Marvelvania - Marvel/Castlevania Crossover

How to prepare

Joining Marvel Multiverse: Shadows of Castlevania is simple, but a few tools and resources will help you fully enjoy the experience. Here’s everything you’ll need to be ready for our adventure: Technology Requirements Discord Account: Discord will be our primary platform for communication. A mic is required for voice chat during sessions, but a webcam is optional. There will also be dedicated channels for out-of-game discussions, session recaps, and questions. Roll20 Account: Roll20 will be used for maps, combat encounters, and visual aids. You’ll need a free Roll20 account to access the game. I’ve got all the Marvel Multiverse sourcebooks integrated into Roll20, so you’ll have access to all the materials you need for character creation and gameplay. Game Preparation Character Creation: Characters must be created before our first session. You can either use Roll20’s integrated Marvel Multiverse tools or work with me directly to craft your hero. I’ll provide guidance and templates to make the process easy, especially if you’re new to the system. Familiarity with Rules: While it’s not required to know the rules in-depth, having a basic understanding of the Marvel Multiverse system will help you hit the ground running. I’ll share helpful resources from the Roll20 library, and I’m happy to answer any questions about gameplay mechanics during Session 0 or one-on-one. Optional Enhancements If you enjoy diving into the world of the campaign, feel free to read up on gothic themes or explore classic Castlevania lore for inspiration. You don’t need prior knowledge of Castlevania, as the game will introduce all necessary elements. All that’s required is a willingness to embrace the dark, thrilling, and heroic adventure ahead. Once you have these tools set up, you’ll be ready to step into the multiverse and face the shadows of Castlevania. Let’s get started!

What I provide

As your GM for Marvel Multiverse: Shadows of Castlevania, I strive to create an immersive, engaging, and thrilling experience tailored to both new and experienced players. Here's what you can expect: Tools and Resources Provided Discord: Our primary platform for communication, roleplay, and text-based updates. Dedicated channels for session summaries, character discussions, and sharing resources. Roll20: Custom maps for key encounters and exploration scenes. Theater of the Mind for fluid storytelling where maps aren’t needed. Maps will be detailed and immersive to reflect the gothic setting. Custom Content: Tailored maps, tokens, and handouts crafted to bring the Marvel and Castlevania worlds to life. Unique items, artifacts, and powers designed specifically for this campaign. Gameplay Style: Roleplay-Driven: Players are encouraged to explore their characters’ personalities, motivations, and relationships. I lean into dialogue and interactions to deepen the story. Tactical Combat: While combat is fast-paced and exciting, it also challenges players with strategic elements such as environmental hazards and multi-phase encounters. Rule of Cool: Creativity is rewarded! If you think of something awesome and within reason for your character, I’ll work with you to make it happen. Immersion and Presentation Character Voices: I bring NPCs to life with distinct voices and mannerisms to enrich your experience. From the menacing tones of Dracula to the weary resolve of the Belmonts, every character adds depth to the world. Ambient Music and Sound: A curated playlist of atmospheric music and sound effects will enhance the gothic mood and cinematic intensity. Expect haunting melodies in eerie villages and dramatic scores during climactic battles. Storytelling Atmosphere: Gothic horror themes woven into every aspect of the campaign: moral ambiguity, dark mysteries, and the ever-looming presence of Dracula’s castle. Player Expectations Collaborative storytelling: Everyone contributes to shaping the narrative. Flexible pace: Balancing action, exploration, and roleplay to suit group preferences. Open communication: Feedback is always welcome, ensuring the game meets your expectations. Together, we’ll create a memorable journey through the shadows of the multiverse. Ready your powers and prepare for a tale of epic heroism and gothic intrigue!

Gameplay details

Safety Tools Lines and Veils Document: A link to the Lines and Veils document will be sent to all players before Session 0. This document allows you to privately indicate boundaries (Lines: content not included at all; Veils: content that can exist but will fade to black). It will remain accessible throughout the campaign for updates as needed. X, N, & O Tools: During play, we’ll use a digital system for X, N, and O signals (via chat or a simple reaction system in virtual platforms). X: Pause or stop a scene entirely. N: Adjust or move past an element that’s uncomfortable. O: Confirm you're okay with the current direction. For video sessions, players can also hold up cards or use gestures as preferred. Session 0: We’ll dedicate time to discussing expectations, themes, and tone. Players will collaboratively establish their characters’ backstories and connections. We’ll define content boundaries, review mechanics, and ensure everyone feels prepared and supported. Aftercare: After intense sessions, we’ll debrief to ensure everyone feels comfortable with the content and outcomes. Players can share feedback in a post-session check-in, either in the group or privately. Gameplay Details Flexible Participation: Sessions will accommodate both narrative-focused players and those who love tactical combat. Players can lean into roleplay or action depending on their style. Gothic Marvel Theme: The tone will blend Marvel’s heroic optimism with Castlevania’s grim atmosphere. Expect high stakes and complex moral choices. Dynamic Combat and Exploration: Battles will incorporate environmental hazards (e.g., collapsing castle halls, shifting shadows) and puzzles that require teamwork to overcome. Roleplaying Opportunities: Players can shape the narrative through interactions with morally ambiguous NPCs and pivotal choices that affect the multiverse. This campaign is a shared adventure where your comfort and enjoyment come first. Let’s make this journey unforgettable together!

Content warnings

Safety tools used

How will character creation work

In Marvel Multiverse: Shadows of Castlevania, character creation is a collaborative and exciting part of the journey. To ensure everyone is ready to dive into the game’s dark and epic story, the character creation process will take place before the first session. This allows us to maximize gameplay during our first session and ensures all characters are fully integrated into the story. Players will create their characters using the Marvel Multiverse Role-Playing Game Playtest Rulebook (or the latest version). All characters will begin at Rank 3, giving them a solid foundation of abilities and room to grow as the campaign progresses. If you're new to the system, don’t worry—I’ll guide you through the mechanics and help tailor your character to fit the gothic horror theme while preserving their Marvel essence. When building your character, think about how they fit into the Castlevania world. Are they an established Marvel hero adapting to this dark dimension, or an original creation shaped by its eerie landscapes? Players are encouraged to weave personal goals, flaws, and heroic traits into their backstory to enhance the narrative depth. All characters will need a compelling reason to face Dracula and his forces, whether it’s duty, vengeance, or something else entirely. Feel free to ask me questions or seek advice as you create your character. Together, we’ll ensure each hero shines in their own way while contributing to the team’s dynamics. Let’s craft heroes ready to challenge the shadows and reshape the fate of the multiverse!

Combat / Tactics

High

Roleplay

High

Puzzles

Medium

Experience level

Open to all