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Curse of Strahd: Darkness Eternal
The mists of Barovia ensnare unwary travelers, drawing them into a realm where ancient evil lurks behind every shadow and the vampire lord Strahd!
$19.00
/ Session
Details
Weekly / Thursday - 12:00 AM UTC
Session Duration / 3 hours
5 / 5 Seats Filled
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Meet your party members
5/5
About the adventure
Gothic Horror in Barovia: Curse of Strahd D&D 5e Campaign Brave the mists of Barovia in this atmospheric Dungeons & Dragons 5e horror adventure! As a DM who loves weaving immersive tales, I'll guide you through a land of dread ruled by the vampire Strahd von Zarovich. What to expect: Tense exploration of haunted villages and Castle Ravenloft Morally complex choices that shape Barovia's fate A blend of combat, social intrigue, and unnerving mysteries Character-driven storytelling where your backstory matters Who this is for: Players who enjoy atmospheric horror and gothic fantasy Those comfortable with mature themes and unsettling situations Ideal for those with some D&D experience, but newcomers welcome Collaborative roleplayers eager to develop their character's story Sessions emphasize teamwork, problem-solving, and confronting the darkness – both external and within. I provide a supportive table where everyone's voice matters. Ready to pierce the gloom and face the Lord of Ravenloft? Then step into the mists – your fate in Barovia awaits!
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
5.0
(26)
3 years on StartPlaying
238 games hosted
Highly rated for: Sets the Mood, Creativity, Knows the Rules
Average response time: 2 hours
Response rate: 100%
About me
I've been a passionate D&D player since 1980, when I first discovered the game at the age of 8 through the treasured time spent playing with my father. My love for the game grew, and I began my journey as a DM at the age of 16. With over three decades of experience, I've come to appreciate the unique magic that unfolds when players take the reins and "write" their own adventures within the rich tapestry of the game world. As a DM, I strive to create an open, humorous atmosphere where players feel encouraged to explore, roleplay, and shape the story. I believe that the beauty of D&D lies in the non-linear nature of the narrative, and I take great joy in watching players craft their own paths. While I tend to focus more on roleplaying (around 70%) compared to combat (30%), I'm always happy to adapt to the preferences of my players. At my table, you'll find a welcoming environment where discussion and metagaming are not just tolerated but encouraged. I believe that open communication is key to creating a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. I do have a few house rules to keep things exciting, such as allowing Champion Fighters to crit on an 18 instead of a 19. However, I always make sure that the DM has the final say to maintain a smooth game flow. Ultimately, my goal is for players to walk away from my games with positive emotions and a desire to continue their D&D journey. I want them to feel that the time spent at my table was a worthy investment in their entertainment and a source of fond memories. If you're looking for a DM who is passionate, adaptable, and dedicated to creating an engaging and fun experience, I'd be honored to have you join one of my games
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
Character Creation: Characters will start at 3rd level. Players will create their characters before the first session using D&D Beyond. Once you join the campaign, you'll have access to my D&D Beyond account for character creation, which includes all official sourcebooks. Please complete your character before our first session so we can jump right into the adventure. Character Creation Guidelines: Use the standard array (15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8) or point buy for ability scores. Choose any race and class combination from official D&D 5e sourcebooks. Background and equipment can be selected from any official source. Feel free to create a backstory, but keep in mind that your character will be drawn into Barovia from another world. Additional Notes: If you have any questions during character creation, feel free to reach out to me. Consider creating a character that fits the gothic horror theme of Curse of Strahd. We'll do a quick character introduction at the start of our first session. Please have your character completed and ready to go on D&D Beyond before our first session. This will allow us to dive straight into the misty realm of Barovia!
A Call to Arms: The Cursed Crusade Off the Rails ⚔️ Have you been lost to the mists of Barovia? Now's your chance to forge a new path. Our journey into the land of Curse of Strahd has, by necessity, gone completely off the rails. Due to a recent player's departure, we're seeking a new champion to join our party as we enter the campaign's harrowing final act. This isn't a by-the-book adventure; this is our own brutal, improvised story—a testament to chaos and creativity. The party is currently on its way to the haunted mansion of Argynvostholt, where the specters of a fallen order of knights linger, seeking the return of their leader's lost skull. Once this grim task is complete, we anticipate the final confrontation with the vampire lord himself, Strahd von Zarovich, who has been toying with us from the shadows. The time for games is over; it's time to bring his reign to a bloody end. We're looking for a bold and resourceful player to leap into this twisted narrative. If you're ready for a campaign that values cunning over combat and where every victory is hard-won, we need you. Step from the mists and join us in our final push to save Barovia—or at least get out of it alive.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
1. Accounts & Software: - Discord account and app installed - D&D Beyond account (for character creation and rules reference) 2. Character Creation: - Create a 3rd level character on D&D Beyond using the shared campaign resources - Complete character creation before the first session 3. Hardware: - A microphone for voice communication - A stable internet connection 4. Foundry VTT Preparation: - Watch this tutorial video to familiarize yourself with Foundry VTT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0jfRtmuwxU - Be ready to access Foundry VTT through a modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Edge recommended)
What Gabe brings to the table
Embark on a chilling journey through Barovia in this immersive Curse of Strahd campaign! As your GM, I'll bring Ravenloft to life with curated music, ambient sounds, and vivid descriptions. Using Foundry VTT with custom content, we'll blend tactical combat and theatre of the mind for a rich, strategic experience. Expect a game that embraces the oppressive, gothic horror atmosphere. Your choices will shape Barovia's fate as we balance combat, exploration, and roleplaying. I use D&D Beyond for easy access to sourcebooks and stick to Rules of cool, with room for creative problem-solving. I'm passionate about creating a challenging yet fair adventure that honors both the source material and your creativity. Safety tools (Lines, Veils, X-Card) ensure everyone's comfort as we delve into this dark world. If you love atmospheric horror, strategic gameplay, and collaborative storytelling, join us in facing the terrors of Barovia!
Homebrew rules
Special leveling technique. Flanking Champions crit on 18
Equipment needed to play
Computer
Headphones
Internet
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How Gabe creates a safe table
Safety Tools: Lines and Veils: Before the first session, I will send all players a digital document outlining common Lines and Veils for horror-themed games, particularly those relevant to Curse of Strahd. Players will be asked to review this document and respond with any additions or removals before the first session. This document will remain accessible throughout the campaign for reference. X, N, and O Cards: We will use a digital version of X, N, and O cards. Players can use the chat function to type "X" (stop immediately), "N" (let's move on), or "O" (more of this, please) at any time during play. For those on video, you may also use a hand signal (X with arms, thumbs down for N, thumbs up for O). I will explain this system at the start of the first session and remind players of its availability regularly. Ongoing Safety: At the beginning of each session, I'll briefly remind players about our safety tools. Players are encouraged to reach out privately if they have any concerns about content. We can revisit and adjust our safety tools at any time if needed. By implementing these tools, we aim to create a safe and enjoyable experience while exploring the dark and immersive world of Barovia, even without a formal Session 0.
Content warnings
Safety tools used