Curse of Strahd- First Session & Personalized Character Art Free
Enter Barovia in this gothic fantasy D&D 5e campaign. Face Strahd, survive the mists, and uncover the dark fate that binds this cursed land.
$20.00
/ Session
Details
Weekly / Friday – 6:15 PM UTC
Aug 8 / Session 21
3–4 Hour Duration
1 / 5 Seats Filled
Schedule
Report Adventure
About the adventure
“Give me my robe, put on my crown; I have Immortal longings in me.” - Shakespeare The ancient prophecy tightens its grip on the cursed lands of Barovia, its claws sinking ever deeper into this ill-fated place. Under a rare, cloudless sky, the moon casts an eerie, silvery light across the ancient forest, the towering mountains, and the little villages in all their desolated glory. From the towering spires of Castle Ravenloft, Count Strahd von Zarovich surveys his domain, his presence as cold and commanding as the eternal night that blankets Barovia. Something stirs in the stagnant air—a tension, sharp and electric, like the moments before a storm unleashes its fury. The mist churns, and from its spectral depths emerge dazed figures, strangers to this haunted realm. Poor, lost lambs, trembling with fear, they stagger along the derelict road. Above, thunder cracks with the manic peals of a mad god’s laughter, echoing across the desolate countryside. These newcomers bring change to Barovia’s dark stillness—but will their arrival bring salvation or deeper ruin to this land of sorrow? Curse of Strahd stands as one of Dungeons & Dragons’ most celebrated adventures, a gothic horror tale steeped in darkness and moral ambiguity. Survival demands cunning, resourcefulness, and the forging of uneasy alliances. In Barovia, there are no heroes clad in shining armor—only shades of gray, where each choice carves a deeper scar into the soul. This module runs from level 1 to 12, with an estimated 40-50 sessions of gameplay. Prepare to face horrors both within and without, and steel yourself for an unforgettable journey through the shadows.
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
4.9
(17)
Less than a year on StartPlaying
82 games hosted
Highly rated for: Sets the Mood, Storytelling, Creativity
Average response time: 5 hours
Response rate: 100%
About me
Like many here, I’ve been immersed in the world of TTRPGs for nearly over a decade. While I love the role of Keeper, Storyteller, or MC, I’m just as comfortable donning the DM hat—especially if you don’t mind a few silly accents and my particular brand of high-pitched voices for male NPCs! When I run games online, I prefer a camera-free setup. I find this helps everyone ease into character without feeling self-conscious. I aim to create an inclusive and welcoming space, where every player can shine, from creative roleplayers to tactical combat enthusiasts. I enjoy crafting adventures that balance intense action with deep character moments, so there’s something for everyone. I’m thrilled to be meeting and DMing for new people, and I can’t wait to dive into our next adventure together!
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
You can decide whether to roll for stats or use the point-buy system, however, should you choose to roll, know that I only allow for grace rolls should you fall way below point-buy. All characters will begin at level one, setting the stage for your journey from humble beginnings to greatness. We'll be using Forge for character creation, where you’ll find almost everything you need, including fully customizable dice.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
All you’ll need to join is a good microphone, a reliable internet connection, and a Foundry account (don't worry it is free). Once you’re set-up, simply hop into the Discord server, where you’ll find all the resources and support to get started.
What Lino brings to the table
Immersive Visuals and Atmospheric Audio: With custom-crafted maps and immersive soundscapes, you’ll feel the weight of Barovia’s shadowy mysteries. Visual aids bring even the most abstract scenes to life, keeping you fully engaged with every unfolding twist and creeping revelation. Player-Centered Narrative Freedom: Your choices matter. My games are built around player decisions, creating a narrative that evolves with your actions. Whether you forge alliances or sow discord, your influence shapes the story’s path, ensuring every session feels meaningful and dynamic. Supportive and Inclusive Play Environment: Your comfort and enjoyment are my priority. With tools like Session Zero, ongoing chats before and after games, and one-on-one debriefs, I ensure everyone feels included and respected. Safety tools are in place to create a collaborative space where you can focus on the adventure without hesitation. A Meaningful Farewell: Whether your character falls to the perils of the adventure or survives to see its conclusion, their story will not be forgotten. Characters who have journeyed through at least eight sessions will be immortalized in a custom painting, preserving their memory and legacy for all time. Their tale will live on, etched in art and tribute.
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Microphone
Computer
Platforms used
Safety
How Lino creates a safe table
We’ll start with a session Zero, where we’ll create characters together. Don’t worry if you’re unsure about anything—this session is designed to help and guide you. It’s also a chance to build a connected party, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable game experience for everyone. You’ll have until the end of session zero to finalize your character, so there’s plenty of flexibility to tweak or rework your ideas. If you’d prefer, I can also provide pre-generated characters for you to use—just let me know. We’ll be using an open-door approach and incorporating aftercare into our sessions. If anything makes you uncomfortable, you can pause, step away, or message me privately. We’ll adapt the game as needed to maintain a comfortable and welcoming environment. After each session, we’ll take time to check in with everyone to make sure you’re feeling okay and address any concerns.
Content warnings
Safety tools used