The Dark Reign of Strahd: A Gothic Horror Adventure
You were summoned, but why? Fate twists, shadows whisper, and survival isn't guaranteed. Can you escape the curse?
$12.00
/ Session
Details
Weekly / Wednesday - 12:00 AM UTC
Session Duration / 3–4 hours
0 / 6 Seats Filled
Report Adventure
StartPlaying Money Back Guarantee
If your game doesn't happen, we guarantee a refund. Just reach out to StartPlaying Support. Refund Policy
About the adventure
The Blood Moon Rises.... The Curse Beckons The mist coils around you, thick as suffocating dread, whispering secrets of horrors long forgotten. Barovia is a land where nightmares walk, where hope flickers and dies beneath the gaze of an immortal tyrant. Castle Ravenloft looms over the doomed realm, its master... Strahd von Zarovich.... watching, waiting, hungry. You are no mere traveler. You are prey. Your arrival has already been foretold, your fate tangled in the webs of dark prophecy. Will you defy the will of the damned and shatter the curse that binds this land? Or will you succumb, body and soul, to the eternal hunger that reigns from the shadows? Steel yourself, for the dance of death begins. The lord of Barovia does not take kindly to trespassers but oh, how he enjoys the hunt.
Game style
Organized Play
Roleplay Heavy
Tactical / Crunchy
Sandbox / Open World
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
5.0
(1)
1 year on StartPlaying
1 game hosted
Highly rated for: World Builder, Inclusive, Knows the Rules
Average response time: 21 hours
Response rate: 100%
About me
I first started playing D&D through discord in August 2023, and fell in love with the immersive world we built through our imaginations, met some really cool people, and eventually dipped into taking control of little one shots.... that eventually turned into becoming a Co-DM and over the course of a year (With Daily Play by Post) we just finished our first campaign. I want to continue to tell and collaborate more amazing stories with people and see what worlds we can build together. To laugh with mishaps and see where we, and the dice, take us on these adventures.
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
We’ll be using point buy for stats, and characters will start at level 1, you may choose either 2014 or 2024 character/class options but they must match (2014 class & race, not 2014 class & 2024 race). Backstories are welcome in any flavor. Short and sweet or rich and tangled, I love weaving them in, so share what feels fun for you. Session 0, a chance to meet up, chat through characters, and set expectations before we dive into playing, beginning Session 1.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
Sessions will run on Discord, with D&D Beyond as our main tool for characters and rolls. Make sure your mic’s working, camera’s totally optional if you like having face time during play. We’ll mostly be running theatre of the mind, with simple maps here and there to help keep combat smooth and coordinated.
What Jessica brings to the table
As a DM, I aim to create sessions that feel immersive, and easy to sink into. I use ambient music to set the tone whether it’s gentle tavern chatter, eerie forest winds, or the hum of a bustling city, there’s always a soundscape to support the story. Most of our play is theatre of the mind, with Avrae handling combat rolls right in Discord and D&D Beyond keeping character sheets tidy and accessible. For combat, I mix it up: simple maps on D&D Beyond when needed, or physical maps shared via camera if that’s more your style. I’m flexible and happy to adapt based on what helps the group stay engaged. Above all, I bring a collaborative spirit, a love for character-driven storytelling, and a focus on making sure everyone feels welcome and heard. Whether you’re here for cozy slice-of-life moments or epic battles, I’m here to help the world come alive around your choices.
Homebrew rules
I do have a few homebrew rules that are optional for everyone to utilize, and include potion use as a BA, something I like to call a 'heroic surge' that can be used as a reaction if you are 'downed' during combat, lingering injuries from critical hits. These and more can be discussed during session 0, and if you have any that you like and would like to bring up during the conversation please do and we'll see if it vibes with the group!
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Mobile Phone
Platforms used
Safety
How Jessica creates a safe table
Player safety and comfort are always a priority. I’ll share a Lines and Veils doc before we start, and we’ll use X, N, and O signals during play—typed in chat, messaged privately, or held up on video, whatever works best for you. Session 0 is free and relaxed. We’ll go over characters, tone, boundaries, and expectations so everyone feels ready and supported. After sessions, I check in to make sure folks are feeling okay and offer space to decompress or share feedback. Whether it’s cozy or intense, I want everyone to feel safe and heard.
Content warnings
Safety tools used