D&D 5E [Updated with cover!] The D&D Book Is.... Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft!

Yesterday's hints that a new D&D book would be announced today have born fruit -- we now have a product description and a title! It's a Ravenloft setting book, with tools and new rules for horror-themed games, and new horror-themed character options. I'll update this post with a product image as soon as one is revealed -- the official announcement allegedly comes today!

D&D 5E - Here's the Ravenloft Alternate Cover!

As usual, there is an alternate hobby-store exclusive cover for the upcoming Ravenloft book. Here's a look at it! And here's the full wraparound art. https://www.enworld.org/threads/updated-with-cover-the-d-d-book-is-van-richtens-guide-to-ravenloft.678411/...

www.enworld.org

D&D 5E - Everything We Know About The Ravenloft Book

Here is a list of everything we know so far about the upcoming Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft. Art by Paul Scott Canavan May 18th, 256 pages 30 domains (with 30 villainous darklords) Barovia (Strahd), Dementlieu (twisted fairly tales), Lamordia (flesh golem), Falkovnia (zombies), Kalakeri...

www.enworld.org

Here’s some info on Dr. Rudolph Van Richten! He's a vampire hunter (he appeared in Curse of Strahd, and he's been around in the Ravenloft setting for decades) and is basically Van Helsing to Strahd's Dracula. His name appears on a whole pile of 2nd Edition D&D sourcebooks, all titled "Van Richten's Guide to.... Vampires/Ghosts/Werebeasts, etc."

The Ravenloft setting, of course, features a bunch of 'domains' other than Barovia itself, each ruled by its own Dark Lord. Strahd rules Barovia, but even other signature D&D villains like Lord Soth and Vecna have been placed in Ravenloft ruling dread domains of their own, along with an assortment of other domain rulers.

The Mist Beckons

The image below is not of the upcoming book, but of one of the many D&D 2nd Edition Van Richten's Guides.

 

[Sacrosanct]

the cover

 

[TwoSix]

"Horror-themed subclasses" is an interesting note. Do we have any UA subclasses that were horror-themed and not released? Because I don't see how they can get any out and UA tested otherwise on that short of a timescale.

 

[NotQuiteANoble]

"Horror-themed subclasses" is an interesting note. Do we have any UA subclasses that were horror-themed and not released? Because I don't see how they can get any out and UA tested otherwise on that short of a timescale.

Undead Warlock and Spirits Bard

https://media.wizards.com/2020/dnd/downloads/UA2020_Subclasses04.pdf

 

[wicked cool]

im confused on what this book does

Is this book a campaign setting with a mini adventure (like wildemount) or a book guide for the strahd aventure or both. If you were running Strahd how much help would this really offer

 

[Hutchimus Prime]

What's interesting is that the presumption we have, rightly, is that this is a setting book. However, the naming convention is one of the toolbox books we have been getting for 5th.

I think based on this text from the product description, that’s we’re in at least “educated guess” territory:

“Travel (perhaps even by choice) to Ravenloft's expanded Domains of Dread—each domain with its own unique flavor of horror, thrilling story hooks, and grisly cast of characters.”

I doubt the info will be a “TSR Box Set” level of information, but maybe something along the lines of regional descriptions from the Sword Coast’s Adventurers’ Guide, maybe?

 

[NotQuiteANoble]

im confused on what this book does

Is this book a campaign setting with a mini adventure (like wildemount) or a book guide for the strahd aventure or both. If you were running Strahd how much help would this really offer

I believe it's like Wildemount or Theros. It will have a quest or two, some subclasses, some lineages(races) and some details on running the demiplanes of dread

 

[TwoSix]

Undead Warlock and Spirits Bard

https://media.wizards.com/2020/dnd/downloads/UA2020_Subclasses04.pdf

Yea, that's probably it, most setting books are pretty light on new subclasses.

 

[TheSword]

Ive just finished playing the first two Bio-shock games remastered and started the third (yes nostalgia alert, but somehow I missed them before).

Rapture could easily be a domain of dread, and New Columbia is definitely one!

In fact the structure and way information is revealed, is very Ravenloft.

 

[NotQuiteANoble]

Yea, that's probably it, most setting books are pretty light on new subclasses.

Undead Warlock was insanely strong anyway when I tried it, and Wizards really hates the Undying Warlock for some(okay it's terrible)reason. The newer subclasses tend to be stronger anyway, so they should be good

 

[Demetrios1453]

What's interesting is that the presumption we have, rightly, is that this is a setting book. However, the naming convention is one of the toolbox books we have been getting for 5th.

From the description, where it specifically mentions how create homebrew horror campaigns as well as an "expanded bestiary" makes me think it's going to fall somewhere between the standard 5e monster guide and the standard 5e setting guide in its format. Depending on your point of view, it will be "Volo's with setting material" or "Ravnica with homebrew and more monsters".