Escaping Barovia! The Curse of Strahd

Creating your character

Before we step into the mists, we’ll work together to ensure you have a character you’re excited to play—one that fits seamlessly into the tone and setting of Barovia. You’re welcome to arrive at Session Zero with a finished sheet, but I’m equally happy to guide you step-by-step in a pre-game session or over Discord. Starting Level & Progression Begin at Level 1 for a true survival-horror experience. Advancement is milestone-based—your actions and story progress drive leveling. Ability Scores Use Point Buy or Roll with Avrae in our Discord (27 points / !randchar). If you choose to roll, using the above command roll twice in the #rolls channel in the Discord server, rerolling any set under 72 total. Once you have two (2) sets over 72, choose one to use. You may not mix and match. Use one (1) complete set. Allowed Sources All official Wizards of the Coast 5e sourcebooks (includes official third party sources). Unearthed Arcana and homebrew on a case-by-case basis. Choose races and backgrounds that make sense for a gothic horror setting. Setting & Tone Fit Barovia is a realm of shadows, tragedy, and moral dilemmas. Your character doesn’t need to be grim, but they must have a reason to get involved—and a will to survive. Backstories One to two paragraphs. Include at least one unresolved mystery, relationship, or personal goal. Barovia-specific hooks available on request. Session Zero We’ll finalize characters, establish party connections, review safety tools, and set horror boundaries. Tools & Sheets We’ll use D&D Beyond for character sheets.

Preparing for the session

Preparation Steps Before the first session, please: Join the Campaign Discord Server – Invite sent after booking. Create a D&D Beyond Account – Free and easy to use. Check Your Tech – Stable internet, working mic, headphones. VTT Access – Roll20 link provided once booked. Prepare Your Concept – Even a rough idea helps us hit the ground running.

What Michael brings to the table

What I Provide as Your DM Immersive Storytelling – Rich descriptions and a reactive, living world. Character Voices & NPC Depth – Distinct personalities for memorable encounters. Atmospheric Audio – Ambient music and sound effects to set the mood. Balanced Playstyle – Tactical combat, exploration, and meaningful roleplay. Flexible Rules – RAW as a baseline, Rule of Cool for cinematic moments. Safety & Comfort – Clear tools to ensure a welcoming experience. Player Resources – Handouts, guides, and one-on-one assistance. Engaging Challenges – Encounters that test both character skill and player creativity.

Homebrew rules

## House Rules ### Potions as a Bonus Action Using any potion is a bonus action. This applies whether you drink the potion yourself or administer it to another creature. All potions are covered by this rule, regardless of type or rarity. ### Glancing Blows When an attack roll exactly matches the target’s Armor Class, the attack is considered a glancing blow and deals half damage. This rule applies equally to player characters, NPCs, and enemies. ### Flanking When you and a conscious, non-incapacitated ally are positioned on directly opposite sides of the same creature, you both have advantage on attack rolls against that creature. The two attackers must be on completely opposite sides of the target to receive this benefit. Enemies can also gain advantage by flanking under the same conditions. ### Crunchy Critical Hits When you score a critical hit, maximize one set of the attack’s damage dice, then roll the attack’s normal damage dice and add any applicable modifiers. For example, if an attack normally deals **1d4 + 2 damage**, a critical hit deals: **4 + 1d4 + 2 damage** This ensures that a critical hit always deals a meaningful amount of additional damage.

How Michael creates a safe table

Safety & Comfort Your safety is a priority. Horror will never cross your personal boundaries. Session Zero Discussion – Covers tone, themes, and boundaries. X, N, & O Cards (Digital) – X for stop, N for adjust, O for continue—via chat or voice. Open-Door Policy – Step away anytime; the game will pause for you. Aftercare Check-Ins – Follow-ups after intense sessions to ensure everyone’s comfortable. Our table culture is built on respect, empathy, and collaboration—because the scariest thing in Barovia should be Strahd, not the game itself.