Darklord is a title used to refer to the mystically imprisoned and cursed ruler of a domain in Ravenloft, a campaign setting in the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game.

Overview

In the Dungeons & Dragons campaign setting Ravenloft, a Darklord is an individual who had originally committed a truly horrific crime, which drew the attention of the enigmatic Dark Powers. The Dark Powers then proceed to craft a personal kingdom around the Darklord. This crafted domain serves both as a kingdom and a prison: the Darklord gains incredible powers while within its borders but can never leave it, although most Darklords can seal their domain borders with a thought. She commented that, unlike other types of evil creatures in the game, Darklords can be associated with motivations that carry positive connotations, such as love. She noted that there is no inherent evil or "unrecognizably monstrous" aspect to their desires; rather, they are "passionately caring, and recognizably monstrous”, and "unquestionably human-like in a way that monsters do not have to be, representing inner monsters rather than external threats". Kevin Kulp, game designer, highlighted that "a notable aspect of this book is that most of the darklords aren't particularly powerful, even by 2nd edition AD&D standards. [...] It's also a nice reminder that just because someone is evil and despicable, they aren't necessarily particularly tough or good at combat. They may have other abilities, assets, or assistance". The 5th Edition sourcebook Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft (2021), according to TheGamer website, outlines how "Darklords work in a different way than the standard D&D boss", as their influence is more than easily measurable game statistics.

  • Azalin Rex,

Ravenloft: Realm of Terror (1990) included fourteen domain lords and introduced:

  • Vlad Drakov, lord of Falkovnia, who was then reimagined as Vladeska Drakov in Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft (2021)
  • Mordenheim's Monster, "Adam", lord of Lamordia
  • Lord Soth, lord of Sithicus lord of Har' Akir

The supplement Darklords (1991) focuses on "sixteen different Darklords spread out over thirteen chapters".

Castles Forlorn (1993) introduced:

  • Tristen ApBlanc

Domains of Dread (1997) added these:

  • Kas the Bloody-Handed, the vampire Darklord ruling the domain named Tovag

References