D&D 5E RPG: Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft

This book was not on my radar. I mean, I saw that it was released, but didn't see why I should have any interest in it. Oh, was I wrong. It's no Xanathar's or S.C.A.G or Tasha's, with all their character options, but it does have a handful of races and subclasses that are interesting. The best part is just reading about all the different Domains of Dread. This book is FAR more engaging than it appears to be. It's nearly Halloween, so buy this book already and go write a spooky session for your players already!

I have a second on order already! This is the book you will want if you are planning on staying in Ravenloft after the The Curse of Strahd adventure. Alot of good background information for DM's and Players alike.

If you are a D&D 5E Dungeon Master like myself, you know soon as another world building book comes to the market, you have to purchase it immediately. Having thought the alternate cover was too busy graphically, I chose this time to purchase the other cover. Inside the book, DMs will find a variety of Gothic Horror themes (Ghost, Slasher, Dark Fantasy, and psychological) to build their Ravenloft campaign, populate with meaningful NPCs, and learn about how to establish rules for the Realm that often do not come with the Forgotten Realms or Eberron. For anyone who hasn't already purchased Curse of Strahd, the book contains some information about Barovia but you'll want to pick up your own copy of Curse for more details. The back of the book contains a decent amount of creatures and a spirit board if that's what you are into for flavor.

Awesome book, happy WotC finally got it out for 5E. I like the lineages & dark gifts, & especially like the section on setting the mood.

Its not WotC worst book. The horror theme of the book feels watered down compared to other games like Call of Cthulhu. The new monsters are cool but it’s not enough for me when I already own other monster books like Creature Codex. Probably more useful to new DM’s than grognards. I think most people will either love it or hate it.

Great DM material for any horror campaign.

Just like many other areas of D&D, Ravenloft is getting the kiddy gloves. There are a few elements that some DMs may find useful, but you won't be missing anything if you pass on this book. It's marketed as a horror book, but it's more Scooby-Doo. 2/5. Mostly for the art, but even that has its own problems.

Even though is not 2e with the Fear, Madness and Horror checks its delivers the stress and necessary tools to get the job done.