Strahd’s Dark Servants: A Collection of Monsters from the Misty Lands of Barovia and Castle Ravenloft by Christian Eichhorn  by Christian Eichhorn (@SquirrelGolem)

CW: Horror, Body Horror, Loss of Agency, Ableism (incongruous reference to gout, m*d), Whipping, Food, Poison, Forced Feeding, Animal Cruelty (Whipping Dogs), Dog Attack (reference), Clowns (Jester), Torture (Reference), Child Abuse, Neglect  

This is a collection of ten NPCs for Strahd and Ravenloft that come with such style, flavour and inspiration that will add morbid amusement and deathly terror to your game! The book is a work of art on its own, taking inspiration from the bold, sketchy punk-metal aesthetic, which fits this subject perfectly. There are lore and descriptions here to develop existing characters and concepts, as well as inspire whole questlines and arcs with a range of danger, from new danger in the Svalich woods to a sozzled zombie kept fermenting in a wine barrel and a truly horrifying Apostate with dark revelations and a deadly bag of tricks!

The added accoutrements, whether fancy arrows, new pupper swarms and an array of poisoned food and drink are something that really adds something great to the supplement, but also provide elements and inspiration for your games. This combined with the lore, flavour, background and window into the lives and encounters with these ‘servants of Strahd’ we’re given in the text, as well as the wonderfully arresting and epically ugly-beautiful, Mörk Borg-inspired artwork and presentation truly elevate this brilliant book of NPCs into something absolutely incredible.

I adore this stylised presentation and when it’s backed up by the quality of concept, writing, entertainment and things to bring to the table and challenge your players with, along with all the fuel for inspiration, it’s a wonder to behold!

Full in depth review on my Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/post/SebsReviews-Strahds%E2%80%AFDark-Servants-by-Christian-E-P5P736GX3

My affiliate link: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/342606/Strahds-Dark-Servants--Monsters-and-Retainers-for-Curse-of-Strahd?affiliate_id=1507682