Customer Reviews

Ravenloft Campaign Setting (AD&D 2nd Ed. Fantasy Roleplaying, 2 Books, 2 Maps, World Posters, Tarokka Deck, DM Screen)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Ravenloft Campaine Setting is one of the first to have come to the AD&D world. The 2nd Edition Box Set is a rare collecter's item and should be in any Ravenloft lover's hands.

There have been a myriad of Ravenloft products over the years, starting from the first adventure. While I havent been able to see all of them, I consider this one to be on top of them.
It was made for 2nd edition AD&D game, which is pretty much non-existen nowadays. Even so, the box is pretty usable even if you go with the 3rd edition version by White Wolf or the 4th edition of D&D.
The box contains:
-2 maps, which leave a lot to be desired. They are good looking, but with very few datails, which leave you hanging in terms of locations and such.
-DM Screen. Not the best screen art, but packed with info for AD&D. Otherwise, not very useful.
-Poster. Well, a nice addition. It is the same art of the box, and it looks great.
-Tarokka deck. Deck of 54 cards, which, if you have played ravenloft, you know how useful it can be
-Rulebook. While most of the rules are for AD&D, there is enough advise on how to create a horror campaign, no matter what rules, that the book is worth a lot.
-Setting book. Excellent resource. It covers in broad terms most of the lands, the history, and an inside look at the vistani and the tarokka.

Why would you buy this?
Well, if you are a fan like me, this box should bring enough memories of old D&D days. Its a great collectible.
If you are interested in a gothic horror fantasy game, this is full of ideas for any GM to use. The darklords provided here are excellent reference material, as well, as the section on monsters by Van Richten.
If you want to run a newer version of Ravenloft with updated rules from 3rd or 4th ed., this box is still a recommended reading.

But the most important aspect of this boxed set, is the Tarokka Deck. If you have used the tarokka during your gaming sessions, you know how wonderful a roleplaying tool is. Having the complete instructions on how to use them, and how to integrate them into the game, its just wonderful.

Even while I gave it a 5 star, I would have to say that this is a product from 1994, and most of the nice presentations of books nowadays is non-existant by that time's standards. While the books provide real nice artwork, the books are not amazing to look at. It is the information which proves to be the strong point.

On the other hand, the tarokka deck has a very nice artwork in line with the art on the books.

Here's the most comprehensive, engaging view of Ravenloft ever created. The set includes 288 pages (!) of roleplaying materials, with rules for horror and madness, curses, magic, treasures, characters, settings, and much more; a beautiful poster, enormous world maps, and best of all, the beautifully crafted tarot deck (complete!) that becomes invaluable for atmospheric storytelling. A tour de force of dramatic roleplaying!