Connors |author-link1=William W. Connors
 |first2=Bruce |last2=Nesmith |author-link2=Bruce Nesmith
 |title =Forbidden Lore
 |publisher=[[TSR, Inc.|TSR]]
 |date=1992
 |isbn=1-56076-354-X|title-link=Forbidden Lore}}
* {{cite book
 |first1=Colin |last1=McComb |author-link1=Colin McComb
 |first2=Scott |last2=Bennie
 |title=Islands of Terror
 |publisher=[[TSR, Inc.|TSR]]
 |date=1992
 |isbn=1-56076-349-3|title-link=Islands of Terror}}
* {{cite book
 |first1=Bruce |last1=Nesmith |author-link1=Bruce Nesmith
 |first2=Andria |last2=Hayday |author-link2=Andria Hayday
 |first3=William |last3=Connors |author-link3=William W. Connors
 |title=Ravenloft Campaign Setting
 |publisher=[[TSR, Inc.|TSR]]
 |date=1994
 |isbn=1-56076-942-4|title-link=Ravenloft Campaign Setting}}
* {{cite book
 |first1=William |last1=Connors |author-link1=William W. Connors
 |first2=Steve |last2=Miller |author-link2=Steve Miller (game designer) 
 |title=Domains of Dread
 |publisher=[[TSR, Inc.|TSR]]
 |date=1997
 |isbn=0-7869-0672-3}}
* {{cite book
 |first1=Andrew |last1=Cermak
 |first2=John |last2=Mangrum
 |first3=Andrew |last3=Wyatt
 |title=[[Ravenloft (Sword and Sorcery Studios)|Ravenloft Campaign Setting]]
 |publisher=[[White Wolf Publishing#Imprints and labels|Arthaus]]
 |date=2001
 |isbn=1-58846-075-4|edition=3rd}}
* {{cite book
 |first1=Andrew |last1=Cermak
 |first2=John |last2=Mangrum
 |first3=Andrew |last3=Wyatt
 |title=Secrets of the Dread Realms
 |publisher=[[White Wolf Publishing#Imprints and labels|Arthaus]]
 |date=2001
 |isbn=1-58846-076-2}}
* {{cite book
 |first1=Andrew |last1=Cermak
 |first2=John |last2=Mangrum
 |first3=Chris |last3=Nichols
 |first4=Andrew |last4=Wyatt
 |title=Ravenloft Gazetteer Volume I
 |publisher=[[White Wolf Publishing#Imprints and labels|Arthaus]]
 |date=2002
 |isbn=1-58846-080-0}}
* {{cite book
 |first1=John |last1=Mangrum
 |first2=Ryan |last2=Naylor
 |first3=Chris |last3=Nichols
 |first4=Andrew |last4=Wyatt
 |title=Ravenloft Gazetteer Volume II
 |publisher=[[White Wolf Publishing#Imprints and labels|Arthaus]]
 |date=2002
 |isbn=1-58846-830-5}}
* {{cite book
 |first1=John |last1=Mangrum
 |first2=Brian |last2=Campbell |author-link2=Brian Campbell (game designer)
 |first3=Carla |last3=Hollar
 |first4=Rucht |last4=Lilavivat
 |first5=Anthony |last5=Pyror |author-link5=Anthony Pryor
 |first6=Peter |last6=Woodworth
 |first7=Andrew |last7=Wyatt
 |title=Ravenloft Dungeon Master's Guide
 |publisher=[[White Wolf Publishing#Imprints and labels|Arthaus]]
 |date=2003
 |isbn=1-58846-084-3}}
* {{cite book
 |first1=John |last1=Mangrum
 |first2=Stuart |last2=Turner
 |first3=Peter |last3=Woodworth
 |first4=Andrew |last4=Wyatt
 |title=Ravenloft Gazetteer Volume III
 |publisher=[[White Wolf Publishing#Imprints and labels|Arthaus]]
 |date=2003
 |isbn=1-58846-086-X}}
* {{cite book
 |first1=James |last1=Lowder |author-link1=James Lowder
 |first2=John |last2=Mangrum
 |first3=Ryan |last3=Naylor
 |first4=Anthony |last4=Pryor |author-link4=Anthony Pryor
 |first5=Veronica |last5=Whitney-Robinson
 |first6=Andrew |last6=Wyatt
 |title=Ravenloft Gazetteer Volume IV
 |publisher=[[White Wolf Publishing#Imprints and labels|Arthaus]]
 |date=2004
 |isbn=1-58846-087-8}}
* {{cite book
 |first1=Andrew |last1=Cermak
 |first2=John |last2=Mangrum
 |first3=Steve |last3=Miller |author-link3=Steve Miller (game designer)
 |first4=Ryan |last4=Naylor
 |first5=Andrew |last5=Wyatt
 |title=Ravenloft Gazetteer Volume V
 |publisher=[[White Wolf Publishing#Imprints and labels|Arthaus]]
 |date=2004
 |isbn=1-58846-964-6}}
{{Refend}}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20130520053134/https://www.tsrinfo.net/archive/rv/rv.htm AD&D 2nd Edition Ravenloft product list] at the TSR Archive (via the [[Wayback Machine]])
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120508172251/http://www.tsrinfo.net/archive/3r/3r.htm D&D 3rd Edition Ravenloft product list] at the TSR Archive (via the Wayback Machine)
* [http://www.kargatane.com/ Secrets of the Kargatane] (1999–2003) – [https://web.archive.org/web/20140702045737/http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/arch/owa designated by Wizards of the Coast] as the official fan site for the Ravenloft setting during 3rd Edition
* [http://www.fraternityofshadows.com/ Fraternity of Shadows] – founded in 2003 after the Secrets of the Kargatane site closed

{{D&D topics}}
{{Dungeons & Dragons franchise media}}
{{Christie Golden}}

[[Category:Ravenloft| ]]
[[Category:Dark fantasy role-playing games]]
[[Category:Dungeons & Dragons campaign settings]]
[[Category:Fictional dimensions]]
[[Category:Horror role-playing games]]
[[Category:Origins Award winners]]