Curse of Strahd - The Brother's Pact (New Player friendly/ LGTBQ+ Inclusive)

Creating your character

Characters will be created at session 0 as a set party. You are free to use Point Buy or Standard Array as you like. We will also be using "shared backstories" from Kids on Bikes to build the party as a group. If you bring a premade character to the game, please leave some flexibility to work with the rest of the table to create a cohesive group. For this game characters will start at 4th level and you may bring a partially completed character to the first session. Please message the DM if you wish to play a non-standard race/ class. Aarakocra are not permitted. Characters should be made with a group mindset; characters that set out to disrupt or distract will not be permitted, though entertaining intraparty drama is encouraged if all players consent. Totally new players can pitch a concept to me prior to the game start and I will draw up a rough draft of that character for session 0.

Preparing for the session

While RPG's are a social event, cameras are optional and not required. Please, have available a good microphone for audio and an understanding of "zoom etiquette" for the enjoyment of the rest of the people at the table. Players will also need a (free) DND Beyond account and are asked to have logged in and joined the campaign before the beginning of session 0. Familiarity with the rules is a bonus but not required as we can teach you as we go. We will be using the DND Beyond Dice roller so you won't need any physical dice.

What Rob aka Lantern Noir brings to the table

Using skills learned while streaming my games on Twitch, I present everything you need from a VTT to combat tracking on the Zoom call itself. There are no additional downloads or VTT learning curves to master. My goal is to make engaging in the game as simple and straight forward as possible. But, the greatest thing I bring to the table is a true adoration for the work of the Hickman's to create this adventure. Curse of Strahd is a personal passion of mine as a module and I love running it for people, as I have been since the days of ADND. I use custom maps to enrich the visuals and OwlBear Rodeo makes them easy to access and engage with. As the campaign goes, we can work with an artist to create a composite picture of the party to be a shared memento. Costs for this commissioned work will be shared by the table.

How Rob aka Lantern Noir creates a safe table

Game Content Considerations: This is a game of gothic horror and as such many mature themes may be included. This includes fantasy violence, alcohol, magical compulsions and other possible mature themes. To ensure a safe table for all interested adult players, we will be using Fade to Black as well as Stop Light Colors as part of our safety tools. Players will be encouraged to communicate comfort levels within the game through a session and to speak up using private messages if they are uncomfortable speaking out loud at the table. All of our safety tools and content expectations will be discussed at Session 0, and reviewed regularly.