The name Ravenloft serves two roles: it is the name of a gothic horror campaign setting (world) within the main Dungeons & Dragons setting of Forgotten Realms, and it is the name of the castle stronghold of Count Strahd von Zarovich, also known as Castle Ravenloft.

The Shadowfell

Also known as the Plane of Shadows, the Shadowfell is a domain (universe) where the color is literally stripped from the world; everything exists in blacks, greys, and white, with very little color piercing the darkness. Many locations from the Material Plane exist in the Shadowfell, but disfigured and warped; a peaceful forest will appear dark and twisted, with the limbs of the trees reaching out and grabbing at unlucky victims that have strayed too close.

Imprisoned in a pocket domain in a corner of the Shadowfell lies the valley of Barovia, overshadowed by the ominous towers of Castle Ravenloft, where the first vampire Strahd makes his home. The darklords that rule over the Shadowfell, unseen and seemingly omnipotent, created these prison domains. Through an act of cruelty, or perhaps carelessness, innocent mortals were also ensnared within these domains.

Castle Ravenloft

Located in the land of Barovia, Castle Ravenloft is the home of the nation's ruler, Strahd von Zarovich, as well as many of his subordinates. Within his accursed sanctuary, Strahd committed heinous acts that would lead to the dark cloud of horror and despair that would descend and consume the land of Barovia. Shambling undead, wailing tormented spirits, as well as other horrible monster servants, roam the halls of the vast castle, doing Strahd's bidding. Relics lie scattered throughout the castle, trophies or keepsakes from slain heroes or possible mementos of a previous life.

Strahd's twisted servitors haunt the catacombs deep within the castle; fulfilling a dark scheme of their master, or standing watch over his hidden coffin.