Count Strahd von Zarovich stares down a sheer cliff at the village below. A cold, bitter wind spins dead leaves around him, billowing his cape in the darkness.Lightning splits the clouds overhead, casting stark white light across him. Strahd turns to the sky, revealing the angular muscles of his face and hands. He has a look of power - and of madness. His once-handsome face is contorted by a tragedy darker than the night itself.Rumbling thunder pounds the castle spires. The wind's howling increases as Strahd turns his gaze back to the village. Fas below, yet not beyond his keen eyesight, a party of adventurers has just entered his domain. Strahd's face forms a twisted smile as his dark plan unfolds. He knew they were coming, and he knows why they came, all according to his plan. He, the master of Ravenloft, will attend to them.Another lightning flash rips through the darkness, its thunder echoing through the castle's towers. But Strahd is gone. Only the howling of the wind - or perhaps a lone wolf - fills the midnight air. The master of Ravenloft is having guests for dinner. And you are invited.

    It is midnight. All day long the glass sea soaked up the scorching desert sunlight. Now, that heat lifts your ship a few inches off the glass and fills its sails. The only sound you hear is the soft swish of the diamond-edged rudder as it cuts a path across the Skysea.One thousand years ago, the wizard Martek knew that you would come to find his sphere of power. Now, one of his glowing Star Gems shows you the way. The starlight, reflected in the glass benearth you, flickers peacefully.Suddenly, the Skysea before you bursts up into a thousand shards of splintered glass, showering into the moonlight! A horrible creature is silhouetted against the moon. You strain against the rudder to keep your ship upright.Too late! Your cloudskate tips onto one runner, and then tumbles over, skidding to a stop on the glass. As your companions struggle to right the ship, you turn to face the monster. You must hold the creature back to give them time. Without the ship, none of you can get off the glass before the sun rises in the morning.Martek's prophecy spoke of heroes, tests and dangers. Are you the heroes? What are the tests? What dangers and riches lie ahead?

    It is the ideal vehicle of imagination for intermediate through advanced players and referees, ages 10 and up."the most complete alphabetical listing and description of the latest AD&D game creatures"A must for the serious AD&D gameplayer. This manual contains all the new members,from Abishai to Zygom, including new creatures like the Deadly Pudding, Devas, and Valley Elves. And you'll also have the advantage of the expanded lists of lycanthropes, giants, and other beasts.

    

    

    The complete equipment guide and briefing manual for Q branch.