Dungeons & Dragons Returns to Ravenloft with Curse of Strahd

Over the weekend, rumors swirled regarding Wizards of the Coast’s plans to bring the Ravenloft setting back to the forefront in Dungeons & Dragons, and this morning’s announcement confirms that they are, indeed, heading that direction with a new 5th Edition adventure entitled Curse of Strahd. While today’s news is specifically around the tabletop RPG itself, if history is any indication, we will likely see Dungeons & Dragons Online, Neverwinter, and possibly other titles headed into the land of Barovia, too:

Return to Ravenloft in a New Gothic Horror Adventure, Curse of Strahd

A Classic Dungeons & Dragons Villain Rises From the Grave

RENTON, Wash. – January 18, 2016 – Today, Wizards of the Coast announced Curse of Strahd, a new Dungeons & Dragons adventure set in Castle Ravenloft and the surrounding land of Barovia. Written in collaboration with Tracy and Laura Hickman, the authors of the original Ravenloft adventure published in 1983, Curse of Strahd pits players against the vampire Strahd von Zarovich. Curse of Strahd will be available to everyone on March 15, 2016.

“Revisiting the land of Barovia with the creators of the original Ravenloft adventure has been a highlight of my professional career,” said Chris Perkins, principal story designer at Wizards of the Coast. “Tracy and Laura Hickman created a timeless villain whose faults reflect the darkest traits of humanity. I can’t begin to describe what it’s like to walk through the halls of Castle Ravenloft with its creators as your guides.”

Heroes from the Forgotten Realms and other D&D worlds can easily be drawn into Strahd’s cursed land. Once there, they must contend with the horrors of Barovia. Its people are melancholy, misshapen and grotesque, living in fear of the wolves and other creatures that serve Strahd’s evil will. The only hope for the trapped adventurers is to heed the warnings of a mysterious fortune-teller named Madam Eva. Drawing random cards from her tarokka deck, she directs adventurers to search Strahd’s domain for artifacts and allies to help the master of Castle Ravenloft. That is, before he orchestrates your demise for his amusement and feasts on your terror.

While waiting for the adventure, experience the power of Madam Eva for yourself. D&D fans can have their own distinct fortunes read each day by retweeting the official @Wizards_DnD Twitter account using the hashtag #DNDFortune. Madam Eva’s fortunes are based on which random card she draws from her tarokka deck and displays for each reading. Check back each day with Madam Eva to see what your #DNDFortune will foretell.

Players will also love to get their hands on a physical tarokka deck of cards produced by Gale Force 9 and available with the release of the adventure. The tarokka deck is a powerful tool for both Madam Eva and for Dungeon Masters running Curse of Strahd. By using the tarokka deck to randomize locations within the adventure, Dungeon Masters can customize each party’s exploration of Barovia, allowing Curse of Strahd to be replayed for years to come.

Strahd is waiting for you … What are you afraid of?

For more information on Dungeons & Dragons, including details on all of the new products featuring Curse of Strahd from Wizards and our partners visit www.dungeonsanddragons.com