D&D 5E Ravenloft and the Shadowfell

[Fralex]

So it looks like we'll be getting some rules for the Ravenloft setting. I'm pretty excited. One thing I'm really curious about, though, is what connection (if any) the Realm of Dread would have with the Shadowfell. In the DMG, the Shadowfell's description sounds very Ravenlofty, with mention of Domains of Dread, Count Strahd von Zarovich, darklords, and the Dark Powers. As I understand it, the world of Ravenloft is supposed to be this sort of "lost dimension" nearly impossible to get in or out of unless it wants you to (and nobody really knows what it wants). The Shadowfell... I guess it's like this reverse Feywild, where instead of being bright and lively, it's gloomy and dull, and there's undead, maybe? It never seems to get as much attention as the Feywild, so on one hand connecting it to Ravenloft in some way would make it a lot more interesting, and make thematic sense. On the other hand, of course, you wouldn't want it connected in a way that takes away any of the mystery surrounding the setting.

How might this be done successfully? Also, I don't have any experience playing in the Ravenloft setting (I'm just very interested by what I read about it), and I'd love to hear more about what that's like.

 

[Jester David]

I think instead of Ravnloft being a demiplane in the deep ethereal, it's just a demiplane in the shadowfell. Slight location shift.

 

[Mishihari Lord]

I really like the idea of Ravenloft, and some similar places, being deep in Shadowfell. If I were to run Ravenloft I would certainly do it that way. I think the main appeal is that rather than saying "it's roughly impossible to get out" I can say, "you can travel in an outward direction, but if you're very lucky you'll die on the way out, most of the more likely possibilities are far worse."

 

[NotActuallyTim]

Shadowfells DMG page literally calls out the Domains of Dread as a part of the plane. Pg 51.

 

[Fralex]

Shadowfells DMG page literally calls out the Domains of Dread as a part of the plane. Pg 51.

I know, that's why it caught my eye!

 

[TerraDave]

Shadowfell="Ravenloft" Demiplane

Its 5E bringing everything together!

Now what they do with that in the adventure, I have no idea.

 

[delericho]

Shadowfell="Ravenloft" Demiplane

I think it's more that Ravenloft is part of the Shadowfell, rather than that the two are the same thing. Though I don't have my DMG on hand to check that.

FWIW, I actually prefer the two to be separate places - I'm not keen on either conflating the two or even on placing Ravenloft within the Shadowfell. But then, I don't get a vote.

 

[dave2008]

FWIW, I actually prefer the two to be separate places - I'm not keen on either conflating the two or even on placing Ravenloft within the Shadowfell. But then, I don't get a vote.

What do you see as the issue with Ravenloft being located in the Shadowfell of a demi-plane of the Shadowfell? What are the negatives? Any positives?

 

[delericho]

What do you see as the issue with Ravenloft being located in the Shadowfell of a demi-plane of the Shadowfell? What are the negatives? Any positives?

It's a flavour thing - the Shadow Plane (now the Shadowfell) is a washed out mirror of the Prime, where everything is muted and which sucks the life out of people - but does so in an entirely impersonal manner. It's a dangerous environment, but no more malicious than, say, a volcano.

By contrast, the Domain of Dread is actively hostile to those involved, and in particular to the lords of the various domains. Plus, of course, it doesn't want you to leave.

It's not a huge issue for me, either way. Just a preference.

 

[dave2008]

It's a flavour thing - the Shadow Plane (now the Shadowfell) is a washed out mirror of the Prime, where everything is muted and which sucks the life out of people - but does so in an entirely impersonal manner. It's a dangerous environment, but no more malicious than, say, a volcano.

By contrast, the Domain of Dread is actively hostile to those involved, and in particular to the lords of the various domains. Plus, of course, it doesn't want you to leave.

It's not a huge issue for me, either way. Just a preference.

Yes, but couldn't the Domains of Dread be a demi-plane or area of the Shadowfell that acts exactly as you want? I see it as the specific region (domains of dread) overwhelming the general (shadowfell)