Lamordia: A Domain of Dark Science and Twisted Creations

The producer’s letter has announced we are heading back to Ravenloft!

Into the Mists:

This summer we’re headed to Ravenloft with a new expansion set in Lamordia! Lamordia features the distinct “Victorian” style horror theme Ravenloft is famous for and introduces a new playable character race called the Dhampir, who are poised between the worlds of the living and the dead. Story-wise, players will discover who has been working to free Dark Lords from their Ravenloft domains and why. Dark Lords breaking loose is a big problem! We know our players are no strangers to extra-planar threats, and are up to the task.

Within the mists of Ravenloft, where gothic horror reigns supreme, lies Lamordia, a domain steeped in the chilling atmosphere of scientific hubris and macabre creations. Inspired by Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” Lamordia is a land where the pursuit of knowledge has blurred the lines between life and death, sanity and madness.

Some might be wondering what the heck is Lamordia?

Setting the Stage

Lamordia is a realm of stark contrasts. Its landscape ranges from windswept coastlines battered by icy waves to brooding forests where ancient trees claw at the sky. The domain’s settlements, often shrouded in fog, exude an air of both innovation and decay. Gothic architecture mingles with laboratories and workshops, hinting at the strange experiments conducted within.

Lamordia, a land perpetually shrouded in mist and misery, is a cornerstone of the Ravenloft setting. But the nature of its Darklord has shifted over the years, offering fascinating variations on the classic Frankenstein myth. This isn’t just about mad science; it’s about the very definition of evil, redemption, and the chilling ambiguity that makes Ravenloft so compelling.

NOTE –  2e  this was Victor Mordenheim (Male)  and in 5e they were retconned into  Viktra Modenheim (Female) 

2e Lamordia: The Monster’s Reign

In the older editions of Ravenloft, Lamordia’s Darklord is Victor Mordenheim , and his  grotesque Flesh Golem Adam. This isn’t your typical sympathetic monster. Adam is pure, unadulterated evil, a creature of cruelty and power. He’s a Darklord in the truest sense, a force of darkness that must be confronted and destroyed. Victor Frankenstein, his creator, is still alive, a broken man haunted by his past. He’s a tragic figure, consumed by guilt and driven by a desperate, ultimately futile, attempt to save his wife. The focus here is clear: Adam is the threat, and Victor is collateral damage.

This version leans heavily into the classic mad scientist trope. Victor’s ambition leads to tragedy, and he becomes a prisoner of his own creation. The narrative is straightforward: good versus monstrous evil. While Victor’s plight adds a layer of complexity, the core of the story is the confrontation with Adam.

5e Lamordia: The Scientist’s Burden

The 5e version of Lamordia presents a dramatically different picture. Viktra Frankenstein, a brilliant but cold scientist, takes center stage. Her motivations are more nuanced. She’s driven by a desire to conquer death, a goal that becomes intensely personal when her lover, Elise, falls ill. Viktra’s desperate attempts to save Elise, involving morally reprehensible experiments, ultimately lead to the creation of the “unbreakable heart” and her ascension to Darklord status.

This Lamordia echoes the original Frankenstein story, but with a twist. Viktra is not simply a power-hungry mad scientist. She’s a scientist driven by love and loss, whose good intentions pave the road to darkness. Her current predicament – trapped in Lamordia, haunted by rumors of a glowing woman in the north (presumably Elise), and misunderstood by her “adoring” populace – adds another layer of complexity. She’s a Darklord who may not be entirely evil, a figure capable of both great love and terrible acts.

Comparing the Shadows:

The two versions of Lamordia offer contrasting perspectives on the Frankenstein myth. The 2e version is a classic horror story, with a clear-cut villain and a tragic hero. It’s a story of monstrous evil and the desperate struggle for survival. The 5e version, on the other hand, delves into the gray areas of morality. It explores the corrupting influence of grief and the potential for redemption, even in the darkest of hearts.

Which version is more compelling? That depends on your preferences. Do you prefer a straightforward battle against a monstrous Darklord, or a more nuanced exploration of morality and redemption? The 2e version offers visceral horror, while the 5e version offers psychological depth. Ultimately, both versions offer unique and chilling takes on the classic Frankenstein story, proving that the shadows of Lamordia are deep and ever-shifting. The real horror might not be the monsters themselves, but the choices we make in their shadows.

Inhabitants and Horrors

The people of Lamordia are a hardy folk, accustomed to the domain’s harsh environment and the strange occurrences that plague their land. They are often wary of outsiders, for Lamordia keeps its secrets close. Among the domain’s most unsettling inhabitants are the Reborn, beings animated by Viktra’s experiments. These creatures, composed of reanimated corpses and imbued with a semblance of life, wander the land as testaments to the dangers of unchecked ambition.

Notable Locations

There were few major locations in Lamordia.

• Isle of Agony: The largest of the isles by Lamordia’s coast and Adam’s normal hideout.
  Demise: Another island, farther out than the Isle of Agony. It was home to the medusa Althea
  Ludendorf: One of the two settlements in Lamordia, home to less than a thousand people.
  Neufurchtenburg: The other major settlement in Lamordia, also home to less than a thousand people.
  Schloss Mordenheim: The estate of Dr. Victor Mordenheim, it was located on the coast north of Ludendorf. Although the locals tolerated the doctor, the place had a reputation for being haunted and was thus avoided. The estate was perched on top of a cave-riddled cliff overlooking the sea.

Adventure in Lamordia

Lamordia offers a unique setting for Dungeons & Dragons adventures, blending gothic horror with elements of science fiction and body horror. Player characters might find themselves entangled in Viktra Mordenheim’s schemes, facing the consequences of her experiments, or uncovering the dark secrets that lie hidden within Lamordia’s shadowed corners.

Key Elements of Lamordian Adventures:

Moral Ambiguity: Characters may grapple with complex ethical dilemmas, questioning the limits of science and the definition of life itself.
Body Horror: The domain’s creations can challenge players’ notions of humanity and the physical form, leading to disturbing encounters and transformations.
Investigation and Mystery: Unraveling the mysteries behind Viktra’s experiments and the Reborn can lead to thrilling investigations and chilling discoveries.
Gothic Atmosphere: Lamordia’s gloomy landscapes, eerie settlements, and haunting music create a pervasive sense of dread, immersing players in the domain’s unique horror.

Conclusion

Lamordia stands as a testament to the dangers of unchecked ambition and the dark side of scientific pursuit. Its blend of gothic horror, twisted creations, and moral quandaries makes it a compelling domain for Dungeons & Dragons adventurers seeking a truly unsettling experience.

I, for one, can’t wait to see what the world builders of Standing Stone will do with this unique D&D setting, and let’s face it if you know me and listen to the podcast any chance to go back to Ravenloft is fine with me!