A map of the dread domains
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- Conspirator
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A map of the dread domains
I have been looking into the other dread domains, as I am about to run Curse of Strahd for the first time with some fairly new players. Only a handfull one shots played by each of them or for some DnD is fully new.
While I was looking into the dread domaina I found that there seems to be no official map of the regions and I am Not even sure that wheater some places are more South or North Matter for the dread domains, as they all have their unique biosphere anyway, protected and caged by the borders of the individual dread domains.
So my question generally is if there is some general rules about putting some places next to eachother? Or should I freestyle it. Its mostly backround stuff for my Curse of Strahd campgain,might influence the flavour or some monsters that arent in the setting but do fit in well.
While I was looking into the dread domaina I found that there seems to be no official map of the regions and I am Not even sure that wheater some places are more South or North Matter for the dread domains, as they all have their unique biosphere anyway, protected and caged by the borders of the individual dread domains.
So my question generally is if there is some general rules about putting some places next to eachother? Or should I freestyle it. Its mostly backround stuff for my Curse of Strahd campgain,might influence the flavour or some monsters that arent in the setting but do fit in well.
Re: A map of the dread domains
In the 5th edition continuity, each domain is floating isolated in the Mists. There is no geographical relationship between domains.
In the earlier continuity, some domains are also isolated "islands of terror", but many of them are connected to other domains in a cluster. The largest cluster is known as The Core, and, yes, Barovia is smack dab in the middle of it.
If you are interested, a number of maps may be found elsewhere on this site: https://www.fraternityofshadows.com/MapAlcove.html
Hope this helps!
In the earlier continuity, some domains are also isolated "islands of terror", but many of them are connected to other domains in a cluster. The largest cluster is known as The Core, and, yes, Barovia is smack dab in the middle of it.
If you are interested, a number of maps may be found elsewhere on this site: https://www.fraternityofshadows.com/MapAlcove.html
Hope this helps!
- alhoon
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Re: A map of the dread domains
And as far as your question on how to connect domains to something larger:
Clusters as mentioned are usually 2-3 domains of a similar "theme". For example, three desert domains with a middle East feel are in the Amber Wastes cluster. There is another cluster of two domains locked in eternal winter. Etc.
Clusters as mentioned are usually 2-3 domains of a similar "theme". For example, three desert domains with a middle East feel are in the Amber Wastes cluster. There is another cluster of two domains locked in eternal winter. Etc.
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Re: A map of the dread domains
The 5th ed continuity does not exist.IanFordam wrote: ↑Thu Aug 29, 2024 6:17 pm In the 5th edition continuity, each domain is floating isolated in the Mists. There is no geographical relationship between domains.
In the earlier continuity, some domains are also isolated "islands of terror", but many of them are connected to other domains in a cluster. The largest cluster is known as The Core, and, yes, Barovia is smack dab in the middle of it.
If you are interested, a number of maps may be found elsewhere on this site: https://www.fraternityofshadows.com/MapAlcove.html
Hope this helps!
- Mephisto of the FoS
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Re: A map of the dread domains
In some peoples's minds 5e Ravenloft does not exist (good thing there are parallel Universes...)

"I am not omniscient, but I know a lot."
-Mephistopheles from Faust by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
-Mephistopheles from Faust by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
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Re: A map of the dread domains
No, there are some good things is the continuity which I do not appreciate.
- Strahdsbuddy
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Re: A map of the dread domains
Some fine work has been done which is available on this site, particularly Jester's maps of the Core and Ryan Naylor's Formation of the Core. May I humbly offer my own entry to this in the Core Genesis v4, available in the Mausoleum. Also if you like maps, I suggest the Ravenloft Cartographic Society page on the cesspool that is Facebook.
Get the Core Genesis Project V4 https://fraternityofshadows.com/Mausole ... ect_v4.pdf
Ravenloft Cartographic Society on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1327810691065274
Ravenloft Cartographic Society on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1327810691065274
- alhoon
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Re: A map of the dread domains
The link in your signature doesn't work...Strahdsbuddy wrote: ↑Mon Sep 23, 2024 5:33 pm May I humbly offer my own entry to this in the Core Genesis v4, available in the Mausoleum.
"You truly see what a person is made of, when you begin to slice into them" - Semirhage
"I am not mad, no matter what you're implying." - Litalia
My DMGuild work!
"I am not mad, no matter what you're implying." - Litalia
My DMGuild work!
- Strahdsbuddy
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Re: A map of the dread domains
Thank you, alhoon. I'm not sure it was ever a link but that's a fine idea, so it is now!
Get the Core Genesis Project V4 https://fraternityofshadows.com/Mausole ... ect_v4.pdf
Ravenloft Cartographic Society on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1327810691065274
Ravenloft Cartographic Society on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1327810691065274
Re: A map of the dread domains
I think the map of Ravenloft in the "Dread Domains" is fine, but it labels places like the "D'Honaire estate" and "Schloss Mordenheim" which the players should not know are important. Are there any maps of Ravenloft here which leave out those inconvenient locations?
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Re: A map of the dread domains
But they are, D'honaire is a minister and Mordenheim a famed scientist. Probably thought there should be other central locations. But those are important.
- alhoon
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Re: A map of the dread domains
Check some of the fan-made maps in this site.Solan wrote: ↑Wed Dec 18, 2024 7:45 pm I think the map of Ravenloft in the "Dread Domains" is fine, but it labels places like the "D'Honaire estate" and "Schloss Mordenheim" which the players should not know are important. Are there any maps of Ravenloft here which leave out those inconvenient locations?
"You truly see what a person is made of, when you begin to slice into them" - Semirhage
"I am not mad, no matter what you're implying." - Litalia
My DMGuild work!
"I am not mad, no matter what you're implying." - Litalia
My DMGuild work!
- Mephisto of the FoS
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Re: A map of the dread domains
I believe that what Solan means is not to give away that these people are more important than others. For instance D'Honaire is a member of the Council of Brilliance, but he is the only one whose estate is mentioned, not even the governor's of Dementlieu. As for Mordenheim, well he is considered an oddball by the natives of Lamordia but that is that, Schloss Aubrecker is more important for Lamordians than Schloss Mordenheim.Mistmaster wrote: ↑Wed Dec 18, 2024 9:21 pm But they are, D'honaire is a minister and Mordenheim a famed scientist. Probably thought there should be other central locations. But those are important.
"I am not omniscient, but I know a lot."
-Mephistopheles from Faust by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
-Mephistopheles from Faust by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
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Re: A map of the dread domains
Yes, as I said probably the other important places should be advertised too, yes.
- Mephisto of the FoS
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Re: A map of the dread domains
My bad, but still we should at least have an official map with most of the canon castles and residences of important NPCs such as the castles of all Nova Vaasan nobility. Fortunately most darklords are official leaders of their domains or reside in mapped settlements so there are a few spoilers.Mistmaster wrote: ↑Thu Dec 19, 2024 7:58 pm Yes, as I said probably the other important places should be advertised too, yes.
"I am not omniscient, but I know a lot."
-Mephistopheles from Faust by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
-Mephistopheles from Faust by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe