Keason's Thirsty Thursdays: Curse of Strahd

Creating your character

Alternate Rolling Method: I have a preferred way to generate ability scores, but I’m flexible. We’ll pick one standardized method so everyone at the table shares the same rules and fairness. Inclusive Content: Feel free to draw on any official 5e material (including the 2024 rules). Third‑party options are welcome—so long as they reinforce the Gothic dread of Barovia. If you’re curious about something, bring it up, and we’ll decide together if it fits our tone. Bring Concepts: Come with one or two character ideas—heroes, wanderers, or lost souls from any corner of your world. No need for deeply entwined Barovian histories: your character’s past can be as far‑flung as you like. What matters is that Strahd himself has taken an interest in you, pulling you into his mist‑shrouded domain. Once here, you’ll find that old lives fade and new horrors emerge. This cooperative setup ensures everyone’s build is fair and that each character feels right at home in the Domain of Dread. Let’s create unforgettable characters destined to face Strahd’s sinister designs.

Preparing for the session

Microphone: Clear communication is key. Ensure you have a reliable microphone. Discord: We will use Discord for voice chat and game coordination. Make sure you have it installed and set up. Tale Spire (Guest Version): Download the guest version of Tale Spire on Steam to join the visual feast of our campaign without needing to purchase additional software.

What Keason James brings to the table

Expert Guidance: With extensive knowledge of the setting and its rules, I will guide you through the campaign, ensuring a smooth and immersive experience. Open Discussion: I encourage an open dialogue where all players can share their thoughts and suggestions. Your feedback is invaluable. Chill Vibes: While we delve into the rich history and magical landscape of Barovia, my relaxed and engaging personality ensures a fun and supportive environment.

Homebrew rules

Crunchy Crits +2 Flanking

How Keason James creates a safe table

During Session 0, we will: Discuss Character Creation: • Flesh out your heroes’ basic concepts and life stories—where they come from, what they’ve lost, and what they fear. • Generate ability scores using our agreed‑upon method and choose any official 5e (including 2024) or third‑party options that fit Barovia’s Gothic horror. • Decide how Strahd’s summons or the mists drew your characters into the Domain of Dread. Establish Personal Goals: • Define what each character hopes to achieve in Barovia—escaping Strahd’s grasp, avenging a wrong, or recovering a lost relic. • Pinpoint ties (if any) to the land—an old promise, a fragment of memory, or a terrifying vision—to give your journey purpose. Introduce the Setting: • Explore Barovia’s bleak villages, fog‑choked forests, and the looming silhouette of Castle Ravenloft. • Learn about key figures (Madam Eva, Ismark, the Burgomaster’s family) and the ever‑present shadow of Strahd himself. • Get a sense of the Tarokka reading and how it will guide your quest for allies and artifacts. Set Expectations & Safety: • Align on the campaign’s tone—tense atmosphere, moral ambiguity, and moments of true horror. • Review any house rules, pacing preferences, and consent tools (lines & veils, X‑cards) to ensure everyone feels comfortable. • Agree on session cadence, communication channels, and how to handle absence or scheduling changes. By the end of Session 0, we’ll have well‑defined characters, clear motivations, and a shared understanding of the dread‑soaked world you’ve been drawn into—ready to face Strahd’s dark designs.