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{{about|[[Ravenloft]]||Dark Lord (disambiguation)}}
{{multiple issues|
{{in-universe|date=July 2012}}
{{no footnotes|date=July 2012}}
}}

:''This article deals with [[Ravenloft]]. See also [[Dark Lord]].


'''Darklord''' is a title used to refer to the mystically imprisoned and cursed ruler of a domain in [[Ravenloft]], a [[campaign setting]] in the ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'' [[role-playing game]].
'''Darklord''' is a title used to refer to the mystically imprisoned and cursed ruler of a domain in [[Ravenloft]], a [[campaign setting]] in the ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'' [[role-playing game]].


==Background==
==Background==
A Darklord was originally an individual who had committed a truly horrific crime, which drew the attention of the enigmatic Dark Powers. The Dark Powers then proceeded to craft a personal kingdom around the Darklord. This crafted domain serves both as a kingdom and a prison: the Darklord gains incredible powers whilst within its borders but can never leave it, although most Darklords can seal their domain borders with a thought. Within their domains, the Darklords are forever tormented by the objects of their desires, which are often the objects for which they committed their crimes. The Dark Powers dangle these objects before the Darklords like the fruits of [[Tantalus]]. Each Darklord's desires and motivations differ: some desire love, some hunger for glorious victory, while others crave for the defeat and humiliation of their enemies, which may include other rival Darklords.
A Darklord was originally an individual who had committed a truly horrific crime, which drew the attention of the enigmatic Dark Powers. The Dark Powers then proceeded to craft a personal kingdom around the Darklord. This crafted domain serves both as a kingdom and a prison:<ref name=":17">{{Cite web|date=2021-05-13|title=Dungeons & Dragons: 10 Things to Know About Ravenloft Before Van Richten's Guide|url=https://www.cbr.com/dnd-ravenloft-van-richtens-guide-facts/|access-date=2021-05-14|website=CBR|language=en-US}}</ref> the Darklord gains incredible powers while within its borders but can never leave it, although most Darklords can seal their domain borders with a thought.<ref name=":21" /> Within their domains, the Darklords are forever tormented by the objects of their desires, which are often the objects for which they committed their crimes. The Dark Powers dangle these objects before the Darklords like the fruits of [[Tantalus]]. Each Darklord's desires and motivations differ: some desire love, some hunger for glorious victory, while others crave for the defeat and humiliation of their enemies, which may include other rival Darklords.

The ''Advanced Dungeons & Dragons'' 2nd Edition supplement ''[[Darklords]]'' (1991) introduced sixteen new Darklords to the setting, of which the website ''[[Diehard GameFan]]'' notes that "some of these Darklords would go on to have full adventures devoted to them, one would be the star of a SSI video game and still others would appear in published fiction. Yet others would never be seen again".<ref name=":20">{{Cite web|date=November 15, 2013|title=Tabletop Review: Ravenloft: Darklords (Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Edition)|url=http://diehardgamefan.com/2013/11/15/tabletop-review-ravenloft-darklords-advanced-dungeons-dragons-2nd-edition/|access-date=2021-02-24|website=[[Diehard GameFan]]|language=en-US}}</ref> Kevin Kulp, game designer, highlighted that "a notable aspect of this book is that most of the darklords aren't particularly powerful, even by 2nd edition AD&D standards. [...] It's also a nice reminder that just because someone is evil and despicable, they aren't necessarily particularly tough or good at combat. They may have other abilities, assets, or assistance".<ref name=":110">{{Cite web|last=Kulp|first=Kevin|title=RR1 Darklords (2e) - Wizards of the Coast {{!}} Product History|url=https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/17488/RR1-Darklords-2e|access-date=2021-02-25|website=DriveThruRPG.com|language=en}}</ref> The 5th Edition sourcebook ''Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft'', according to ''The Gamer'' website, highlights that the "Darklords work in a different way than the standard D&D boss [...]. Their ability to lockdown their domain, spread a plague, or manipulate dreams isn't something you can quantify with numbers. Instead, a Darklord's powers are something to be deployed over the course of many sessions, making the players wonder when and if they'll ever get a chance to face their foe. [...] The Darklords of Ravenloft do battle by turning allies into enemies, depriving heroes of sleep with nightly haunts, and dangling hope just to yank it away at the last moment. [...] When players finally defeat a Darklord, it will be because they persevered and were resourceful in unraveling their enemy's many schemes".<ref name=":21">{{Cite web|date=2021-05-16|title=D&D Fans: The Lack Of Darklord Statblocks In Van Richten's Is The Point|url=https://www.thegamer.com/dnd-darklord-statblocks-van-richtens-guide-ravenloft/|access-date=2021-05-17|website=TheGamer|language=en-US}}</ref>


==Darklords==
==Darklords==
Known darklords have included:
Known darklords have included:


*[[Strahd von Zarovich]], who was introduced in the original ''Ravenloft'' adventure
*[[Adam (Ravenloft)|Adam]]
*[[Azalin Rex]],<ref>{{Cite web|date=May 3, 2021|title=D&D: Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft's Table of Contents Revealed|url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/dungeons-dragons-van-richtens-guide-to-ravenloft-table-contents/|access-date=2021-05-17|website=ComicBook.com|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":52" /> who was introduced in ''[[Ravenloft II: The House on Gryphon Hill]]''<ref name="Rateliff">{{cite web| last =Rateliff| first =John D.| author-link =John D. Rateliff| title =Introduction to Ravenloft&nbsp;II: The House on Gryphon Hill| publisher =[[Wizards of the Coast]]| year =2004| url =http://www.wizards.com/dnd/article.asp?x=dnd/dx20020121x9| archive-url =https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20090603211124/http://www.wizards.com/dnd/article.asp?x=dnd/dx20020121x9| url-status =dead| archive-date =June 3, 2009| access-date =March 6, 2007}}</ref>
⚫
*[[Alfred Timothy]]

*Althea
''[[Ravenloft: Realm of Terror]]'' (1990) introduced:
*[[Ankhtepot]]
*Gabrielle Aderre, lord of Invidia
⚫
*[[Anton Misroi]]
*Dominic d'Honaire, lord of Dementlieu
⚫
*[[Arantor]]
*Ivan Dilisnya, lord of Dorvinia
*[[Strahd von Zarovich]]
*[[Vlad Drakov]]/Vladeska Drakov,<ref name=":11">{{Cite web|last=Hall|first=Charlie|date=2021-05-12|title=Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft is the biggest, best D&D book of this generation|url=https://www.polygon.com/22430494/dungeons-dragons-van-richtens-guide-to-ravenloft-review|access-date=2021-05-13|website=Polygon|language=en}}</ref> lord of Falkovnia
*[[Azalin Rex]]
*Lord Wilfred Godefroy, lord of Mordent
⚫
*[[Lord Soth]]
*[[Hazlik]], lord of Hazlan
*[[Harkon Lukas]]
*[[Harkon Lukas]], lord of Kartakass
*[[Frantisek Markov]]. lord of Markovia
*Mordenheim's Monster, "[[Adam (Ravenloft)|Adam]]",<ref name=":52">{{Cite web|last=Hoffer|first=Christian|date=May 11, 2021|title=Dungeons & Dragons: Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft Provides a New Take on a Beloved Campaign Setting|url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/dungeons-dragons-van-richtens-guide-to-ravenloft-review/|access-date=2021-05-12|website=ComicBook.com|language=en}}</ref> lord of Lamordia
*Yagno Petrovna, lord of G'Henna
*Jacqueline Renier, lord of Richemulot
⚫
*[[Alfred Timothy]], lord of Verbrek
*Nathan Timothy, lord of Arkandale
*[[Ivana Boritsi]], lord of Borca
*Duke Gundar, lord of Gundarak
*Malken, lord of Nova Vaasa
⚫
*[[Lord Soth]], lord of Sithicus
*Baron Urik von Kharkov, lord of Valachan
*Jack Karn, lord of Farelle
*[[Ankhtepot]],<ref name=":23">{{Cite web|last=Hall|first=Charlie|date=2021-05-03|title=D&D's new Ravenloft book swaps outdated tropes for a high-fantasy approach|url=https://www.polygon.com/22417339/van-richtens-guide-to-ravenloft-harakir-ankhotep-the-mummy-preview|access-date=2021-05-14|website=Polygon|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-05-04|title=Dungeons and Dragons' New Ravenloft Book Will Ditch Some Old Tropes|url=https://gamerant.com/dungeons-dragons-van-richten-ravenloft-book-tropes/|access-date=2021-05-17|website=Game Rant|language=en-US}}</ref> lord of Har' Akir
*Ladislav Mircea, lord of Sanguinia
⚫
*[[Anton Misroi]], lord of Souragne
*Lord Arijani, lord of Sri Raji
*Sir Torrance Bleysmith, lord of Staunton Bluff's
*Easan the Mad, lord of Vechor
*Sodo, lord of Zherisia

The supplement ''[[Darklords]]'' (1991) focuses on "sixteen different Darklords spread out over thirteen chapters".<ref name=":20" /> The Darklords detailed in this supplement are:

* [[Ankhtepot]], a [[Mummy (undead)|mummy]]<ref name=":20" />
* Tristessa, a [[drow]] [[banshee]]<ref name=":20" />
* [[Bluebeard]]<ref name=":20" />
* Ebonbane, a living evil sword<ref name=":20" />
* The Three [[List of Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd edition monsters|Hags]]<ref name=":20" />
* The Headless Horseman<ref name=":20" />
* The House of Lament, an evil living house<ref name=":20" />
* Von Kharkov, a panther who was [[Magic in Dungeons & Dragons#Sample spells|polymorphed]] into a person and subsequently turned into a [[vampire]]<ref name=":20" />
* Merilee, a child vampire<ref name=":20" />
* Captain Alan Monette, a werebat pirate<ref name=":20" />
* The Phantom Lover, an [[incubus]]<ref name=":20" />
* Marquis Stezen d'Polarno, who drains the souls of victims<ref name=":20" />
* Tiyet, a mummy who doesn't appear as [[undead]]<ref name=":20" />
* Zolnik, a Loup de Noir [[werewolf]]<ref name=":20" />

''Ravenloft Monstrous Compendium Appendix II'' (1992) introduced:

*Althea, lord of Demise

''Domains of Dread'' (1997) added these:

*[[Kas the Bloody-Handed]]
⚫
*[[Vecna]]

''[[Dragon (magazine)|Dragon]]'' #378 (August 2009) detailed:

*[[Arantor]], lord of Monadhan

==References==
{{reflist}}


{{D&D topics}}
{{D&D topics}}


[[Category:Ravenloft]]
[[Category:Fictional characters introduced in 1990]]
[[Category:Ravenloft characters]]




Latest revision as of 20:53, 15 April 2024

This article is about Ravenloft. For other uses, see Dark Lord (disambiguation).

Darklord is a title used to refer to the mystically imprisoned and cursed ruler of a domain in Ravenloft, a campaign setting in the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game.

Background

[edit]

A Darklord was originally an individual who had committed a truly horrific crime, which drew the attention of the enigmatic Dark Powers. The Dark Powers then proceeded to craft a personal kingdom around the Darklord. This crafted domain serves both as a kingdom and a prison:[1] the Darklord gains incredible powers while within its borders but can never leave it, although most Darklords can seal their domain borders with a thought.[2] Within their domains, the Darklords are forever tormented by the objects of their desires, which are often the objects for which they committed their crimes. The Dark Powers dangle these objects before the Darklords like the fruits of Tantalus. Each Darklord's desires and motivations differ: some desire love, some hunger for glorious victory, while others crave for the defeat and humiliation of their enemies, which may include other rival Darklords.

The Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Edition supplement Darklords (1991) introduced sixteen new Darklords to the setting, of which the website Diehard GameFan notes that "some of these Darklords would go on to have full adventures devoted to them, one would be the star of a SSI video game and still others would appear in published fiction. Yet others would never be seen again".[3] Kevin Kulp, game designer, highlighted that "a notable aspect of this book is that most of the darklords aren't particularly powerful, even by 2nd edition AD&D standards. [...] It's also a nice reminder that just because someone is evil and despicable, they aren't necessarily particularly tough or good at combat. They may have other abilities, assets, or assistance".[4] The 5th Edition sourcebook Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft, according to The Gamer website, highlights that the "Darklords work in a different way than the standard D&D boss [...]. Their ability to lockdown their domain, spread a plague, or manipulate dreams isn't something you can quantify with numbers. Instead, a Darklord's powers are something to be deployed over the course of many sessions, making the players wonder when and if they'll ever get a chance to face their foe. [...] The Darklords of Ravenloft do battle by turning allies into enemies, depriving heroes of sleep with nightly haunts, and dangling hope just to yank it away at the last moment. [...] When players finally defeat a Darklord, it will be because they persevered and were resourceful in unraveling their enemy's many schemes".[2]

Darklords

[edit]

Known darklords have included:

Ravenloft: Realm of Terror (1990) introduced:

  • Gabrielle Aderre, lord of Invidia
  • Dominic d'Honaire, lord of Dementlieu
  • Ivan Dilisnya, lord of Dorvinia
  • Vlad Drakov/Vladeska Drakov,[8] lord of Falkovnia
  • Lord Wilfred Godefroy, lord of Mordent
  • Hazlik, lord of Hazlan
  • Harkon Lukas, lord of Kartakass
  • Frantisek Markov. lord of Markovia
  • Mordenheim's Monster, "Adam",[6] lord of Lamordia
  • Yagno Petrovna, lord of G'Henna
  • Jacqueline Renier, lord of Richemulot
  • Alfred Timothy, lord of Verbrek
  • Nathan Timothy, lord of Arkandale
  • Ivana Boritsi, lord of Borca
  • Duke Gundar, lord of Gundarak
  • Malken, lord of Nova Vaasa
  • Lord Soth, lord of Sithicus
  • Baron Urik von Kharkov, lord of Valachan
  • Jack Karn, lord of Farelle
  • Ankhtepot,[9][10] lord of Har' Akir
  • Ladislav Mircea, lord of Sanguinia
  • Anton Misroi, lord of Souragne
  • Lord Arijani, lord of Sri Raji
  • Sir Torrance Bleysmith, lord of Staunton Bluff's
  • Easan the Mad, lord of Vechor
  • Sodo, lord of Zherisia

The supplement Darklords (1991) focuses on "sixteen different Darklords spread out over thirteen chapters".[3] The Darklords detailed in this supplement are:

Ravenloft Monstrous Compendium Appendix II (1992) introduced:

  • Althea, lord of Demise

Domains of Dread (1997) added these:

Dragon #378 (August 2009) detailed:

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Dungeons & Dragons: 10 Things to Know About Ravenloft Before Van Richten's Guide". CBR. 2021-05-13. Retrieved 2021-05-14.
  2. ^ a b "D&D Fans: The Lack Of Darklord Statblocks In Van Richten's Is The Point". TheGamer. 2021-05-16. Retrieved 2021-05-17.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p "Tabletop Review: Ravenloft: Darklords (Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Edition)". Diehard GameFan. November 15, 2013. Retrieved 2021-02-24.
  4. ^ Kulp, Kevin. "RR1 Darklords (2e) - Wizards of the Coast | Product History". DriveThruRPG.com. Retrieved 2021-02-25.
  5. ^ "D&D: Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft's Table of Contents Revealed". ComicBook.com. May 3, 2021. Retrieved 2021-05-17.
  6. ^ a b Hoffer, Christian (May 11, 2021). "Dungeons & Dragons: Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft Provides a New Take on a Beloved Campaign Setting". ComicBook.com. Retrieved 2021-05-12.
  7. ^ Rateliff, John D. (2004). "Introduction to Ravenloft II: The House on Gryphon Hill". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on June 3, 2009. Retrieved March 6, 2007.
  8. ^ Hall, Charlie (2021-05-12). "Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft is the biggest, best D&D book of this generation". Polygon. Retrieved 2021-05-13.
  9. ^ Hall, Charlie (2021-05-03). "D&D's new Ravenloft book swaps outdated tropes for a high-fantasy approach". Polygon. Retrieved 2021-05-14.
  10. ^ "Dungeons and Dragons' New Ravenloft Book Will Ditch Some Old Tropes". Game Rant. 2021-05-04. Retrieved 2021-05-17.


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