Lurid Locations presents a reimagining of thee past domains. Though it was fae centric in the past, the Shadowlands has been reimagined into a "dark Arthurian fantasy." You have that classic inspiration as well as Dark Souls, the Witcher, and the Elric saga. The domain is in conflict. One one said you have an evil necromancer and his hordes. On the other you have a young paladin who drew an enchanted blade from a stone and is fated to save humanity. Unfortunately for all involved, the blade of legend is actually evil and has corrupted her innocent heart and made her xenophobic. In the middle of the conflict you have the demihumans and druids that exist in the middle, targeted by both sides. The second domain is Ohrbach Tower, a lonely clocktower that shifts around the domains of dread. It's a library and the stone is actually the flesh of a dead god. This domain is rather odd, but as a librarian, I love it! There is a fun random head librarian table. The final domain is Scholomance, the Strixhaven or Hogwarts of black magic. The name is a reference to the site where Dracula received his training in the dark arts.
Forged in Shadow is a feature that presents a few Ravenloft themed magical items. The Armor of Ulverkrieg is fearsome looking plate that causes it's wearer to lose themselves and disregard their safety in battle. The Bellegard Lash is the Vampire-Killer wielded by the Belmont's of Castlevania renamed. Non magical versions of the chain lash are also gives weapon stats. Drackenmort is an intelligent greatsword designed to kill dragon and dragon-related things. Haxanjager's Writ are one time use items that can add elemental damage to a monster hunter's weapon. Iokantor Skull is the intelligent skull of a fallen wizard that can answer questions. Potion Injector is an item that lets a character get the effects of a potion as a bonus action.
Baleful Backgrounds presents three new backgrounds. The doctor is trained in medicine and if you take this background you can pick one of five specializations: alienist, battefield medic, coroner, family physician, and plague doctor. Doomed Royal Scion is basically the Prince Hamlet background. The Gravedigger honestly fits as a background in any setting, but seems especially appropriate in Ravenloft.
Seeds of Evil presents five adventure hooks. We get hooks inspired by Poe, Nosferatu, Lord Soth/Sleepy Hollow, and Dishonored.
Portraits of the Damned presents two npcs that have been warped by the Abyss. Lady Edwina Thrush is a noble that's become overindulgent and warped into a nalfeshnee. Karlin Stroud envy led for him to pretend to be a dandy and eventually transform into a babua.
Cryptic Alliances explores two organizations. The Ring and Wand society are evil scientists that seek to steal eternal life from the fey. The Unholy Order of the Grave are agents of Death.
Wicked Wanderings takes the factions of the Sword Coast and discusses how the Mists warp their ideals.
Tragic Heroes presents five character concepts. The Accursed Swordbearer is a shadar-kai Hexblade that serves the will of the Raven Queen. A human Monster Slayer ranger, the Bellegard Heir is basically a Belmont. The Hellion is a tiefling Oath of Redemption paladin that is determined to rise above their infernal heritage. The Living Weapon is a human Path of Beast barbarian that was turned into a weapon by an alchemists potions. Finally the Scarred Demon Hunter is a half-elf Way of the Shadows monk became a demon hunter after a shadow demon was unleashed and woke something within them.
Forbidden Tomes gives a list of ghost stories/films for inspiration.
This is another great issue and if you like horror and/or Ravenloft, you need to pick this one up.
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