Van Richten's Guide to Ghosts


Van Richten's Guide to Ghosts is an accessory for the 2nd edition of the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, published in 1992.

Contents

The book sorts ghosts into several general categories according to their power levels, physical appearance, and origin. By mixing the characteristics associated with these and other categories, the Dungeon Master can create customized spirits. Ghostly powers and vulnerabilities are discussed at length, and a chapter is devoted to the investigation of hauntings.

Publication history

Van Richten’s Guide to Ghosts was written by William W. Connors, and published by TSR, Inc. Cover art was by Robin Wood, with interior art by Robert Klasnich and Stephen Fabian.

Reception

reviewed Van Richten's Guide to Ghosts for Dragon magazine #186. Swan comments: "One of the better Ravenloft supplements, this volume provides workable suggestions for incorporating the incorporeal into gothic horror campaigns." He felt that the chapter devoted to the investigation of hauntings "provides interesting springboards for supernatural adventures". Swan concluded that although the book was "generally well-written, the designer should've ditched the first-person approach which is not only distracting but inappropriate for what is essentially a rule book".

Reviews