John W. Mangrum

There is a certain paradox involving this roleplaying book. Most reviews I have read have slammed it, long time fans in particular loathe it. This is curious, because the Ravenloft Players’ Handbook basically is a retread of the Ravenloft Campaign Setting, which most fans adore. I think it’s a case of messing with a good thing. White Wolf was apparently legally obligated to convert their d20 3.0 edition Campaign Setting book into 3.5, so they reprinted that volume, along with a few optional rules and some new artwork. The problem is the new optional rules are Horrible. Painful, really. Some of the new artwork is nice, but really; do yourself a favor and pick up the previous edition instead.… (meer)

Okay, guys; If you're going to own one Ravenloft book... well get the 3rd Edition Campaign Setting or Domians of Dread if you're old school. If you get TWO Ravenloft books pick this one up. This campaign setting suppliment offers up months worth of gameplay, it has fabulous artwork and interesting and grotesque characters with complicated backstories; what more could you want in a trip to the carnival? It has all the earmarks of a heady gothic fiction narrative. John W. Mangrum never fails to bring the goods and in this, one of his last suppliments for 2nd Edition, he pulls out all the stops. First rate gaming right here all in a slim easy-to-read volume.… (meer)