Curse of Strahd - Barovia Born
A dark twist on Curse of Strahd. Play as a native Barovian NPC and face the horrors of Ravenloft from within. Barovia’s fate is in your hands.
$20.00
/ Session
Details
Weekly / Saturday - 1:00 PM UTC
Jan 3 / Session 17
Session Duration / 3–4 hours
Campaign Length / 20–50 Sessions
4 / 5 Seats Filled
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Schedule
Meet your party members
4/5
About the adventure
Welcome to Curse of Strahd. This campaign follows the iconic module with additional twists and details to create a richer experience. The catch? You’ll play as one of Barovia’s own NPCs. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The sun rose over Barovia for what felt like the first time in centuries. Against all odds, the heroes from beyond the mists had driven a stake through the devil’s black heart, and his body crumbled to ash. For a brief, fleeting moment, hope took root in the cursed land. Villagers celebrated with abandon, throwing open shutters to let in the light. Some dared venture beyond the borders of their prison, curious to see what lay beyond the mists. Strangers came to Barovia, drawn by rumors of a realm finally free of its dark master. But light never lingers in Barovia. A year after Strahd’s defeat, during a parade to honor the two heroes who had remained, it began. A single, haunting melody played on an unseen organ. The sky blackened. The sun sank unnaturally below the horizon, replaced by a blood-red moon. Fear gripped the crowd as whispers spread like wildfire. The heroes, unarmed and caught unaware, scrambled to prepare, but it was too late. What followed was swift and bloody—a massacre that left Barovia’s remaining protectors strung from the trees as grisly warnings. The mists returned, sealing the land away once more. And from the depths of them, a dark figure emerged, reborn. Strahd von Zarovich took his throne again, his laughter echoing through the valley. Barovia fell back into its familiar cycle of despair. Shadows crept in every corner, children vanished into the night, and villagers found bodies drained of blood outside their homes. For centuries, new heroes arrived to challenge the devil, but none matched the legends of old. None succeeded. This is the land of Barovia. This is where you were born. Perhaps you are a humble villager, scraping by under the shadow of Castle Ravenloft. Or perhaps you are a wandering Vistani, carrying secrets as old as the mists themselves. Maybe Barovia doesn’t need heroes from beyond the mists. Maybe the only way to end the dark lord’s reign is to fight from within. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the module, you’ll choose from a list of characters from the world of Barovia itself, villagers, Vistani, or other figures woven into the land’s tragic tapestry. Each NPC comes with a few loose strands of backstory and connections to the world so you'll have plenty of opportunity to flesh it out on your own. The land of Barovia is cruel, bleak, and full of despair. But perhaps its salvation has been within its own borders all along. Whoever you are, this is your home, and it’s time to ask yourself: will you endure this cursed existence, or will you rise to fight it?
Game style
Rules as Written (RaW)
Rule of Cool (RoC)
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
4.9
(20)
1 year on StartPlaying
126 games hosted
Highly rated for: Sets the Mood, Storytelling, Creativity
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
For detailed character creation rules, please refer to the Discord server. Here are the key points: Starting Level: All characters will begin at level 1, setting the stage for your journey from humble beginnings to greatness. Character Creation Platform: We’ll be using Forge for character creation, which includes everything you need, from tools to fully customizable dice. Rules Options: You can choose between the 2014 or 2024 rules, but keep in mind that any option granting a free feat at the start (e.g., certain races or backgrounds) is not allowed since all characters receive a free feat at level 1. NPC Selection: You’ll select from a list of NPCs that exist in the game world. You’re can review and discuss these options with others, but final selections will take place during Session 0. Ability Scores: You can either use point buy or roll for your stats, the choice is yours.
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.
Homebrew rules
-Drinking a potion is a bonus action, feeding someone else a potion is an action. -Free feat at level 1 - If it makes sense you can use another stat for a specific skill. E.g. if you’re trying to intimidate someone physically, you can use strength instead of charisma
Equipment needed to play
Microphone
Headphones
Internet
Computer
Platforms used
Safety
How Lino creates a safe table
We’ll start with session 0, 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