Ravenloft is an adventure module for the Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) fantasy role-playing game. The American game publishing company TSR, Inc. released it as a standalone adventure booklet in 1983 for use with the first edition Advanced Dungeons & Dragons game. It was written by Tracy and Laura Hickman, and includes art by Clyde Caldwell with maps by David Sutherland III. The plot of Ravenloft focuses on the villain Strahd von Zarovich, a vampire who pines for his lost love. Various story elements, including Strahd's motivation and the locations of magical weapons, are randomly determined by drawing cards. The player characters attempt to defeat Strahd and, if successful, the adventure ends.
The cover of the original Ravenloft module, with art by Clyde Caldwell. The artwork depicts villain Strahd von Zarovich atop Castle Ravenloft.
Image: Tracy Hickman 02
Image: Laura Hickman 01
Tracy Raye Hickman is an American fantasy author and designer of games and virtual reality (VR) experiences. He co-authored the original Dragonlance novels with Margaret Weis as well as numerous other books. He also designed and created role playing game material while working for TSR and has cowritten novels with his wife, Laura Hickman. He is the author or co-author of over 60 books.
Hickman at home in 2020
Elder Tracy Hickman as a missionary in Bandung, Indonesia circa 1976
Tracy Hickman (left) and Margaret Weis at Gen Con Indy 2008.
Felicia Day & Tracy Hickman at Gencon 2010