Castle Amber (module)

Castle Amber is a Dungeons & Dragons adventure module for the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons (AD&D) first edition rules, published by TSR in 1981. It is designated as module I6 in the "I" series (Intermediate). Written by Tom Moldvay, it is notable for its blend of gothic horror and dark fantasy, drawing heavily on the themes and atmosphere of Clark Ashton Smith's Averoigne stories and other French Gothic literature.

The adventure is set in the demiplane of Ravenloft, specifically in the domain of Amber, ruled by the Amber family, also known as the Ambreville family. The player characters are drawn into the Ambreville family's complex and often tragic history, dealing with family curses, dark secrets, and supernatural threats.

The module is designed for characters of levels 5-7, and it involves exploration, social interaction, and combat. It is characterized by its non-linear structure, allowing players considerable freedom in how they approach the various challenges and mysteries within the castle and its surrounding environs. A key element of the gameplay is piecing together the history of the Ambreville family to understand and ultimately resolve the problems facing the domain.

Castle Amber is considered a classic module for its evocative setting, challenging encounters, and engaging storyline, contributing significantly to the development of the Ravenloft campaign setting. Its inclusion of literary influences and its focus on atmosphere and intrigue distinguish it from many other AD&D modules of the era. The module was later updated and expanded upon in subsequent Ravenloft products.