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The Death House - Vecna: Eve of Ruin - Level 14 - Part 1/3
Whispers from Barovia speak of a cursed manor where a piece of the Rod you seek stirs the dead - enter Death House, and claim it before it claims you.
$20.00
/ Session
Details
Once / Thursday - 5:30 PM UTC
Oct 16
Session Duration / 3–3.5 hours
4 / 5 Seats Filled
Top Game Master
One of StartPlaying's top-rated GMs, a player favorite and highly recommended.
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Meet your party members
4/5
About the adventure
A cold mist clings to your boots as the Wizards Three trace spectral symbols in the air, revealing a vision of a darkened land shrouded in despair. They speak of Barovia - a domain swallowed by its own curse - and of a manor that devours all who enter. Within its haunted halls lies the fourth fragment of the Rod of Seven Parts, its power twisting the veil between life and death. To stop Vecna's ascension, you must brave the horrors of the Death House and claim the piece before the house itself consumes your souls. This three-part adventure is adapted from Chapter 5: Death House in Vecna: Eve of Ruin. Designed for level 14 characters, it transports players into Ravenloft - the nightmare realm ruled by Count Strahd von Zarovich. Here, nothing is ever truly dead, and every whisper carries the weight of old sorrow. The mists conceal not only monsters but memories, and the boundaries between worlds grow thin beneath the gaze of the Dark Powers. The game is run in a West Marches style, offering freedom to explore, investigate, and choose your fate. Every door opened, every bargain struck, and every spirit confronted shapes the path ahead. Your courage will decide not only whether you survive the Death House - but whether you can defy the growing reach of Vecna’s shadow across the multiverse.
Game style
West Marches
Meet the Game Master
4.9
(60)
1 year on StartPlaying
243 games hosted
Highly rated for: Creativity, Rule of Cool, Teacher
About me
Hi, I’m Chris — and I have a serious addiction to D&D. Since I first started playing around 2010, I’ve never looked back. I began GM-ing in 2017, and it quickly became my passion. With my friends, I helped grow our group to about 10 players, rotating GMs every week. One of my favorite traditions was hosting an annual awards evening where all the GMs ran mini-adventures — a night full of fun, surprises, and great memories. Originally from the UK, I married a South African and now run immersive D&D Weekends out in the wilds of South Africa. Check out what it’s all about at https://waterberg-dnd.co.za. I’m all about the rule of cool over strict rules, crafting epic, player-driven stories that really bring the adventure to life. My greatest strength? Off-the-cuff improvisation — but don’t worry, my worlds are rich in detail with pages of notes for every session. I can’t wait to share some unforgettable adventures with you!
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
After signing up to the game you will have access to the D&D Beyond Campaign and Discord Server link to join and create your characters. We are playing level 14 characters (using 2024 content where it exists), using either standard array or point buy, on top of that if you would like you can have one rare and two uncommon magic item + 500gp. Only official content without discussing first! Please note there might be existing characters with 2014 build, but all new characters should be 2024.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
Join the D&D Beyond Campaign, Roll20 Game & Discord Server, create your character and make sure you're internet and mic is working!
What Chris brings to the table
This game has custom maps (via roll20), my DM style is very rule of cool. I do limited voices (best to my ability) and am very good with ad-libbing content, so lets be creative!
Homebrew rules
My playstyle leans toward Rules as Fun - I value creating an engaging experience over strict rule adherence. I'm always open to bending the rules if it makes the game more enjoyable. That said, here are a few common homebrew rules I use: - Drinking a potion is a bonus action. Giving one to another player takes a full action. - Failed death saves carry over during combat. - When unsure if something should work, I'll often roll odds/evens to decide. - I try to avoid players feeling useless on their turn. For example, if you save against a stun at the end of your turn, I may still let you act. Same with death saves.
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How Chris creates a safe table
My style is often lighthearted and straightforward, but this session is based on the horror adventure Curse of Strahd and contains many dark themes. I would not expect anything too upsetting but if you don't enjoy horror beware. I'll be available and very receptive before, during and after game play incase there is any content or themes you'd like to discuss.
Content warnings
Safety tools used