I Table o f Contents

Introduction .................... .......2

How to Use this Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
The Hands of Power . . . . . . ......5
Many-Fingered Hand . . . . . . . . . . .6
One-fingered Hand ...... . . . . . . .8
Three-Fingered Hand . . . . . . . . . .10
Unfingered Hand . . . . . . . ......12
The Black Vault ...... .....14
Azalin's Crystal . . . . . . . . . .15
Bane's Adder . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Blacker's Hook . . . . . . . . . . .18
Dead Man's Armor . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Golden Blade of Ren . . . . . . . . . . .22
Headsman's Axe . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Pipe of Mordent . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Tome of Terror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Tyenn's Reflective Shield . . . . . . . . .30
Guiseppe's Toys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
I Dancing Men . . . . . . . . . .
Death-in-a-Box . . . .
. . . . .32
. . . . .34
Porcelain Tops . . . . . . . . . .36
Tin Soldiers . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Toy Nightmares . . . . . . . . .42
The Workshop of Klorr . . . . . . . . .43
Hourglass of Klorr . . . . . . . .44
Hourglass of Souls . . . . . . .46
Moondial of Klorr . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Waterclock of Klorr . . . . . . . . . .51
Relics of Doom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Caskets of the Damned . . . . . . . . . . .54
Linen of Mummification . . . . . . . . . . .56
Spade of Grave Digging . . . . . . .58
The Powers of Nature .... .....59
Kren's Brazier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
Kren's Crystal Distillery . . . . . . .62 TSR. Inc. TSR Ltd.
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 eep beneath the soil
of my adopted How to Use This Book
homeland lies a orged of Darkness is a somewhat unusual
grim and terrible
tomb. It is the
final resting place
f sourcebook for use with the RAVEN LO^
campaign setting. It contains neither an
adventure nor a wealth of background imformation
not of a defeated on a single person or place. Rather, it is
hero, nor of a something of a catalog of items arcane.
~ villainous fiend. It is Within these pages, the reader will diacover an
the repository of an amazing array of magical items. To aid the
V arsenal of fell magics. I Dungeon Master's use of this book, theae items
speak, as you may have guessed, of the Black have been grouped into chapters according to
Vault. their last known location, their original creator, or
Gathered therein are swords, shields, arms, and according to a broader category. This scheme of
armor from all the worlds that the Mists have categorization doesn't mean that all the items
invaded. Some are powerful, with long and dire listed in a section will be found together; a group
legacies. Others are newly formed to serve the of adventurers clever and foolhardy enoygh to
needs of Azalin, Lord of Darkon. Without penetrate the grim recesses of the Black Vault
exception,they have left a trail of suffering and would not necessarily find all the items listed in
torment behind them. the Black Vault chapter, this merely refers to the
Not so many years ago, I undertook a perilous point of origin of each item.
adventure in an effort to rid the world of these evil
relics. Gathering about me a stalwart band of
champions, I traveled to Darkon and, at no small
The Entries
risk to ourselves, my allies and I dared to explore Each magical item in this book is presented in a
the caverns beneath the Grim Fastness where we common format, so a Dungeon Master (DM) can
hoped to find the Black Vault. And there, we did quickly locate specific information about an item
indeed discover its secret location. during play, without having to read an entire.
By the time we reached the Vault, half our entry. This ease of reference is valuable during
company was lost. My clumsy efforts to open the play, when delays can spoil the mood and pacing
sealed door to that arcane arsenal cost the lives of even the best-prepared adventure.
of two more of my companions. I dare say,
though, that the price paid was worth the reward.
Though the foul guardians of that noisome place
Overview
finally forced us to flee, we brought with us many '" Each item's listing begins with a physical
of the Vault's malignant objects. Each of these description and a brief history. Each item is also
has been destroyed or hidden safely away and illustrated, so the DM may describe it ta the
will trouble the world no more. players when their characters first encounter it.
Still, I must look to the future, for we left behind
more evil artifacts than we dared bring forth.
What remains? Dare I plan a second assault on
Manufacture
that stronghold of darkness? Or will their This section details what research, histary and
wretched curses ravage the realms before I can legend describe as the process by which the item
act? For the present, I cannot say. was created and the materials from whith it was
fashioned. This information may be limited to an
From thejournal of item's reported form, since an item's history and
origin are often shrouded in mystery and evil.
 Many of the magical items described in this
manual can be used only a limited number of
times. Details of an item’s limitations and charge
usage will be explained in this section.
If it is possibie for one of these artifacts to be
recharged, this section will also list the means to
Pestruction
1 charge the item. These methods often require
perilous undertakings on the part of the weilder Since many of the artifacts described herein will
and can be utilized by the Dungeon Master to cause as much harm as good, it is reasonable
generate an exciting adventure. that champions of good may wish to destroy
them. Many adventures can be centered around
Use the destruction of these artifacts.
Any known or rumored methods for destroying
In almost every case, a special action is required one of these magical items are listed in this
to activate the powers of the magical items in this section. However, beware! Over the years these
book. A word of command, an unusual gesture, relics may have grown more powerful and the
or some ritual is often required to tap the magical dark energies of the Mists may have corrupted
energies stored within the item. their very nature. They will seldom be easy to
However, possession of one of these relics does destroy. Many times, an item may be destroyed
not mean that ihe owner automatically knows the only by completing a complex series of quests
special actions required to activate the device. He and under very specific circumstances such as
will not know these secrets unless he witnesses during astrological events that occur rarely.
the item king used by another or researches Indeed, simply discovering the means to destroy
history and legend for a hint of the forgotten one of these items can be the focus of a difficult
rituals. It is possible that an artifact may possess and ch g set of adventures.
a dark intelligence which seeks to corrupt others
and which will make them aware of any required
actions through an omen or manifestation. A
Placement of Magical Items
skillful DM can make learning these dark secrets Over the course of the last few years, much has
the goal of, or the reward for adventures. been written to aid the Dungeon Master in
creating the atmosphere of suspense and horror
so vital to running a successful RAVENLOFTgame.
Powers One of the topics frequently addressed in these
This section recaps any known or rumored articles is that encounters should be planned. In
arcane powers of each item. Further, any side short, adventures should be carefully structured
effects, magical or mundane are described. and DMs should not make frequent use of
wandering monsters during RAVENLOFTgames.
The same holds true for the discovery of magical
Curses items, they should not be casually introduced into
As has been frequently illustrated, all power a campaign. The recovery of an important
comes at a price, and great power commands the magical item should be carefully planned as the
highest. Each of the artifacts described herein has first stage in a broader melodrama of terror.
some curse or maleficence associated with it. An excellent example of how this may be done
Those who would use the incredible powers of can be found in J. R. R. Tolkien’s book, The
these items must accept the consequences those Hobbit, At the story’s beginning, Bilbo’s company
powers may bring. Many times the costs are far finds several magical elven swords, including
worse than they first appear. Bilbo’s own sword, Sting. In addition to givinp

I
 I
Adwunture Hod19 ~

of several adventures. Indeed, the$

numerous challenges to
For example, the heroe
the recovery of some ancient arti
theft of the pipes ofMordentfrom
recesses of the Black Vault. This is a
those tiefoes better defense, Sting becomes a
crucial tink to the rest of the adventure. he
companions are captured by goblins, their elven they might be called upon to
swards i n s W y mark them a5 goblin enemies. If fashion-thus falling victim t
the heroes had been armed with only their normal of using this item. Or they
black, they may well have been able to convince
the goblins that they meant no harm. It might from those who would reclaim it.
even be argued that, if not for the discovery of While the heroes possess the Pipes,
Sting, Bilbo would never have found himdf in try to learn more about their nature
the dark caves where he discovered the magical Specifically, they may try to
ring that later became the focus of the War of the that activate its special
Ring which brought about the end of the Third a method to destroy the Pipes
Age of Middle Earth. Ultimately, the heroes will face
A clever Dcwgeon Master can w a v e similar destroy the item or otherwise rid
events into his adventures. A magical item
discovered earlier might contain clues to a later demands too high a price for t
mystery, or it may foreshadow-or speed-the pipes ofMordentdevours the li
coming of a great enemy. With care, players will satisfy its hunger.
gasp with surprise when they realize this effect of Other adventures can be sp
the item in later adventures. the creation of these items. This is
of the dreadful hands ofpower. If t
that someone is in the proces
Lqends one of these grisly things,
Finally, there are many tales of mystery and the to thwart his efforts. Or a
supernatural told about each of these artifacts. In might seek to have one o
this section legends, folktales and reported
rumors about each of these relics of magic are surely be noticed by the realm’s myst
examined. Though many of these tales may and other powerful crea
present exaggerations or complete fabrications magic items in Raven1
about the powers of these items, still, in every acquire power over their creators.
folktale there is a grain of truth. Finally, the Dungeon Master might
Legends often associate an item with renown
champions of the Realms of Mist, or with their
presence during important historical events. And heroes to relive the lagend beh
it often seems that the very nature of a magical Knowledge of these artifacts
item undergoes an alteration as a result of its merely a valuable defense again
involvement with history.
A Dungeon Master may find it easy to adapt,
retell or expand on these legends when planning
1 adventures for his players’ heroes.
 Other Types ot‘ Hand
Only four varieties of hands are described herein.
I
there are Each of these types of hand is benefits one of the
Ifew arti- basic character classes presented in the Phuer’s
facts as Handbook. The desperate souls of RavenloftYmay
well have discovered how to create other
varieties, but none have yet been encountered.
Many a scholar speculates that it would be
possible to create a hand that is attuned to the
Four types of special powers of a psionicist. Indeed, there are
these hands are leg rumors among some circles of sages that an
object similar to a hand ofpower had been found
in the lost domain of Kalidnay. As such mentalists
rogues best, while the Ma were legion in that desert realm, it may well be
that this sort of hand exists. Use of this grim relic
risks exposure to the magical viruses of the Mists
for creating these b Another unusual hand ofpower is rumored to
have been discovere have been found in the domain of Darkon.
Although little is known of its exact powers, the
creature behind its creation seems to be the night
hag, Styrix. Through her great knowledge of
magical travel and intimate study of our Realm’s
fabric, some speculate that this device could
allow its owner to cross the borders of the Mists
even when they have been sealed by Evil’s hand.
Charatturistics Sadly, this hand appears to also be a conduit for
he dread Hands of Power are as bizarre as fiends to enter the land and possess the user.

T they are grotesque. Each is a grisly candle

combined with a severed human hand.
Perhaps the most intriguing quality of these
Several other hands ofpower are part of
legend, though whether they exist and what is the
nature of their curse is pure conjecture.
obscene objects is that they usually do not appear There is the hand ofglory legended to confer
to be enchanted. Only when the wick is lit will invisibility on its weilder, though to eventually
spells such as detect magic reveal that a hand is lead to despair, perhaps an encounter with other
anything more than a sinister curiosity; thus there ethereal monsters.
may be many non-enchanted hands ofpower Then there is the many fingered hand ofsilence
about. Further, spdls such as dispel magic or an fabled to be used by thieves to put the inhabitant
anti-magic shell will have no affect on an of a house they are robbing to sleep, one victim
extinguished hand of poiwe6 for it is no more per finger lit. If destroyed the user may fall into an
magical than a common kitchen knife. eternal sleep or be struck deaf and mute.
There are many similarities among the various Finally, there is the monkey’s paw rumored to
hands ofpower. No hand ofpower can be created lead its user to a dead man’s treasure or to the
without the aid of a hag. All require a severed hidden pathways of the Dead. Death is only the
hand from the body of an executed criminal. And first of the curses associated with this hand.
each hand exacts a terrible price from any who
would make use of its sinister magical powers.
These candles will bum for a total of 13 hours
(78 turns) before being exhausted. It is believed
impossible to recharge a hand o fpower.
Thu Manyfingered Hand
f all the hands ofpower,there is none more
terrible than the dread many-fingeredhand.
This sinister item can be created only with
the aid of a spectral hag calling upon dark, long-
forgotten spirits of evil to bestow horrific,
unnatural power upon the priest who dares use it.
A many-fingered hand is a truly disturbing
sight. The fingers of the severed hand are spread
wide and a fleshy wick is set into each slit digit.

Manufacture
A many-fingered hand is fashioned from the hand
of a murderer hanged for his crime. The hand is
harvested on a foggy night while the body still
hangs on the gallows. A stone knife chipped from
a gravestone is used to cut off the hand.
Within four hours after it is severed from the
body, the murderer’s hand must be soaked in the
ichor of a fiend or otherworldly summoned
eldritch being and presented to a spectral hag for
enchantment. The hag demands the undertaking
of some wicked deed a s payment in advance for
her sevices. Only after this task is completed can
the supplicant entreat the crone to finish the hag then tosses the hand in the boiling cauldron.
enchantment. The hand must boil for 66 minutes, at the end
The first step in this enchantment begins when of which time it is fully enchanted and ready for
the hag takes the supplicant’s left arm in a vice- use. When the hand is complete, the supplicant
like grip and tears five thin strips of skin from it. has truly begun the descent into darkness and
Each wound leaves a long, black scar. corruption.
The strips of skin are then cured in an oven for
13 hours. When the strips have acquired the
texture of hard leather the hag slits each of the
Chargus
harvested hand’s outstretched fingers and lays A many-fingeredhand will burn with a midnight
one strip into each slit, then stitches it shut with blue flame for a total of 13 hours (78 turns). At
thread made from her hair. This process may the end of this time, the flames will sputter and
require three to four hours to complete. die, leaving the candle nothing more than a
Once the wicks are in place, the crone begins macabre oddity.
to chant and howl to draw the attention of the Though it is believed impossible to recharge
dark spirits that will empower the hand. While the this candle, some folktales, most notably
hag shrieks her hideous song, the supplicant fills Moratty ’s Hymn to Madness, tell of a wicked
her cauldron with holy water. priest, Alchon the Mad, who managed to renew
The water is polluted by spilling the the melted wax by destroying a sacred site and
supplicant’s blood into the cauldron. The hag transforming the entire assemblage of
seizes the supplicant’s right arm, holds it over the worshippers there into gibbering maniacs.
pot while sinking her misshapen teeth into his
flesh. This wound also leaves black scars. The
Use Curse
Only a priest can invoke the powers of a many- The many-fingeredhand draws upon the most
fingered hand. The user must light all the wicks sinister of evil spirits to increase its user’s powers.
embedded in the fingers in a specific order. The Due to this link to evil, there is great danger in
little finger must be the first wick lit, then the ring using this object.
finger, and so on until the t h m b is lit. At the Whenever the hand is extinguished, there is a
moment that the last wick starts to bum cold and chance that sinister forces empowering it will
blue, the hand’s magic is manifested. claim the user’s spirit in payment for their
To extinguish the burning wicks, the hand’s services. When the last flame is snuffed, the user
user must snuff them in the reverse order in which must make a Wisdom check. If the check fails,
they were lit. That is, the thumb must be the priest’s spirit is displaced and his body
extinguished first, and the little fmger must be possessed by a gibbering, insane spirit. If the
snuffed last. The user must extinguish the flames user’s spirit cannot return to its body within 24
with a snuffer made of silver, bone, and obsidian. hours (save vs Death Magic) it is consumed by
The moment the little finger’s wick is doused, the the dark shadows and the body withers and dies.
hand’s magical powers die. The user cannot be restored to life.
Although the hand’s user must light it, he need
not remain near the candle to benefit from it.
Once the wicks are burning, the owner may travel
Destruction
wherever he wishes and still benefit from the It is nearly impossible to destroy a many-fingered
hand’s magic. Only when the flames are snuffed hand before it has burned its allotted 13 hours,
or the candle exhausts its 13 hours of fuel will the for it reforms itself within 13 turns after any
enchantment fade. attempt to destroy it. This hand can be destroyed
if eaten by insects and scattered to the four winds.
Temporary destruction can be achieved by use
69wers of lightning or electricity (requiring 13 days to
The powers of this candle greatly enhance the reform), or disintegration (requiring 13 weeks to
magics of an evil priest, and many of their ilk reform). Other methods of destruction merely
covet the dark benefits of a many-fingeredhand. malform the candle for a brief time.
However, only the bravest or most desperate
priest dare employ these foul objects, for they
exact a high price from their users.
Legends
When the last flame springs to life upon the Only fragments found in ancient texts begin to
many-fingeredhand, the user is filled with hint at the possibilities of the powers of this hand
magical energy drawn from the darkness of the if commanded by a true master.
cosmos, transforming the priest into a deadly Arcana reports that through the power of the
enemy of light. hand, priests may summon and bind spirits and
The hand increases the priest’s powers by four enchanted creatures to their will for 13 days, up
levels to gain and cast spells and in his attempts to a total of one spirit per flame. Such services
to turn or command enchanted or undead drain a portion of the user’s life, or the life of the
creatures. land. Through these spirits, the user may be able
The hand also doubles the number of bonus to commune with higher powers.
spells received for a high Wisdom score, and the It is also written that if the candle is lit during
character is immediately granted major access to the dark of the moon, it will burn for 13 days, not
the Sphere of Necromancy. merely 13 hours. This hand may also be snuffed
Further, the hand creates an aura around the by an enchanted wind, but the one who snuffs the
priest equivalent to a protection from good spell. candle may have his spirit sucked from his body
as well.
The Onelingered Hand
le name of the one-fingeredhand is a bit

1- Asleading. A one-fingeredhand is a severed

hand with its fore and middle fingers extended
and the others curled as if in a fist. The two
extended fingers are lashed together so that they
appear to be a single digit. A wick is secured
between the two extended fingers, reinforcing the
impression that there is only one finger.

Manutacturu
The most important component in the creation of
a one-fingeredhand is the harvesting of the hand
itself. The hand must be cut from a convicted
criminal who has been whipped or beaten to
death for his crimes. It must be severed with a
silver blade heated until it is blue hot. The heat
from the knife cauterizes the flesh and, it is
believed the spirit of the dead man is imprisoned
within the hand. Curiously, rigor mortis does not
appear to set into a hand which is harvested in
this manner.
Within 48 hours after cutting off the hand, it is
presented to a sea hag for enchantment. The
crone demands that the petitioner undertake
some grim and dreadful task in her service
before she will enchant the hand. Once her price
4
evaporated, leaving only salty rime. 1 h s
completes the preparation of the one-fi gered
hand.
is paid, it is believed that the hag is magically When the supplicant receives the OR
compelled to fulfill the bargain. The petitioner hand, he will have begun the
must also provide several potions of into darkness and suffers the
invulnerability. as if he had failed a powers check.
The insidious enchantment ritual begins with
the hag shaving the supplicant’s head. Locks of
this hair are then braided into a thin cord used to
Chargus
bind the hand’s extended fore and middle fingers A one-fingeredhand will burn crimson red for a
together. The hand’s thumb and other fingers are total of 13 hours (78 turns). At the end of that
folded and sewn in place against the palm. A time, it sputters and goes out, having exhausted
wick, also made from a thin braid of the the magical fuel.
supplicant’s hair, is threaded between the Though it is believed impossible to recharge a
extended fingers. The constructed hand is one-fingeredhand once it has exhausted its fuel,
steeped in the potions ofinvulnerability for 24 popular myth speaks of extending its life by ten
hours and then molten bee’s wax is poured over minutes (10 turns) for each mortal wound struck
the hand to fill any gaps between the wick, the to a worthy opponent while using the powers of
fingers, and the hair. this candle. What constitutes a worthy opponent
When all this is complete, the hag drops the is unclear, but it is suspected that the foe must be
hand into a cauldron of seawater boiling over a higher level than the candle’s owner and present
driftwood fire. The pot boils until all the water has some deadly risk to the candle’s user.
 check equal to 1%per point of damage suffered.
Only warriors may light or extinguish this candle.
From the moment that its user first lights it,
powers of the one-fingeredhand are manife Pestruction
Although the person wishing to benefit from Destroying a one-fingered hand can be a difficult
magical effects of this candle must light it, h task. While the wick is lit, the hand is nearly
may travel far from the candle while it burns immune to all attempts to damage it. In fact, only
without fear that its powers will fail him. a wish or disintegrate spell can accomplish the
Just as it is impossible for anyone but a warrior task, though at the DMs discretion, other
to light this candle, so too must it be the lighter’s powerful magics might be sufficient to destroy it.
hand that extinguishes it. In order to snuff the When the candle is not burning, the destructio
flame, the hand’s owner must curl his fingers of the one-fingeredhand is much easier. The
about the burning wick. The magical flame object need only be tossed into any large fire
dances atop the candle burns his flesh for 1 left to burn for 66 minutes (1 1 turns). At the end
points of damage, then fails. of that time, the hand is destroyed and crumbles
into ash. Prior to the passing of the 66th minute,
however, the hand is unharmed. It can be
Powers recovered from the fire and suffers no penalties
From the moment that it is lit until the time that it other than burning the one who sought to retrieve
is extinguished, the one-fingered hand bestows it from the flame.
upon its owner three magical abilities. The nature
of these enchantments makes these hands
especially valuable to warriors. Legends
First, it improves its lighter’s Armor Class. For Popular lore relates that Gondegal the Lost King
as long as the candle burns, a -4 bonus is applied once used just such a deadman’s candle to slay
to the character’s Armor Class. In no case, the vampire lord of Malkavnia. But he spurned a
however, can the hand’s benefits ever give the reliance on black magics and cast it a
user an Armor Class better than -10. Some ghost stories tell that the one
The hand’s second benefit is to increase the hand not only confers superior prowess in
rate at which a character’s wounds heal. While combat, it also bestows a secret vulnerability b
the one-fingered hand burns, its owner which its user may be defeated.
regenerates Id6 points of damage per round. In Other rumored magics identified with this hand
addition, the user will be able to regenerate ofpower include that it makes its user a master of
wounds caused by fire, acid, or other types of swords. Some tales tell that this candle’s dark
injury not normally affected by regeneration. force goads both the user and those he
The hand‘s third and final power is to protect its encounters into senseless duels so that it can
lighter from deadly attacks. The chara drink of the loser’s life force, perhap
+4 bonus to all his saving throws. Constitution or Wisdom and the will
The wounding curse of this blade
into more than one legend that tells of a mighty
Curse warrior who fought for over an hour and slew the
Of course, any magical item created by a hag has deadliest foe, emerging from the battle with
a sinister price for its services. Every time a scarcely a scratch. Yet when the candle was
wound is inflicted on a foe while using this candle, blown out, many wounds scarred the champion
the user must make a powers check equal to 1% and he fell to pieces.
per point of damage inflicted. Further, upon Whatever the truth, all lore holds that if the user
extinguishing the flame, for every turn the powers is slain in battle the candle will go out.
were used the lighter will suffer 2d10 points of
The Three-fingered Hand
le three-fingered hand is as powerful as it is
Jeadly. Created with dark magics and the
I dread knowledge of an annis, a three-fingered
hand is coveted by wizards and other magic-
weilders for its ability to enhance spell-castings.

Manufacture
The first step in the making of a three-fingered
hand is the acquisition of the hand itself. As is the
case with the other hands ofpower, this hand
must be cut from the body of a criminal put to
death for his crimes, but he must have been
impaled, either with weapons or on a spike. The
hand must be cut from the body with a bronze
axe. If it is not severed cleanly with a single blow,
the hand will not absorb the enchantments.
Once the hand has been harvested, it must be
delivered to an annis. To curry the annis' favor,
the supplicant is called upon to perform some
despicable deed. Only by completing this deed
will the annis agree to enchant the hand.
To make a three-fingered hand, its fingers are
positioned in a most disturbing fashion. The
thumb, fore-, and ring-fingers are extended while
the middle- and little-fingers are bent down upon
Charges
the palm. Iron nails are driven through the curled A three-fingered hand will burn green for a total of
fingers to hold them in position. The hand is then 13 hours (78 turns). At the end of the 13th hour it
dropped into a cauldron of boiling fat rendered burns out, useless, its enchantments spent.
from bodies of fallen magic weilders and the liver Though it is not believed that a completely
of a faerie dragon. While this fat may have been exhausted candle can be recharged, it is rumored
collected from a variety of individuals, all must that the extinguishing of the life of a sentient,
have been good-aligned creatures. magic-weilding creature while using this candle
After the hand has boiled in the fat for exactly will negate the consumption of the wax during
13 minutes, it is withdrawn from the pot. The that use. Thus if its user slays a wizard while
annis then forces slivers of yew wood beneath the burning the candle for 15 minutes, this results in
nails of the extended fingers to serve as wicks. no loss of fuel for that usage.
When the last wick is in place, the annis places a
hood over the head of the supplicant and begins a
powerful, evil ritual cloaked in mystery. It is said
that seeing this ritual will drive a man mad, and Unly a wizard or non-priestly spellcaster may
so the hood is for safety. light a three-fingered hand, and invoke the
After nearly six hours the cruel rites are powers. This is not an easy task, however, for all
complete and the hag presents the supplicant three of the hand's wicks must be lighted
with the hand. The supplicant's acceptance of the simultaneously using three tapers held in the
hand signals his embracing of darkness and he owner's left hand.
suffers as if he had failed three powers checks.
I
The spellcaster must then make a save vs.
buccessful Dexterity check. Failure indicates tha Death Magic. If he fails, he will explode in a
$he wicks do not all contact the flame at the sa savage blast of magical energy. This detonation
time. Additional attempts may be made to ligh inflicts 1d4 points of damage per the user’s
e candle, with each requiring one round. experience level to everyone within a radius of 5
Although the hand’s owner must light th feet per the user’s level. Only living tissue is
icks, he need not remain near the hand affected by this blast, and the blast produces no
benefit from its magics. Once the hand’s powers heat or concussive force.
have been invoked, the owner may travel freely
and still enjoy the hand’s powers. Only
extinguishing the wicks by the lighter’s breath or
Oestruction
a magical wind will terminate the hand’s magics. The only recorded method for destroying a three-
fingered hand is when its owner dies due to failing
his System Shock and save vs Death Magic roll. If
Powers its owner fails, the hand’s wicks flare brightly for
While it is burning, the three-fingeredhand a few seconds, then the hand melts suddenly into
bestows upon its owner a staggering increase in a pool of wax.
his wizardly abilities to cast spells.
While the candle burns, its owner gains benefits
similar to the dilation, extension, augmentation,
Legends
and far-reachingspells. This results in any spell Legendsabound -
the owner casts having its range, duration, and their use and misuse. There appears to be no way
area of effect doubled. Damage directly inflicted to avoid the devasting effects of loss of control of
by a spell is increased by 50% and any saving the mystic might imparted by this hand. The
throws made because of these spells are subject magical misfires and backlashes can be survived,
to a -4 penalty. though results are often embarassing for the
The spellcaster is more resistant to magical mighty mage who suffers them. But little is known
attacks upon his own person making save vs about how to diffuse the destructive energies.
magical sources with a +4 bonus. One way speculated on by scholars is to sip
magical energy and charges from all magic items
Curse in the possession of the user. This diffusion, it is
theorized, would drain one charge per item if he
This amplification of the character’s magical fails a System Shock roll,and 10 charges if he
energies is not without its costs. With every spell fails a save vs Death Magic. If the magical items
cast, there is a chance that the wizard will push do not have charges, then it requires an item save
his body and mind beyond their limits. The result vs Magical Fire (-4 penalty to save if failed a save
is that the character must make a System Shock vs. Death Magic) or be destroyed. Just how this
roll whenever he casts a spell with the aid of a alternative magical disruption can be channe
three-fingered hand. A bonus equal to the is unknown, but in theory it is possible.
character’s experience level is added to the Many a lad with stars in their eyes, and a lu
System Shock roll, as is a penalty equal to the for the mysteries of ancient magics have
level of the spell. Thus, a 12th-level wizard with a speculated on what powers might be commanded
Constitution of 13 who casts a 4th-level spell if one could only master this hand.
would fail on a roll of 94% (85%system shock + Some propose that the user can learn to pass
12%experience level -4% spell level) or greater. unseen unless one possesses faerie or ethereal or
If the System Shock roll fails, the wizard suffers astral vision such as a mage. Others hope for the
a magical backfire, suffering the negative effects rainbow, the power to grant wishes, though
of the spell being cast on himself or suffering 2d8 undoubtedly at a great cost, which would lead to
points of damage if spell is benign or defensive. failed powers check and eternal corruption.
The Wnf‘ingered Hand
unfingered handis not, as its name implies,

A fashioned from a hand whose digits have

been cut off. Rather, a unfingered hand has
been severed at the wrist and holds a thick, black
candle in its curled fingers with a deathless grip.

The creation of a unfingered hand is a dark and

sinister process that requires the aid of a
greenhag and corrupts the user’s spirit.
The primary ingredient in the manufacture of a
unfingered hand is a hand cut from the body of a
convicted criminal who has been beheaded or
drawn-and-quartered.The hand is cut off using a
cddforged iron-bladed knife. This gruesome
operation must be conducted under the light of a
full moon. Speed is of the essence in harvesting
the hand, as rigor mortis must not have set in.
Once obtained, the harvester of the hand curls
its fwers around a black candle made from the
rendered fat of dead men, and holds it in place till
rigor mortis sets in.
While this completes the physical conmuctbn
of the hand, there remains the task of enchanting When the supplicant regains his
it. The aid of a greenhag must be enlisted in arder greenhag will have vanished, but t
to infuse h e unfhgered hand wibh magical hand will be complete. The dark d
energy. These horrid crones demand a dread supplicant performed and the evil
price for their services. Some greenhags demand has taken part in corrupt him as if
a service for themselves, wch as a murder, while two powers check.
others demand a more general service, such as It is said that once her price has been
the desecration of religious sites dedicated to greenhag is bound to fulfill her bargain,
good or other unspeakable acts. She will &o supplicant need not fear the crone’s bet
direct the petitioner to bring her the heart of a course, this may not be true, and m
quickling, the sap of quickwood or the essence of expect their fiendish partner to turn
a creature of the plane of energy.
Once the greenhag has been paid, the
harvester of the hand presents the foul construc-
Charges
tion to the crone. She will prick the petitioner’s The candle gripped by the unfingered hand can
finger, allowing a single drap of blood to fall upon burn with a sparking and sputtering silver flame
the hand’s wick. Then she begins the sinister for a total of 13 hours (78 turns).
ritual that infuses the unfingered hand with its It is believed impossible to recharge this
magical pow. candle. However, there exists in the fragments of
This ritual requires no fewer than three hours to the epic poem of Windson, The Cold Hand,
complete. During this time, the petitioner is reference to planting one of these hands in an
entranced and will retain no memory of what has elven Tree of Life where it was regenerated as if it
been done to, by, or for him during the ceremony. were alive.
I

if it were made of leather. A unfingeredhand

Use thus vulnerable to lightning, acid, fire, magic
The powers of a unfingeredhand, as is the case fire, or disintegration attacks. Should it ever fail a
with the dher hands ofpower, are invoked when saving throw, it is destroyed.
the wick is lighted. The hand may be lit only by a When a hand is destroyed, any owner who
rogue, thief, bard or assassin. once used this candle ages one year for every
Once lit, the unfigered hand can only be minute of fuel left. A successful save vs Death
extinguished when a drop of the lighter’s blood Magic at 4 results in aging only one year for
falls on the wick. Even immersing the hand in every 10 minutes left. Thus, if a newly created
water or placing it in an area devoid of air cannot hand, which could burn for the complete 13
snuff this magical flame. hours, were destroyed, it would age its owner
The hand’s owner need not carry it with him to staggering 780 years (78 years if the user saves
gain its benefits. Once the hand is lit, the owner
Legends
The only significant tale about a unfingeredhand
from folklore is found in the elven edda of
While it burns, the unfingered hand bestows upon Windson, The Cold Hand. This song spins the sad
its owner all the benefits of a haste spell. This story of a master thief, legended to be half elvm
includes double movement rate, a +2 bonus to and half wind spirit, whose roguish feats were
any initiative rolls, and the ability to attack at famous throughout the realms.
twice his normal rate per round. Windson found happiness in the arms of a
In addition to the great speed at which this princess of Sri Raji and so retired from the life of a
object enables its owner to move, the unfingered rogue. But his legend had spread far and all new
hand allows him to jump and spider climb while it princes of thieves longed to challenge the mas
burns. Both these abilities have the same effect to prove themselves more worthy. One Aldon
as the spells described in the PYayer’s Handbook. Filch found a way.
He believed he discovered the secret of
Windson’s success, for many claimed the
Curse possessed the fmtest fingers in the realm,
As most wizards know, a haste spell is not cast to pinch a purse or slip a stiletto between one’s
with impunity. Every use of that magic ages the ribs before his victim ever knew. Further, it wa!
caster one year. A unflngered hand exacts the said he could slip from shadow to shadow as
same price for its services when it is extinguished. quietly and swiftly as the wind, and to fight a
For every ten minutes that the candle burns, its squad of castle guards as if assisted by pairs of
owner must make a save vs Death Magic at 4 or phantom hands. This power came from a black
age one year. Thus, if the candIe were lit and left candle wrapped in a dead man’s bony hand.
to burn, it could add up to 78 years to its owner’s Aldon slipped into his better’s home while
age. The candle also ages its owner one year for Windson was away and stole his black candle.
each time it is lit. Thus, if a unflngeredhand is Then, mastering it’s magic, Aldon returned to
burned in five-minute increments until it burned challenge Windson, by stealing what he held most
up, the hand’s owner could age up to 94 years. dear. Before Windson’s eyes, Filch evaded his
every sword thrust and killed his lady fair.
With a cry of anguish, Windson nicked the
Destruction rogue and dripped his blood on the candle to
While Vi, this hand is virtually indestructible. But extinguish it. Then Windson threw the hand into a
the destruction of an unlit unfinsered hand is not roaring fire, and as it melted and years piled on
difficult. Because it is partially mummified, a Windson’s head, he had the satisfaction of seeing
unfingeredhand makes its item saving throws as the human thief wither and die of old age.
 ver the centuries,
many magical Opening the Black Uar’+

[I‘
I

I weapons, shields, Apart from the magelord Aza

High Master of the Kargat is authorized to open
the Black Vault. Any who attempt to break into
1 washed up on the the Vault will face unliving terrors and deadly
misty shores from wards. The Black Vault has been sealed with a
wizard lock by Azalin himself (18th-level wizard).
any of these, upon The Vault was forged from a meteoric iron
e death of their impervious to physical harm. It is protected by
owners, have found their other spells, including a symbol of dealh, a screen
way into the 3ck Vault of Azalin, magelord of (an illusion of an empty vault), and antipathy,
Darkon. Indeed, it is possible that this armory which affects all good creatures.
contains more artifacts of evil than any other in The door’s lock is a complex series of dials and
Ravenloft. All of these items has a dark side. mobs that form a representation of the planetary
Without exception, all those who have possessed system where Azalin lived. The Vault can only be
an item once sealed in the Black Vault have opened when the dials and knobs are arranged in
suffered greatly in exchange for calling on the the position that the worlds occupy at the present
powers of these ill-fated treasures. time. A failed attempt to open the Vault sets off
The magical arms and armors listed on the alarms and a series of defensive spells, including
following pages do not begin to exhaust the chain lightning, ice storm, and death f q , on the
armory of Azalin’s Vault. The extensive collection hallway outside of the Vault.
housed in the lord’s Vault is too large to be
detailed in a single volume. Still, these items are
representative of what is surely the most cursed
Items Believed Destroyed
magical armory in Ravenloft. Many items were carted off by Van Richten in his
foray. Little is known of their powers, ofily that
each was reported destroyed, if such itqms can
Finding the Black Uault be. All that was recorded were their narhes.
It is worth noting that the Black Vault is not within There were the weapons: the wicked wyrm’s
the walls of Castle Avernus in Darkon’s capital tooth, slasher, shadow-walker’s sword, dark
city of I1 Aluk. It lies buried deep beneath the destiny‘s scourge, hoarfrost’s hammer, tihe fist of
Grim Fastness. This malevolent fortress is located fury and fallen Karlak’s sabre plus the armors:
near Avernus, and it serves a s the headquarters brightbane’s buckler and foolheart’s breastplate.
for Azalin’s dreaded secret police, the Kargat. Among the treasures were the decanter of time,
Few people have ever seen the Black Vault, for bloodcup ofNoth, goblet ofgladness, thie jewelry:
the caverns beneath the Grim Fastness are filled the widow’s veil, the bracelet ofbetrayal, the
with the living dead and other creatures of poisonous peace’s pin and gambler’s gold, the
darkness. It is told that a party of heroes, led by musical instruments: the dervish flute, Escher’s
Dr.Rudolph Van Richten himself, once managed harp, Truehope’s trump, and the chime of
to invade the Black Vault and carry off some of its awakening and more. Books of dread lbre burned
I le treasures, but this may not be true. were: the libram of unending life, manual of the
planes, scroll of damnation, and the tome of
mold.; arcane rods broken include ones of shades
and empires, of tempests and evil’s beacon, of
death, decay, and commanding. And there were
shackles ofshame, chains ofbinding, abd a collar
o f correct thoughts, plus a robe of ruler3hip and a
helm of illfortune. Arifacts dark and drebd filled.

t
 lin’s Crystal *r - tlll
opular lore of Darkon says that Azalin the
, “’4
magelord is always watching and can see into
the very hearts of his people. Perhaps this
ew out of the legend of Azalin’s Crystal also
Azalin’s Orb or Eye a great golden globe of
with reported mystical powers.

Manufacture
early years after Lord Azalin carved the
kingdom of Darkon he sent the general of
at into the heart of Bhetspur to steal a
m the crystalline Tree o f the Hydra.
s single crystal was said to be larger than
e head of a horse and filled with a lacing of gold
rs. The loyal guardsman carried the crystal to
three Hags of the land of Tepest. What arcane
were performed to cut and polished it into
b are unknown. But the loyal general did not

Charges
The crystal is a permanent magical item and
does not use charges. It may only be used three but the price is to also suffer the damage caused.
times a day for one hour each. A foreshadowing may be cast on those viewed.
This foresight shows possible dangers, so that the
viewer may take advantage of them. It may even
Use create a vulnerability where none existed.
The secret comand words that invoke the
crystal’s powers are known only to Azalin.
Further, rare oils and ointments of enchanted
Curse
beasts must be used to polish it to clarify the When the crystal is used the wielder must make
images and prophecies. an Intelligence check or be snared by the orb’s
mindweb. What happens in that mental maze is
unknown. Those who escape often develop
Powers phobias or strange quirks. Further, each time one
Through the crystal one can look anywnere mere uses the foreshadowing power a madness
is an opponent. The effort automatically succeeds check.must be made. The worst cost of all,
though the vision may be blurred or cryptic if not however, is attracting the attention of Azalin.
properly annointed. The user may look anywhere
undetected and undetectable. With the proper Destruction
words, the crystal can cast clairvoyance or ESP
Attacks may be directed through the orb, but a Azalin’s orb is rumored to be indestructible. Many
save vs. Spells is required or each rebounds. The a thief has tried shattering, bashing, melting,
crystal itself can cast a telekinesis spell. Further, burning and disintegrating it to no avail. Perhaps
attacks seen through the globe may be redirected only Azalin’s demise will crack this orb.
Bant’s Addtr
his weapon was first

T decades ago by a
Bane. Bane allied
Zarovich and was sent by his new master to
infiltrate Castle Avernus and as
On the surface this mission a
nothing short of suicide-perhaps a convenient
way for Strahd to dispatch a powerful underling.
But Bane’s skill and experience in the martial arts
made success a distinct possibility. Indeed, since
Bane carried a magical weapon with him, the
likes of which had never been seen, Strahd dared
hi enemy would soon be destroyed.
m e failed to return from his mission,
soon gave him up for dead. It was clear
is agent had failed, and paid the ultimate
Strahd did not consider that the man’s
the lichlord‘s hands.
sleek arquebus built by
en kingdom. So skilled
ey were able to infuse
nergies. The gun itself
ses, having a thick
stock and a belled, unrifled barrel. The weapon is
highly decorated, fashioned to imitate the body of
a viper, the barrel seeming to end in a gaping jaw
use
with wickedly curved fangs circling the barrel. Bane’s adder is as difficult to load and ifire as any
other arquebus. The weapon has a spded factor d
15 and can only be fired every third romd.
Ma Like all firearms, Bane’s adder may misfire,
Bane’s adderwas born in the forges of an ancient possibly injuring its user. Due to the gqn’s
race of dwarves. It is not known whether they superior form, this happens only on a natural
created the gun at Bane’s request or if the attack roll of 1. If a misfire occurs, the person
mercenary obtained the weapon after its creation. using the weapon suffers ld6 points of damage.
In either case, there can be no question that the The weapon cannot be used again until it has
weapon is of the finest craftsmanship. been cleaned, which requires 10 minutes ( 1 turn),
The damage that Bane’s adder in
on the type of projectile that it fires
Charges
Like most ma
not have a limited number of charges. The only
limitations on the use of this firearm are the user
Powers 1
Almost all firearms are designed to acrept sh@
having suitable ammunition and smokepowder, made of lead. The dwarves who desigqed Bane’s
and enough time to reload. Further, the smoke adder, however, planned for the use of a wide
from each shot may give the gunner’s position variety of bullets. The magic of Bane$ adder
away and obscure subsequent shots (-2 to Hit). enchants the shot fired from its barrel. The effects
of a bullet are determined by the metdl from
which it is formed. The magic of Bane‘s adder rounds equal to the points of damage inflicted.
parts a +2 bonus to its attack and damage This shot inflicts normal damage as with lead.
Is, regardless of the type of ammunition used.
The following describes the magical effects
ferent types of shot manifest when fired fro Cursu
s gun. The Dungeon Master’s may allow Because of its potential for misfire, use of Bane’s
aracters to experiment with other types of shot. adder is risky. However, as the damage from a
To date, only shot made of pure metals ab misfire is minimal, this is not the greatest threat to
e magical effects when fired from the ad Its owner.
munition fashioned from alloys does not Whenever Bane’s adder is fired at a dwarf, it
anifest magical effects but may still be fi will automatically misfire. The weapon’s creators
pith a +2bonus to attack and damage roll placed this enchantment upon their handiwork so
that they might never be threatened by it.
d: This is the most commonly used typ In addition, whenever someone uses Bane’s
. It is almost always available, being fa adder to attack someone whose alignment
easy to buy or to make. When a lead proje exactly matches his own, he suffers the same
s its target, it inflicts ldlO points of da damage he inflicts on his target. This includes the
rolling scores of 10 and adding to the total, thus possibility of death, planar displacement, and
roll of 10 and a second of 8 would inflict 18 other special effects.
ioints of damage +2 for the adder’s magic.

:When loaded with shot cast from pure

Destruction
Bane’s adder becomes a deadly weapon Only the hands of dwarves can unmake this
versus the shapechanger, lycanthrope and nefarious weapon. Indeed, even then, the one wnc
enchanted monster. Any creature with an unusual would destroy the adder must be an experienced
vulnerability to silver weapons, such as a were- gunsmith. If such a person can be found, and is
wolf, must make a save vs. Death Magic or be willing to do the deed, he must first safely
instantly slain when hit with silver shot. Even if dismantle the gun making several proficiency
the saving throw succeeds, the target suffers checks. Each failure results in a misfire inflictii
normal damage as noted under lead. triple the normal damage. Once in pieces, the
smith.can destroy the weapon simply by heating
Lon: Any fiend which is not on its home plane it in a forge until the wooden stock burns away
must immediately make a save vs. Wands when and the metal barrel softens into a shapeless
hit with an iron ball fired from Bane’s adder. mass. Attempts by others to destroy it will fail.
Failure indicates that the creature is instantly
dispelled, forced back to his home plme.or
teleported away to a random location. Even on a iugunds
successful saving throw, the creature suffers Legend has it that if the user can concentrate and
double the normal damage caused by lead. is pure of purpose, he will never miss his target.
One cocky soldier found that he could never miss
Gold In Bane’s adder gold shot is tremendously with this weapon and took to bragging about his
effective against any good-aligned creature. All skill, until his captain challenged him to shoot a
such targets suffer double the normal damage jug off his own son’s head. The soldier’s faith in
from ‘--ad. his ability wavered and the shot killed the boy.
Rumored effects of other metal shots include:
my creature capable o€using wi copper shot generates an electric blast, nickle will
..
shatter any lock or binding, cobolt will penetrate
any armor as if AC 10, zinc will generate a burst
of light equal to sunlight, and coal will ignite fires.
Blacker’s Hook
kicker’s hook was made within the lands of

6 Ravenloft more than a decade ago now by a

man named Jack Blacker. Blacker was a
man obsessed with knowledge. It was his goal to
ultimately learn everything and master every
skill. This jack-of-all-trades took pleasure in his
abilities and his accomplishments eventually
became a vainglorious, overbearing pride.
Blacker settled in II Aluk a decade ago, but he
vanished years ago and whether he still lives or is
dead is unknown. Blacker spent his years as a
tinkerer and craftsman putting his vast knowledge
to work in the creation of many tools.
Many of Blacker’s most famous items are
intricate mechanical devices that he designed to
perform simple, everyday tasks in the most
complicated manner possible. Blacker also
crafted many simple, everyday tools and objects,
commissioned by the townsfolk.
A s the years passed, the weight of Blacker’s
vast knowledge affected his mind. He became
convinced that some sinister cabal was following
him, determined to kill him and harvest his brain.
No one ever saw the macabre enemies that
Blacker feared, but this did little to ease his fears. The curse of madness is certainly valid.
Because of his paranoia, Blacker began to It is not known whether Blacker created the
enchant the everyday items that he made. His hook with a specific enemy in mind. Blacker
plan was that these items would fall into the spent his years in I1 Aluk in the grip of paranoia,
hands of his enemies. More often, however, they and extensive lists of his “enemies”-mostly his
came into the possession of innocent folk. creditors-were found among his papers.
Blacker’s hook is one of his more simple cursed
objects. The hook is nothing more than a curved
metal hook with a wooden handle; the type used
Chargos
by cargo handlers or in a butcher’s shop. The hook does not store or use charges. When it
is employed in combat, its powers are activated.
The hook may be used just as a sword ul or
Manutactwe other magical weapon might be.
The hook is made of a curved steel hook with a
barb at the tip and a cylindrical wooden handle
set at right angles. Blacker crafted the entire item
Use
himself, carving the handle and smithing the hook The hook can be used for many mundane tasks,
at the forge he had built behind his home. including baling hay, dragging heavy objects,
The children of 11 Aluk still whisper that Blacker hooking meat, and so on. Any proficiency check
crafted his most dangerous items while stark made by someone using this item gains a +2
naked under the light of the full moon and that bonus if such a tool would aid the endeavor.
madness will come upon whoever handles them. The hook may also be used as a piercing melee
The truth of this story is subject to some debate. weapon, Whenever it is wielded in this fashio- :+is
considered a +2 weapon with a speed factor of 2, harmless smoke.
that inflicts ld4+1 points of damage to small to As a last act of defiance, however, everyone in
man-sized targets and Id4 to larger targets. the area must attempt a save vs. Breath Weapon
to avoid inhaling these fumes. A failed saving
throw requires the victim to make a madness
Powers check.
Whenever someone using Blacker’s hook fails a
fear or horror check, its special powers are
triggered. Instead of being frightened, the owner is
Legends
filled with an overwhelming, maniacal courage. A common fable throughout Darkon is that this
This causes the character using the hook to enchanted hook eventually leads its wielder down
attack the thing that caused the fear or horror the paths of paranoia and madness. He sees
check. During this attack, the wielder’s Strength malice in every glance, threats in every spoken
is boosted to 19, giving a +3 bonus to the attack word. Eventually, the curse of the hook leads its
roll and a +7 bonus to damage caused. Once owner to attack hecklers and those who offer him
activated the only weapon the character will use insult. Then it will lead him to wait in dark alleys
is Blacker’s hook. These effects fade the moment and shadows to avenge these imagined threats.
that the enemy has been driven away or slain. Some folk speculate that Blacker’s hook is the
same as the famous hook of Bad-hand Duke, a
pirate of wicked repute. That tale says that the
Cursu spirit of that dastardly villain still haunts his hook
Anytime the hero uses the hook to vanquish an and possesses it users to lead them into deep
enemy, its first curse takes effect-the hero feels misery and misfortune.
a need to brag of his bravery. The hook confers
the bard’s ability to interest bystanders in the tale
(page 42 of the Player’s Handbook). The crowd’s
reaction should be determined normally for this
ability, with a save vs. Paralyzation.
The hero may bend his companions’ ears for a
while, but if they tire of their friend’s newfound
interest in boasting, the wielder will still feel a
need to tell his story. Any crowd will do. The
character will seek out the company of those
willing to listen to him, even if he has to buy the
whole tavern a round to get their attention.
Further, each time Blacker’s hook gives its
owner the gift of courage in the face of great evil,
it exacts a price. As soon as the maniacal rage
leaves its owner, he must make a Madness Check
as described in the Ravenloft Campaign Setting.
Eventually, anyone using Blacker’s hook will be
driven utterly mad by the implement.

Destruction
Blacker’ hook can be destroyed by melting it in a
mystic forge. The fire will burn its wooden handle,
and melt its steel hook. If the hook is unmade, its
powers will be dissipated in a puff of colorful but
Dead Man’s Armor
his suit of full plate armor was designed and

T constructed at the behest of Azalin himself. It

will fit any human or demihuman who stands
5 to 6 feet tall and is of average build.
It would be difficult to imagine a more fearsome
looking suit of armor. Not only is the dead man’s
armor dull black, its entire surface is covered with
ivory scrollwork, small spikes and razor-edged
fins resembling an arcane skeleton. Its helm is
fashioned with a skull-shaped visor that creates
the image that the wearer is some manner of
living dead.

Manufacture
Hidden within Castle Avernus is an anvil ofdark-
ness, one of the most sinister blacksmithing tools.
One of the first things created on this anvil was
the foul dead man’s armor. If a more diabolical
creation was ever shaped on that anvil no
knowledge remains of it today.
This dread armor was formed from scraps of
other armor from fallen champions of light. Each
remnant once belonged to a paladin slain by a
servant of Azalin. The piece of armor that failed
the paladin and permitted the fatal blow was
harvested and carried tcx Castle Avernus. There,
the metal was reforged and reassembled to create
this evil relic.
The armor scraps were melted down and
resmade into a new piece for of this black armor.
The vampire dwarf, Axrock, crafted the armor
from plans his master, Azalin, supplied. After
three months of careful work the armor stood
completed. Grim Azalin then wove spells of black
powered necromancy into the metal of the armor
and made it an object of horror.

The dead man’s armor is a permanent magical

item and does not use charges. Folklore reports Anyone who dons the dead man’s armgr be-
that its negative energy field can be nullified for a comes a walking inferno of necromantik magic. In
time if exposed to pure positive energies thus addition to its special powers, the armor acts as
prolonging the life of one trapped within the full plate armor +4, bestowing a base Atmor Class
cursed armor. of -3 to its wearer.
 Anyone who touches the armor while another trapped in this suit of armor, the cnaracter
ears it, whether the part of body which made wearing it is a terrible threat to everyone, friend
ontact with the armor is bare flesh or garbed in foe, who brushes against the armor.
thing or armor, must make a save vs. Death With each passing day, the wearer of the
gic at +2 or be instantly slain. The death is drained of one experience level or hit die.
isited upon the victim is so painful and terrible a 10th-level character can wear the armor for
at he must make an insanity check at a -4 only 10 days. At the end of that time, the armor
enalty if he is resurrected. consumes his life force and falls from his body.
If the dead man’s armor’s wearer intentiona If a wearer tries to remove the armoror to ha
grapples a foe (an action which ignores the AC it stripped from him before his fate overtakes h
mor itself and instead makes an he becomes weaker and weaker as each piece
inst AC 10 plus magical and removed. This growing weakness should be
uses) the victim must save vs. sufficient warning for all but the most desper
gic to avoid dying instantly. Unlike thos or foolish victim, for if the armor is complete
touch the armor themselves, however, these removed, the wearer permanently loses 2d6
folk cannot be brought back to life. Instead, points of Constitution and must make a System
ese victims will rise in three rounds as undead, Shock roll at his new Constitution or die.
nnibal zombies (see Creatures ofDarkness, the Freed from the armor, the victim’s corpse will
rd RAVENLOFT MONSTROUS COWENDIUM~ ap- rise again in three days as a revenant bent on
ndix). These foul creatures are under the com- revenge against the one who placed him in the
*and of the wearer of the dead man’s armor and armor or against the new armor’s wearer, stalkin
will obey his spoken orders. These wretches’ tor- the night for 72 hours before collapsing to the
ment ends quickly. After three day ground and crumbling to dust.
&heycrumble to dust and are fore Because the dead man’s armor was fashioned
Necromantic spells that are cast upon anyone from the armor of fallen paladins, it is vulnerable
wearing the dead man’s armor are instantly to attacks made by these holy warriors. Whenever
turned back upon their caster. The caster is a paladin strikes someone wearing the dead
entitled to any saving throws normally associated man’s armor, there is a chance he will instantly
with the spell. The spell’s original target is not slay his target. Any natural attack roll of 20 on
affected by the spell in any way. In the case of such an attack indicates that his blow has found
spells requiring the caster to touch the armor its mark. Those slain by a paladin’s enchante
wearer, like chill touch, the caster is affected by weapon will not rise again as a revenant.
both the spell and the normal effects of touching
the armor.
Lastly, anyone wearing the dead man’s armor is
Dustruction
able to control undead as if he were an evil cleric Only scholarly speculation exists regarding h
of a level equal to his current level. If the wearer to destroy this relic. It is thought that the armor
is an evil priest who can already use this power, can only be unmade in the manner it was made:
he gains a +2bonus on both his roll to assume dismantled on the anvil ofdarkness, superheated
control of the undead and his roll to determine in the fires of a volcano and quenched in a vat of
how many hit dice of undead are affected. holy water, or in blessed in some other manner.

Curses Legonds
Though the amor has no effect if not being worn, Those who use the armor to exact revenge either
anyone donning the dead man’s armor is affected by wearing it or forcing their victim to wear it,
by the terrible magics woven into it the moment have all met with grim fates. They are corrupted
that the last piece of the armor is donned. In
addition to the drawbacks associated with being
and used by dark powers as tragic examples of
the price of vengeance.
I
The Golden Blade o f Run

C
reated by a master weaponsmith in the free
city of Greyhawk, this bastard sword was
drawn to Ravenloft along with its mad master
some 25 years ago. Upon the death of that
worthy, the blade found its way into the hands of
Azalin and now rests in the Black Vault.
The golden blade is slightly smaller than an
average bastard sword, reflecting its original
owner's rather diminutive stature. The pommel is
fashioned in the shape ef a cawing raven's head
with ruby chips for eyes. Despite the weapon's
name, the sword's blade is not made of gold; it is
fashioned of an alloy with an amber hue.

Mrtdmm
The golden blade was created using a ca
guarded secret of weaponsmithing. The steel of
the blade was folded and hammered hundreds of
times in the same way that a samurai's katana is
crafted. This process created an incredibly
resilient steel which could be forge shaped and
sharpened on the finest whetstones until the
sword had a razor keen edge. Ancient elven damage to small or
magics-learned, bought, or stolen-were then points to larger one
infused into the weapon, preserving the blade's
sharpness against all damage or aging.
The grip, fashioned in the shape of a raven's
Powers
body with wings tightly folded, was carved from a The golden blade h
single piece of ivory and stained black with a dye is applied to both its attack and damage
extracted from raven's feathers. addition, this bonus is added to the use
initiative roll, effectively reducing the w
speed factor from 6 to 3 if wielded one-
Charges and from 8 to 5 if held in both hands.
Like most magical weapons, the golden blade is a Whenever the golden blade of Ren is nul
permanent magic item and does not use magical from its scabbard, its user gains several rn
charges. When it is employed in combat, its effects. These effects are activated automatica
powers are activated. The blade no word or gesture of activation is requitled.
any magical sword +3. Without a doubt, the golden blade's m,bst
impressive power is its ability to increase th
Strength of its owner. This effect works *he
Use the user twists the head of the pommel. The
The golden blade of Ren can be used just like any sword imparts a +3bonus to its owner's Strengt
bastard sword. When used one-handed, it inflicts score. This magical effect may only be
ld8+3 points of damage to small or man-sized summoned three times a day, and it lase for on
targets and ld12+3 points to larger targets. When one turn each time. This magical effect function
used with both hands, it causes 2d4+3 points of exactly like a strength spell.
 other power the golden blade commands is chilled to sub-zero temperatures. This may
r to a feather fall spell. Although the user's require magical methods to generate the volcanic
t is not affected and he does not fall at a heat and arctic cold, or it may be found in some
uced speed, he will always land on his feet (if remote polar region. However this feat is
so desires) and will suffer no damage from a accomplished, the resulting thermal stress will
. His possessions will likewise be unaffected instantly shatter the weapon. ~

fall, no matter how fragile they might be. At the moment it is destroyed, the golden blade i
he third and final power of the golden blade of will release the spirits of those it has recently
n is the costliest to its owner. Whenever the consumed in the last decade. These spirits will
eapon used in a combat, its owner is affected by take the form of wraiths who attack anyone in the
haste spell. He gains a -2 bonus to his initiative area. From 2 to 20 (2d10) such creatures will be
s able to move at twice his normal speed, an freed from the confines of the sword.

Legends
There are many tales aDout the wondrous
adventures of the mighty warrior Ren. They are
ost obvious and commonly encountered renown for the fearful challenges he faced,-the
associated with use of the go1 desperate quests he undertook, and the narrow
s its automatic haste spell. Ea escapes he made. Some say that Ren was crazed
e that the weapon is drawn and used in a or at least a halfwit, always running headlong intc
ombat, the user ages one year. This effect is trouble of his own making, never looking before
ifferent than a haste spell. While haste ages i he leaped. Indeed, many of the stories depict his
bjects by speeding up their metabolisms, the grand impatience, overwhelming desire for haste
en blade ages its owner by draining a portion and ill-conceived str ust so there was
e user's-one experience level or hit die per some action.
--like a wraith. One legend rela
The golden blade has a second sinister curse. weary, seeking shelter charged into a barren cave
Anyone who dies wielding this weapon or from its when he heard noises from within. It contained a
aging effects, will rise in three days as a wraith. In nest of basilisk. Before they could turn their
this form, the victim is compelled to seek o n his direction, Ren realized his error
de's current owner and destroy him, poss nd fled the cavern straight over the edge of a
ng a new wraith. It is likely that the f. If not for the magics of his sword he would
n the possession of the wr ste ground between boulders.
ons and the victim will be have weilded the golden blade have
it Once called friends in life. If the to echoing the mighty Ren's frantic feats.
been claimed when the wraith grow impatient and impetuous, making
ain bound to the weapon and will decisions and leaping into trouble befor
all who come near. st what they face. All developed
to leap into a fray, and barring that, t
to ease the boredom. And should the
Pestruction they seem driven by a desire for
The destruction of the golden blade ofRen is not
a feat to be undertaken lightly. Stored within this Perhaps this madness stems from the clamor
hungry weapon are the accumulated lives of all irits trapped within the blade. There is a
those who have been aged to death by its powers. eritable council of wraiths, all vying for control
Shattering the blade will release these spirits. 's weilder, much like the ego of a self-
In order to unmake the golden blade, it must be ord seeks to dominate its owner. What
heated until it is white hot and then suddenlv mind can lonq hold back the eternal cacophony?
The Headsman’s Axe
ong ago, in a now-forgotten land, a cruel and
powerful necromancer rose to command an
evil empire. With powers unequaled by other
mages, he created a tyranny of fear. For decades,
his word became cruel and terrible laws.
In the end, the forces of justice triumphed. A
band of heroes led by the noble knight Lambert
challenged the necromancer in his stronghold.
Righteous sword met villainous magic, and the
magician fled to save his life. But even when the
the tyrant had been routed and war was won,
years of danger lay ahead, as the task to rebuild
that shadowy kingdom began.
Among the many relics from that sinister reign
was a terrible weapon known as the headsman’s
axe. When the dark lord fled, he left this behind.
No records exist to relate what evil this arcane
axe performed. But, somehow, it made its way
into the misty domains of Ravenloft, where it now
holds a place of honor in the Black Vault. I’ I

Manufacture
The six-foot haft of this weapon was fashioned
from the heart of a rowan tree growing over the
grave of an ancient wizard. The blade, a great and
Use
terrible crescent, was carved from the shoulder The magical might of the axe blade is always
blade of a black dragon and worked until it had available to the axe’s wielder. This requires no
the hardness of steel and the gleam of ivory. A special commands or gestures to activate.
single rune, the dreadful sigil of the necromancer, The special powers of the haft-staff which drain
was carved along the edge of the blade. charges require a magical command be spoken
to summon the effect. Learning the various
trigger phrases may require extensive research.
Charges
The headsman’s axe combines the features of
both a magical weapon and an enchanted staff.
Powers
Some of its powers are permanent and need not The headsman’s axe is a +2 weapon. If used
use magical charges, while others depend upon against a helpless foe, it becomes a +4 weapon.
mystical energies stored within the weapon. The Even without the amazing magics of its haft,
axe functions as a magical weapon while the haft the headsman’s axe is a deadly weapon. In
functions as a magical staff. combat, it performs as a large slashing weapon,
The headsman’s axe will store a maximum of similar to a bardiche (speed factor = 10). If used
15 charges. These charges are expended at against small or man-sized targets, the
various rates based on the power evoked. It can headsman’s axe inflicts 2d6+2 points of damage
be recharged only through the act of beheading. and against a large targets causes 3d6+2 points
Each beheading adds ld4 charges to the of damage. The headsman’s axe cannot be set to
weapon’s magical reserves. defend against a charging enemy.
 Any natural attack rolf of 20 indicates that the Further, anyone who employs the headsman's
weapon has cleanly decapitated its target. In the axe in combat cannot help but become evil. Even
case of most humans, demihumans, and human- the most upright paladin is not immune to this
oids, this is instantly fatal. Unusual creatures mot effect. Whenever the weapon is used to behead
slain by this attack will still suffer maximum an enemy, the axe's wielder must make a save vs.
damage. A beheading strike that kills its victim Spell or his alignment will shift one step toward
increases the number of charges stored in the chaotic evil. For example, a lawful good paladin
weapon by ld4 points. uses the headsman's axe to behead a convicted
When the word dunkelfeuer(pronounced criminal, his alignment would shift to lawful
"DOoNK+l-foy-er") is spoken,the weapon is neutral or to neutral good. The next time that
engulfed in a magical black fire for 1 round. paladin uses the axe, perhaps to decapitate an
Anyone struck by the headsman's axe during this enemy in the heat of battle, his alignment would
round must save vs. Breath Weapon or suffer shift to chaotic good or true neutral.
double damage. If the headsman's axe is used Even if the user abandons the weapon, a dea
against inanimate objects during this time, the curse pursues him. Everytime thereafter, when
objects must make a save vs. Nagical Fire or foe using a slashing weapon rolls a natural attac
begin to bum. Only a dispel magic spell prev roll of "20," the cursed victim must make a save '
the dunkelfeuer from consuming the object. I vs. Death Magic, or his head is cut off.
requires 1 round per 10 pounds of weight for
object to be consumed by this fire. Dunkelfeuer
read as normal fire does; only the to
hstruttion
will ignite the dunkelfeuer. Summon little is known about the true nature of th
dfeuer expends 2 charges. headsman's axe, but there are theories o
The command schutaool (pronounced this fell relic may be destroyed. Since the weapon
HUHT-z001") may also be given. This encase seems to draw its sinister magics from the
e wielder in a magical barrier that renders him elemental plane of fire, it may be possible to
immune to injury from normal fire. He remains effect its destruction by subjecting it to either
vulnerable to magical fire, but receives a +4 elemental fire or its nemesis, elemental water.
bonus to any saving throws against such attacks. A second theory is that this dread device draws
The axe's final power is triggered by the word its powers from the pyre elemental bound within
flammeplaben (pronounced "FLAHM -eh- it. If the pyre elemental can be summoned forth
plahtz+n")and expends 8 charges. When this and then barred from returning to its haven and
word is spoken, a pyre elemental (described in destroyed outside of the axe, then perhaps this
the RAvnvrom MONSTROUS COMPENDIUM Appendix weapon will also dissolve in a puff of smoke ev
Vol 1G2)is instantly summoned. This creature
has 8 Hit Dice and obeys the holder of the
headsman's axe for 24 hours. At the end of that
time, the pyre elemental dissipates harmlessly.
Falcon the Great, a wizard of no small repute
once possessed this arcane arm and outfitted h'
Curses champion with it. He soon discovered the secre
The headsman's axe contains such evil that of summoning the elemental, and that, though it
anyone who uses it cannot help but be tainted. could be defeated, like a vampire it would
Each use of one of the weapon's special powers to the haven of the axe and therein regene
requires the wielder to make a powers check. The However, with each fearful summoning of
chance of failing this check is equal to the pyre elemental, the captain was possessed by a
number of charges expended to create the effect. evergrowing fever that seared his brain, driving
Thus, summoning the pyre elemental requires an him mad, till one day he spontaneously burst int
8% powers check. flames and was consumed.
 H
The Pipe o f Mordent
h u g h the pipe of Mordent is not a weapon of

T war, it has often been carried into battle. This

association with warfare attracted Azalin’s
attention and he added it to his arsenal.
At first glance, the pipe seems to be a normal
bagpipe. It consists of a leather bag fitted with five
pipes: a blowpipe, a chanter, and three drones.
The soft leather bag is covered with blue velvet
trimmed in silver. The unnatural pipes are
fashioned of human flesh and elven bone.
The pipe of Mordent was created some fiieen
years ago by a bard known only as Stewart.
Stewart was not a native of Mordent, but had
been washed ashore in the wreckage of a great
sailing ship. Little is known about Stewart’s life or
history. Nobody even knows what land he once
called home. But soon after his shipwreck,
Stewart started his life anew in the land of
Mordent. The people of that domain proved
friendly, and it was not long before they accepted
the castaway. Stewart chose to teach music, to
perform, and to fashion various musical
instruments for sale as his profession.
/I
The construction of the pipe took less tjhm a
month. Thirty days after he delivered the required
Not long after he settled in his new home, a materials, the mysterious stranger returned and
mysterious figure called on Stewart. The stranger demanded his instrument. Stewart complied and
offered Stewart a temptingly large sum of money hesitantly requested his pay.
to make a bagpipe for him. The man would The client waved off Stewart’s entreaty, saying
supply the materials he wished Stewart to use, that he must test the pipe first. With that, he
with strict instruction that the bard use nothing began to play. As the haunting music of &e pipe
else. Stewart thought nothing of this demand or filled his shop, Stewart felt an unnatural lpounding
this commissioner’s manner. After all, many of his in his chest. He pleaded with the stranged to
customers requested special modifications or cease playing, but was ignored. The howling of
decorations to satisfy their taste or glorify their the pipe grew louder and louder, a dreadfilled
family lineage when they commissioned an cacophony. Stewart cried out in pain as the
instrument. That the pipe was to be fashioned of keening of the pipe tore his heart from his chest
bone, instead of wood, repelled Stewart. But the and consumed him body and soul. As the last
stranger insisted, and the promise of a golden traces of the unhappy bard were drawn i@o the
bonus soon quieted the bard’s disharmony. pipe, the stranger’s playing ceased and he smiled.
However, when the commissioner demanded that The pipe of Mordent was horribly compleke.
the windbag be fashioned from human skin,
Stewart refused. The mysterious client flew into a
rage, destroying the bard’s shop and threatening
Charges
his very life. Fearful of the stranger’s strength and The pipe of Mordent is able to store as many as
power, Stewart quickly acquiesced. 30 charges, which are expended at varying rates
when the pipe’s powers are invoked. As the In addition to its spell-like powers, the pipe
charges are depleted, the pipe can recharge itself produces a number of side-effects when played.
by consuming the life force of intelligent These effects occur automatically when the user
creatures. Each level of energy drained into the makes a successful proficiency check. These
pipe provides one charge. The pipe can absorb a effects do not drain any charges.
maximum of 13 charges at one time. If the pipe A character of any class who piays the pipe
drains further levels, they are simply lost. successfully gains a bard’s abilities to inspire his
allies and counter the effects of poetry or songs
used as a magical attack. Further, it can counter
Use the effects of other attacks based on sounds and
Making use of the pipe of Mordent is a simple influence reactions and negotiation. If the piper is
matter for anyone who is proficient at playing the a bard, the effects of these powers are doubled.
bagpipe. This skill is available as the rogue’s
musical instrument proficiency. Indeed, any
character who can play the bagpipe can play the
Curse
pipe of Mordent as if it were a normal instrument. The pipe of Mordent is renown for its appetite.
The pipe’s superior construction adds a + 1 bonus Whenever the pipe’s last stored charge is
to the character’s proficiency check. expended, the instrument immediately consumes
The pipe’s various powers are activated when the life force of every living creature within 30
specific tunes are played. Those who are not yet feet, save for the piper. It matters not whether
familiar with the pipe must discover which tunes those in range are the piper’s friends or foes.
activate each magic through simple research or Every victim is entitled to a save vs. Death Magic
through such magic as a legend lore spell. to escape the hunger of the pipe. Although the
Whenever a character tries to use one of the piper is immune to this effect, he must make a
pipe’s magical powers, he must make a powers check equal to the total number of energy
successful proficiency check on his musical levels consumed by the instrument.
instrument skill. A failed check means that the
magic simply doesn’t function. Each attempt to
use the pipe requires between 1 and 9 rounds. Destruction
It has been said that the only way to destroy the
pipe of Mordent is to sprinkle it with the tears of a
Powers banshee. Whether this is true remains to be seen.
Once the character has learned the tunes that
activate each of the pipe’s powers, several effects
can be produced. Each of the pipe’s powers is
Legends
activated by a different tune. The number of Legend reports that since the bones are elven in
charges expended by each power follows in origin, they are especially effective against elves.
parentheses. The spell-like powers of the pipe of What would be the effect of replacing the
Mordent include: taunt (1 ), deafness (2), chanters with bones of other races?
unearthly choir* ( 3 ) ,confusion (4), shrieking- Grim ghost tales sing of many arcane songs
walls* (5),repulsion ( 6 ) ,banishment (7),Otto’s that produce dread effects on this pipe. There is
irresistible dance ( 8 ) ,and wail of the banshee* the melody of madness a medley that invokes a
(9). (Spells marked with an asterisk “*” are found berserker rage in the listeners. Then there is the
in the Tome of Magic.) d a m e macabre a haunting refrain that animates
The number of rounds required to play a tune is an army of the dead, but ends with the death of
equal to the number of charges consumed. Thus, the piper. And last, is the symphony of souls, that
it requires 7 minutes to play the tune that triggers consumes the living spirit. Rumor has it that if it is
banishment. The proficiency check is made when played backwards it summons maddened spirits
the character begins to play the pipe. of former victims and may unmake pipes.
For all the ghastliness of the tome’s cover, once H
is opened, it invites the reader to become isn-
mersed in its tales. The stories were copied by a
masterful scribe working closely with a wizardly
creator. As each tale was completed, the pages
on which it was written were imbued with mystical
power. A detect magic cast upon the tome will
reveal an overwhelming intensity of enchantment.
The tome’s cover gives a hint of the powerful
magics that were harnessed during its creation.
The wizard w h created the tome bound the life
energy of a champion into each story. The life
energy of a darkbrd of a long forgottetl domain
was stolen to seal the tome. It is his face that
adorns the cover of this infernal libram.

The tome does not store or expend magical

charges. However, its magical powers work only
once a day. During the rest of the time, it is
merely a book of engrossing fairy tales.
I

Oustruttion
Although the tome is extravagantly enchanted, it
is made of mundane materials. Although normal
h e the story veers from fires will not harm it in any way, any sort of
ced it the first time. magical fire may destroy it, at least for a time.
If the tome is destroyed, it will immediately
release the combined energies of its stories in a
single ferocious blast of energy. This blast will
permanently transform creatures within a one
whatever fairy t d e they ch mile diameter into characters from stories found
find themselves trapped in in the tome, randomly chosen by the DM. The
creatures are only transformed if the tome is
c m m thread in this destroyed-they are not also transported into one
n a t m of the plots and of the tome’s stories.
If the DM opts to use
traditional folktales, it
be m r e or less familiar with a l m s Lugunds
into which they are plunged. A de There are so many, varied accounts of the content
insert new plot twists and characters to the of this tome, that it may be there are many
stones, possibEy even changing the different volumes of this Study in Scarlet, each
In addition to being transparted a detailing a different type of story: fairy tale, fable,
friends, families, careers, and plans and ghost story, to name a few. If such is the
must cope with being transported a case, then a deadly danger lies in wait for the
own lives. The tome does not necessarily strive k~ unwary of our fair land.
match profession with profession or even gender Experiencing one of these haunting stories may
with gender. The heroes may become any fairy forever change the reader’s life. Van Richten
tale character, of any age and of any abilit’ reports that one comrade who had been caught
Many adventurers may find adjusting to a up in the book, but escaped, was plagued by
body even more challenging than adjustin constant nightmares in his dreams, until the story
unknown world and an uncertain fate. started to invade his very waking hours.
Also, part of the tome’s curse naturally The good doctor’s friend also had only a vague
the fact that only some of the heroes may understanding of what happened to those who
transported into the fairy-tale world. It is failed to defeat the story’s challenge. If they failed
believed that the tome was originally create they found they could not escape, for they were
allow its owner to travel into the stories, constantly drawn back into the story to play it
experience the tale personally, and transport him again. And these were not stories of happily eveL
back. Phrases or spells may originally have be akers. Even the nice stories had turned dark and
required to bring the owner back. Now, no one
the tome transports returns of his own volition, the
perhaps these commands may be tome? That remains uncertain. Perhaps that lost
soul is doomed to relive the story again and
anions whom the tome leaves behi again. Or perhaps the hero dies. In at least one
able to determine these triggers through case, it has been reported that new tales have
magical research, but transported appeared on the pages of this tome, tales retelling
ave no hope of discovering the the tragic story of a friend or champion. And
no simulacrum of the t m e exists in any of it perhaps that is the true fate of a failed champio
fairy-tale worlds. to forever become a part of the tome.
 assassins of the Zhentarim. They dispatched
agents to kill him. When these failed, the
Zhentarim chose two wizards to craft a magical
shield. Then they arranged for him to “discover”

Tyenn’s reflectiveshield is a small, 30 inches in

diameter and fashioned from brightly polished
steel. Indeed, no amount of use or abuse can
tarnish the gleam of the shield‘s face.
Tyenn’s reflectiveshield was created in a drow
forge using nefarious spells. After the shield was
formed, two leather grips were riveted to the
underside. These magically adjust themselves to

There are no command words or special gestures art lund its owner. In addition, there are other ,

required to activate Tyenn’s reflectiveshield. dr lwbacks to ownership of Tyenn’s shielp.

I Powers
is is the case with cursed items, whoqer picks
UF Tyenn’s reflectiveshield will find himelf
Ut- sble to rid himself of it. No matter how he tries,

I
Tyenn’s reflectiveshield is a shield +3. Its special tb shield will be subconsciously picked LIP.
powers have a great cost to use them. f the owner chooses not to use the shkld in
Any gaze attack directed at the wielder of the cc nbat, it will grow heavier with each pdssing
shield is instantly deflected away. Instead, it ro ind. This causes a cumulative penalty,of-1 per
strikes his nearest ally, affecting that character ro ind on his initiative and attack rolls.Ap soon as
normally. The new target of the attack is allowed thi shield is used in the combat, all pendlties
any saving throws he would normally be entitled. va iish. Once the character readies the shield for
Any breath weapon attack is blocked and fans cc nbat, he can not willingly discard it.
out amund him. This increases the intensity of the
attack upon the other members of the party in U’eistruction
range, requiring saving throws with a -2 penalty.
Missiles or thrown weapons aimed at one who 1nly in the drow forges of its creation capl
0
holds Tyenn’s shield are diverted before reaching I‘a n ’ s reflectiveshield be unmade.
their target. Instead they strike one of the owner’s
gaining a +1 bonus to their attack rdl.
61:
Cr e one is dependent on it. Some tales even
Each of the powers of this magical object has a re1#ate
. _ that the owner develom a new vulherability
side-effect dangerous or even deadly to those wiit hout the shield.
 he domain
Iof Odiare is
ad his influence into other lands. After all,
even if most of the toys he scattered were lost, a
few must surely find their mark. Like caltrops
sown before an advancing army, these horrible
measures objects would cause pain and suffering among
adults no matter the final outcome.

-’ north to south
it is hardly larger.
Although sometimes called an endless city, there
Maligno
The sinister lord of Odiare, Maligno, is almost
are less than 100 buildings within its borders. impossible to destroy. It is said that only fire and
At the heart of this diminutive realm, however, magic can unmake him, but the truth of the
is the vengeful automaton Maligno (pronounced matter is that even these destructive forces will
“muh-uc-noe”). Fashioned long ago by the toy not destroy him utterly. The destruction of
maker Guiseppe, this evil doll has become a Maligno’s body will not end this ghoulish doll’s
mockery of the artisan’s dream to create the menace, for his warped spirit will simply seek out
perfect doll. another toy to inhabit.
For Guiseppe did indeed realize his dream of It may be that Maligno’s final destruction, how-
creating the perfect doll, so perfect that it came ever that deed might be accomplished, would also
to life. He lived his remaining long years in misery strip the following items of their enchantments. Of
and repentance. For Guiseppe’s creation proved course, there is no way of knowing whether this is
vengeful and evil instead of loving and kind, as a the case as long as Maligno lives. The reverse
boy-or a doll-should be, and it eventually drew might even be true. It could well be that these ter-
its own creator under its spell. rible toys provide a refuge for Maligno’s essence.
Commanded by his creation, Guiseppe fashion- As long as even one of these items exists, Maligno
ed an army of living dolls (called carrionettes) may be impossible to destroy.
that turned on the adults of Odiare and killed
them. (See RM2. %e Created (#9414).) Other Creations
Though only the most deadly playthings are listed
Transformations hereafter, Guiseppe created many other toys.
Of course, there is much more b the life of the There have been many others mentioned that
master toy maker than this sad tale. Over the have found mention across the lands of the Mists.
decades of his life, Guiseppe crafted enough toys There are a great variety of animated dolls.
to fill his shop many times over. Without There are also animated hobby horses shaped
exception, these beautiful and delightful things like dragons or chimerae, a child‘s ball, a crystal
brought smiles to the faces of young and old ball filled with snow flakes that provides glimpses
alike. With the ascension of Maligno and Odiare’s of the future, toy drums and rattles, hoops and
incomoration into Ravenloft, however, many of sticks, scrying alphabet building blocks, wagon
se’ treasures became warped into things -of evil. baby dolls and baby carriages.
his section describes the magical items origin-
y created in the domain of Odiare. In some
ses, these item have been taken by adventur
who visited Odiare and then managed to escape
the land’s grasp. In other cases, however, it is
impossible to say what force transported these
items from that grim domain.
Dancing Men
- long the first of Guiseppe’s toys to be
,orrupted by the foul Maligno were the
dancing men. This collection of marionettes
originally brought joy and merriment to children
and adults alike. In recent years, however, they
have caused only suffering and anguish.
The dancing men look like a child’s marionette.
Each is an articulated doll suspended by black
string from a wooden crossbar. In the hands of a
skilled manipulator, the dancing men can move in
a disquietingly lifelike fashion.

Manufacture
The bodies of the dancing men were carved from
pine and carefully fitted together with bronze pins.
They are jointed at the ankles, knees, hip, waist,
wrists, elbows, shoulders, and neck. Each figure
is painted and outfitted to resemble a traditional
adventurer, so there is a warrior, a wizard, a
priest, a rogue, a psionicist and a fool. The
dancing men stand nine inches tall.
The figure’s strings are woven black horsehair.
The longest string is roughly 24 inches. The
horsehair strings are tied to metal eyelets screwed user to control the actions of a wizard, but not the
into the ends of the crossbars. actions of a priest or fighter. The fool is used to
The crossbars are also made of pine. The control a common man or woman.
crossbars are connected with a swivel joint that Second, control requires the acquisition of an
enables them to-6penand close like shears. item belonging to the intended victim. This item
must have strong physical or emotional ties to the
subject. In addition, the object has to be placed
upon the puppet as if it were a piece of the
1 he dancing men do not store or expend charges. marionette’s clothing or equipment. Thus, a lock
However, the dancing men don’t possess limitless of hair might be tied around the puppet’s waist
magic. From the moment the magic is activated, like a belt while a wedding ring might be placed
a dancing man will function for up to one hour. At on its head as a crown.
the end of this time, or when set down, the Once an appropriate object has been found and
marionette becomes powerless for 24 hours. made part of a puppet’s garb, the user need only
focus his thoughts on the intended victim and
manipulate the marionette to activate its powers.
Use Establishing control of a victim requires that the
The dancing men permit their user to control the user concentrate for one round. The victim may
actions of a person. However, in order to control make a save vs. Spell to resist the manipulation
another’s actions, certain conditions must be met. with a penalty of -4. The magic of the dancing
E a 9 dancing man can affect only a character men is effective against elves, half-elves, and
of the same class that it resembles. Thus, the related folk. Undead and other mindless creatures
dancing man in the image of a wizard allows its are immune to the effects of the dancing men.
Powers Pestruction
The dancing men give their user the ability to The dancing men’s enchantment makes them
manipulate the actions of another person. resistant to damage. They are immune to fire,
Because the use of a .dancing man employs acid, crushing, a flashing blade and most sorcery
sympathetic magic through an item that once (80% magic resistant). There are only theories of
belonged to the victim, range is not a factor. how these puppets may be destroyed. Indeed, the
However, the victim’s actions can best be method of destruction may vary for each puppet.
controlled when the user can see him. One thought is that the key to destroying these
Someone under the control of a dancing m a r l puppets lies in their strings. If their strings are cut
acts in a normal manner. A detect charm spell with silver scissors, for no other blade can cut
will reveal the enchantment, but, not even the them, the magic of the dancing man will dispel.
closest observation will detect the magical Other theories include using the toymaker,
manipulation. Guiseppe’s chisels to unmake the puppet, or the
Directing the victim’s actions once control is. use of an arcane flame. Another thought is that
established is simple. In order to make the subject destruction of the victim’s fetish on the puppet
move, the marionette is moved in a like manner. will be enough to break the link.
If the person operating the dancing man wishes to
make his subject speak, he need only speak
himself and the victim will echo his words.
Legends
At the end of an hour, the subject is freed of his The dancing men have had lasting effects on
magical servitude. He retains complete memory some of their subjects, particularly when used to
of all that transpired while he was dominated by control the same individual many times. The
the dancing man, but does not feel that he was marionette’s power to coerce their victims to take
acting under any form of coercion. No matter actions they would not normally take, coupled
what actions the subject was forced to take, he with the feeling that they acted of their own free
will believe them to have been his own choice. will, have driven some insane.
One important note about the power of the If there are six dancing men, might there not be
dancing men is the degree of control that they others to control children, animals or monsters?
bring over a victim. While other forms of mental Scholars caution to remain wary. Others may be
dominance cannot force a character to do made. Don’t believe that once these have been
something he would not normally attempt, any destroyed the world is free of this curse. There are
action can be forced upon someone under the many who aspire to become Guiseppe’s heir.
control of a dancing men. There are other diabolical puppets: whimsical
hand puppets that can animate the inanimate and
sinister shadow puppets that kill. Perhaps these
Curses are related to the dancing men.
When a person is commanded to perform an evil A fragment of one tale tells that one with great
act, he need not make a powers check. Instead, willpower can seize control over the puppet trying
the controller using the puppet incurs this check. to control him, to animate and attack its user. Still
The chance of failing such a check is increased another legend pruports that there is a master
by half. Thus, an action that would normally puppeteer somewhere who, through use of a
require a 10%check would require a 15%. blank dancing man, controls those who think they
The mental bond between the puppeteer and are controlling another with their dancing man.
his subject is so strong that the death of the latter At least one dancing man is known to have
may well slay the former. If a victim is killed animated to protect itself. Perhaps, that daning
while under controlled by dancing man, the man acquired its own intelligence. It could control
puppetteer must make a System Shock check or a person of its own volition without suffering
die as well. mortal consequences.
Peath-in-the-Box
erhaps the most frightful of the toys created

P by Guiseppe is this awful parody of a child’s

jack-in-the-box.Under the corrupting hand of
Maligno, it has become a most sinister relic.
When closed, the death-in-the-boxlooks like
nothing more than an old but still sturdy oaken
box with a rusty steel crank protruding from one
side. The surface of the box is skillfully painted
with dancing skeletons and other macabre forms.
When the crank is turned, a porcelain skull
faced clown springs from the box. The clown’s
clothes are torn, tattered satin of a harlequin. A
faint odor of carrion lingers about the box.

Manufacture
The death-in-the-boxwas fashioned from a fine
red oak for the box, painstakingly sanded and
painted to a bright, rich finish. He carved delicate,
festive images into the wood, then inlaid the
images with mother-of-pearl. But beneath the
corrupting influence of Maligno, the painting has
taken on a decidedly sinister tone.
The clown’s face and hands were molded of
fine porcelain. The clown’s clothing was
meticulously sewn from brightly colored satin and
Powers
fox fur. Lastly, a single silver bell, said to be of In the light of day or in the midst of a crowd, this
elven origins, was sewn to the tassel of the cap. toy does not manifest its powers. It appears to be
‘
The spring and crank mechanism were built to just a normal, though horrid little toy. But in the
endure, that the toy would operate well for years. dark of night or when operated in isolation, there
Indeed, Guiseppe’s toy mechanisms were said to is a 50% chance that its wicked powers activate.
rival those of many accomplished clockmakers. If this toy is consecrated to evil with blood, it
But, after its corruption the toy’s appearance will always manifest its powers when in isolation,
changed. The clowns became dancing skeletons, and 50%of the time in daylight or crowds until its
the porcelain face became a grotesque skull, and present owner dies. Then the method of activation
wicked talons replaced the delicate hands. returns to normal.
Each time the death-in-the-boxactivates, the
Dungeon Master may select what happens from
Use the following list or roll ld6.
This toy is operated by turning its crank. After
2d4 turns of the clanking crank and hearing its 1. Horror Check: All who watch the clown pop out
tinny macabre tune the lid pops open and the of the box see its eyes flash wickedly and hear a
deadly clown springs out. If used in isolation or at horrible, ringing laughter. They must make a
night, the clown manifests its evil nature. If the Horror check. The person operating the
box has been consecrated by sprinkling it with mechanism suffers a -4 penalty on his check.
blood of a murdered victim, it will manifest its evil Only those seeing the clown pop up are affected;
every time. just hearing the box’s music has no effect.
2. Rending Attack: The clown's wicked talons is called upon to make while he owns the death-
lash out at the person who opened the box. The in-the-box,whether that object is currently on his
clown's hands will stretch as far as six feet to person or not, is doubled.
reach their target. If the person is unassailable for
some reason, the clown will attack the nearest
vulnerable person. Each hand strikes with a
Destruction
THACO of 15 and inflicts 1d l 0 points of damage. Like the body of Maligno, the death-in-the-boxis
vulnerable only to magic or fire. However, only
3. Skeletons: When the lid pops open, 2d4 full- certain forms of attack will actually destroy the
sized skeletal clowns spring out and attack those toy. Most attacks will leave this foul toy
around the box. These are equal to Strahd unharmed. Those burdened with the death-in-the-
Skeletons (see MONSTROUSCOMPENDIUM: RAVENLOFT box must perfom a wearisome amount of
Appendix) and will fight until destroyed. research before they learn how to destroy it.
Only the flames of a funeral pyre can
4. Death Spell: When the clown springs out of the permanently harm the death-in-the-box.Other
box, it fixes its smoldering gaze on the nearest blazes, no matter how intense, have little effect,
person. That character must make a save vs. for the toy reforms after such damage.
Death Magic or suffer from a fatal seizure or Only certain spells will affect this toy. The
choking and be instantly slain. powerful sunray and energy drain spells are
effective against the death-in-the-box.If either of
5. Energy Draining: The person who activated the these spells is cast upon the toy, it will crumble
death-in-the-boxbecomes charged with entropic into a fine dust and be forever destroyed. Other
energy from the Negative Material plane. The usually destructive spells malform or apparently
next person he touches, whether friend or foe, is damage this toy, but after five turns, the death-in-
affected as if by an energy drain spell. The victim a-box will reform.
loses two levels.

6. Nothing: The magic of the death-in-the-box

Legends
does not manifest. However, the skeletal clown In the year of the Grey Wyrm in Falkovnia,
still springs from its hiding place, possibly court records report the burning of a witch, a
frightening unsuspecting onlookers causing a young lad accused of slaying his playmates with
Fear check. Failure results in the witness trying to black magic. Though the boy swore that he had
flee, or if unable to flee he suffers a penalty of -2 caused no harm, and that the foul deeds were
to all rolls and Armor Class, spells face a chance performed by his toy jack-in-the-box, the courts
of 25% minus the caster's level to misfire. For found him guilty and the execution carried out.
more drama, the DM may wish to have the victim Investigation found that those who had died had
make a System Shock roll or faint. bullied and beaten the lad, publically humiliating
him time and again. When the child came into
possession of the purported murder box, from
Curses some mysterious benefactor, one by one his
While many would argue that the powers of the tormenters either disappeared or died horribly.
death-in-the-boxconstitute curses, the magics of If, indeed, the lad did not perform these crimes,
this foul toy are every bit as dangerous to the user then it may be that this nefarious toy is possessed
as its obvious manifestations of evil. of its own dark intelligence and acts to protect its
Anyone who willingly takes possession of this owner by itself. That is a truly, frightful prospect.
item draws the attention of the most malevolent Another story tells of a girl, who possessed this
forces. This results in an increase in the toy, was abused by her step parents and died.
corrupting influence of the character's deepest After her death, it seems the box protected her
fears. Thus, any powers check that the character brothers and sisters. Her parents met grim fates.
The Porcelain Tops
ne of the more unusual types of magical

0 items created by Guiseppe is this assortment

of tops. Unlike his other creations, these tops
were never meant for the hands of a child.
Guiseppe created these for the woman he loved, a
delicate flower named Regina. The tops were
made of fine porcelain and appear quite delicate.
These tops are some of the earliest example of
Guiseppe’s work. Legend is that he created them
when still a young man.
Although each top is painted differently, all are
identically formed. All the tops stand just two
inches tall and are at their widest just over two-
and-a-half inches in diameter. Each top is glazed
with a beautiful glossy finish and painted with
delicately detailed patterns. Each of these tops is
associated with a specific month and reflect an
element or a school of magic. Only twelve are
known to exist, though there may have been
others made to serve another purpose.

Manufacture
Guiseppe made these tops by first crafting a
master pattern with a lathe and the most precise generates the magical vortex that activates its
measuring tools available. From this original a magical effect. When a top stops spinning the
plaster mold was cast. Into the mold a carefully vortex collapses in on itself and these effects
formulated clay slurry was poured. The exact vanish.
ingredients Guiseppe mixed into his porcelain are
unknown, but it is generally believed that some
impurity in the mixture was used to strengthen
Use
the tops and aid in their enchantment To activate the magical effect of one of these
When the tops had dried, Guiseppe fired them tops, it must be placed on a smooth, flat surface
with the aid of a local craftsman. They were then and set to spin. The tops are well-balanced and
glazed white, and fired again. The tops were then will spin for a long time, provided they are
lovingly hand-paintedwith twelve designs for the properly started.
twelve months of the year, and finished with a Making a top spin correctly requires a
coat of glossy, transparent enamel. Each hollow successful Dexterity check. If the check fails, the
top was then filled with a variety of arcane oils or top hasn’t been started correctly and will fall over.
potions and sealed with a silver cap. If the check is successful the top spins true. A
well-started top will spin for one minute plus one
minute per point the die rolled less than the user’s
Charses Dexterity score. If the die roll equalled the
These porcelain tops do not hold magical character’s Dexterity score, the top spins for only
charges. While they possessing residual magical one minute. Once set to spinning, the top creates
energy and detect as magical, they manifest their a magical vortex around it that inhibits anyone
powers only set in motion. The spinning of the top trying to touch it until it has spun its duration.
 February: This top is painted with delicate tracing
Powers of silvery snowflakes falling across a field of
Each of these magical tops has a special ability midnight blue. When it spins, the pattern seems
related to one of the shools of magic or the to depict a gentle falling snow. The top of
elemental schools. This special power manifests February is strongly tied to the magical school of
the moment the top is spun and continues as long Abjuration. When this top is set to spinning it
as the top whirls. creates a whirlwind of sparkling snow
When spun, each top causes a magical vortex This whirlwind devastates all forms of magic
to form in the air around it. These whirlpools of that are within its area of effect. As the votex ex-
mystical energy are spherical in shape and whirl pands, its power consumes the essence of magic,
into existence with a diameter of 10 feet. Each creating a magical dead zone. Within the area of
additional round the top spins, the vortex expands the vortex, magical spells and magical items will
by 10 feet. Thus, after 7 rounds, the vortex would not work, magical weapons lose their bonuses,
have a diameter of 70 feet. When the top stops and existing magical auras fail.
spinning, the vortex collapses in on itself. All. Magical items have a 10%chance of becoming
those within the active range of these vortices are permanently nonmagical for every minute that
subject to the magical effects of the top. they spend within this magical dead zone.
Artifacts, relics, and other very powerful objects
January: This top is painted with a sprouting seed may cease to function, but are never affected
motif, small golden kernals from which bud little permanently. And while this particular top is
green leaves and a closed bud. When spinning, immune to its own effect, the other tops are not.
some trick of the artist makes the seed appear to
be budding again and again. The top of January March: This top is painted with a splendid
is strongly tied to the magical school of webbing of interwoven colors. When set to
Conjuration/Summoning. When it is spun, this top spinning the colors blur together into an
causes a starry portal to form in the air around it. undulating rainbow. The top's magic is drawn
If the person spinning the top has a specific from the school of Alteration.
destination in mind when he starts it, the portal The spinning of this top unleashes a wild
will create an instant gateway to or from that nimbus of color similar in effect to that created by
location. The normal restrictions governing a prismatic spray spell. All within this area,
magical travel within Ravenloft still apply. except the person who spun the top, is struck by
If the spinner doesn't have a destination in an effect identical to the prismatic spray spell.
mind, then the portal leads to a random location. Any creature with fewer than 8 hit dice is struck
The Dungeon Master can select the destination or blind for 2d4 and all suffer one of seven different
assign odds to several locations and simply roll effects determined by the color of the ray that
dice to determine where the portal leads. strikes the victim. To determine which ray strikes,
The Dungeon Master should keep a few things roll ld8. Note the effects suffered if an
in mind when any character uses this top. First, appropriate saving throw is made.
the portal is visible and can be used by anyone
from either side. Also, the top can never be taken 1 Red Suffer 20 points damage if fail to;
through the portal. It must be left behind to Save vs. Spell for half damage.
continue to spin when its owner steps through the 2 Orange Suffer 40 points, save vs. Spell.
portal. Finally, the portal may remain open after 3 Yellow Suffer 80 points. save vs. Spell.
the characters pass through it, so pursuers may 4 Green Poison: save vs Poison or die;
be able to follow them. However, if a creature success still suffers 20 points.
attempts to step through the portal on the round 5 Blue Petrified; save vs. Petrify to avoid.
that it collapses, a save vs. Death Magic is 6 Indigo Insanity; save vs. Wand to avoid.
required or the traveller may suffer severe 7 Violet Gated away; save vs Spell.
amputation injuries and possibly death. 8 Two Roll for two rays only.
April: This top is painted with a lace pattern a lightning storm rages across its surface. This
reminiscent of a spider web sprinkled with top is linked to the elemental school of Air.
gleaming dew. When set to spinning it forms Once spun, this top creates a deadly storm of
pattern of spattering rain. April is one of the most gale force winds and lightning. For each round
dangerous tops. It is closely tied to the elemental that it spins, a stroke of chain lightning leaps from
school of Water. the top. Each round that the top continues to spin,
When this top is spun it forms a watery another lightning bolt is unleashed.
whirlpool. Every living creature, except the Each lightning strike causes 6d6 points of
spinner, caught within this whirlpool must make a damage. Targets are permitted a save vs. Breath
save vs. Death Magic or be instantly drowned. Weapons to reduce damage to half. The person
The water does not spread beyond the whirlpool spinning the top is never struck by its lightning.
and flood the surrounding area. Anyone caught
within the whirlpool for more than one round August: The surface of this top is decorated with
must make a new saving throw each round to gold, brass and copper inlaid solar disc. When the
escape. top spins, the pattern looks like a magical fire
roaring and leaping. This top is tied to the
May: This top is painted with an unusual lattice elemental school of Fire.
pattern similar to the facets of a cut gem. When The instant that this top begins to spin, it forms
spun this pattern appears to present an endless a ball of magical fire. Everyone caught within this
cascade of gems. This top is strongly tied to the flame suffers 4d6 points of damage unless they
elemental school of Earth. are immune to magical fire. A save vs. Breath
As soon as this top begins to rotate, it forms an Weapons reduces damage to half. All objects
energy sphere of glittering faerie lights that flit all within the sphere of fire must make a save vs.
about. This sphere alters the force of gravity in its Magical Fire or be destroyed. The fire created by
area. Within this zone everything is affected by a the top never harms the person who spun it.
reuerse gravity spell. When the top stops
spinning, its magic cease, causing everything in September: This top is painted with a roses
its area of effect that was not anchored to the nestled in a thicket of thorns. When it is spun the
ground to come crashing back to earth. pattern forms a twining briar with roses budding,
The person spinning the top is not immune to blooming and wilting before one’s eyes. This top
this effect, but may prepare himself to react to the is tied to the school of EnchantmentKharm.
sudden shift in gravity. When this top begins to spin, it radiates a
sphere of invisible energy that makes the very air
June: This top is decorated with a brightly- shift and shimmer like a mirage.
colored golden petals. When spun the patter Everyone within this magical aura must make a
takes on the appearance of a blooming sunflower. save vs. Spell or be affected as if by the spell
Gold leaf gilds it, making this top flash and Leomund’s lamentable belaborment, and will
sparkle as it spins. This porcelain top has been begin to discuss any subject of immediate
infused with magic from the school of Illusion. interest, often the top itself. As soon as the top
As soon as this top begins to rotate, a stops spinning, its magical effects end.
scintillating whirlwind of colors fans out from it.
Anyone caught within these spectral streams October: This top is enameled a glossy black, and
must save vs. Spell or be affected as if by a set with images of the phases of the moon. When
rainbow pattern spell, causing the victims to it is spun, viewers are treated to a most unusual
stand and gaze at the fascinating light show. The optical illusion of the moon waxing and waning.
spinner of the top is immune to its effects. Strong magics from the school of Necromancy
are focused within this top.
July: This top is adorned with an image of dark The moment that this top begins to spin, it
clouds and forked lightning. When the top is spun radiates an nearly invisible mantle of shadows.
 Anyone who comes into contact with this
top’s aura must make a save vs. Death Magic Curses
or will suffer the drain of one experience level While the powers unleashed by spinning a
or hit die instantly. Any creatures who spend porcelain top can be deadly, the tops bring yet
more than one round within the top’s aura must another danger to those around them.
make a saving throw every round, so it is Anyone who halts the rotation of any of the tops
possible to lose a number energy levels to this by any means, unleashes a powerful burst of
diabolical device. The person spinning the top magical energy. This magical energy expands
is not affected. into a space equal to the top’s sphere of effect at
the time it was halted.
November: This top is decorated with a strange The effect of this magical release is identical to
mosaic of autumn colors. When the top is spun that of a sphere of annihilation. Thus, everything
the pattern appears to be falling leaves of red, that falls within its boundaries is instantly
gold, and orange blown by an autumn wind. disintegrated, swept out of existence. No one, not
There is a strong bond between this top and.the even the person who spun the top, is immune to
magical school of Invocation/Evocation. this terrible effect.
When this top begins to spin, it creates a
sighing, nearly invisible sphere of frosty wind.
Any living thing that comes into contact with
Destruction
this wind must make a save vs. Death Magic or The only way in which one of these tops can be
be aged 10 years per round exposed to the destroyed is by halting its rotation prematurely.
wintry wind. A successful saving throw indicates The same surge of energy that destroys every-
that the subject was able to partially resist this thing around the top may annihilate the top itself.
effect, aging only 5 years. In either case, a In order to stop a top’s spinning, one must first
System Shock roll is required to avoid instant survive its magical vortex effects. Then, if the
death. The one spinning the top is not subject to item’s motion is brought to a stop, an item save
the effect. vs. Cold must fail or the top will implode.

December: This top is painted with a gleaming,

snowy landscape dotted with the emerald spires
Legends
of evergreen trees, rocky outcroppings and an Legends report that some victims of these tops
icy river. When spun, the pattern appears to have been overcome by confusion and dizzyness,
show a racing trip across a wintry wonderland. It verging on vertigo. In one case, the whirling
is tied to the school of Wild Magic. vortex swallowed the mind of its intended victim,
The instant that this top begins to spin, it leaving a hollow shell into which wicked spirits
creates a rippling aura, as if the air were a pool rush to experience the thrill of physical life.
of water into which a stone has been cast. Apparently the combination of each top’s
Any die rolls required of a character while painted pattern and the nature of the mystical oils
within the area of the top’s effect must add a within, transforms each toy into the perfect key to
random modifier to the check. The DM rolls ldlO one of the realms of magic. But playing with the
to determine the modifier. If the roll is even, the forces arcane is filled with peril. If mishandled the
modifier is a bonus. If the roll is odd, the modifier magic may go awry resulting in wild distortion or
becomes a penalty. Thus, a roll of 6 indicates a misfires of the intended effect. There have been
bonus of +6, while a roll of 7 indicates a penalty recorded instances of these tops magnifying or
of -7. If the roll being modified is a percentile decreasing the potency of their school’s spells.
roll, the modifier is multiplied by 5. Thus, a roll And in all cases, misuse of these sinister powers
of 6 would indicate a bonus of +30 forr a sets loose a magical cyclone causing all magic of
percentile roll. The one spinning the top is also its nature to backfire upon the spinner, wreaking
subject to this effect. havoc upon all caught in its sphere.
 l i n Soldiers
q e s e tiny warriors are easily mistaken as the
common toys they have been fashioned to
4 resemble. When originally created by the toy
maker Guiseppe for children’s delight, one had
merely to wind them up and gleefully watched as
them marched on parade. But the influence of
Maligno and the magical powers of the Demi-
plane of Dread have made them as deadly as
living soldiers.
I
Manufacture
It is believed that there are 24 of these dreadful
I constructs, all cast from the same molds. Half the
soldiers were painted in bright uniforms of red and
white, while the other 12 were clad in blue and
light gray.
As their name suggests, these soldiers are
I
made of tin. They stand exactly 20 inches tall and
are jointed at the knees, hips, waist, elbows,
shoulders, and necks. Their mechanisms are
highly sophisticated, intricate clockworks wound
using large keys protruding from the automaton’s
back.
Of the twelve red soldiers, eight are armed with The specific actions that a tin soldier can take
long swords and shields while four are equipped depend on its orders. Unfortunately, these orders
with crossbows. Eight of the blue soldiers are cannot be very complex. In fact, the order given
equipped with axes and shields, and the remain- to a soldier as it is released cannot exceed a
ing four carry ornate arquebuses. brief sentence no longer than five words.
I
1 Charges Powers
As mechanical devices, the tin soldiers do not Each of the different tin soldiers has special
have a fixed number of magical charges stored abilities that it can use in combat. Despite their
within them. Each time a soldier’s clockwork variations, however, the tin soldiers have a
engine is wound up, it will operate for 10 full number of things in common.
minutes. Safeguards designed into the clockwork None of the tin soldiers can be directly
mechanisms prevent the soldiers from being affected by a magical spell. Thus, a lightning
overwound. Once the clockwork is fully wound, bolt or flreball spell will not harm one. Of course,
the key turns freely, never damaging the engine. if a spell were used to create a normal rock fall,
the plummeting stones would affect the tin

1 Use soldiers normally.

The eight red swordsmen are equipped with
In order to ready a tin soldier for use, one simply razor-edged long swords. Anyone struck by their
winds up the key in its back, then sets it down weapons suffers ld4 points of damage. In
and giving it a little shove, off it goes. Two addition, the victim must make a save vs.
soldiers can be wound and released each round. Paralyzation or be affected as if by a weakness
spell for 2d4 rounds.
The remaining four red soldiers, each of which
Curse
is armed with a crossbow, are no less dangerous Many scholars have likened these soldiers to
than their sword-wielding counterparts. While mechanical golems. Indeed, they do have much
they inflict only l d 2 points of damage in melee, in common with those deadly abominations of
they are able to launch Melf's acid arrow at an science. Among the most notable similarities is
enemy. While they must make a normal attack an implacable resentment for their owners.
roll to strike their target, the acid remains Each time a tin soldier is wound and released,
effective for 3 rounds, inflicting 2d4 points of there is a chance that it will turn on its owner. The
damage per round. first time an owner winds a soldier, there is only a
The eight blue axemen wield dangerous blades 1%that it will attack, but this chance grows by 1%
that inflict l d 4 points of damage with each each time additional soldiers are wound and
successful attack. In addition, anyone struck by released. Thus, if the owner winds all 1 2 red
these weapons must make a save vs. Paralyzation soldiers, the chance of them turning on their
or be unable to move for 2d4 rounds. A s usual, owner is 12%. No amount of time will reduce the
elves and half-elves are resistant to such effects. chance that the soldiers will attack their owner.
The last of the soldiers, the four blue arque- If winding a soldier causes it to turn on its
busies, are by no means the least dangerous. owner, all the tin soldiers present instantly
While they inflict only l d 2 points of damage in become active-whether or not they are already
melee combat, they are able to discharge their wound-and attempt to destroy their owner.
firearms once per round of combat. These shots Soldiers that are already active will abandon their
function as magic missiles, unerringly striking missions to join in the attack on their owner.
their targets and inflicting 2d4 points of damage
with each shot.
Destruction
Although they are immune to magic, the tin
soldiers are not safe from destruction. Physical
attacks that reduce them to 0 hit points render
them inoperable, although they can be repaired. If
a soldier is reduced to -1 0 or fewer hit points, it is
assumed to be damaged beyond repair.

Legends
Folktales make vague reference to unexpected
variations in the ability limitations listed above. In
one case, a tin soldier was overwound and its key
accidentally broken. The mechanism would
rewind itself within 24 hours of running down, and
its last command became an overwhelming goal
for the diabolical device. It's continuing threat
only ending when it's mission was at last finished.
It has been suggested that the red and blue
soldiers are mortal enemies and may abandon
their assignments in order to confront and destroy
their enemy. Finally, several tales all hint that if
you melt a tin soldier there is a violent explosion,
and those caught within its blast may be
transformed into new tin soldiers.
Toy Nightmares

r ese unusual items were transformed when

Guiseppe’s hobby horses were brought into
the realms of Ravenloft. They appear to be
common, if somewhat sinister, children’s toys.

Manufacture
Each toy nightmare is fashioned from a yard-long
birch shaft, bleached white, with a horse’s head
mounted on one end. These hobby horses, once
brightly painted and caparisoned, transformed
into the evil countenances of nightmares.

Charges
Toy nightmares do not hold a number of charges.
Because of the manner in which they function,
any toy nightmare can be used only once.

Use
Toy nightmares are easy to use. One need only
wait till midnight and then slam the shaft on the
ground and the toy is magically transformed into
a nightmare, a wicked steed of hags. to serving powerful beings, they despise being
magically compelled to do so by mortals.
Powers
As mentioned above, toy nightmares are simply
Destruction
toys that can transform themselves into real After they have been transformed into real
nightmares (as described in the MONSTROUS nightmares, these creatures can be destroyed
MANUAL-tome). The resulting creature will obey through combat or other means. In their toy form,
its summoner for a total of 13 days and nights. however, they are invulnerable to anything except
a warp wood spell. Such magic instantly strips
Nightmare (1): AC -4; MV 15, FI 36 (C); HD 6+6; them of their enchantment and destroys them.
hp 30; THACO 13; #AT 3; Dmg ld6+4/ld6+4
(hooves) and 2d6 (bite); SA can set combustibles Lug ends
alight, paralytic breath (all within 10’ must make
a save vs. Paralyzation or be at -2 on their attack These evil toys are not just dangerous when they
and damage rolls); SD nil; SW nil; MR nil; SZ L (6’ are activated, but they may also cause their user
at shoulder); ML Elite; Int Very; AL NE; XP 2,000. to suffer fitful sleep filled with nightmares. And
tales relate that in some cases, these nightmares
may occur while awake as daymare delusions,
Curse causing the user to hallucinate.
After its period of servitude is over, the nightmare But the greatest danger for those who would
will turn on its master. While creatures such as command nightmares is coming to the attention
those summoned by the toy nightmares are used of the Nightmare Court in the Ninhtmare Lands.
 he master
craftsman,
Klorr, is
, best
known for
the
timepiece
that bears

- his name.
Created with
the aid of
unnamable creatures from the darkest planes of
existence, that item proved to be his doom. Thus,
while the timepiece of Klorr was the last magical
item that this brilliant artisan was to fashion, it
was hardly the first. Indeed, if it had not been for
his long years of painstaking work on these
earlier items, it seems unlikely that Klorr would
have possessed even a fraction of the knowledge
and skills that he called upon in the creation of
his final artifact.
The majority of Klorr’s early works were, as one
might expect, also associated with measuring the
passage of time. These pieces ranged from
sundials and hourglasses to water clocks and
metronomes. While most of these were either
mundane or touched with only the faintest of
supernatural auras, still others were fairly potent
magical objects.
Even the more powerful of Klorr’s earlier works
were not of great importance in the power-hungry
world of wizards and magic. As he grew more
knowledgeable about time and magic, however,
Klorr’s creations gradually grew in magical power.
It is known that Klorr remained intensely
attached to each object he made throughout his
lifetime. When it was possible, Klorr visited
wizards and potentates to whom he had sold
timepieces, evidently to assure himself that his
precious creation was being used and maintained
in accordance with his wishes. While no sage wise
in human behavior has, as yet, probed the depth
and meaning of Klorr’s intense and lasting
interest in his creations, it is easy to ascribe his
overprotectiveness to the craftsman’s desire for
perfection and his love for his work. After all, it is
said that a great artist puts a little of himself into
every object he makes. Perhaps this was even
more true in Klorr’s case.
The Hourglass o f Hlorr
ne of the most ornate and beautiful of Klorr’s
artifacts is his hourglass. Like the infamous
timepiece that bears Klorr’s name, this
magical object gives its owner partial control over
his passage through time.
The hourglass of Klorr resembles a standard
hourglass in shape, but it is made of the finest
and most costly materials. Fine, white quartz
sand sifts from the upper bulb to a lower bulb of

I
fine lead crystal engraved with delicate patterns
of woodland flowers. Its elegant stand is fashioned
of platinum and decorated with platinum ivy
vines. The hourglass ofKlorr is.a thing of beauty
that would be admired in the salons of even the
most sophisticated art lovers.
The hourglass is mounted on an central axle, so
one need merely rotate the crystal vessel by
twisting the axle’s handle to reset the hourglass. It
is not necessary to lift the hourglass.

Manufacture
Despite his mechanical skills, Klorr never mas-
tered the skills of glass blowing, nor did he
trouble himself to master other fields. When he
decided to craft this beautiful hourglass, he
Use
retained a gnome craftsman to make the crystal To activate the magical powers of the hourglass of
vessel. The crystal was then etched by an elven Klorr, one need merely rotate the crystal vessel at
master, who recreated the delicate chaos of the end of the hour while speak the arcane words
wildflowers and woodland vines. The sand within fashioned into its base. It is not necessary for the
the crystal was the finest white sand that KIorr words to actually be heard for the power to be
could buy. invoked, but the user must form the words with
Klorr commissioned the stand’s platinum his lips. For the next hour the hourglass’s powers
framework to be built by a master dwarf met- are invoked. The hourglass’ powers stop instantly
allurgist named Vard, who engraved his name on at the moment that the last grain of sand falls.
the framework’s base. But Klorr reserved one of
the most important tasks for himself, carefully
twining the enchanted platinum wires into an
Powers
arcane lattice resembling a woodland thicket. Activating the hourglass’ magic alters the user’s
perception of time. From his perspective,
everything slows tremendously. This effect begins
Charges the instant that the first grain of sand passes
The hourglass does not store or use magical through the opening between the bulbs.
charges. However, its magical powers can only be This effect is similar to that of a haste spell, but
invoked once per day. After that, the hourglass the subject functions at a greater speed than that
measures the passing of time, but manifests no spell confers. The character’s normal rate of
magical effects until the next day. action is tripled, in effect allowing him to take
three actions per round. The first action is made
before any other character can act, the second is
Destruction
made during the normal course of the round as Despite its fragile appearance, the hourglass of
usual, and the third is made after every other Klorr is invulnerable to normal damage. Elec-
character has acted. Unlike a normal haste spell, tricity, fire, cold, and physical attacks will not
the magic of this hourglass permits its user to harm it in any way. But just as the hourglass has
cast spells at an accelerated rate. The effects of some power over the flow of time, so does time
spells on the accelerated character, however, are have some effect on it. If an age object spell (as
reduced to one-third as long than usual. described in the Tome ofMagic) were cast upon
the hourglass ofKlorr, it would instantly crumble
into dust, forever destroyed.
Curse
The use of the hourglass ofKlorr is not without its
hazards. Each time its magical powers are in-
Legends
voked, the user must make a save vs. Spell. . Klorr's apprentice fell victim to the curse of the
Success indicates that the use of the hourglass is hourglass, but instead of aging, he fell out of sinc
no more harmful than the casting of a haste with time. Only those invoking the hourglass'
spell-that is, the user ages one year. A failed power may see his ghostly form, doomed to
saving throw, however, can be disastrous. At the haunt this treacherous artifact of time.
instant that the last grain of sand falls, the owner Others failed to control the hourglass, but met
ages 10 years. Further, he suffers a temporal different fates, such as being permanently
whiplash that causes him to behave as if under slowed, lost in time, or set to bouncing through
the effects of a slow spell for the next 24 hours. time as one might skip a stone across a lake.
Hourglass o f Souls
he hourglass ofsouk is an item unique in all

T the lands of the Mists, perhaps in all the

multiverse. Constructed at the behest of the
archmage Azalin, years were spent researching
the creation of this hourglass. Azalin himself
devoted no less than a full year of his time.
The hourglass’s framework is made from
human and demihuman bones delicately carved
with a mocking skull motif. Its crystal vessel,
lightly etched with faint images of wraithlike
faces, is of the finest crystal that can be found in
all of Ravenloft.
Not sand, but deep red blood flows within the
vessel, marking the passage of one second with
each drop. A skull rests in one bulb of the crystal
vessel. This skull has been so contorted and
warped by Azalin’s powerful magics that it is
impossible to tell what race its original owner
was. Hidden from sight within the skull is a still
smaller skull, fashioned of crystal. Despite its
grisly features, the hourglass seems eerily
delicate and beautiful.
When the hourglass was completed, Azalin set
it in an unregarded corner of the Black Vault.
There it exhibited a faint silvery glow to entice, somewhat grisly fashion. The entire hourglass
then entrap those who sought to plunder his must be picked up and turned to start the flow of
storehouse. blood from one bulb of the vessel to the other.

Manufacture Use
Azalin spent over a year selecting the bones for The hourglass must be be turned over by a
the hourglass’s frame from victims he had wizard as he speaks the phrases etched in the
tortured in the dungeons of the Grim Fastness. base of the frame backwards to invoke its
He distilled and enchanted the blood that flows magical powers. When the hourglass is turned
through the vessel. This blood was siphoned over by a wizard, the blood begins to drip onto
from the veins of paladins and priests of good the skull in the lower vessel. As the first drop
who were captured within the domain of Darkon. splashes onto the skull, the wizard who turned
Azalin even oversaw the glassblowers as they the hourglass gains the benefits of its powers.
crafted the vessel, and as they secured the crystal Reading the arcane phrases as they are written
with its skull in place. without reversing them results in whoever
intoned those words to have three experience
levels and hit dice drained, as if by a vampire.
Charges When the last drop falls on the skull, the
The hourglass does not store or use magical hourglass automatically flips itself back over and
charges. It operates like a normal hourglass the benefits flee, while its powerful curse takes
when turned over by anyone except a wizard. It affect for the second hour.
marks the passage of an hour, although in a
 In addition, when that first hour is run, the
Powers hourglass affects the wizard with an energy drain
The hourglass keeps time as accurately as any spell. The hourglass‘ immediately drains one life
well-crafted hourglass would. Beyond this, when energy level from the wizard. This effect works at
its magic is invoked, it grants the wizard who any distance, no matter how far the wizard may
started the black blood to flow, the powers and have traveled from the hourglass.
spells of a 20th-level wizard. The drained energy is stored inside the crystal
In addition to changing the character’s attack skull. The purpose of this hourglass, was to steal
rolls and saving throws, this grants the wizard the magical and life energies from wizards and their
maximum number of spells that he or she would magical arsenals. Azalin enchanted the hourglass
have as if the day was beginning. The exact spells with an alarm spell which alerts him when the
received by the character should be selected by hourglass has gathered the full complement of
the Dungeon Master based on the needs of the energies that it can hold. Azalin spent years
adventure and campaign. Whatever they are, the perfecting his mechanations to collect a vast
wizard is also gifted with complete knowledge of supply of energy, but for what purpose, scholars
the magical boon that has been granted him. can not say. Perhaps his goal is to perform some
The enormous powers of the hourglass are not difficult and dangerous magics designed to
always available for the taking, however. The increase his power using the purloined lives.
powers of the hourglass can be triggered only
once each seven-day period. Any attempts to use
the hourglass before the last second of that
Destruction
seven-day period is up have no result whatsoever. The lich lord strove mightily to make the
hourglass proof against those who would destroy
it. Only a wish can unmake it-although the
Curse hourglass will withstand the wish of a wizard
When the last drop of blood splashes into the benefiting from the item’s dark powers.
lower vessel, the hourglass’ powers desert the
wizard who turned it over. Damage suffered while
at the higher level is applied to the character’s
Legends
normal hit point totals. This may prove fatal if the Some plot more dark and sinister than any
character has suffered some great wound. devised by the Master of Ravenloft, Count Strahd
The end of that hour also sets in motion a host von Zarovich, is at the root of this vile hourglass.
of problems for the wizard. For just as the To what end could Lord Azalin possibly put his
hourglass supplied the wizard with enormous treasure store of purloined life and magical
powers during the first hour, so it drains the energies? Did he not learn from his failed gambit
wizard of his powers for a second hour. of the Grand Conjunction?
To begin, the hourglass does not just strip the Whatever his goal, several matters are worth
wizard of all the spells it conferred, but it also considering regarding this grim relic. First, the
strips him of all the spells he had memorized that black blood that flows within this gruesome
morning as well. The hourglass also strips the hourglass eddies and swirls with an unnatural life
wizard’s magical items of their powers and even of its own. Perhaps those who have lost a piece of
erases the writing in his spell book for the space their life to this artifact may recover it by drinking
of the second hour. Any magical item the wizard a part of the dark blood. And perhaps, the
touches during that hour is likewise stripped of replacement of that blood with holy water may
its powers until the end of the hour. For the full bring about a renewal of life rather than the
hour after he received the benefits of the feasting on champions.
hourglass, the wizard is entirely bereft of his If the hourglass ofsouls drains life and magic,
powers and has no way to replenish them until might its lust not be limited to good spirits, but
the second hour is up. just be consumed with a need to feast on life?
Moondial of Hlorr
erhaps the most sinister of Klorr’searlier

P creations is his dreadful moondial. Fashioned

to tell time by the movement of the sun
about which the master clockmaker’s world
revolved, it has since become a malevolent thing
of the night.
Physically, the moondial is a one-inch thick
disk of bronze, slightly larger than 12 inches in
diameter. The disk is numbered from 1 to 13 in
the numerals of Klorr’s homeworld. A gnomon
made in a sweeping triangular shape reminiscent
of a shark’s dorsal fin casts a shadow upon the
disk to indicate the time.

Manufatture
By many standards, the creation of Klorr’s moon-
dial was not a demanding process. Both the disk
and gnomon were cast of bronze, and Klorr en-
graved them with the astrological symbols of his
world’s fifteen constellations.
Klorr then soldered the dial and gnomon
together and mounted them on a three-foot-tall
pedestal of black marble. Dozens of diamond
chips, which twinkle in even the faintest light, are
set into the marble, making the pedestal resemble
Use
a star-filled sky. Invoking the moondial’s various powers is not
Over the years, the bronze of the moondial has difficult, requiring only the utterance of a few
become encrusted with verdigris. With a little simple command words. Discovering those
careful cleaning, however, it could be restored to commands, however, can be next to impossible
its original splendor. without exhaustive research or magical
divination. The command words, together with
the powers they invoke, are listed in the next
Charges section. Each command word can take effect
The moondial can be used seven times before its only during a certain phase of the moon, and its
energies are exhausted. When its energies are utterance at other times has no effect at all.
spent, the moondial can be recharged by placing Once a command word has been learned, the
it under the light of a full moon for seven hours. user need only place his fingertips on the edge of
It is impossible to recharge the moondial until the moondial’s brass dial and, as the light of the
all seven charges are expended. And attempting moon throws the gnomon’s shadow across the
to charge the moondial for less than a full seven dial, speak the commands. The command’s exact
hours has no effect at all. effect depends on the phase of the moon
The moondial detects only vaguely as magical illuminating the dial, but the position of the
in the light day or beneath the canopy of night. gnomon’s shadow is of no importance. Each of
But when the moon rises, Klorr’s moondial the phases, and its effect, is presented in the
becomes a raging beacon of magical energy. “Powers” section.
 9

Full Moon: The brilliance of the full moon in the

Powers sky is matched only by that of the sun. Whenever
The moondial has ten different powers. Eight of someone uses the moondial to harness the full
these are tied to the phases of the moon. The moon’s powers by speaking the command word
last two abilities, which are by far the most strahlen (pronounced “SHTRAH-]en”), he is trans-
powerful, can be used only during lunar or solar formed into a thing of powerful magic deadly to
eclipses. The phases of the moon, the command creatures of the night. From the moment the
words, and the moondial’s powers are as command word is spoken until the rising of the
follows: sun, the user is infused with a radiance that
duplicates the powers of the sunray spell.
New Moon: The power of the new moon is
invisibility, and it is activated by speaking the Waning Gibbous Moon: After passing its brightest
word unsichtbar (pronounced “oon-ZEESHT- phase, the moon’s power wanes only slightly. If
bahr”). If this word is uttered when the phantom someone taps the power of the waning moon by
rays of the new moon fall upon the moondial, touching the edge of the moondial and speaking
the speaker will vanish, remaining unseen until the word heilen (pronounced “HY-len”), he will
the coming of the dawn. Attacks will not negate become charged with the moon’s healing
this invisibility as they do with the spell. energies. From that moment until the rising of the
sun the next morning, the user of the moondial
Waxing Crescent Moon: If the word scharfe (pro- will regenerate 3 hit points per round, even after
nounced “SHAHRF-Uh”) is spoken while touching death. Only the total destruction of the charac-
the rim of the moondial as it is bathed in the ter’s body, as through a disintegrate spell, will
light of a waxing crescent moon, a magical aura prevent this magical healing ability.
settles over the user. From that moment until the
coming of the dawn, any edged weapon that the Last Quarter Moon: As the moon enters its last
user wields gains the magical properties of a quarter, its powers change. To capture these
sword o f sharpness. energies, the command word fliegen (pronounced
“FLEE-ghen”) must be spoken. From that moment
First Quarter Moon: Under the rays of the first until the time the sun first passes the horizon, the
quarter moon, the moondial has the ability to character will be able to fly as if the spell of the
bestow a powerful magical ability upon its same name had been cast upon him.
owner. When the light of the first quarter moon
shines upon the moondial and the command Waning Crescent: When the moon lapses into its
word sGrken (pronounced STAHRK-en) is spoken, last phase, the powers of darkness are ascendant.
magical strength flows from the moondial into With the speaking of the magical word gespenster
the character. This newfound strength exactly (pronounced “ghes-PEN-shter”), the character
duplicates the wizard’s spell of the same name can use these powers to assume a ghostly state.
and lasts until the sun rises above the horizon. Until the coming of the dawn, he is treated as if
affected by the wraithform spell.
Waxing Gibbous Moon: After the moon passes
its first quarter, its powers grow rapidly. By Lunar Eclipse: During this rare time when the
touching the moondial and the speaking the shadow of a planet falls across its moon, the
magical word zauberspruch, (pronounced speaking of the word zerstoren (pronounced
“TsAu-ber- shpruhk”) the user may infuse “tSehr-SHTOOR-en”) transforms the user of the
himself with the radiance of the moon. This moondial into an instrument of absolute
power causes all who come into physical destruction. For the duration of the eclipse, which
contact with him to react as if affected by a is assumed to be roughly fifteen minutes, the
charm person spell. This effect remains until the character’s merest touch has the same effect as a
rising of the sun. wizard’s disintegrate spell.
 Solar Eclipse: The moondial can be used during
solar eclipses, when the body of the moon passes
briefly across the face of the sun. Because of the
great magical power to be gained (see the
“Destruction”section) using the moondial during a
solar eclipse is very dangerous. In order to capture
the power of the moon at this time, extreme care
must be taken. A solar eclipse is assumed to last
for fifteen minutes. During this time, the speaking
of the word seele (pronounced “ z E E - ~ u ~ )charges
the character with energy from the Negative Mater-
ial plane. For the duration of the eclipse, his touch
has the same effect as the energy drain spell.

Curse
I Those who employ the powers of the moondial
fall increasingly under the influence of the moon.
a
Each time the moondial’s powers are invoked, a
save vs. Petrification is called for. If the check is
failed, the character is altered.
After the first failed saving throw, the character
gains infravision with a range of 60 feet. Charac-
ters who already have infravision gain an addi-
tional 60 feet of range.
A second failure further enhances the charac-
ter’s infravision, enabling him to see another 60 falls out until he is bald from head to toe. The char-
feet further. But daylight becomes painful for acter loses two points of Charisma with every
these characters. Whenever the user must work in failed saving throw after the second.
sunlight or an artificial light of similar brightness,
he suffers a -2 penalty to all rolls. Destruction
A third failed saving throw transforms the moon-
dial’s user into a nocturnal being. His eyesight is Perhaps predictably, the moondial is extremely
permanently altered: He can see normally in all but vulnerable to sunlight. If exposed to the rays of
absolute darkness, but sunlight becomes unbear- the sun, the moondial loses one charge per hour.
able. Not only does it cause him pain and impose On the turn after its last charge is expended, it
a -4 penalty on all rolls, but it burns his flesh for glazes with tarnish and will not function unless
1d6 points of damage per round. cleansed by holy water beneath the light of the
Each failed saving throw beyond the third new moon. If left beneath the full sun for a year
increases the die roll penalty by -2 points and and a day, it will crumble to dust.
increases the amount of damage the character If a character tries to tap the powers of the
suffers from exposure to direct sunlight by moondial during a solar eclipse, he must act
another ld6 points. quickly, taking extreme care to allow only the
In addition to the worsening the effects of the light of the corona to fall upon the moondial. Bad
moondial’s curse, all additional failed saving timing risks the moondial’s destruction.
throws cause the character’s form to alter. His skin
grows whiter and gradually becomes translucent,
his eyes grow larger and paler until they resemble
Legends
the sightless orbs of a blind fish, and his body hair None are recorded of this night haunted relic.
Water Clock o f Klorr
n unusual object, the water clock of Klorr was

A made after a long voyage that the artisan

took as a youth. To refine his manners as
well as his craftsmanship, Klorr’s family arranged
for him to study with a master craftsman in a
distant land. During the year and a half that Klorr
spent in that eastern realm, he was impressed by
the unusual timekeeping devices employed there.
When Klorr returned home, he built one of
these devices for himself. The water clock is a
series of six stone basins, each with a brass drain.
Chimes hanging from a support above the basins
sound every two hours. The twelfth hour is .
sounded by the striking of every chime in a
resplendent cacophony.

Manufacture
The manufacture of the water clock of Klorr was
surely a difficult undertaking for a young artisan.
The basins were constructed from a single three-
foot cube of granite. Klorr began by carving the
granite into a series of six separate circular slabs
and a final reservoir supported by a central
granite pillar. When this rough work was done,
Klorr painstakingly shaped each slab into a basin
Charges
that would hold a specific amount of water. The supernatural powers of the water clock do
He next added brass spigots to the lip of each not require charges to function. Its magical
basin. Each spigot was of a specific diameter, and energies are activated when water first begins to
allowed water to trickle down to the next level at a flow and its magical properties cease when the
given rate once the basin was filled. The weight of chimes have finished ringing the twelfth hour.
the water opens the spigot-ach spigot being Further, the water clock only detects as magical
either fully opened or closed; no intermediate when the water is flowing. Otherwise, it seems to
settings are possible. be nothing more than a bizarre sculpture.
A bronze ewer suspended from a decorative
framework in the shape of an elven maiden dis-
penses water from the top of the clock at a steady
Use
rate into the uppermost basin. It requires two The water clock begins to keep time when the
hours for each basin to fill. elven maiden’s bronze ewer is filled to the brim
Every two hours, a float in the filled basin rises and tipped over. The clock’s supernatural
far enough to trigger a series of chimes. All told, it energies activate the moment when the first drop
requires 12 hours for the water clock to complete of water from the ewer splashes into the first
its cycle. At the end of the complete 12-hour basin. There may be unknown command words
cycle, when the last basin is filled, the final float that activate heretofore undiscovered powers, but
triggers all the clock’s chimes at once. The water none have been identified at this time.
is then drained into a pitcher and the ewer on top Periodically, the brass spigots need to be
refilled to begin the process again. cleaned of lime to keep the timing correct.
 of the methods for measuring the lapse of human form. If this roll fails, the character is
have, 1 believe, been the contrivance of trapped in the water elemental form. In addition,
nks and religious recluses, who, finding the shock and pain of the aborted transformation
ime hana heavv on their hands. were at somc drives the character insane, reducing his Intelli-
gence to that of a wild beast.
If the water clock is destroyed before the char-
William Hazlitt acter who filled it has undergone the complete
12-hourtransformation,the character is instantly
affected as though the twelfth hour was chiming,
becoming a 20 Hit Die water elemental. The
player must also make a System Shock check. If
Powers it succeeds, the character is merely trapped in the
The magic of the water clock of Klorr bestows a water elemental form, becoming insane. If the
series of increased abilities upon anyone who fills check fails, the character’s elemental form bursts
the elven maiden’s ewer. As each basin fills with like a bubble, dissolving into a formless pool of
water in turn, a new power manifests itself. water. The character cannot be ressurected.
As soon as the first drop of water splashes into
the water clock’s first basin, the character who
filled the ewer is transformed into a 10 Hit Die
Oustruttion
water elemental. Unlike other water elementals, The water clock of Klorr exists simultaneously on
those created by the water clock are not restricted both the elemental plane of Water and the Demi-
in their movements on land, nor are they required plane of Dread. On the Demiplane, the water
to stay near a large body of water. clock is all but invulnerable to harm. While very
When the first chime sounds and the second powerful magics, such as a wish or a disintegrate
basin begins to fill, the character changes again, spell might destroy the clock, nothing less will do
becoming a more powerful 12 Hit Die water the trick. On the elemental plane of Water, the
elemental. When the second chime sounds and water clock can easily be damaged or destroyed.
water begins to flow into the third level, the char- On that plane, the water clock can be destroyed
acter becomes a 16 Hit Die creature. This process with nothing more potent than a dispel magic.
continues, with the character gaining 2 additional
Hit Dice as each basin fills. Finally, as water
splashes into the last basin, the character
Lupnds
becomes a 20 Hit Die water elemental. Some say it takes an iron will to retain one’s own
When the final series of chimes sounds, as the mind when transformed into a brutal enchanted
water reaches the top of the lowest basin, the creature. Those with weak wills find their identity
transformation is instantly dispelled. At that permanently lost. Even should they retain control
second, the character resumes his normal form of their personality, they may not possess the
and powers. intellect to retain control of their new form and
instead they dissolve into formless water.
The tragedy of this power is manifested by the
Cursu danger the user presents to his friends and loved
The transformation of the character into a water ones. All that he touches is soaked with water.
elemental is physically torturous. When water first Paper and powders are ruined, cloth mildews and
begins to fill the top basin and the character takes rots, wood becomes soaked and soft, even
on the elemental’s form, he must make a System magical potions don’t fare well, for they are
Shock roll. Failure indicates that the transforma- transformed into water at the transformed user’s
tion has killed the character. touch. But the greatest danger is the user’s
A second check must be made when the last embrace. Again and again the tragedy is told of
chamber is filled and the character resumes his transformed user whose hold drowned his love.
 great
I number of
Good and Euil
I relics of The following two magical devices have remained
doom immune to the darkness’ corrupting influences.
were But this does not mean that they are safe to use.
mentioned The unwary will find that many hazards attend the
in a journal use of Kren’s brazier and distillery. But how
Kren’s magical constructions have managed to
resist the evil that infects so many other artifacts
in these dread lands is something that no sage
Several are merely has been able to answer.
common artifacts of necromancy, while strangely Certain individuals, and Lord Azalin is reputed
a few are in reference to actually beneficial relics. to be among them, desire to obtain these devices.
There were no records of where these magical Of course, the question of studying the brazier
items came from, or where they may currently be and the distillery may be of secondary concern to
stored. They are merely unkowns. such people. After all, mere ownership of these
powerful relics is often its own reward to scholars
and wizards-as well as the eccentric collector.
Tools oP the Trade
Among the oldest professions practiced by man-
kind is the gruesome job of the undertaker. While
The Druid Kren
the reputations of morticians and their ilk varies There are those who say that Kren is no longer
from place to place, all carry the aura of death. among the living. Some stories say that she met
Even in the domain of Har’akir, where the dead an untimely, brutal demise at the hands of Strahd
are revered, the priests who perform the von Zarovich. Others tell of her struggles in an
mummifications and burials are given a wide attempt to thwart a sinister plot hatched by the
berth. There is something about the undertaker’s dread Lord Drakov of Falkovnia. Either may be
friendship with death that brings a tingle of fear. true; both are mere rumor.
Here are listed a few of the most intriguing There are many who swear that Kren still lives,
magical items associated with the grim confines that she still works to protect the lands. For their
of the grave, the stygian darknesthat is death part, the mysterious Vistani have little to say on
and with the foul enchantments of necromancy. the subject. Still, a s they do not refer to Kren as
being among the dead, it seems that they might
believe her to be alive.
The Powers oP Nature A third possibility, one that is seldom
Legends of the great druid Kren are well-known considered by those who dwell in these dark
among those who make their home in Ravenloft’s lands, is that Kren has somehow managed to
core. This is especially true of the rangers and return to her home realm. If she has found a way
druids in the forsaken and often twisted wildlands. to elude the misty tendrils of darkness, it seems
It is known that Kren was not born in Ravenloft, unlikely that she will ever willingly return.
but was somehow drawn here, although no one
knows from whither. However it is, Kren has been
adopted by the lands as one of their own. For
many years, she traveled the lands and studied
the unique, and often horrible, flora and fauna of
makes death a hideou
our forests. During those years, she used her
druidic powers to create many magical items.
Arnold
Two of the most powerful are her great iron
(1 867)
brazier and shining crystal distillery.
 Caskets of the Damned
(ereare few who embrace the mortician’s
craft as did Amo Pesadilla, the famous
L Undertaker of 11 Aluk. While it is certainly true

that any city of I1 Aluk’s size has dozens of

undertakers, none was more well-known or
respected than Sefior Pesadilla. It was Pesadilla,
with his daily, intimate knowledge of death, who
built the 12 caskets of the damned at the order of
the dread Lord Azalin himself. The infamous
Kargat of Darkon has harnessed the powers of the
caskets’ for nearly two generations now.
These gleaming white caskets look much like I
any other coffin that a respectable family of com-
fortable means would select for a dear departed. n
While the caskets are certainly more luxurious
than is usual, their lushly cushioned interiors and
lacquered exteriors are not out of keeping with
the traditions established by the wealthiest of
Darkon’s landowners.

Manufacture
Several decades ago, a much younger Pesadilla
was visited by Colonel Veneno, then master of the
dread Kargat. Veneno demanded that, by the
command of Azalin himself, Pesadilla put aside
Charges
~
his regular labors and begin construction of a The powers of the caskets of the damned are
dozen caskets built to Veneno’s exacting drawn from the earth itself. Thus, the caskets do
specifications. Ordinarily, Pesadilla would have not actually store magical energy within them,
refused so demanding an assignment, but one although their enchanted nature can still be
does not lightly reject the requests of one’s lord. sensed with a detect magic or a similar spell.
The wood from which the caskets were made Instead of caching magical power, these
was cut from a darkling forest of unusually robust magical devices act a s magnifying glasses,
pine along the edge of the Shadow Rift. As focusing the latent energies of the grave-the
Pesadilla began to work on his assignment, same energies that fuel the powers of
Veneno presented him with the elaborate and necromancy-on the body within the coffin.
finely crafted brass handles, hinges, and other
fittings that were to be used in the making of the
caskets.
Use
What the undertaker didn’t know, as Veneno Triggering the powers of a casket of the damned
didn’t feel it was Pesadilla’s business to know, was is not difficult. The casket’s powers are triggered
that these items were made of magical metals the moment that the casket is lowered into the
formed with the aid of the dwarf vampire, Axrock. grave. Even a s dirt is cast upon it, magical
When affixed to the finished coffin, they imbued it energies begin to coalesce within. By the time it is
with magical powers closely linked to the dark completely buried, the casket has become a
and forbidden science of necromancy. magical inferno.
 Longer periods: If a person is left buried for longer
Powers than four weeks, his corpse crumbles away and
In simplest terms, the caskets of the damned are he is forever dead, beyond all hope of restoration.
used to create undead. The details of the pro-
cedure, however, are somewhat grisly. For the
departed must actually be alive when he is laid to
Curse
rest in the casket, and he must still be alive when It should go without saying that the entombing of
the casket is buried. The length of time that the living creatures is as evil an act as one is likely to
victim remains buried determines the monster commit. Any use of the caskets of the damned
that the casket creates. therefore requires a powers check. As a rule, such
a check should have at least a 25% chance of
One week: If the casket remains interred for failure. This check is made when the last handful
seven days, the “corpse” within will be of earth is tossed onto the grave.
transformed into some manner of zombie. If the As dangerous as failing a powers checks can
victim was a warrior, rogue, or other non- . be, however, there is a more immediate threat
spellcaster, he is changed into a mindless associated with the use of these dreadful boxes.
zombie. If a priest, wizard, or another type of Whenever one of these caskets is unearthed and
spellcaster was sealed into the casket ofthe opened, the Dungeon Master should roll percent-
damned, he becomes a ju-ju zombie. In either ile dice. There is a 5% chance per week that the
case, when released, the undead creature falls casket remained buried that the creature within is
under the complete control of the person who uncontrolled. If this is the case, the monster will
sealed him into the coffin. go berserk, attempting to destroy everyone and
everything in sight.
Two weeks: A week longer, and the victim will
become a ghoul or a ghast. The casket creates a
ghoul if the character was not a spell user; a
Destruction
ghast if the character could control some manner The caskets of the damned are difficult to destroy.
of magical power. As with the lesser undead Only the purifying flames of a funeral pyre will
created by these coffins, these ghouls and ghasts destroy them. However, attempting their
are powerless to resist the commands of the one destruction is not without risk, for the caskets’
who entombed them. magical energies and the torments they have
inflicted upon those interred in them have
Three weeks: Leaving a non-spellcasterinterred permeated them over the decades. Whenever an
within a casket for three weeks transforms him attempt to destroy a casket is made, there is a
into a wight; a spellcaster becomes a crypt 25% chance that the magical and psychic
servant (as described in the MONSTROUS energies liberated will create a pyre elemental (as
C o M P m x u M Annual: Volume One). In both cases, described in the MONSTROUS COMPENDIUM: RAVENLOFT
these monsters must obey the commands of their Appendix).
creator without question.

Four weeks: If an entire month passes from the

Legends
time of burial to exhumation,the person within Not merely humans and demihumans have been
the casket, whether he was a spellcaster or not, is imprisoned and changed into living dead within
transformed into a vampire. As an undead, he these foul caskets. Monsters and strange golem
retains all of the knowledge and powers that he chimerae have been raised into grotesque dead. It
had in life, as detailed in Van Richten’s Guide to is impossible to control these abominations.
Vampires.The vampire is fully aware and Those who use these caskets are fated to slay
intelligent, but must still obey the orders of its their loved ones. Time and again comes the tale
creator. of unrequited love forced into unliving bondage.
Linen of Mummification
owhere are the dead more honored than amid
the swirling sands of Har’akir. But, sadly,
there is also no place where the powers of the
undead are greater. For some reason as yet undis-
covered, the veneration of the dead in Har’akir
often serves to empower those miserable souls
who cannot find peace in their tombs. Indeed, the
powers of the linen ofmummification ensure that
the dead will not remain quiet for long.
Prior to its use on a body, linen ofmummifica-
tion seems similar to any other funeral shroud
found in the land of Har’akir. The linen must be of
such excellent quality that it has a faint sheen,
almost seeming to glow with its own inner luster.
But only a detect magic spell will reveal that this
fine wrap is really out of the ordinary.

Manufacturu
Linen of mummification can be created only by
priests who serve gods of the dead. While any
such cleric may attempt, subject to the normal
rules for manufacturing magical items, to create a
linen, it is most often attempted by those who
serve the gods of Har’akir. The followers of Osiris
and Nephythys are keenly skilled at the making Chargus
of these linens. Linen of mummification does not store magical
The creation of linen of mummification begins charges. It can be used only once. Linen of
with harvesting the‘flax from which the shroud mummification cannot be removed from one
will be made. Flax for a linen ofmummification vicyim and used on another.
must be specially grown in a blessed graveyard or
on grounds sacred to a god of the dead.
Once the flax is gathered, master weavers usu
transform it into the finest cloth possible. The flax Linen of mummification can only be used
is carded and bleached until it is the softest, properly in conjunction with an intricate funeral
purest white, then spun into a fine thread that is ceremony. This religious service must be held
woven into a delicate cloth fit for a god-king. If within a temple dedicated to a god of the dead. In
the shroud is being woven for a specific individ- the case of the ancient gods of Har’akir, the
ual, it is not uncommon for the weavers to ceremony consists of the following steps.
embroider an epitaph along its edges. First, the body to be mummified must be laid
After the linen cloth has been created, it must out on a stone slab within a temple consecrated
be enchanted. This process involves several to the same god who oversaw the growing of the
priests in a secret ceremony that requires the flax used in the creation of the linen. Often,
casting of the bless,animate dead, and harm though this is not required, the body is placed on
spells. Other aspects of the ceremony remain the the temple’s central altar.
closely-guarded secrets of those priests of the Once the body is laid out, the priest overseeing
dead who create these shrouds. the mummification inserts a long metal hook
 through the corpse’s nostrils and into its brain.
The brain is carefully withdrawn from the body
Curse
and stored in a canopic jar. When the brain has The most greatest danger when employing the
been removed, the interior of the skull is flushed linen of mummificationis maintaining a
with purifying palm wine.
Next, a long incision is made in the body’s left
flank. Through this slit, all the internal organs
except the heart are removed. These are treated
mummy’s loyalty. At first this is absolute, but it
does not remain so indefinitely.
Each month, when the moon is in the same
phase as when the mummy rose from the dead,
I
with palm wine and other purifying substances
before being stored in canopic jars.
The now-empty corpse is stuffed with medicinal
herbs, primarily myrrh and cassia, and immersed
there is a chance that the mummy will break free
of its master’s control. This chance is equal to five
times the number of months that have passed
since the mummy arose. Thus, a mummy that
I
in a bath of oils and resins for no fewer than 40 has been walking the earth for six months has a
days. At the end of that time, the incision on the 30% chance of rebelling.
left flank is sewn shut. (In mundane mummifica- A mummy that has broken free of its master’s
tion ceremonies, a small portion of this incision control is not compelled to destroy its creator.
remains open. When using the linen ofmummi- Indeed, the creature may continue to serve its
fication,however, the cut is closed completely.) former master for some time. Still, the fact that it
With that done, the linen of mummificationis was once an absolute slave is likely to make the
wrapped around the body. Specially blessed gum monster desire control over-or revenge upon-
is used to secure the linen to the body and to affix its former master.
a number of protective amulets. The body is then
placed in a sarcophagus. Scrolls on which
prayers for the dead have been written are placed
Destruction
between the body’s legs, and the lid of the casket A linen of mummificationis extremely fragile.
is sealed. When made properly, it is very thin and delicate;
When all is ready, the sarcophagus is placed in its enchantments do not strengthen it. If the linen
a tomb and left for three months. At the end of is not handled with care, it may easily tear.
that time, the tomb is opened, and the seals on The greatest danger to a linen of
the sarcophagus are broken. The lid is raised up mummificationis not its physical frailty, however.
’ and a raise dead spell is cast on the-body. If a linen ofmummificationis to exposed the rays
of the sun, it withers and turns brown almost
instantly. When this happens, all of the precious
Powers magic stored within its delicate fibers is lost.
If the ceremony described above has been done
correctly, the corpse within the sarcophagus will
now rise as a servant mummy or, if the deceased
Legends
was a priest who served the gods of death, he will In the process of preparing the body for interment
rise as a greater mummy. the priest may seek to improve on his subject’s
The mummy rising from the sarcophagus is natural skills, by replacing body parts with those
under the control of its creator. It must obey any of greater strength, swiftness, cunning, stealth or
instructions given to it, and it will not act in a skills. Using the linen to bind the body parts
fashion contrary to its creator’s best interests. together provides this use, but also a vulnerability
If the ceremony was incomplete, or some error should the linen be severed.
occured during the preparation of the body, Mummies often possess a fixation on the last
results are uncertain. It is likely that the body will topic that was foremost in their minds at death.
not rise again, but there is a small chance that the This fixation presents another vulnerability.
subject will regain a semblance of life. However, Finally, certain ceremonies can give mummies
the mummy will be out of control of the priest. special powers such as command of beetles.
The Spade o f Crave Digging
e origins of the spade of graue digging are
)st in the mists of time. Some say that it was
created by accident when a wizard attempted
to fashion a spade of colossal excavation. While it
seems likely that this is the case, no real proof
has been found in the matter.

Manufacture
The spade of graue digging does not appear
magical accept when it is plunged into the earth.
Anyone looking at it without a detect magic spell
will see only a common, well-used garden tool.
The spade's shaft was fashioned from length of
yew. The blade was hammered from a high grade
of steel and shows no signs of wear or rust.

Charges
The spade of grave digging is a permanent
magical item. Its magic does not falter with the
passing of time.

Use
The spade ofgrave digging is used just like a
Curse
regular spade. It is only when someone uses it to The magic of the spade can have deadly side
dig a grave that its magical powers are triggered. effects. Whenever the spade is used, there is a
As with the spade of colossal excavation, only a 10%chance that the soil removed from the grave
fighter with a Strength score of 18 or better can will rise up as a grave elemental per the
employ the spade as a magical item; it functions MONSTROUS COMPENDIUM: RAVENLOFTAppendk.
as a regular spade for everyone else.
Dustruction
Powers The spade is resistance to mundane damage but
The spade of grave digging allows its user to dig not to magical attacks or damage. It makes all its
a normal-sized grave (3 feet wide, 7 feet long, item saving throws as if it was made of metal.
and 6 feet deep) in just 10 minutes. (It takes 20
minutes to dig a grave in hard clay or gravel.)
After the grave has been dug, the character must
Legends
rest for 10 minutes before digging another. In Folklore has it that this spade transfers the energy
other words, the character may dig for one turn, of those it buries to the gravedigger for 24 hours.
must rest for one turn, may dig for a second turn, It certainly creates a morbid fascination with
then must rest for a second turn. Filling the death in its owner.
grave after the body has been laid in it requires Lore suggests that it might confer the ability to
only one round of effort, followed by one round speak with dead on the gravedigger. And there is
of rest. a chance that those buried will rise as revenants.
Hren’s Brazier
or many years the druid Kren traveled with a

f tribe of Vistani as they roamed the Mists of

Ravenloft. How she might have come to be
accepted by these secretive people is unknown,
but it is common rumor that they considered her
their equal in knowledge and strange powers.
During her time among the gypsies, Kren
fashioned a grand brazier designed to be used
with different herbs, flowers, and other vegetation.
When properly employed, this magical item II
allows druids, rangers, and all those with the
herbalism proficiency to harness the powers of
nature. The brazier is not to be used lightly, for
those who are hasty or incautious may live long
to regret their attempts to harness the powers of
the natural world.
Physically, the brazieris quite simple. It is a
shallow basin of black iron some 40 inches in
diameter. The rim of the dish is incised with
mystical symbols representing the 17 signs of the
zodiac on Kren’s homeworld. The names of these
symbols would surely interest any scholar or
mage, but the Vistani seem to have forgotten
them. When in use, the basin must rest atop a
pentagonal base of onyx some two feet across
and one foot tall.
Use
Before the brazier can harness the powers of the
various plants that can be used in it, it must be
M-ifacture made ready. This preparation is not particularly
Tk,= ,,eation of Kren’s brazierwas a long and difficult, but it is somewhat time-consuming. The
difficult task. Perhaps the most challenging brazier cannot be used by characters who are in
aspect of the work was obtaining the iron from any sort of a hurry. First, a layer of charcoal
which the basin was created. In order to imbue made from an ash tree must be spread in the iron
the brazier with certain magical characteristics, it basin. The character must take care not to spread
was made with otherworldly iron. Just who the charcoal into the area of the rim with the signs
forged that great bowl is a mystery, though Kren of the zodiac.
told a tale of blind dwellers beneath the lonely Once the charcoal is readied, it must be set
mountain who were like dwarves and yet not a alight. This cannot be done with any normal fire,
dwarf at all. but requires some manner of magical spell. Any
Kren scoured the land for the meteoric iron spell that creates fire, from produce flame to
from which she would make the brazier. Even with dehyed blast fireball, can be used for this
the help of the Vistani, it took almost a year for purpose. Of course, the use of powerful spells can
Kren to find enough ore for the brazier. By have unwanted side effects.
comparison, the long trip to a hidden mine and The coals must be left to burn for 2d4 x 10
the calculation and sculpting of the demanding minutes before they are ready. During this time,
geometries of the enormous onyx base were someone with the fire-building proficiency must
almost child’s play. be on hand to tend them. At the end of the

$9
preparation period, the character tending the powers that folklore has traditionally ascribed to
coals must make a proficiency check. Failure certain plants are readily available in most
indicates that the coals have not burned evenly bookstores and libraries. With such a reference
and the preparation process must be started work, the possible uses that characters can find
again. Success indicates that everything is ready for Kren’s brazier are almost limitless.
for the working of the magic.
At this point, the character who wishes to use
the brazier need only toss a handful of herbs,
Curses
flowers, or the like onto the coals. As these are While many plants produce beneficial effects
consumed, their magic is released and the when cast upon Kren’s brazier, others do not. For
supplicant will be enchanted. example, a handful of poison ivy tossed upon
The beneficial effects of each plant or herb are these coals releases a cloud of smoke that affects
described in the “Powers” section below. One everyone within 50 feet of the brazier as with an
handful of herbs or plants must be employed per irritation spell. To make matters worse, the effects
Hit Die of the target. In all cases, spell effects of this curse do not fade with the passing of time.
created by the brazier function as if they had been No matter how far the afflicted characters may
cast by a 20th-level wizard or priest. In cases travel and no matter how much time elapses, the
where the spell is to affect a specific person effect does not dissipate. Only a dispel magic or
(other than the supplicant) and the subject is not rernoue curse will ease the suffering of those
present, an item belonging to that individual must affected.
be thrown onto the coals along with the herbs or Whenever the characters toss a new type of
flowers. For example, if the character using the plant onto the brazier,the DM should roll percent-
brazier wishes to cast a charm person spell on the ile dice. If the roll is between 01 and 25, then no
local constable, he might filch the constable’s magical powers are unleashed. A roll of 26 to 75
comb and toss it on the fire along with the indicates a beneficial magical property has been
appropriate herb. discovered. If the roll is 76 or higher, a dangerous
Once a power of the brazier has been invoked, magical property is triggered. In the last two
it may be called upon at any time within the next cases, the exact effects are up to the Dungeon
24 hours. At the end of that period, the magic Master.
dissipates even if it has not been used. If the
brazier is used to affect ability scores or saving
throw bonuses, the bonuses remain in effect for
Destruction
the entire 24-hour period. Kren’s brazier is not only a strange and myster-
The brazier can enchant a character with only ious magical device, it is also a well-constructed
one magical power at a time. If a second power is and durable object. Even without the natural
invoked for the same character, the effect of the invulnerability that powerful magic tends to
first power dissipates. bestow upon an object, it would be difficult to
physically damage or destroy the brazier.
The most effective means of destroying Kren’s
Powers brazier is to immerse it in acid. If it is totally sub-
The powers of the brazier depend wholly upon merged in a powerfully caustic liquid for about
which plants are thrown onto the coals. The list an hour, the brazier will become so damaged
on the next page indicates the plants known to that it can no longer be used. However, an acid
have magical properties when used with this must be highly potent in order to have any effect
mysterious device. upon this object. Examples of suitable solvents
Dungeon Masters are encouraged to allow the include the spittle of a black dragon or the fluid
characters in their campaigns to experiment with created through the casting of a Melf’s acid
the effects produced by the use of different plants arrow spell.
than those shown here. Books recounting the
 DIA: vnantasm

Moonwort: + 1 Dexterit
Mugwort: Astral spell
Myrrh: Cure serious w
Onion: Commune with natur
Pecan: Friends

. ....- . ... ... ....

Others have become addicted to drunken

Legonds excesses or forbidden soporifics that lead their
Many are the mysteries not revealed by folktales. user to worlds of unimagined dreams and delight.
Only the druidess Kren knew the secrets between In both cases, these sad souls met with
herbal lore and the wonders of nature, when a misfortune, either suffering from fatally bad
taste was a balm, but a lungful was deadly judgement or dreaming away their life and dying
poison. Many still seek to follow the path of of starvation and malnutrition.
enlightenment down which she trod. There are those who succumbed to temptation,
The secrets of nature locked in tree bark and using the knowledge they gained to win a love or
root, nut and blossom require careful, deliberate loyalty. Misuse led to feeblemindednessor even a
study, for many are the medicines and miracles complete change of alignment.
housed within the plants of nature.
Legend tells that previous possessors of Kren's
blessed brazier have succumbed to the quest for r ------
knowledge and power, blind to the risks of such
research. Many have died in their efforts or fallen
afoul of their good intentions and blindness to a harm no preacher can
their own weaknesses.
There are many who have been found their
tougues swollen and black, the skin blue and
sickly or covered with open, oozing sores as they
uncovered the secrets of some of the vilest
poisons which nature conconcted as natural
defenses.
Hren’s Crystal Distillery
he distiller’s art is an ancient and respected

T one. It has been practiced, along with the

equally ancient and respected arts of the
brewer and vintner, since the dawn of civilization.
From time to time, these mundane arts have
resulted in the unexpected creation of magical
liquids-some beneficial and some less so.
During her long years roaming the lands of
Ravenloft, the druid Krenn developed a magical
device that combined the mundane science of
distillation with the druidic arts. When the proper
components are used in her distillery, their
magical essences are removed and
I
concentrated. Under the hand of a skillful
operator, the distillery will produce magical
potions of great potency.

Manufacture
As with more mundane stills, the crystal distillery
has three major components. These are the
boiler, the condenser, and the collection flask.
Each of these vessels has been fashioned from a
single large piece of volcanic crystal.
Powers
Use The exact powers of the liquids created by the
As with many other magical items, the crystal crystal distillery vary with the items added to the
distillery can be used as a mundane still. How- boiler. Some commonly available items and the
ever, to use the distillery as a magical item, its extracts known to be manufactured from them
boiler must be filled with at least a gallon of holy are shown on the next page.
water. Once the boiler is filled, the character adds As with Kren’s brazier, Dungeon Masters are
the herbs or flowers to it. As a rule, one or two encouraged to allow the characters in their
small handfuls will suffice. Once all is ready, the campaigns to experiment with the tinctures
boiler must be sealed tightly and a steady flame produced by the use of different plants than are
must be applied to it. listed below. Again, books of plant folklore can
The liquid in the boiler must be continually kept be helpful in compiling a list of magical fluids
at a low boil. The steam that rises from this that can be manufactured with this most unusual
boiling liquid passes through the condenser. The distillery.
water drips out of the condenser while the
magical essences of the flowers or herbs pass Curses
through into the collection flask, which is quite
small. While Kren’s crystal distillery can turn many
When all is said and done, the holy water and plants and herbs into beneficial liquids,
the other ingredients in the boiler boil down to no it can also transform other plants and herbs
more than an ounce of fluid. The distillation into dangerous-and often deadly-
process takes about six hours to complete. concoctions.
 Whenever a new type of plant or herb is used
in the distillery, the DM should roll percentile
Legends
dice. If the roll is between 01 and 25, the liquid Legend has it that Kren was seeking the secrets
created in the distillery has no magical of the elixir oitae, the potion of eternal life. In all
properties at all. A roll of 26 to 75 indicates that of her years it is never recorded if she did indeed
a liquid with a beneficial magical property has discover the secret of life, though she did learn
been distilled. On a roll of 76 or higher, a to brew potions that could render their drinker
dangerous magical property has been distilled. permanently invisible, invulnerability to all
With any magical liquid, the DM decides its exact attacks save one and a potion that could revive
nature and its effects. the newly dead. But the secret eluded her.
Doctor Victor Mordenheim and Dominic
Oestruction D'Honaire have both sought to gain this
miraculous apparatus, Mordenheim seeking the I
One might expect the crystal distillery to be a secret of life, D'Honaire lusting after the power to
fragile object. In truth, it is very nearly indestruct- control others. The distillery twice was nearly in
ible. Physical attacks, magical spells, and even Dr. Mordenheim's grasp. But once D'Honaire
psionic powers are utterly powerless to harm this discovered his rival's goal, he hired a band of
magical object. mercenaries to retrieve it. They succeeded in
This is not to say that the distillery is without its stealing it away from Victor's agents, but instead
weaknesses. As with other crystal objects, it can of honoring the bargain, they sold it to the
be shattered by extremely high-pitched sounds. A Vistani for a pretty price, their lives. The second
shatter spell cast by a wizard of 6th or higher level time, Adam, that golem of patchwork flesh
will do the job. How well sounds from other sought to deny his creator the victory and so he
sources may work on the distillery is up to the slew the couriers and sunk the still deep in a
discretion of the Dungeon Master. marsh.
 l o s t Arcana Newly Unearthed
It is possible to create your own grim magical items for use in a RAVENLOFTcampaign following the
examples presented herein and aided by the charts on the cover of this product. The following items have
been culled from the pages of published adventures and expanded upon using the charts on the inside
covers of this accessory to provide you with an example.

Bonespur’s Ring o f Spellturning: Gabrielle Aderre’s Wolfkiller: 4

Bonespur was a heartless bounty hunter who When the witch Gabrielle Aderre of Invidia disap-
accepted this plain platinum ring as payment for peared a few years ago, an even greater evil
services rendered to the Highmaster of Bluetspur. claimed Castle Loupet. This new lord disposed of
History: Observers report that it reflected the full Gabrielle’s belongings by dropping them from the
brunt of spells cast at Bonespur. Protected by this sky over Karina, and among these was a dagger of
powerful item he was more fearsome than ever exceptionally fine quality. It has a blade that is
before ... until one day, when he just vanished slightly curved and engraved with Vistani symbols
without a trace: His companions found his bed that are normally associated with wards against
empty, and his prized ring on the floor. the evil eye. “You have hunted your last” is carved
Apparent Powers: This ring functions as a normal into the handle in Falkovnian.
ring of spell turning, as described in the DUNGEON History: Deathly afraid of lycanthropes, Aderre
MASTER@ Guide, with the exception that it always forced a Vistani smith to forge and enchant this
turns back 100%of spells it can intercept. dagger for her. When he was done, she had her
However, the wearer must still roll ld10, as if henchmen murder the man. With his dying breath,
determining a percentage of magical energy that he cursed the dagger, but Aderre-already cursed
is turned back. The DM should record how far by her own mother-simply laughed and spat in
from 10 the player rolled. (If the roll was 8, then his face.
the DM should record the number 2.) Apparent Powers: Wolfkiller is a dagger +1, +3 US. ly-
Hidden Powers: See below, canthropes.
Triggers: See below. Hidden Powers: The wielder can cause the dagger to
Curse: The DM should keep a running total of the convey an effect similar to the protection from euil
player’s d l 0 rolls in relation to Bonespur’s ring. spell, except only lycanthropes are affected by it.
When that number totals 50, the ring’s curse (and Triggers: The wielder must boldly declare, “You
true primary furiction) is triggered, and the wearer have hunted your last” as combat begins for the
is plane shifted into the lair of the illithid god- hidden power to activate.
brain deep under Mount Makab, where the victim Curse: As he died, the Vistani cursed the dagger,
is swiftly absorbed into the hive intellect. The ring so it radiates an effect similar to a sympathy spell:
remains at the victim’s last location, waiting for Any lycanthrope within 10 yards of the dagger’s
some unsuspecting fool to use it. possessor (whether in human or beast form) must
Destruction: Bonespur’s ring of spell turning is roll a successful save vs. Spell at -2, or fall hope-
comprised ofthe essence of the god-brain itself. lessly in love with him. The lycanthrope will do
A s long as it lives, the ring will exist to send the anything to be with the character, and will protect
unsuspecting to it. Destroying the god-brain will the dagger’s owner, and two or more lycanthropes
free the spirits of those it has absorbed. will fight to the death over the character. Some
Last Known Location: Bonespur’s traveling might even try to kill the dagger’s possessor, be-
companion Loie Hunn claimed it after his cause, “If I can’t have you, no one can have you!”
disappearance. Hunn was last reported in Sly-var, Lkstruction: Wolfkiller is easily destroyed with a dis-
Hazlan. integrate spell, or with a rod of disenchantment.
Last Known Location: Wolfkiller was purchased by
Commander Anton Regess, leader of the Falkovn-
ian “colony” in Karina, Invidia.
 Relic’s Hidden Effects
These tables are presented to help make the creation and use of any magical item more varied and dangerous, thus making each
item unique. Clues to these hidden effects should be attached to an item’s Legends or to the fate of its last owner. A legend lore
spell may reveal an effect or the activation procedure. A Vistani tarokka reading certainly will. The DM may select effects or roll
2d10 and consult the following tables to determine the secrets of a relic.

Table At Hidden Powers Table 6: Triggers

These powers are usually activated by command words or Some bizarre or difficult phrase, ritual, task or condition must
specific conditions. (See Table B.) If the listed effect mimics be completed to activate each power and hidden power.
the use of magic that would require a powers check, then a
2 Must be drenched in the: blood of a mature vampire,
powers check must be made when the power is invoked.
the sap of the tree of death, perfume of a rose, oil of
Causes members of the opposite sex to fall in love with persuasion, unending ridicule, spider’s ichor.
the owner and seek to either win their love or jealously 3 Must be used only during a specific astronomic phase:
guard him or her from other suitors. Check Table C. a new moon, comet’s reign, a lunar eclipse, rising
Permits owner to see invisible, ethereal and/or astral harvest moon, year’s death, morning star.
creatures and items; in turn this makes it possible for 4 Must be used by a lesser monster, such as: a goblin,
invisible, faerie, ethereal and astral horrors to see the a koblod, an homunculous, an insect, a monkey’s
owner and affect him or her. Check Table C. paw, a scavenger.
Makes the owner immune to all enchantment/charm 5 Must be used by a: child, a halfling or kender, an
spells save for the charm of a lover and creatures with innocent, a mindless one, a withered crone, an elf.
natural charm abilities. 6 Must be submerged or buried for 24 hours in a special
Makes a faithful spouse immune to enchantment/charm location: a sunken treestump, * a tar bog, rancid meat,
spells, but also makes him obsessive. See Table C. cream from black cows, 10,000 gems, dung.
User may cast dispel evil once per week but at the cost 7 Must be struck against: a silver anvil, a cracked grave-
of destroying a blessed or holy item. If no such item is stone, a church bell, a foe’s head, the rising dawn,
possessed, this effect can not be manifested. the dust of a saint’s feet.
7 Lets owner cast knock once per day, but then doors, 8 Must claim the life of an innocent, a fifty year old
gates, windows, chests and chains will not lock behind sherry, a newborn calf, a raging fire, a new formed
him for the rest of that day. friendship, love’s sweet bloom.
8 Lets owner cast dispel good once per week, but this 9 Must be blessed by: a druid or ancient priest,
drains ld4 points of Constitution for ld4 days. If the a mother, a lord or lady, a raven, of dawn’s first
owner’s Constitution drops to “0” he must make a suc- rays, an eldritch being.
cessful System Shock roll or die. Roll on Table C. 10 Must perform some ritual: an alluring dance, burning
9 Owner may cast a protection /?om evil spell repelling one arcane spices, the song of awakening, a pantomime of
specific creature, but he must first create a doll or other peace, anointing with oils, ritual cleansing of item.
similacrum with personal effects to effect the creature. 11 A command word or phrase must be: spoken, sung,
See Table C. shouted, whispered, written E burned, signed.
10 Lets owner cause paralyzation by touch, twice per day, 12 Must be used to protect: the innocent, wealth, love,
but drains ld4 Strength for one day. Roll on Table C. peace, beauty, justice.
11 Owner may cast animate object once per day, after which 13 Must be used by a: good-aligned creature, a rogue,
the item must save vs Crushing Blow or disintegrate.* a priest, a mage, a warrior, a simpleton.
12 Owner may cast cause disease three times per day, but 14 Only functions when: on holy ground, on a sea-going
the owner also must make System Shock roll or the vessel, held aloft, turned around, exposed to light,
effects of the spell rebound. Check Table C. blown on constantly.
13 Grants corporeal undead the ability to live again for three 15 Must be worn by a: man or woman of noble heart (law-
hours once a year, but this risks a 25% powers check. ful good), common animal, fool, virtuous lady,
14 Makes an elven user immune to surprise, but blind to hid- man with a full beard, seventh child.
den or secret doors. Roll on Table C. 16 Only functions when it: draws first blood, is spun,
15 Functions as a hat of disguise, but owner must save vs. is rapped, is toppled, is polished, is turned over.
- Death Spell at +4 or be polymorphed into the form of the 17 Must be used with: ignorance, joy, anger, a song on
disguise. See Table C. the lips, receipt of a fee, all due haste.
16 Allows owner to turn undead as if a 3rd level cleric when 18 Must be tied: to an innocent child for seven days,
presented forcefully; failure means undead are attracted. to the tail of a skunk, to one’s ear, to a silver chain,
17 Owner can cast resurrection once per month; but a failed in a blazing bonfire, with a gold ribbon.
Resurrection Check results in animate dead. See Table C. 19 Must be washed in the : tears of a mindflayer, dew of
18 Owner can turn water into holy water once a day, drain- 1,000 morning glories, 3 nectar of the gods, mud of
ing one spell level or charge from the owner’s items or oblivion’s bog, windsong of pride, blood moonbeams.
spells per vial transformed. Check Table C. 20 Only activates in the hands of a specific character or
19 Owner can feeblemind another being by touch, once per member of a specific bloodline, heritage, or one who an
month; a successful save vs Spell causes it to rebound. ogress, hag, blind beggar or other oracle prophesized.
20 Roll twice on Table C.
Table C: Curses
1 The owner’s possessions gradually disappear. Little
Each magical relic of awesome power also carries a dread
things disappear first, then larger items, until the all that
price that the unwary must pay for its use.
is left is the cursed item. This is an irreversible process,
2 Causes members of a race hated by the user to behave and can only be stopped by the destruction of the item.
as if under a sympathy spell toward the possessor. 12 Upon the third use, the owner is subjected to the effects
3 Causes the gradual loss of sight. After two uses the of a permanent clairaudience spell, and always hears
wielder’s vision is blurred (he suffers a -2 penalty with every sound within 60. Remove curse negates the effect,
missile weapon attacks). After four uses, the hero cannot but it returns after three additional uses of the item.
use missile weapons, and suffers a -4 penalty when 13 The owner experiences random prophetic visions that
fighting in dimly lit areas. After six uses, the hero is feature friends and loved ones dying hideously. Only the
completely blind. A remove curse will lift the blindness destruction of the item can remove this effect.
until the hero uses the item again. 14 The owner suffers from the benefit and curses of the
4 The item grants the hero success in all things, but others undead-immune to poisons, charms and mental
always pay a terrible price. attacks, but subject to turning, holy water, and immune
5 After three uses, the owner gains the ability to assume to curative spells. This effect is permanent, and can only
wraithformat will. After nine uses, the owner must make be negated by a wish.
a System Shock roll or become a wraith permanently. ’ 5 With each use the owner is gradually transposed with a
Remove curse lifts the curse, until used again. succubus or incubus or other fiend. After nine uses, the
6 The item instantly pollutes all holy water or disrupts all owner must make saves vs. Death Magic each time it is
blessings and beneficent spells within 10‘ when used. used by anyone or he is completely replaced by the
7 User becomes forgetful, small detailsat first progressing fiend. This possession is irreversible. Destroying the item
to full amnesia. Effect cured only if item is destroyed. before the thirteenth use prevents eventual transposition.
8 Afflicts the user with specially activated lycanthropy. 16 The owner behaves as if under the influence of a confusion
Only the destruction of the item can reverse the effect. spell (cast at 12d-ilevel) whenever a good cleric casts a
9 After five uses, the owner’s touch rots wood, leather and spell within 20 ’. Destroying the item reverses this effect.
flesh if fails an item save vs acid in ld6 days. 17 Owner suffers maximum effect from spells cast at him.
10 After one use, the owner becomes sensitive to the sun, (Saves for half.effect) Destroying item removes curse.
and suffers a + 1 penalty to all rolls during daylight. After 18 Undead always attack the possessor in preference to
three uses, the rays of the sun are painful and owner suf- others. Getting rid of the item removes this effect.
fers 1 point of damage per round exposed to the sun, and 19 After one use the owner’s touch kills plants. After three
suffers a +2 penalty to all rolls. After five uses, the sun uses, the touch inflicts ld6 points of damage to living
causes burns-smoke rises from his body and owner suf- things. After nine uses, the owner’s touch disintegrates
fers ld8 points of damage per round exposed. Only the anything that is touched. To lift curse, destroy the item.
destruction of the item can reverse this effect. 20 Roll twice on this table.

Table Dt Methods o f Pestruction Table E: last Hnown location

This lists the fabled methods for destruction This lists which country, place or with whom the relic was last
located as it forged a new legend or tale of tragedy.
2 Must be given to the ghost of a hanged murderer.
3 Must be fed to the Guardian of the Threshold. 2 Sea of Sorrows (Lord Capt. van Riese) - The Sargasso
4 Must be thrown into a river as it flows into oblivion. 3 Lamordia (Lord: Adam) - Death’s Glacier
5 Must be driven through the chest of a vampyr. 4 Tepest (Lord: The Three Hags) - The Grotto
6 Must be carried in a kender’s pocket for one full year. 5 Har’Akir (Lord: Anhktepot) - The Pyramid
7 Must be buried in a cemetery on another world. 6 Forlorn (Lord: Tristan ApBlanc) - Ancient Ruin
8 Must be buried under a living tree by a druid of Forlorn. 7 Mordent (Lord: Godefroy) - Haunted House
9 Must be thrown from Castle Avernus in Darkon. 8 Darkon (Lord: Azalin) - The Tomb
10 Must be thrown into a burning forge by a paka. 9 lnvidia (Lord: Gabrielle Aderre) - Gypsy Vardo
11 Must be washed in the tears of an innocent. 10 Dominia (Lord: Dr. Dominiani) - The Asylum
12 Must be thrice-blest by a priest of Set, then thrown 11 Dementlieu (Lord: Dominic D’Honaire) - The University
against the wall of a tomb. 12 Falkovnia (Lord: VIad Drakov) --The Prison
13 Must be placed under the mattress of a faithful couple’s 13 Kartakass (Lord: Harkon Lukas) - Wayfaring Inn
bed for one month. 14 Barovia (Lord: Strahd von Zarovich) - Lost Chapel
14 Destroyed only if a specific person or creature is killed. 15 Borca (Lord: lvana Boritisi & Ivan Dilisnay) - Alchemist
15 Must be thrown into the heavens, the moons or the sun. 16 G’Henna (Lord Yagno Petrovna) - The Outland
16 Must be kissed by a succubus or incubus. 17 Hazlan (Lord: Hazlik) - Wizard’s Tower
17 Must be thrown into the Sea of Sorrows by a Dukkar. 18 Keening (Lord: The Banshee) - Crystal Chamber
18 Must be given to a woman who was not born, yet lives. 19 Souragne (Lord: Anton Misroi) - The Merrows
19 Must be shattered by a banshee’s wail. 20 Sri Raji (Lord: Arijani) - The Accursed City
20 Must be sunk in Souragne’s swamp by Lord of the Dead.

h
I Accessory

I Y
-
b
3
4

d
r Absolute Power.
In the bewitched domain of Tepest, under the pale
amber light of a full moon, a wandering band of
adventurers comes across the severed hand of a
hanged man. Far beneath Darkon's dread Castle
Avernus, a mysteFious Black Vault is sealed, locking
away an assortment of magical arms and armor until
such time as the cause of evil demands their service.
Across the dread domains of Ravenloft, sinister
craftsmen created magical items of unequaled power-
and absolute evil.

bs
Forged of Darkness presents players and Dungeon
Masters with a collection of magical items, each of
which carries the distinctive taint of the Demiplane of
Dread. This 64-page omnibus of diabolic devices is
certain to add an elemen

201 Sheridan S
G o 36 9- 4

I 111111111 '* 52

E DRAGONS
Aowncm DUNGEONS and RAVEP~LOFT are registered trademarks owned by TSR, InC.
The TSR logo is a trademark owned by TSR, Inc.
81996 TSR, Inc. AU rights &=served. Made in the O.S.A.
I
... ,111 .,.M

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