Learn to play D & D - Curse of Strahd

Creating your character

Character Creation in Session 0 for free (scheduled outside of the game) We will begin our journey with a dedicated Session 0, giving everyone the chance to build characters together, establish connections, and discuss expectations for the campaign. This session is not just about rolling dice—it’s about setting the tone, finding your character’s place in Barovia, and making sure the group feels like a united adventuring party before the mists close in. Starting Level & Stats Characters will be members of a band, everyone has one free musical instrument proficiency. For ability scores, we will use Point Buy (no random rolling, to keep things balanced). Sources & Restrictions All official Wizards of the Coast 5e sourcebooks are allowed, including Player’s Handbook, Xanathar’s Guide to Everything, Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything, and Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft. Tone & Themes This is a gothic horror/dark comedy campaign—dark, eerie, and character-driven. Session 0 will include a discussion of safety tools (Lines, Veils, and the X-Card) to make sure everyone is comfortable. You’ll have the chance to shape your backstory into something that ties meaningfully into Barovia, whether as an outsider pulled into the mists or as someone with a deeper connection to the land. Collaboration We’ll also use Session 0 to weave character backstories together. Do you already know another PC before arriving in Barovia? Did you hear rumors of Strahd’s power? Are you running from something in your past? The more threads you give me, the more I can tie your character into the unfolding story. By the end of Session 0, we’ll have a party of adventurers with personal stakes in the journey ahead—and when the mists rise, you’ll be ready to step into Barovia.

Preparing for the session

How to Prepare Before we step into the mists of Barovia, please take the following steps to get ready for play: Welcome to my Learn to Play Call of Cthulhu Campaign. You will need a computer, headphones, camera, Roll20, and Discord. This short campaign is from 1 to 6 players, so I only need one person to start playing and we can add in others as the game progresses. Roll20:https://app.roll20.net/join/20200615/PBqnvA Discord: https://discord.gg/4sD5FvUC Check Your Setup A stable internet connection is a must. Please use a working microphone; a webcam is optional but welcome. Headphones are mandatory to cut down on background noise. Have fun with your backstory ideas, but don’t over-plan; leave room for Barovia to shape your character. That’s it! Show up to Session 0 with curiosity, a spirit of collaboration, and a readiness to face whatever the mists hold. Most important of all, prepare to have fun!!!

What Sad Potato brings to the table

As your Dungeon Master, my goal is to create a dark, immersive experience that balances gothic horror, heroic adventure, and character-driven storytelling. You can expect: Atmosphere & Immersion: I use ambient background music, soundscapes, and descriptive narration to bring Barovia to life. Expect the creak of old floorboards, howling wolves in the distance, and the echo of footsteps in Castle Ravenloft’s halls. Character Voices & Roleplay: NPCs have distinct voices and personalities, from frightened villagers to the chilling presence of Strahd himself. Roleplay is encouraged, whether you’re a seasoned actor or just dipping your toes in. Tactical Combat: Battles are cinematic and dangerous, but also tactical. I use maps and tokens in Roll20 so positioning and strategy matter. Combat can be deadly in Barovia, but smart play and teamwork can turn the tide. Rules & Flexibility: I follow the rules of D&D 5e, but I embrace the Rule of Cool when it makes for memorable moments. Creative ideas are rewarded, even if they bend the mechanics a little. Player-Centric Storytelling: Your choices matter. I weave character backstories into the world, and your decisions will shape the story’s path. You are not just surviving Strahd’s world—you are changing it. Safety & Collaboration: Gothic horror can get intense. I use safety tools (Lines, Veils, X-Card) to make sure the game stays fun and respectful for everyone. Expect a game where you’ll feel tension, laugh at moments of dark levity, and be challenged both in and out of combat. My style is about building a shared story that feels like stepping into a gothic novel—with you as the heroes (or tragic figures) at its center.

Homebrew rules

I use BG3 homebrew rules, one free feat at every level, no alignments, potions are a bonus action, Druids can be Owlbears after 6th level etc.

How Sad Potato creates a safe table

Horror works best when everyone at the table feels safe, respected, and in control of their experience. Because Curse of Strahd contains dark themes, I take extra steps to ensure the game is fun and comfortable for all players. Session 0 & Safety Tools: We will begin with a Session 0 where we set expectations, review themes, and go over safety tools together. I use Lines and Veils (a shared document players can add to anonymously or openly) to establish what content should never appear (Lines) and what can appear only off-screen or with fade-to-black (Veils). X, N, and O Cards: During play, we use digital X, N, and O tools (through Roll20 chat or Discord messages). Players can type “X” at any point to stop or shift the scene immediately, “N” to flag discomfort if a scene continues in its current direction, and “O” to indicate they are okay with intense but consensual roleplay. These can be private or public, depending on your comfort level. Tone & Boundaries: Gothic horror can be unsettling, but I keep the focus on atmospheric tension and supernatural danger, not on graphic descriptions of gore, sexual violence, or player discomfort triggers. Strahd is a predator in theme, but that will always be presented within agreed player comfort levels. Aftercare & Check-Ins: At the end of each session, we’ll do a quick “roses and thorns” check-in (what you enjoyed, what didn’t land, and how you’re feeling). Players can also DM me privately between sessions if something is bothering them. Open Door Policy: If you need to step away, whether for a moment during a tense scene, or for a whole session, you can do so without explanation. Your comfort always comes first. By using these tools, we can explore the horror of Barovia in a way that’s intense and memorable while still safe, supportive, and fun for everyone at the table.