G57 | Level 5 | Curse of Strahd | Beginners | Gothic Horror

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“Roleplay Heavy” games place the focus on the story, the characters, and the world they live within, and tend to lean hard into the various roleplaying elements of the game. These games will frequently find the party talking with NPCs, exploring the personal elements of their backstories, or even having emotional moments around the camp fire. 

Roleplay Heavy

“Combat Heavy” games emphasize the combat mechanics within their systems over roleplay or puzzle solving. There are frequent and longer battles with enemies and a greater emphasis on tactical game play.

Combat Heavy

A “Dungeon Crawl” is a scenario where players navigate a dungeon or labyrinth-like environment for the entirety of the adventure. It emphasizes battling monsters, collecting loot, and avoiding traps to survive to the end!

Dungeon Crawl

“Rule of Cool” emphasizes creative story beats over sticking to a system’s rules as written. Players have the ability to push the limits of the rules or even break core rule mechanics at times if the Game Master thinks it is interesting, fun, or cool enough.

Rule of Cool (RoC)

Games that are ran “Rules as Written” emphasize realism and stick to the letter of the rules, allowing players to explore creative solutions while still operating under a consistent rule set. Players have the ability to utilize the rules in creative ways to create awesome characters and moments in the game.

Rules as Written (RaW)

Dungeons & Dragons 5e

Icewind Dale is trapped in eternal winter, its people desperate and its secrets buried in ice. Will you uncover the truth or be lost to the cold ancient horrors?

D&D 5e Icewind Dale | Rime of the Frostmaiden

Curse of Strahd - L1-20 High Fantasy Gothic Horror

Gothic Horror

High Fantasy

After the game ends, check-in with the group and talk about how you all feel. Have an open way for the group to decompress and encourage each other to practice self-care.

Aftercare

For long games or stressful content, having built-in breaks allows the group to stay focused and process content. This time can be used for bio breaks, conversation, or any other necessities.

Breaks

Debriefing is a way to reflect on the game. Identify possible issues, highlight the good parts, and work through potential emotional bleed.

Debriefing

Lines and Veils set the boundaries of the games. Lines are hard limits for content the group doesn't want to participate in, this means that content will not be in game, referenced in game, or alluded to. Veils are soft limits, meaning that when the content arises it might be mentioned, but not described, or it could mean that when the content shows up, it results in a “fade-to-black”.

Lines and Veils

With this technique, when triggering content comes into play, they can discuss with the group, take a break, and express their needs or wants for how play should continue. After the discussion ends, play should continue to account for the requests.

Luxton Technique

The Luxton Technique Discussion involves having an open conversation about triggers at the table. It is not possible to identify every trigger, but this provides a good-base for the GM. In addition, there must be no pressure to go into detail or justify a trauma trigger.

Luxton Technique Discussion

Open-Door is an assurance that anyone in the group can take a break from the game for their own safety and well-being without judgement. This should be made clear to the group.

Open Door

Session 0s are used to start the game, opening up with communication, setting expectations, and discussing any safety tools that will be used at the table.

Session 0

Stars and Wishes are used to reflect and discuss feedback in a positive way. Stars are used for things that participants enjoyed in the game. Wishes are things that participants would like to see in the future. Both players and the GM can express their stars and wishes to make the game better.

Stars and Wishes

Curse of Strahd

* Playing and DMing since the days of yore (AD&D). 
* Now playing and hosting 5e games since 2020. 
20k+ Hours GMing D&D 5e on Roll20
* Newish to Foundry 
* New to Fantasy Grounds Unity

Roll20 Profile: https://app.roll20.net/users/7656131

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