Curse of Strahd (Tatyana's Version): The Burden of Grief
About the adventure
Presenting: Curse of Strahd (Tatyana's Version) The Epilogue: The Burden of Grief Player Character Level: 10 For better or worse, the fight against Strahd is over, but the fight for Barovia is not. For in the darkness, watching and waiting, has lurked something far worse than werewolves or vampires. Enter the mists into a realm of unknown horrors and face your darkest selves to finally free both the soul of Tatyana and the entire land of Barovia. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Curse of Strahd (Tatyana's Version) is a reimagining of the classic Curse of Strahd module, we change the narrative from predatory tropes that portray women as objects of desire to be won to a story that instead puts the classic Damsel in Distress back into a place of power and explores the lengths that people will go to when driven by grief and vengeance. This is the abridged version of this story, told in a series of one-shots that will snapshot specific key moments during the story in episodic format. They are each written to be enjoyed on their own as individual one-shots that contain a complete, self-contained quest. However, they will also be run in chronological order with the effects of previous one shots carrying on to future one shots for those wishing to play multiple for a more campaign-like experience. Whether you play just one session or play multiple sessions, these games are designed to be self-contained within the larger narrative. This is the end.
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
1 year on StartPlaying
72 games hosted
Highly rated for: Creativity, Storytelling, Knows the Rules
About me
My name's Erin, also known as Travel Nerd Erin. I'm a nurse educatorby trade who also has a deep love for storytelling. I've been a GM/storyteller for over 15 years. My deep loves are gothic horror and Asian folklore inspired stories. I've had the opportunity to DM stories of my own making at events like Gen Con and D3 at Sea, and it is an honor to have such a variety of opportunities to facilitate weaving incredible stories with people from all over the world. While D&D tends to be my primary focus as a GM, I also love other systems! I'm particularly interested in Through the Breach, Vampire the Masquerade, and a number of Powered by the Apocalypse games. Exploring diverse settings and systems is a love of mine, and I love to introduce folks to new options in gaming.
View Profile →Reviews (14)
Proficiencies
Players say this GM is great at:
Creativity
Storytelling
Knows the Rules
I have played several times with Erin as a DM. She is such a good DM, that I'm almost afraid to play with anyone else! Very deep storytelling, inclusive of written character backstories. The table is a safe space where problems are quickly dealt with. Problems are not common though! Erin's campaigns are very RP focused, which I love. A lot of thought is put into each game. Erin is also a very good teacher when it comes to TTRPGs.
I knew Erin was going to be a kick @$$ DM as soon as we started with character intro scenes. Erin is the epitome of "yes and..." meets "Rule of Cool" meets "Storytelling Mastery". The way she gives us all a little time to shine in our RP moments is just top notch stuff. Our group has a more quiet player surrounded by quite a few "Type A" players and Erin doesn't miss a beat. She makes sure EVERYONE is a hero. Everyone is a main character. Erin's version of CoS is haunting, mysterious, and anxiety inducing in the BEST ways. When our group brings goofy vibes, Erin rolls with it and makes it all MEAN something. I cannot say enough good things about Erin. If you're on the fence...get off it. Come on over here. The ...water...is nice?
I haven’t been playing long, but I think it’ll be a long time before I’m spoilt with such talent again. Erin’s handling of Strahd, making such impactful changes to the structure of the story, speaks to their passion to tell a better story than what the print implies. As a DM, their knowledge of the rules was on par with those that writ them, including the 2024 rule set. Absolutely accommodating to those of us who were just getting acquainted with the new rules, Erin made space for everyone at the table, crafting immersive and engrossing sessions. If you’re even half considering them as your DM, go all the way. You will not be disappointed.
Erin is a most excellent DM, and I am so glad she let me join this group for her Curse of Strahd game. She does a fantastic job of balancing attention between players, as well as incorporating details about your character that you've provided for her. This is my second time playing with her, and I can already say with confidence that she has a fan for life in me.
Erin is an incredibly talented GM who not only is able to develop complex and engaging scenarios for the players to play their characters to play in but also creates NPCs with their own depth of character for them to interact with. In support of her world building ability she is also a talented artist who is able to make her own character art but also is able to call upon a number of other talented artists to help out. As a GM Erin has a deep well of knowledge of several RPG systems and knows how to apply and flex the rules to ensure that everyone at the table can enjoy the game and the story.
Character creation
Creating your character
This one shot is for characters of level 10, utilizing the new D&D 2024 rulesets. A DnDBeyond link will be provided with content sharing upon joining this one shot. You also are welcome to use any of the original 5e RAW materials such as species and subclasses from Xanathar's, Monsters of the Multiverse, Tasha's, Van Richten's, etc. Critical Role, Eberron, and Dragonlance material are also permitted and welcome. I will be avoiding homebrew for these one shots for the sake of ease of preparation on my behalf. If you intend on joining multiple one shots, you are welcome to keep the same character and level them up between one shots as needed. Additional information on character creation such as stats, equipment, etc. will provided after signing up.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
A microphone and stable internet is necessary for this game. A webcam is strongly preferred, as I have found it does help build comfort to see who you are playing with and it helps facilitate role play. Players will also need Discord, DnDBeyond and Roll20 accounts. Free accounts are perfectly fine.
What Erin (aka TravelNerding) brings to the table
My style of Gothic Horror focuses on storytelling by giving players a rich, fleshed out environment to explore through the eyes of their characters. I strive to create an immersive experience (despite the virtual setting) by utilizing visuals/maps, music, and NPC voices. I believe that the rules are a guide to help foster creativity and that players having a fun experience building a story collaboratively comes first. Rules are there to serve the story, not the other way around. Despite being a one shot, character choices will have heavy impact on the progression of the story - I want players to truly feel that their decisions matter and that this story is theirs to shape. These one shots will feature a heavy mix of both combat and roleplay.
Platforms used
Safety
How Erin (aka TravelNerding) creates a safe table
Upon signing up, players will be sent an RPG consent checklist form regarding lines and veils to be completed prior to the game. A session zero document with some basic table expectations will be provided as well. A brief session zero conversation will take place at the start of the scheduled game session to ensure review safety tools as well as lines and veils to be minded during the game. The X card system will be used and can be done so either via message on discord, message in the video call's chat, or on screen depending on player comfort. I will remain available after each session should any debriefing be necessary.