Café de Nuit

Minor Conjunction Theory

Introduction

The Minor Conjunction Theory postulates that during minor conjunctions—when new realms appear in Ravenloft—darklords are granted temporary freedom to leave their domains, though not the confines of Ravenloft itself. This theory is grounded in historical occurrences and the unique nature of Ravenloft's domain structure. Each minor conjunction is theorized to last for a period determined by a roll of 4d6 days, reflecting the unpredictable nature of these events.

Historical Context and Causes

Throughout Ravenloft's history, minor conjunctions have marked the formation of new realms. These periods have been noted for significant upheavals and shifts in the domain structure, suggesting a loosening of the otherwise stringent boundaries that confine darklords to their respective domains. The causes of these minor conjunctions often involve significant events or actions by the darklords or external forces that weaken the planar boundaries of Ravenloft.

Timeline of Notable Minor Conjunctions

• 351 BC: Barovia forms - 16 days
• 547 BC: Forlorn forms - 13 days
• 550 BC: Ghastria forms - 14 days
• 575 BC: Arak forms - 18 days
• 579 BC: Mordent forms - 13 days
• 581 BC: Bluetspur forms - 9 days
• 588 BC: Keening forms - 12 days
• 593 BC: Gundarak forms - 15 days
• 603 BC: Invidia forms - 12 days
• 613 BC: Kartakass forms - 11 days
• 625 BC: Valachan forms - 14 days
• 630 BC: The Sea of Sorrows forms - 13 days
• 635 BC: Nebligtode forms - 14 days
• 643 BC: Blaustein forms - 19 days
• 650 BC: Ramsay Island forms - 13 days
• 667 BC: Demise forms - 12 days
• 682 BC: Nova Vaasa forms - 17 days
• 683 BC: Lamordia forms - 15 days
• 684 BC: Borca forms, and according to some sources, Dorvinia forms as well - 11 days
• 686 BC: Demise joins the Core - 13 days
• 690 BC: Falkovnia forms - 11 days
• 691 BC: Tepest forms - 14 days
• 694 BC: Richemulot forms - 15 days
• 698 BC: Markovia forms - 15 days
• 702 BC: G'Henna forms - 13 days
• 707 BC: Dementlieu forms - 17 days
• 708 BC: Arkandale forms - 10 days
• 714 BC: Hazlan forms - 15 days
• 715 BC: Dorvinia forms - 10 days
• 720 BC: Sithicus forms - 14 days
• 730 BC: Verbrek forms - 12 days
• 736 BC: Daglan forms - 8 days
• 741 BC: Blaustein joins the Core - 14 days
• 748 BC: Dominia joins the Core - 13 days
• 749 BC: The Drowning Deeps joins the Core - 13 days
• 750 BC: The Nocturnal Sea forms - 19 days
• 755 BC: Necropolis forms - 18 days

Mechanisms of Minor Conjunctions

During these minor conjunctions, the boundaries between the domains of dread become more permeable, allowing darklords to interact with realms beyond their own. This permeability is temporary and chaotic, influenced by the roll of 4d6 days, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of Ravenloft’s reality.

The occurrence of minor conjunctions can be attributed to:

• Domain formation: The formation of any domain temporarily weakens the boundaries of all domains before the dread domains are once against stabilized.
• Significant actions by darklords: Acts of immense power or ritualistic endeavors that destabilize their domains.
• External influences: Interventions by powerful entities or artifacts that alter the fabric of Ravenloft.

The dates could be off somewhat - I asked an AI to extract the dates from An Illustrated History of the Core. Just because a darklord can leave, doesn't mean that they know that they can leave. Most are like elephants roped to a wooden post—they are conditioned to believe they cannot break free. This allows the DM some leeway. Want to see Lord Soth assailing Castle Ravenloft again? It might be possible. It also gives the darklords hope, and can also foreshadow exactly why Azalin wanted to bring about a "grand" conjunction.

Overall, I like it!