Summary
The Domains of Dread in Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft feature some of the most iconic and storied locales you’ll ever see in aDungeons & Dragonscampaign. These horror-based settings are macabre, morbid, and most of all terrifying. If you’re planning on running a campaign through the Domains of Dread, it can be hard to know where to start.
That’s why we’ve created this list, which breaks down every single Domain of Dread on offer in the Ravenloft campaign setting and ranks them. For this list, we’re taking into account the overall vibe, antagonists, and mechanics. Here are all the realms in Ravenloft, ranked.
Van Ricthen’s Guide to Ravenloft offers dozens of ideas for Domains of Dread. For this list, we’ll be looking at fully fleshed-out campaign settings.
Environment
Underground Civilization
Bluetspur is the only full-blown cosmic/sci-fi horror setting available in Ravenloft, making it highly unique. This realm is characterized by Mind Flayers and other alien-like creatures who feed on psychological torment. Much of this realm and adventure take place underground, as endless storms torment the surface of Bluetspur.
The reason this realm ranks so low on this list is thatMind Flayers and Illithidsare very commonplace D&D monsters that you can really use in any campaign setting. While it’s nice that Ravenloft has a sci-fi horror setting, ultimately, this isn’t anything that unique that we haven’t already seen in other adventures.
Desert/Mining
Magic is might in Hazlan. Riddled with powerful spellcasters and ruled by the cruel wizard known as Hazlik, this realm is tailor-made for high-level spellcasting parties. The tone of the world evokes Dune and other sci-fi/fantasy hybrid stories. Hazlik is also an interesting Darklord, with his relentless pursuit of knowledge making him fun to roleplay.
Ultimately, the problem with Hazlan is that it’s just not that scary. Sure, an all-powerful wizard can prove terrifying, but this realm lacks traditional horror tropes that make adventuring through the Domains of Dread so much fun. This setting can almost fit inside a survival-based campaign better than a horror one.
Fantastical Archipelago
The mists surround Darkon more tightly than they do any other Domain of Dread. The key idea behind Darkon is that it is, in essence, about to be swallowed whole by the mists, unless players manage to escape. Meanwhile, the citizenry of Darkon all vie for rule over the Domain, which has no Darklord to speak of.
While the premise of Darkon is interesting, as mentioned, having no Darklord can leave this realm feeling a bit hollow. While the impossible floating architecture of Castle Avernus is interesting, and the threat of the Domain being swallowed by the mists is scary, ultimately, not having a key antagonist makes for a less-than-interesting Domain of Dread option.
Tropical/Rain Forest
Kalakeri is a realm tormented by deceit and palace intrigue, mixed in with a lush tropical environment. The main concept behind this realm comes from its Darklord, Ramya, whose vengeful spirit tries to maintain order and power over the realm while her treacherous siblings attempt to usurp her.
For parties that are interestedin heavy roleplay, palace intrigue, and trying to play multiple sides of a warring intrafamily feud, Kalakeri can prove incredibly fun. The only downside to this realm is that it is heavily roleplay-focused. While there are combat elements at play, this realm is only going to really be right for high-Charisma-based parties.
Forest/Countryside
The realm of Kartakass is all about performance. This campaign setting is perfect for a party of bards, or any party that has a natural proclivity toward performance and cunning. The main idea of Kartakass is that everyone is putting on a show; this realm highlights the dark underbelly of becoming famous.
Ultimately, while this conceit is interesting, it’s a little hard to sustain over a long campaign. You’re better off using Kartakass and its Darklord in a two to three-game arc rather than using this environment as a full campaign setting. However, your bard is likely to thank you for bringing this realm into the fold of your campaign.
English Countryside
Mordent offers players a classic ghost story adventure. Ghosts wander around Mordent freely and are to be found around every nook and cranny. Plus, the English countryside setting makes for a classic horror environment, making this realm quite fun.
The only downside to Mordent is that, once you get past the novelty of ghosts walking around everywhere, there’s not that much more to this setting. Wilfred Godefroy is one of the less interesting Darklords on offer in the sourcebook, but, for the right party, Mordent can prove entertaining.
Jungle
Valachan offers an interesting environment for players to explore that’s not typically associated with horror: a vast jungle. This is almost similar to Tomb of Annihilation in some ways. Valachan is ruled by a master huntress named Chakuna, who strikes fear into the hearts of adventuring parties that cross her path.
While this setting is fun and unique, it’s not the type that immediately conjures the idea of horror. If you’re running a campaign that strings a lot of these realms together, use Valachan to break up more traditional horror elements.
Traveling Carnival
This Domain of Dread earns the most points based on vibes alone. The entire setting is only a few hundred square yards and takes place entirely at a traveling carnival that makes its way through the mists. What’s most interesting about this setting is that its Darklord isn’t a person, but a sentient sword that has an unquenchable thirst for revenge known as Nepenthe.
However, the downside to this Domain, as mentioned, is its size. Ultimately, you’re not really going to be able to use this realm as a full campaign setting. Adventures at The Carnival can probably only last a few games, so use this setting to connect grander adventures.
Ivana Boritsi and Ivan Dilisnya
Poison Forests/Countryside
Borca is a land filled with dozens of scheming nobles, whose machinations force the poor folk of the realm to suffer. Poison conservatories, macabre body horror, and more characterize this Domain of Dread. What’s most interesting about this realm is that it has not one, but two Darklords.
The only downside here is that these Darklords don’t really have that much of a connection to one another. The trick to DM-ing a campaign in this setting is to have both Darklords vie for the party’s attention, as their schemes unfurl before the party’s eyes. Bonus points go to this realm for its atmosphere, which is expertly Gothic and spooky.
Desert
Har’Akir offers players the chance to live out their full Tomb Raider/Indiana Jones fantasy. Set in an ancient desert ruled by the Mummy Lord Ankhtepot, the adventuring party can explore long-lost tombs, sprawling desert sands, and ancient pyramids. Har’Akir also offers interesting settlements worth investigating as well.
Ultimately, Har’Akir is a great campaign setting that’s perfect for any Dungeon Master who wants to bring some ancient Egyptian mythology into the fold of their campaign. Ankhtepot is a classically terrifying Darklord, and the hunt for the missing piece of his soul proves to be a fun adventure for players of many different levels.
