Strahd featured in "Practical Guide to Vampires"
Posted: Sat Aug 29, 2009 8:21 am
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.
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.
