> [!columns|3 no-t] > >[!abstract|no-i title-center] **[[Up]]** > > > [!example|no-i title-center] **[[Elmanon]]** > > > [!question|no-i title-center] **[[Player Hub]]** > [!warning|no-i title-center] **[[Adventurer's Guild]]** --- > [!quote] Dungeon Master's Guide 2024 p. 361 > "A scholar and monster hunter, *Rudolph van Richten* has traveled to dozens of [[Domain of Dread|Domains of Dread]] in the [[Shadowfell]], investigating reports of monstrous beings and documenting them in a series of published guides, the best known of which is [[Van Richten's Guide to Vampires]]." > > "In kinder days, *Rudolph* lived with his wife, [[Ingrid]], and son, [[Erasmus]], but he lost them both to a wicked [[Vampire]]. In the process of hunting the [[Vampire]], *Rudolph* came under a terrible curse: "Live you always among monsters, and see everyone you love die beneath their claws." > > "In the decades since, *van Richten* has hunted monsters and armed others with the knowledge they need to confront evil. Though he's made many devoted allies, he keeps them at arm's length, fearing the threat of his curse." > > "*Van Richten* is closely associated with other heroes who prowl the [[Domain of Dread|Domains of Dread]], including the detective [[Alanik Ray]] and his partner [[Arthur Sedgwick]], the explorer [[Ezmerelda d'Avenir]], and the twins [[Gennifer Weathermay-Foxgrove|Gennifer]] and [[Laurie Weathermay-Foxgrove]]."