Death’s Horseman Lore
Death Undaunted
Characters with ranks in Knowledge (religion) or Knowledge (local) can learn more about Death’s Horsemen. When a character makes a successful skill check, the following lore is revealed, including the information from lower DCs.
DC Result
22 This monstrous rider is one of Death’s Horsemen. Although it appears undead a creature composed of animate negative energy manifested in physical form. This result reveals all elemental traits and the evil subtype.
27 Three Horsemen serve Death; they are known by many names, including Famine, Pestilence, and War. Their minds are linked, so whatever one knows, they all know.
32 A Horsemen is surrounded by the forces of entropy. Its touch — even its mere presence — spreads the affliction for which it is named.
37 Death’s Horsemen can create steeds for themselves merely by touching a normal horse. This slays the horse and created a monstrous steed that acts as an extension of the Horseman itself.
42 Each Horsemen is repelled by the tokens symbolizing its conceptual antithesis. This result reveals the details of the Horseman’s antithetical token.
Monster Lore
Lantern Jack Lore
Van Richten's Arsenal
Characters with ranks in Knowledge (arcana) or Knowledge (nature) can learn more about lantern jacks. When a character makes a successful skill check, the following lore is revealed, including the information from lower DCs.
DC Result
10 This jack-o’-lantern-headed walking plant is a lantern jack. They sprout from magic pumpkins called lantern jack seeds. This result reveals all plant traits. They can only use simple gestures to communicate, but they understand the language of whoever sprouted them.
15 Lantern jacks are generally useful for menial labor. They can fight with weapons if so commanded, but are ungainly at it. If using Knowledge (nature), the character also knows the specifics of the rite to create a lantern jack seed.
20 Although lantern jack seeds last indefinitely, a sprouted lantern jack only lives for a week before it withers. A lantern jack must plant roots and rest for three hours a night.
25 On occasion, a lantern jack may develop free will and the desire to extend its brief life — at any cost.
Van Richten's Arsenal
Characters with ranks in Knowledge (arcana) or Knowledge (nature) can learn more about lantern jacks. When a character makes a successful skill check, the following lore is revealed, including the information from lower DCs.
DC Result
10 This jack-o’-lantern-headed walking plant is a lantern jack. They sprout from magic pumpkins called lantern jack seeds. This result reveals all plant traits. They can only use simple gestures to communicate, but they understand the language of whoever sprouted them.
15 Lantern jacks are generally useful for menial labor. They can fight with weapons if so commanded, but are ungainly at it. If using Knowledge (nature), the character also knows the specifics of the rite to create a lantern jack seed.
20 Although lantern jack seeds last indefinitely, a sprouted lantern jack only lives for a week before it withers. A lantern jack must plant roots and rest for three hours a night.
25 On occasion, a lantern jack may develop free will and the desire to extend its brief life — at any cost.
Moorfolk Lore
Denizens of Dread
Characters with ranks in Knowledge (local) can learn more about moorfolk. When a character makes a successful skill check, the following lore is revealed, including the information from lower DCs.
DC Result
13 This mud-caked, bald, humanlike person is one of the moorfolk. This result reveals all humanoid traits. The moorfolk have their own language, but a few clever members of each clan might also speak a local tongue.
18 Moorfolk are nocturnal hunters. They generally subsist on fish and the other small game found in their damp territories, but they are not above hunting humanoid intruders for food as well. The moorfolk’s oversized eyes allow them to see exceptionally well in the dark, but they are blinded by bright daylight.
23 Moorfolk decorate their bodies with arcane designs painted on with mixtures of pigment and clay. Each sigil actually holds a small amount of magical power, giving the moorfolk who wears it special talents or bonuses to its existing abilities.
Denizens of Dread
Characters with ranks in Knowledge (local) can learn more about moorfolk. When a character makes a successful skill check, the following lore is revealed, including the information from lower DCs.
DC Result
13 This mud-caked, bald, humanlike person is one of the moorfolk. This result reveals all humanoid traits. The moorfolk have their own language, but a few clever members of each clan might also speak a local tongue.
18 Moorfolk are nocturnal hunters. They generally subsist on fish and the other small game found in their damp territories, but they are not above hunting humanoid intruders for food as well. The moorfolk’s oversized eyes allow them to see exceptionally well in the dark, but they are blinded by bright daylight.
23 Moorfolk decorate their bodies with arcane designs painted on with mixtures of pigment and clay. Each sigil actually holds a small amount of magical power, giving the moorfolk who wears it special talents or bonuses to its existing abilities.
Paka Lore
Denizens of Dread
Characters with ranks in Knowledge (nature) can learn more about pakas. When a character makes a successful skill check, the following lore is revealed, including the information from lower DCs.
DC Result
13 This catlike humanoid is a paka, a distant relation of catfolk. This result reveals all monstrous humanoid traits.
18 When they wish, pakas can assume an entirely human appearance. This result reveals the shapechanger subtype.
23 Pakas are extremely nimble and have an empathic bond with all kinds of cats, but strongly dislike dogs, wolves, and related creatures.
28 Pakas live in a matriarchal society, and are an extremely vengeful people. Paka maintain that at some point in history, their entire race was betrayed by humanity, and they still seek revenge.
Denizens of Dread
Characters with ranks in Knowledge (nature) can learn more about pakas. When a character makes a successful skill check, the following lore is revealed, including the information from lower DCs.
DC Result
13 This catlike humanoid is a paka, a distant relation of catfolk. This result reveals all monstrous humanoid traits.
18 When they wish, pakas can assume an entirely human appearance. This result reveals the shapechanger subtype.
23 Pakas are extremely nimble and have an empathic bond with all kinds of cats, but strongly dislike dogs, wolves, and related creatures.
28 Pakas live in a matriarchal society, and are an extremely vengeful people. Paka maintain that at some point in history, their entire race was betrayed by humanity, and they still seek revenge.
Pickled Punk Lore
Carnival
Characters with ranks in Knowledge (arcana) can learn more about pickled punks. When a character makes a successful skill check, the following lore is revealed, including the information from lower DCs. The DC is unuually high due to the extreme rarity of these creatures.
DC Result
16 This monstrously malformed fetus is commonly labeled as a pickled punk. This result reveals all aberration traits.
21 A pickled punk doesn’t present much of a physical threat. In addition, it is saturated with alcohol, and is highly flammable.
26 A pickled punk can latch on to larger foes with its surprisingly powerful bite.
31 By staring into a humanoid’s soul, a pickled punk can unleash the target’s repressed desires. This effect is similar to charm person, but the target acts out its own darkest impulses rather than obeying the punk itself.
36 Pickled punks sprout directly from the body of Professor Pacali, who exercises a small degree of control over them.
Carnival
Characters with ranks in Knowledge (arcana) can learn more about pickled punks. When a character makes a successful skill check, the following lore is revealed, including the information from lower DCs. The DC is unuually high due to the extreme rarity of these creatures.
DC Result
16 This monstrously malformed fetus is commonly labeled as a pickled punk. This result reveals all aberration traits.
21 A pickled punk doesn’t present much of a physical threat. In addition, it is saturated with alcohol, and is highly flammable.
26 A pickled punk can latch on to larger foes with its surprisingly powerful bite.
31 By staring into a humanoid’s soul, a pickled punk can unleash the target’s repressed desires. This effect is similar to charm person, but the target acts out its own darkest impulses rather than obeying the punk itself.
36 Pickled punks sprout directly from the body of Professor Pacali, who exercises a small degree of control over them.
Quevari Lore
Denizens of Dread
Characters with ranks in Knowledge (local) can learn more about Quevari. When a character makes a successful skill check, the following lore is revealed, including the information from lower DCs.
DC Result
11 This person belongs to a reclusive folk called the Quevari. This result reveals all humanoid traits.
16 The Quevari are a peaceful, almost meek people who abhor violence. They are also known as being a clever and hearty folk.
21 As a people, the Quevari suffer from an inescapable curse called the Bloodmoon. When the full moon rises, they become deranged, sadistic killers. They do not attack each other — only newcomers.
Denizens of Dread
Characters with ranks in Knowledge (local) can learn more about Quevari. When a character makes a successful skill check, the following lore is revealed, including the information from lower DCs.
DC Result
11 This person belongs to a reclusive folk called the Quevari. This result reveals all humanoid traits.
16 The Quevari are a peaceful, almost meek people who abhor violence. They are also known as being a clever and hearty folk.
21 As a people, the Quevari suffer from an inescapable curse called the Bloodmoon. When the full moon rises, they become deranged, sadistic killers. They do not attack each other — only newcomers.
Ravenkin Lore
Denizens of Dread
Characters with ranks in Knowledge (nature) can learn more about ravenkin. When a character makes a successful skill check, the following lore is revealed, including the information from lower DCs.
DC Result
12 This ebon bird is a noble creature known as a ravenkin. This result reveals all monstrous humanoid traits.
17 Ravenkin are exceptionally intelligent and wise, and possess moderate sorcerous talents.
22 Ravenkin try to blind their foes when attacked, but they are widely considered a shining beacon of good in the Lands of Mist.
Denizens of Dread
Characters with ranks in Knowledge (nature) can learn more about ravenkin. When a character makes a successful skill check, the following lore is revealed, including the information from lower DCs.
DC Result
12 This ebon bird is a noble creature known as a ravenkin. This result reveals all monstrous humanoid traits.
17 Ravenkin are exceptionally intelligent and wise, and possess moderate sorcerous talents.
22 Ravenkin try to blind their foes when attacked, but they are widely considered a shining beacon of good in the Lands of Mist.
Red Widow Lore
Denizens of Dread
Characters with ranks in Knowledge (arcana) can learn more about red widows. When a character makes a successful skill check, the following lore is revealed, including the information from lower DCs.
DC Result
16 This monstrous spider is a red widow, a trickster beast capable of taking humanoid form. It is closely related to araneas. This result reveals all magical beast traits and the shapechanger subtype.
21 Like other monstrous spiders, a red widow injects deadly venom with its bite and can spin thick webs to trap its prey. Red widows and araneas are not actually related.
26 Red widows are always female. In humanoid form, they are distinguished by their great beauty and bright red hair.
31 Red widows generally feed by draining the fluids of their trapped lovers, but occasionally they are compelled to breed. On these occasions, a red widow keeps her victim alive in a web cocoon, but lays eggs in his abdomen. The newborn spiders slowly consume their helpless father after they hatch.
Denizens of Dread
Characters with ranks in Knowledge (arcana) can learn more about red widows. When a character makes a successful skill check, the following lore is revealed, including the information from lower DCs.
DC Result
16 This monstrous spider is a red widow, a trickster beast capable of taking humanoid form. It is closely related to araneas. This result reveals all magical beast traits and the shapechanger subtype.
21 Like other monstrous spiders, a red widow injects deadly venom with its bite and can spin thick webs to trap its prey. Red widows and araneas are not actually related.
26 Red widows are always female. In humanoid form, they are distinguished by their great beauty and bright red hair.
31 Red widows generally feed by draining the fluids of their trapped lovers, but occasionally they are compelled to breed. On these occasions, a red widow keeps her victim alive in a web cocoon, but lays eggs in his abdomen. The newborn spiders slowly consume their helpless father after they hatch.
Silver Fox Lore
Ravenloft Gazetteer I
Characters with ranks in Knowledge (nature) can learn more about silver foxes. When a character makes a successful skill check, the following lore is revealed, including the information from lower DCs.
DC Result
10 This vulpine animal is a silver fox, a creature commonly associated with elven woodlands. This result reveals all magical beast traits.
15 Silver foxes are extremely fleet of foot and exceptionally difficult to track.
20 Silver fox pelts can attract high prices in some markets, though elves won’t buy them.
25 Elf mages sometimes seek out silver foxes for use as familiars.
Ravenloft Gazetteer I
Characters with ranks in Knowledge (nature) can learn more about silver foxes. When a character makes a successful skill check, the following lore is revealed, including the information from lower DCs.
DC Result
10 This vulpine animal is a silver fox, a creature commonly associated with elven woodlands. This result reveals all magical beast traits.
15 Silver foxes are extremely fleet of foot and exceptionally difficult to track.
20 Silver fox pelts can attract high prices in some markets, though elves won’t buy them.
25 Elf mages sometimes seek out silver foxes for use as familiars.
Stakewood Tree Lore
New
Characters with ranks in Knowledge (nature) can learn more about stakewood trees. When a character makes a successful skill check, the following lore is revealed, including the information from lower DCs.
DC Result
18 This bulbous, towering growth is a stakewood tree. This result reveals all plant traits.
23 A stakewood tree takes its name from the woody projectiles it fires from its upper trunk. The tree only attacks nearby warm-blooded creatures at least the size of a halfling.
28 These stakes remain attached to the stakewood tree via vinelike tethers, and immediately take root in the victim’s flesh. Unless removed, an impaled stake quickly immobilizes, then kills and absorbs its victim.
33 Severing the tether connecting a stake to the tree drastically slows the stake’s growth rate. An implanted stake must be removed surgically (with a Heal check), but spells like diminish plants can significantly aid the procedure.
New
Characters with ranks in Knowledge (nature) can learn more about stakewood trees. When a character makes a successful skill check, the following lore is revealed, including the information from lower DCs.
DC Result
18 This bulbous, towering growth is a stakewood tree. This result reveals all plant traits.
23 A stakewood tree takes its name from the woody projectiles it fires from its upper trunk. The tree only attacks nearby warm-blooded creatures at least the size of a halfling.
28 These stakes remain attached to the stakewood tree via vinelike tethers, and immediately take root in the victim’s flesh. Unless removed, an impaled stake quickly immobilizes, then kills and absorbs its victim.
33 Severing the tether connecting a stake to the tree drastically slows the stake’s growth rate. An implanted stake must be removed surgically (with a Heal check), but spells like diminish plants can significantly aid the procedure.
Subdweller Lore
Denizens of Dread
Characters with ranks in Knowledge (dungeoneering) can learn more about subdwellers. When a character makes a successful skill check, the following lore is revealed, including the information from lower DCs.
DC Result
11 This deranged humanoid is a subdweller. This result reveals all humanoid traits.
16 Subdwellers have adapted to life underground. They can see in the dark, but bright light blinds their oversized eyes.
21 Subdwellers have been driven insane by their subterranean existence. If approached, they can fly into mad rages, and it is dangerous to make mental contact with them.
Denizens of Dread
Characters with ranks in Knowledge (dungeoneering) can learn more about subdwellers. When a character makes a successful skill check, the following lore is revealed, including the information from lower DCs.
DC Result
11 This deranged humanoid is a subdweller. This result reveals all humanoid traits.
16 Subdwellers have adapted to life underground. They can see in the dark, but bright light blinds their oversized eyes.
21 Subdwellers have been driven insane by their subterranean existence. If approached, they can fly into mad rages, and it is dangerous to make mental contact with them.
Vampyre Lore
Denizens of Dread
Characters with ranks in Knowledge (nature) can learn more about vampyres. When a character makes a successful skill check, the following lore is revealed, including the information from lower DCs.
DC Result
15 This sensual person is a vampyre, a living creature with traits similar to those of an undead vampire. This result reveals all monstrous humanoid traits.
20 Vampyres are physically powerful, possess animalistic charm, and drink the blood of their victims.
25 Vampyre saliva contains a strange toxin that breaks down a victim’s will. Victims of a vampyre’s blood drain become particularly susceptible to the vampyre’s suggestions.
30 Vampyres are urban predators that operate in packs. They exist alongside humanity, but see the humans in their midst as little more than cattle.
Denizens of Dread
Characters with ranks in Knowledge (nature) can learn more about vampyres. When a character makes a successful skill check, the following lore is revealed, including the information from lower DCs.
DC Result
15 This sensual person is a vampyre, a living creature with traits similar to those of an undead vampire. This result reveals all monstrous humanoid traits.
20 Vampyres are physically powerful, possess animalistic charm, and drink the blood of their victims.
25 Vampyre saliva contains a strange toxin that breaks down a victim’s will. Victims of a vampyre’s blood drain become particularly susceptible to the vampyre’s suggestions.
30 Vampyres are urban predators that operate in packs. They exist alongside humanity, but see the humans in their midst as little more than cattle.
Phagian Virus Lore
Ravenloft Monstrous Compendium III
Characters with ranks in Knowledge (arcana) or Heal can learn more about Phagian viruses; if using the Heal skill, add +5 to the DC. When a character makes a successful skill check, the following lore is revealed, including the information from lower DCs.
DC Result
15 This strange ailment is the result of a Phagian virus: a supernatural disease that possesses a will of its own. Without magical assistance, the victim will eventually succumb.
20 Phagian virus infection generally passes through three phases. The first manifests disturbing, but not particularly harmful symptoms. The second phase manifests painful and damaging effects, sometimes with bizarre or even supernatural side effects. The third and final phase is invariably fatal. This result reveals the basic symptoms of each phase.
25 This result reveals the means by which the virus spreads and the specific recovery methods.
30 The Vistani have incorporated cures for Phagian viruses into their healing lore, and may be able to provide infected victims with improved odds of a full recovery.
Ravenloft Monstrous Compendium III
Characters with ranks in Knowledge (arcana) or Heal can learn more about Phagian viruses; if using the Heal skill, add +5 to the DC. When a character makes a successful skill check, the following lore is revealed, including the information from lower DCs.
DC Result
15 This strange ailment is the result of a Phagian virus: a supernatural disease that possesses a will of its own. Without magical assistance, the victim will eventually succumb.
20 Phagian virus infection generally passes through three phases. The first manifests disturbing, but not particularly harmful symptoms. The second phase manifests painful and damaging effects, sometimes with bizarre or even supernatural side effects. The third and final phase is invariably fatal. This result reveals the basic symptoms of each phase.
25 This result reveals the means by which the virus spreads and the specific recovery methods.
30 The Vistani have incorporated cures for Phagian viruses into their healing lore, and may be able to provide infected victims with improved odds of a full recovery.
Wildlands Beast Lore
Briefly touched on in Ravenloft Dungeon Master's Guide
Characters with ranks in Knowledge (local) or Knowledge (Ravenloft) can learn more about Wildlands beasts. When a character makes a successful skill check, the following lore is revealed, including the information from lower DCs.
DC Result
13 This animal is what the folk of Sri Raji call a Wildlands beast: a creature native to the untamed wilderness they call the Wildlands This result reveals all magical beast traits.
18 Animals native to the wildlands are so cunning that they often seem to possess an eerie sort of humanlike intelligence.
23 All normal animals that enter the Wildlands soon develop human-level intelligence, but remain wild beasts at heart and are not necessarily well disposed toward humanoids.
28 Wildlands beasts possess a feral language, indistinguishable to humanoid ears from normal howls and roars, which allows them all to communicate with each other.
Briefly touched on in Ravenloft Dungeon Master's Guide
Characters with ranks in Knowledge (local) or Knowledge (Ravenloft) can learn more about Wildlands beasts. When a character makes a successful skill check, the following lore is revealed, including the information from lower DCs.
DC Result
13 This animal is what the folk of Sri Raji call a Wildlands beast: a creature native to the untamed wilderness they call the Wildlands This result reveals all magical beast traits.
18 Animals native to the wildlands are so cunning that they often seem to possess an eerie sort of humanlike intelligence.
23 All normal animals that enter the Wildlands soon develop human-level intelligence, but remain wild beasts at heart and are not necessarily well disposed toward humanoids.
28 Wildlands beasts possess a feral language, indistinguishable to humanoid ears from normal howls and roars, which allows them all to communicate with each other.
Wolfwere Lore
Denizens of Dread
Characters with ranks in Knowledge (arcana) or, in Kartakass, Knowledge (local) can learn more about wolfweres. When a character makes a successful skill check, the following lore is revealed, including the information from lower DCs.
DC Result
14 This cunning wolf is actually a shapechanging trickster beast called a wolfwere. This result reveals all magical beast traits and the shapechanger subtype.
19 Wolfweres are talented shapechangers, and can take the form of any humanoid race or sex, even mimicking specific individuals. They change shape by turning their skins inside out, so that while humanoid, their fur grows on the inside. Weapons made of cold iron can pierce a wolfwere’s supernatural defenses.
24 Wolfweres cannot mimic specific individuals, nor do they turn their skin inside out. A wolfwere can perform a magical song that fatigues its potential victims.
29 More powerful varieties of wolfwere exist. The greater wolfwere can summon wolves to its aid and rapidly heals most forms of damage.
Denizens of Dread
Characters with ranks in Knowledge (arcana) or, in Kartakass, Knowledge (local) can learn more about wolfweres. When a character makes a successful skill check, the following lore is revealed, including the information from lower DCs.
DC Result
14 This cunning wolf is actually a shapechanging trickster beast called a wolfwere. This result reveals all magical beast traits and the shapechanger subtype.
19 Wolfweres are talented shapechangers, and can take the form of any humanoid race or sex, even mimicking specific individuals. They change shape by turning their skins inside out, so that while humanoid, their fur grows on the inside. Weapons made of cold iron can pierce a wolfwere’s supernatural defenses.
24 Wolfweres cannot mimic specific individuals, nor do they turn their skin inside out. A wolfwere can perform a magical song that fatigues its potential victims.
29 More powerful varieties of wolfwere exist. The greater wolfwere can summon wolves to its aid and rapidly heals most forms of damage.