Strahd featured in "Practical Guide to Vampires"

[Catman Jim]

The latest in the Wizard's childrens book series "A Practical Guide to..." is out, this one is about vampires, and Count Strahd von Zarovich makes several appearances.

Here is the book on Wizards: Link

The book is intended for children, and is heavily influenced by the "Twilight" series of books and movies. Strahd is very watered-down, the story of his background implies that he became the first vampire through his desires, but not through an intentional act of ultimate darkness. The illustrations are those from EtCR, even though the text implies that he is much younger.
One Strahd reference that I could have done without: The Twilight series introduced vampire baseball, The Practical Guide claims that young vampires also play games, among them, "Strahd Says", a crueler version of "Simon Says".
There are other influences apparent, a little Anne Rice for sure. It looks like Wizards is trying to incorporate as much popular culture as possible to appeal to the young readers. Not a bad thing, developing interest in the D&D genre, and in the Ravenloft setting in particular, in the next generation of players.

[Tobias Blackburn]

I had really hoped to go through life without hearing the words "Strahd" and "Twilight" used on the same page, let alone the same paragraph.

Now I must track this down, if only out of morbid curiosity.

[Catman Jim]

I had really hoped to go through life without hearing the words "Strahd" and "Twilight" used on the same page, let alone the same paragraph.

Now I must track this down, if only out of morbid curiosity.

Even on the page where they discuss the legendary vampire Strahd, they manage to refer to the family of vampires that live in the town of Forks, Washington. Pretty blatant Twilight reference.

[Jester of the FoS]

So good to know they're making products to last and not latching on to the current fad that will be forgotten in five years.

[ewancummins]

So good to know they're making products to last and not latching on to the current fas that will be forgotten in five years.

Twilight???

Why, Dark Powers, why???

[HuManBing]

[any horrific prospect of lamentation and despair]

Why, Dark Powers, why???

^ I think the answer is in the question...?

[Le Noir Faineant]

...Count Strahd von Zarovich...

..."Twilight" series...

[Sorti]

...Count Strahd von Zarovich...

..."Twilight" series...

Why, oh Hala, why, WHYYYYY????

[Tobias Blackburn]

...Count Strahd von Zarovich...

..."Twilight" series...

Why, oh Hala, why, WHYYYYY????

Because you put your faith in some false goddess of the Legion and not in the loving protection of our Lady Ezra!

[Gonzoron of the FoS]

Why, Lawgiver and his concubines, WHY?????

[Tobias Blackburn]

Why, Lawgiver and his concubines, WHY?????

Answer 1: Because he was busy with his concubines?

Answer 2: It is not your place to question the will of the Lawgiver!

[Le Noir Faineant]

This is what I want to see:

[steveflam]

I know I haven't seen twilight but uh, yeah, uh that's a vampire in plain daylight?

[Catman Jim]

I know I haven't seen twilight but uh, yeah, uh that's a vampire in plain daylight?

Stefanie Meyer's Twilight vampires are not discomforted by daylight, instead they sparkle like diamonds in the light. To avoid discovery by mortals, they avoid being in direct light by living in places like Forks that have the least number of sunny days (very rainy on the Olympic Peninsula).

[Catman Jim]

This is what I want to see:

Rafael, I love that & this one too:

http://www.jinx.com/men/shirts/geek/buf ... #bigdesign