Curse of Strahd Stream: FULL

Creating your character

For character creation, I'd like to discuss character concepts and backstories during session 0. We'll discuss any questions or concerns players may have about their characters, and I'll provide guidance and assistance as needed. Backstory development is very important, as it helps me shape the narrative and create meaningful connections within the game world. I use point-buy for stat generation to ensure fairness and balance among characters. Players will have the flexibility to allocate their points according to their desired character build. Players can refer to any official D&D books for character creation, but any homebrew or third-party content must approved by me. This ensures consistency and balance within the game world.

Preparing for the session

A D&D Beyond account, a Roll20 account, and a Discord account are required and need to be set up before session 0. While it's recommended, players aren't required to read the rules ahead of time. I'm happy to explain things as we go and provide guidance on how the game works if needed. Having a microphone is required for voice communication during the game, but a webcam is optional. For character creation, I will provide everything needed, including assistance during our Session 0 and between sessions if they need help with any aspect of their character.

What Annabelle Powers brings to the table

I use Roll20 for virtual tabletop, which includes maps, tokens, and handouts to visualize the game world. Additionally, I have all the books on D&D Beyond, providing easy access to rules and content for my players. As a DM, I offer a rich roleplaying experience with a focus on storytelling and character development. I use music and sound effects to enhance the atmosphere and immerse players in the game world. I enjoy doing character voices and providing vivid descriptions to set the mood for each scene. While I generally stick to the rules, I'm willing to bend or break them if it enhances the fun and enjoyment of the players. I believe that the most important thing is that everyone has a good time, so I prioritize fun over strict adherence to the rules (Fun > Rules). Overall, I'm a laid-back and fun DM who is dedicated to crafting a compelling story with my players. I strive to create a collaborative and enjoyable experience for everyone at the table.

Homebrew rules

I'm using a homebrew stress mechanic for the game. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JorCvwiOFwcvLJAGE_KSKD9F856UX9Lk3091gc4QyOw/edit?usp=drive_link

How Annabelle Powers creates a safe table

For safety tools, I use the Monte Cook RPG Consent Checklist, which I will send to players once they've joined my Discord server. This checklist helps establish boundaries and ensures that everyone is comfortable with the content of the game. During the game, I ask players to type 'Red, Yellow, Green' in the Roll20 chat to indicate their current comfort level with the content. Red means stop, yellow means pause, and green means all good. I schedule a 5-minute break in the middle of each session to give everyone, including myself, a short rest and a chance to recharge. After each session, I conduct a short debriefing where players can discuss with me what they liked, what they didn't like, and what they're most excited about for the next session. This helps me tailor the game to better suit their preferences and ensure everyone is having a good time. During Session 0, I go over characters, backstories, triggers, tone, themes, and expectations. I also use this time to get a feel for what each person wants from the game and address any concerns they may have. This helps set the stage for a successful and enjoyable campaign for everyone involved.