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The Storm's Call: Learn to Play D&D
You step into Barovia’s mist-choked roads, where every shadow watches, every whisper carries dread, and courage is your only light.
$18.00
/ Session
Details
Bi-weekly / Thursday - 1:00 AM UTC
Session Duration / 2–2.5 hours
4 / 4 Seats Filled
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Meet your party members
4/4
About the adventure
From the moment you enter Barovia, you’ll be stepping into a land ruled by mist, fear, and the ever-present shadow of Count Strahd von Zarovich. This adventure will take your character from level 2 to level 10 as you travel through haunted villages, ancient ruins, dark forests, and crumbling halls filled with danger, sorrow, and secrets. Barovia is a place where hope is faint, the people live under constant dread, and every choice you make has the power to shape the story in meaningful ways. As your DM, I’m asking you to come into this campaign ready to lean into the tone and meet the world where it is. This is a gothic horror adventure, so I want characters who can rise to the occasion, work together, and choose courage when things turn grim. I also want you to take an interest in the setting, its lore, and the people you meet, because much of this story is built through those relationships. The campaign is meant to be challenging but fair, and success will often depend on thoughtful decisions, strong teamwork, and knowing when to make allies instead of enemies. Treasure and magic items will be more limited than in many fantasy adventures, so some of your greatest rewards will come through trust, information, and the story itself.
Game style
Theater of the Mind
Rule of Cool (RoC)
Roleplay Heavy
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
5.0
(19)
1 year on StartPlaying
83 games hosted
Highly rated for: Creativity, Inclusive, Storytelling
About me
Hey there, I’m Brad. Welcome to my table! My games range from light-hearted and whimsical to deep, mysterious, and character-driven. Whether we’re laughing over a wild crit fail or unraveling a shadowy conspiracy, I focus on keeping the story engaging through plenty of “yes, and…” moments. I love creating collaborative stories where every player feels seen and every choice matters. New to gaming? You’re in great company. We’ll learn, explore, and level up together. A little about me: I’m a U.S. Army Veteran and served with the 1st Infantry Division in Afghanistan. Those years taught me the power of teamwork, flexibility, and resilience. All of which show up in how I run my games. After my time in the military, my wife Amanda and I faced a tough chapter of our own. After going through an ectopic pregnancy, we channeled our energy into something joyful: starting The Scheming Cookie, where we handcraft creative, protein-packed treats that are as bold and sweet as the people we bake them for. I don’t just "run games", I provide a premium service. When you join my table, you are investing in a consistent, high-fidelity experience. This means: Reliability: I value your time. My sessions start on the dot, and my technical setup is optimized for zero-latency, immersive audio and visual play. Proactive Communication: I utilize a custom Discord RSVP system. You will receive a notification 3-4 days before every session to confirm availability, ensuring our group stays synced and the game stays on track. A Proven Track Record: I maintain consistent high ratings by prioritizing player agency, safety, and fun. Ready to claim your seat? Check my active listings below. My focus is long-term storytelling, and my seats tend to fill quickly with returning regulars. Let's build something unforgettable.
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
Ability Scores - Point-Buy System: We’ll use the point-buy system for ability scores. I’m happy to help if you need assistance with this. Starting Level - You’ll start at the same level as the current party to keep things balanced. Allowed Options - Shared Sourcebook: I’ve shared the Player Handbook 2024 with you on D&D Beyond, and you are welcome to use other source book you own to create you character. - Feeling overwhelmed? No worries! - If building a character feels like too much, I’ve got your back. Just tell me a bit about what you like, sneaky rogue, big-hearted warrior, chaotic spellcaster, and I’ll create a premade character tailored to your preferences. You can jump right in and tweak it later if you’d like!
Join us Wednesday September 17th The Party: Nora the Half-Elf Rogue 🥷 Poppy the Elf Warlock 🧙♀️ Lucian the Human Paladin 🛡️ Gorsha the Orc Barbarian ⚔️ The party escaped the wreck of the Compass Rose unnoticed after discovering the “dragon” they feared was only a harpy. Returning to Dragon’s Rest, they were summoned to the temple where Runara revealed her true form—an adult bronze dragon who has guarded the island for over a century. She explained that Sparkrender, the offspring of a dragon she once defeated, is attempting to complete a dangerous ritual tied to the buried power of Sharruth. Runara cannot intervene herself, so she entrusted the heroes with powerful relics from her hoard and charged them to stop Sparkrender—without killing him if possible.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
1. Equipment - Microphone Required: Clear communication is key, so you’ll need a microphone for voice chat. - Webcam Optional (but encouraged): While a webcam isn’t required, using one helps us connect and engage more naturally. Seeing each other’s reactions adds to the cozy, shared experience. 2. Online Accounts & Tools - D&D Beyond: You’ll need a free D&D Beyond account to manage your character and access campaign materials. (You only need the free account) - Discord: We’ll use Discord for voice chat and ongoing communication. - LegendKeeper: I’ll be using LegendKeeper to track the adventure. You’ll have access to an interactive map where you can click on locations to see details about the area and your party’s experiences there. (You only need the free account) 3. Familiarity with Rules - No Experience Needed: You don’t need to know the rules ahead of time! - Guided Play: I’ll explain the mechanics as we go and answer any questions to make sure you feel comfortable. 4. Mindset & Approach - Creativity & Collaboration: Bring a spirit of creativity, teamwork, and fun. This is a shared adventure where your ideas and actions shape the world. - Immersive Storytelling: Prepare for a blend of exploration, lighthearted roleplay, meaningful moments, and creative problem-solving.
What Brad brings to the table
- D&D Beyond: Once you join the campaign, you will have access the 2024 Players Handbook. - Legend Keeper: I’ll be using Legend Keeper to track the adventure. You’ll have access to an interactive map where you can click on locations to view details, discover lore, and see what your party has done there. It’s a great way to stay connected to the evolving world. - Theatre of the Mind: While I enjoy using visual aids, some encounters will unfold purely in your imagination, creating a cinematic, narrative-driven experience. - Battle Maps: When available, I’ll bring out battle maps using D&D Beyond Maps VTT to help visualize tactical encounters and add extra immersion. - Music: Immersive soundscapes while we adventure to add ambience. You are in control of the volume and can turn it off completely if you preferer. - High quality microphone so you can here me clearly.
Homebrew rules
Drinking a potion is a bonus action. However, if you instead choose to use your action to drink the potion, you can get the max effect from the potion.
Equipment needed to play
Computer
Headphones
Internet
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How Brad creates a safe table
My goal is to create a welcoming and comfortable space where everyone can fully enjoy the adventure. With that said, this campaign will touch on serious matters. Boundaries & Expectations - Boundaries: We will discus any boundaries you may have and if you find that while playing, something comes up you were not comfortable with, please feel free to bring it up. - Expectations: We’ll align on the game’s tone and content to ensure it’s a fun and comfortable experience for everyone. - Open Discussion: This is a safe space to ask questions, make suggestions, or voice any concerns. Before Each Session - Check-In: I’ll take a moment to check in and make sure everyone feels comfortable with the upcoming content. - Adjustments: Your feedback is always welcome and encouraged. It helps shape the experience and keep the game positive and enjoyable. During Each Session - Mid-Session Break: We’ll take a brief break to recharge. This is also a chance to share any concerns privately. - Pause Option: You can pause the game at any time. No explanation needed. Your comfort is my priority. After Each Session - Debrief: We’ll take a few minutes to discuss highlights, share feedback, and address any concerns. - Aftercare: If any content felt to overwhelming or intense, support will be available to process or discuss it. - Commitment to Safety: I’m dedicated to creating a respectful, inclusive, and enjoyable space for everyone. Open communication is always encouraged to ensure we’re all having a meaningful and comfortable storytelling experience.
Content warnings
Safety tools used