Curse of Strahdanya 5e🦇 Ch. 3: Vallaki [2024]

Creating your character

Creating your character is an important part of our adventure, and I want to make sure you’re happy with your hero! That’s why I’m offering to sit down with each of you to help you build your character. We’ll go through everything together, from choosing a race and class to developing your backstory and motivations. You’re welcome to bring your own concept — or step into the role of one of the setting’s iconic characters: ✨ Ireena Kolyana — courageous, compassionate, and tied to a destiny she never chose. Will you challenge it… or fulfill it? ✨ Rictavio — a mysterious half-elf bard with a wagon, a past, and more secrets than songs. ✨ Ezmerelda d’Avenir — a razor-sharp monster hunter and apprentice to a legendary vampire slayer. Brilliant, deadly, and fiercely independent. ✨ Ismark Kolyanovich — loyal, determined, and ready to defend his sister and his homeland at any cost. Strength and heart in equal measure. This session is all about setting the stage for our campaign and making sure your character fits into the world of Barovia! ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Preparing for the session

Join the Discord Server where the game will be hosted! https://discord.gg/eTxscXnA5V As we get ready to explore the dark and mysterious land of Barovia, here are a few tips to help you prepare: 1. Understand the Setting: •Gothic Horror: Barovia is filled with eerie atmospheres, dark mysteries, and supernatural creatures. •Strahd’s Domain: The vampire lord Strahd von Zarovich rules over Barovia and his influence is everywhere. 2. Tools and Tech: •Webcam and Mic: You’ll need a webcam (OPTIONAL) and microphone for our sessions to interact with the group effectively. •Accounts and Downloads: Create an account on D&D Beyond, if you haven't already. You'll need it for the character creation process. Set up accounts on https://forge-vtt.com/ https://www.dndbeyond.com/ https://discord.com/ 3. Character Creation: •Session Zero: We’ll have a Session Zero to create characters together, discuss expectations, and go over campaign details. •Backstory: Think about why your character is in Barovia. What are their goals and fears? •Survivor Mindset: Make sure your character is resilient and resourceful. •Basic rules: Check out the link below to learn how to build a new character! https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules 4. Gear and Equipment: •Essentials: Equip your character with basics like food, water, and weapons. •Special Items: Consider items useful against undead, like holy water or silvered weapons. 5. Mental Preparation: •Embrace the Darkness: Be ready for dark themes and moral challenges. •Teamwork: Cooperation with your fellow players is key to survival. 6. Roleplaying: •Deep Roleplay: Get into your character’s personality and backstory. •Character Voices: If you’re comfortable, use a voice or accent for your character. 7. Familiarize Yourself with the Rules: •D&D Basics: Learn the basic rules if you’re new. D&D Beyond has great resources. •Relevant Mechanics: Understand mechanics for undead and dark magic. 8. Communication: •Open Dialogue: Let me know if something makes you uncomfortable! •Feedback: Share your thoughts on what’s working or what could be better! Barovia is a land of shadows and secrets where every choice matters. Get ready for an adventure filled with danger, mystery, and unforgettable moments! ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

What Nox Arcana brings to the table

💻 • Virtual Tabletop (VTT): We’ll use https://forge-vtt.com/ for smooth gameplay, detailed maps, and easy interaction. 📍🗺️ • Custom Maps and Tokens: I’ll be providing custom-made maps and tokens to bring a breath of life to every encounter and location! 🐉 • D&D Beyond Content: You’ll have access to all of my content on D&D Beyond, making character creation and management super easy. My GM Style: 📝 • Immersive Storytelling: I love weaving rich, atmospheric narratives! Barovia is full of secrets and every choice you make will matter. 🎭 • Dynamic Roleplay: Character development and interaction are key! Your backstories and motivations will drive the story forward. 🎬 • Character Voices and Accents: I’ll use different voices and accents to make NPCs memorable! Whether it’s a mysterious Vistani or a creepy vampire spawn, each character will stand out. 🎶 • Ambient Music and Sound Effects: To set the mood, I use ambient music and sound effects! Expect howling wind, distant thunder, and eerie whispers to pull you into the gothic horror of Barovia. 😎 • Rule of Cool: I’m all about "rule of cool"! If you come up with something awesome that bends the rules a bit, I’ll likely work with you and, if it's within reason, go with it to keep the story exciting. 🤸🏻‍♀️ • Flexibility and Support: I’m flexible and open to your creative ideas! I’m also here to help new players feel comfortable and get into the game. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Homebrew rules

🔹 Critical Hits: Roll all damage dice twice; creative descriptions may add extra effects. 🔹 Critical Failures: Natural 1s can trigger setbacks or mishaps. 🔹 Flanking & Tactics: Flanking gives advantage; clever positioning or environmental use is rewarded. 🔹 Creativity & Roleplay: Cinematic actions and great roleplay can grant advantage, bonus damage, or inspiration. 🔹 Healing & Potions: Full Action Potion: Heals full roll. Bonus Action Potion: Heals half roll.

How Nox Arcana creates a safe table

📜 • Lines and Veils Document: I will send a link to our Lines and Veils document before our first session. This will help us set boundaries on sensitive topics to ensure everyone is comfortable. 🤝 • Session Zero Discussion: We’ll go over the Lines and Veils, discuss any potential triggers, and establish our safety tools for use during the game. 🫂 • Aftercare: After each session, we’ll have a brief check-in to discuss any concerns, highlights, or moments that stood out. This helps ensure everyone feels supported and heard!