How to prepare

Join the discord here - https://discord.gg/FkSKUGPW Then Join the game here - https://forge-vtt.com/invite/esi-ariaberenice-a-shot-in-the-dark/465958cd-0429-4f52-9170-468ddcf8e220 If you are unsure about what sort of character you want to play and want something to just jump right into, I will run you through some ideas that I'd love to see thrown into Barovia!

What I provide

Immersive Storytelling and Atmosphere: With a focus on creating a rich, atmospheric narrative, I bring Barovia and Ustalav to life through vivid descriptions, haunting soundscapes, and dynamic NPC interactions. My goal is to make every session feel like a chapter in a thrilling gothic novel, where every decision and encounter matters. Enhanced Roleplay Opportunities: I create opportunities for deep character development, weaving personal storylines into the overarching narrative. Your character’s backstory will play a crucial role, offering moments of heroism, heartbreak, and transformation that tie directly into the campaign’s dark themes. Expert Use of Homebrew Content: By incorporating elements from She is the Ancient and Mandymod, I adjust the classic Curse of Strahd to enhance the horror and player agency while removing outdated or problematic elements. This ensures a fresh, engaging experience that respects player boundaries and expectations. Dynamic Combat and Tactical Challenges: Combat in Barovia is not just a series of dice rolls; it’s an intense, strategic encounter that tests your skills and keeps you on the edge of your seat. I strive to make each battle feel meaningful, with stakes that go beyond just hit points, reflecting the dangerous and desperate nature of the setting. Customized Game Experience: I tailor each session to the group’s preferences, adjusting the balance of roleplay, combat, and exploration to suit the party’s dynamics. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or new to tabletop RPGs, I will guide you through the world of Barovia in a way that best suits your style and pace. Professional Virtual Tabletop Setup: I utilize Foundry VTT to create visually engaging maps, atmospheric lighting, and interactive elements that bring the world to life. Every detail is designed to enhance immersion, from character tokens to environmental effects. All that said and done, I am that sort of GM that's open to rule of cool above all and am open to just having player's reroll if I feel the dice are stiffing them!

Gameplay details

Considering how intense the material of Curse of Strahd can be, even with adjustments from She is the Ancient to remove unnecessary elements, this campaign remains a deeply immersive and intense horror story. To ensure a safe and comfortable experience for all players, the following safety tools will be actively used throughout the campaign: X-Card: Players can use the X-Card at any time to pause the game and skip content that makes them uncomfortable. No questions asked, and the narrative will adapt smoothly around it. Open Door Policy: Players are encouraged to step away from the game whenever they need to, whether it’s to take a break, handle personal matters, or just to get some distance from intense scenes. No explanation is required, and they can rejoin when ready. If after the game you wish to elaborate on what caused the issue, that will make it so I can ensure you are getting the most out of your experience. Breaks: Regular breaks will be scheduled throughout the session to give players time to decompress and step away from the intense atmosphere, ensuring that everyone can continue to enjoy the game at a comfortable pace. Aftercare: At the end of each session, we’ll have a brief aftercare check-in to discuss any emotional impacts from the game, address any concerns, and make sure everyone leaves the session feeling supported. Bleed Management: Recognizing that emotions from the game can sometimes carry over into real life, we will discuss these moments openly to help distinguish between character experiences and personal feelings, providing a clear mental separation to maintain player well-being.

Content warnings

Safety tools used

How will character creation work

I believe that character creation is a collaborative and integral part of the storytelling process. I work closely with each player during character creation to develop a character that feels deeply connected to the world of Barovia and Golarion. By building your character together, I can better understand your character's motivations, backstory, and unique traits, allowing me to weave their personal storylines seamlessly into the campaign. Here’s what to expect during character creation: Collaborative Character Building: We will work together to create your character, exploring their background, goals, and fears. This process helps me learn about your character as they come to life, ensuring they are fully integrated into the story from the beginning. Local Ties to the Setting: To enhance the immersive experience, I encourage characters to originate from Ustalav or its surrounding areas. Consider creating a character from the haunted lands of Ustalav, the scarred borders of the Worldwound, the rugged Hold of Belkzen, or even the superstitious regions near Lastwall. These connections add depth and bring personal stakes to the fore, as your character may already be familiar with Barovia’s ominous legends. Tailored Story Hooks: Your character’s background will directly influence the story. Whether you are a jaded exorcist, a desperate scholar, or a defiant warrior, your past will shape how Barovia’s horrors test you. Expect your character to be drawn into the campaign’s narrative with personal ties, secrets, and quests that reflect their origins and ambitions. Guidance and Flexibility: Whether you’re new to Pathfinder 2e or a seasoned player, I provide guidance on mechanics, lore, and character options to ensure you feel confident and excited about your character. I’m flexible with character ideas and love to brainstorm creative concepts that fit within the dark fantasy setting of Barovia and Ustalav. Session Zero: We’ll have a dedicated Session Zero to finalize character creation, establish party dynamics, discuss expectations, and ensure everyone is comfortable with the game’s themes and tone. This session will set the foundation for a cohesive party ready to face the trials ahead. Creating your character with me ensures a rich, integrated experience where your backstory isn’t just a page on your sheet but a living part of the ongoing tale. Let’s craft a hero—or a reluctant survivor—who feels right at home in the gothic horrors of this campaign.

Combat / Tactics

High

Roleplay

High

Puzzles

Medium

Experience level

Open to all