Join me as I review I6 Ravenloft by Tracy and Laura Hickman live! Share your thoughts on this sixth module in the long-running Intermediate series of adventures for AD&D, released by TSR Inc. in October 1983. You can pick up a copy here: https://www.dmsguild.com//product/17527/i6-ravenloft-1e?affiliate_id=50797
About I6 Ravenloft
Under raging stormclouds, a lone figure stands silhouetted against the ancient walls of castle Ravenloft. Count Strahd von Zarovich stares down a sheer cliff at the village below. A cold, bitter wind spins dead leaves around him, billowing his cape in the darkness. Lightning splits the clouds overhead, casting stark white light across him. Strahd turns to the sky, revealing the angular muscles of his face and hands. He has a look of power – and of madness. His once-handsome face is contorted by a tragedy darker than the night itself.
Rumbling thunder pounds the castle spires. The wind’s howling increases as Strahd turns his gaze back to the village. Far below, yet not beyond his keen eyesight, a party of adventurers has just entered his domain. Strahd’s face forms a twisted smile as his dark plan unfolds. He knew they were coming, and he knows why they came – all according to his plan. He, the master of Ravenloft, will attend to them.
Another lightning flash rips through the darkness, its thunder echoing through the castle’s towers. But Strahd is gone. Only the howling of the wind – or perhaps a lone wolf – fills the midnight air. The master of Ravenloft is having guests for dinner. And you are invited.
Show Notes
Intro
Welcome to another DragonLance Saga review episode. It is Misham, Fierswelt the 30th. My name is Adam and today I am going to give you my review of I6 Ravenloft by Tracy and Laura Hickman. I would like to take a moment and thank the DLSaga members and Patreon patrons, and invite you to consider becoming a member or patron. You can even pick up Dragonlance media or get $10 by signing up to StartPlaying.Games using my affiliate links. This is my perspective only, and if you have any thoughts or disagree with mine, I invite you to share them in YouTube chat.
Review
- by Tracy and Laura Hickman
- Released in October 1983.
- Cover Art by Clyde Caldwell
- “Ravenloft” describes itself as “a classic gothic horror story.”
- a gothic horror adventure for AD&D was something entirely new
- Tracy Hickman says that he and his wife took particular inspiration “from the original Brahm Stoker Dracula text and the old classic films.”
- When Tracy and Laura ran DayStar West Media, a friend ran an adventure where a vampire showed up in a dungeon room. Laura and Tracy felt like this didn’t give vampires the proper respect (or motivation), so they decided to create an adventure built entirely around a vampire.
- “Vampyr,” which they playtested a few times at Halloween, but didn’t publish… until after Tracy Hickman joined TSR.
- “Ravenloft” begins with a rather unique section called “Fortunes of Ravenloft.” This is a “gypsy card reading” that determines where several things are located in Castle Ravenloft and also sets the goals of the Count himself.
- the Hickmans published their original adventures through DayStar West Media, they included a “manifesto” of adventure requirements that explained how their adventures would both expand the medium and stand out from the crowd.
- One of these requirements was “an intriguing story that is intricately woven into the play itself.”
- “dungeons with some sort of architectural sense.
- As a result, “Ravenloft” is a clear predecessor to the Dragonlance saga (1984-86)
- The Hickmans outlined a sequel to “Ravenloft,” I10: “Ravenloft II” (1986), but more notably this adventure led to an entire horror-oriented setting (1990-99) that was extensively supported during the years of second edition
- he original castle has appeared in Expedition to Castle Ravenloft (2006) for 3e and in the Castle Ravenloft Board Game (2010).
Outro
And that’s it for my review of I6 Ravenloft by Tracy and Laura Hickman. What do you think of the Lioness’ character arc? Do you think they emphasized the slavery aspect of the Qualinesti over the Kagonesti too much? And finally, do you think there is anything special about Elder? Feel free to email me at info@dlsaga.com or leave a comment below.
Thank you Creator Patrons Aaron Hardy & D. Robert Handy, Producer Patron David Galindo, Developer Patrons Chris Androu & Sam Ruiz, and all of the YouTube Members! I would also like to take a moment and remind you to subscribe to this YouTube channel, ring the bell to get notified about upcoming videos and click the like button. This all goes to help other Dragonlance fans learn about this channel and its content.
This channel is all about celebrating the wonderful world of the Dragonlance Saga, and I hope you will join me in the celebration. Thank you for watching, this has been Adam with DragonLance Saga and until next time Slàinte mhath (slan-ge-var).
