Dolorous Exhumation Press has released a second issue for their Ravenloft fanzine,
Strahd Loves, Man Kills. Most of the features from
issue 1 return.
Lurid Locations presents a weird west reimagining of Nova Vaasa. Ruled by the Darklord Myar Hiregaard, this domain is an accursed frontier. The domain changes from its classic interpretation to Manifest Destiny gone wrong. The wild frontier is made up of temporary villages and farmsteads By day, the steward of the domain seeks to tame the wild land and turn it into a prosperous nation. By night the revenant, Malken and her posse of wights. The section ends with d4 adventure hooks.
Baleful Backgrounds presents two new character backgrounds for 5e. The Dandy is someone of doubtful morality and social standing that can move between social circles. Inquisitors serve organized religious seeking out heretics and the faithless. They are feared by those that gain their attention.
Seeds of Evil discusses how to adapt Candlekeep Mysteries to the domains of dread. Candlekeep is replaced by Ludendorf University Library's "Special Collections Department." The SCD, as it's known puts an interesting twist on the adventures, making then feel a bit more Cthulhu-ish. Ludendorf University Library makes a great patron, if you use those rules from Eberron: Rising from the Last War or Tasha's Cauldron of Everything. The entire hardback isn't adapted, but the first five adventures are.
Cryptic Alliances discusses older Ravenloft secret societies that didn't get discussed in Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft. The Ata-Bestaal seek to shed the trappings of civilization and gain power through tooth and claw. Bestial races from Theros and Eberron are great ways to represent those that have been transformed. The Church of Hala are devoted to a witch goddess. Because witchcraft is scene as evil in most lands, they stay is small numbers. The Dark Delvers are a group of cavers devoted to defeating a primordial known as the Hated Mother. The Eternal Order is a mad cult obsessed with death and becoming undead. The Fraternity of Shadows is a secret order of wizards that exist throughout the mists. They seek to unlock the truth about Ravenloft and it's Dark Lords. The Ildi'Thaan are a secret society connected to Bluetspur and the psionic arts. Finally Viktra's Children are a coterie of sentient creations of Viktra Mordheim that have survived destruction and banded together to present the animating arts.
Portraits of the Damned is a new feature giving souls to add to your game. Donesta Sangino is a painter and enchanter. She uses her powers to bind the wills of her subjects and patrons. The Viscount is a drow gunslinger who made a mistake and has found himself trapped in the Mists. He seeks to live peacefully as a wandering gambler, but violence follows him. Traits and adventure hooks are presented for both npcs. The Viscount entry also gives stats for his firearms.
Tragic Heroes presents five grim gunslinger character concepts for Ravenloft. Of these my favorite is the Revenant Pistolero. These gunslingers have died and risen from the grave to seek revenge. You don't actually have to include firearm rules for these dark souls, because their decaying six shooters are just the focus for their magic.
Random Ruin isn't present this time, but Forbidden Tomes makes its return. The suggestions given this time focus on body horror.
Like the first issue, I highly recommend this one. It's a simple throwback zine. There's not a lot of flash, just great content.
