Curse Of Strahd: Escape From Darkness

Creating your character

We will be starting at level 3. Most of my players prefer to make characters before session 0. I just ask that you run the character by me and I strongly encourage that you collaborate with me on things like backstory(I like to involve backstories in the game). For stats I allow standard array or 4d6 drop the lowest. Characters will be made in the D&D Beyond Campaign. Nothing RAW is off limits. 3rd party content is on a case by case basis.

Preparing for the session

You'll need a computer or smart device for VTT and discord. Owlbear rodeo is fully smart phone compatible! You'll need microphone and video on whatever you are using and you'll need to make sure you've made your character in the D&D Beyond campaign link. The 2024 rules are somewhat new, and at my table, players often help each other with the rules. I do not expect you to learn all of these rules by the start of game, but do review your character information so that combat isn't too slow.

What Ben brings to the table

As DM I am bringing a D&D Beyond account, Owlbear Rodeo(VTT) subscription, and an invite to the discord server. Additionally, I am bringing my experience and hours of weekly prep, as well as a large amount of external resources such as books, podcasts on DMing,source books,etc. Finally, I am bringing my time. I do spend time outside of game working with my players on their characters and the way they work into the plot. We will be using the 2024 RAW rule set. I am open to third party, but I will need to approve it first. I am a rule of cool DM as long as it makes sense and flows well with the game. It is more important to me that we have a good time than have 100% adherence to every rule. I tend to make my combats pretty tough and in this campaign they will often be deadly, relying on tactics and teamwork. I do some character voices and attempt to make characters stand out. My philosophy for DMing is that the characters actions make the story. I do not railroad players and feel that D&D is best when players have agency with their characters. The choices of the characters will define the story most ultimately, not the book. Lastly, humor often does come up in my game, as it is part of my personality. I find that even in the scariest of games players often use humor and our current group enjoys having a good time and laughing, and I am not opposed to this as long as it is not disruptive.

How Ben creates a safe table

I will implement safety tools both at the table and outside of game. It is very important that players are able to advocate for themselves with the DM (I.e. being able to have a discussion if needed or if things change regarding what one can or cannot tolerate). I have a very supportive group of players and we are all on board with ensuring that everyone has a good time at the table, that includes managing the content and safety tools. At session 0 we will go over them and I will intermittently go back over them throughout the duration of the campaign. I am also open to other tools and suggestions. My goal is that everyone has a safe and fun time! I am also open to a discord call before the campaign start to discuss this individually or by appointment throughout the duration of the campaign.