Curse of Strahd | Gothic horror - Beginners welcome

Creating your character

Character creation will start in a session 0 (which will be free), where aside from just character creation I will go through all the typical sorts of things covered in a session 0 (player expectations, GM expectations, house rules used etc etc). Typically I start character creation in this way so all players are present and at least have an idea of who the other characters in the party are as I know this can help certain players come to a decision on what their own character might look like. This also allows players to talk to each other to potentially allow some of the other PCs to interweave their backstories (do two players want to be related for example) if they like. Typically I don't expect players to have the fully finished character done by the end of that session 0, so then players can go away and finish all the fine details and make any tweaks they would like (including any back and forth with me if you have any questions and/or backstory elements you want to add) between session 0 and the first actual session. In terms of mechanics I am very flexible, but typically I use the following guidelines (but if a player has a good reason to want to change these then I'm always open to discussing!) - Stats are either rolled by one of two methods (method 1 = 4d6 x 6, drop the lowest, minimum of one 15, assign to stats as desired) (method 2 = 4d6 x 6, drop the lowest, minimum of two 15s, stats rolled in-order (i.e. first roll for STR, second for DEX, third for CON etc)) or players can use standard array if preferred - Starting level = 1 - Typically I give an additional feat to players when using the 2014 rules, but wouldn't do so if using the 2024 rules - Players can roll or take the average for HP - Backstory - as much or as little as you want to give me. I will typically have some back and forth discussing details and the more you give me the more I can weave it into the narrative - All class/race combinations allowed from any WotC official published book (also happy for other books to be used, but after discussion with me to run a quick eye over it!) - Characters will be created in roll20

Preparing for the session

- Mic is required, webcam is a great to have, but not required - Roll20 will be the VTT used so sign up for a free roll20 account - Discord will be used to keep track of certain campaign information, logistics etc - Typically I use zoom for video calling, but can use other software if preferred by the players - Let me know ahead of time your experience level so I know what level to pitch it at (no prior rules knowledge required, but let me know that in advance please) - character creation will start in a (free) session 0 - so no need to create characters beforehand

What Robert Cox brings to the table

My GM style is very much to try and let the players actions drive the story, with decisions having material impacts on the world and how the player will be perceived by the evolving world around them. I do character voices for NPCs and use ambient music (played through roll20 so players can adjust volume to their liking on their end) to help set the scene. I like to challenge my players, with player death always being a possibility, however I am also always in your corner - I like players to describe their intentions for their actions and then I'll try my best to work out how that will work with the mechanics of the game. In that way I am very much a fan of the rule of cool, but in moderation (too much of a good thing isn't good for anyone!) The most important thing for any RPG is to have fun, and I always want my players to come to me if there is any aspect of the game that isn't meeting expectations - I will always do my best to address any issues brought to me!

Homebrew rules

- Drinking potions is a bonus action (feeding someone else a potion is a full action) - Whispered/hidden death saving throws (i.e. only the player and the GM know the result of your death saving throws) - adds to the tension! - I add a point of exhaustion whenever a player gets knocked unconscious and is revived

How Robert Cox creates a safe table

My strong belief is that if everyone is clear with their expectations as outlined in a session 0 then that should minimise any chance of these types of issues cropping up. After each session I will also check in with the players if there are any issues that have cropped up. In game I have an open door policy, in-which any player can take a break from the game at any time with no judgement. Any potential topics that players might want to avoid will also be discussed extensively in session 0.