Collectors arcana: Shrink-wrapped items add 100% to their base value.
For TSR's Silver Anniversay in 1999, this module was re-released twice: In a facsimile of the original
module inside the
TSR Silver Anniversary Collector's Edition
and updated to 2nd Edition AD&D, in a Silver Anniversary reprint.
According to Ryan Dancey, 'eight years after publication, Ravenloft still generated sales.' ('The History of TSR')
So, TSR decided to launch an entire campaign world based on this single module.
"Under raging stormclouds, a lone figure stands silhouetted against the ancient walls of castle Ravenloft.
Count Strahd von Zarovich stares down a sheer cliff at the village below. A cold, bitter wind spins dead leaves about him,
billowing his cape in the darkness.
Lightning splits the clouds overhead, casting stark white light across him. Strahd turns to the sky,
revealing the angular muscles of his face and hands. He has a look of power — and of madness. His once-handsome face
is consorted by a tragedy darker than the night itself.
Rumbling thunder pounds the castle spires. The wind's howling increases as Strahd turns his gaze back
to the village. Far below, yet not beyond his keen eyesight, a party of adventurers has just entered his domain.
Strahd's face forms a twisted smile as his dark plan unfolds. He knew they were coming, and he knows why they came,
all according to his plan. He, the master of Ravenloft, will attend to them.
Another lightning flash rips through the darkness, it's thunder echoing through the castle's towers.
But Strahd is gone. Only the howling of the wind — or perhaps a lone wolf — fills the midnight air.
The master of Ravenloft is having guests for dinner. And you are invited."
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