Escaping Barovia! The Curse of Strahd
"The mists close in. In cursed Barovia, shadows hide monsters, secrets, and the vampire lord who watches your every move."
$20.00
/ Session
Details
Bi-weekly / Tuesday - 1:00 AM UTC
Feb 24 / Session 1
Session Duration / 3–4 hours
4 / 5 Seats Filled
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Schedule
Meet your party members
4/5
About the adventure
Step into the realm of Barovia—a land of perpetual twilight, where the sun never fully rises and hope is as fleeting as the morning mist. Here, ancient forests whisper with unseen threats, crumbling villages cling to superstition, and every path seems to lead toward the looming silhouette of Castle Ravenloft. At its heart broods Count Strahd von Zarovich, an immortal predator whose charm is as deadly as his bite. This is Curse of Strahd, a gothic horror campaign of survival, mystery, and moral choice. You and your companions will navigate haunted roads, bargain with suspicious villagers, explore long-forgotten ruins, and confront horrors both supernatural and human. Every decision matters—will you resist the land’s corruption, or will you become part of its dark legend? Expect a blend of tense combat, exploration, and roleplay-rich encounters. I run with an emphasis on immersion, cinematic storytelling, and player agency. Barovia is a living, reactive world—NPCs remember your actions, factions shift based on your alliances, and even the smallest choice can alter your path. The tone is dark but not hopeless, and moments of warmth, humor, and triumph shine all the brighter against the backdrop of shadow. Whether you’re a first-time adventurer or a veteran hero, you’ll find a seat at this table. New players can expect patient guidance and clear rules explanations; experienced players will enjoy deep lore, tactical challenges, and a richly woven narrative. Together, we’ll craft a story of courage, tragedy, and the fight for freedom in a land that does not easily let go. Barovia awaits. The only question is—when the mists close in, will you walk out alive?
Game style
Rule of Cool (RoC)
Rules as Written (RaW)
Combat Heavy
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
4.9
(27)
2 years on StartPlaying
91 games hosted
Highly rated for: Creativity, Teacher, Knows the Rules
Average response time: 7 hours
Response rate: 100%
About me
Hi! I’m Michael — a 30+ year Dungeon Master who loves cinematic storytelling, emotional character arcs, detailed ambiance, and just the right amount of chaos. I bring custom lore, deep worldbuilding, atmospheric music, and player-focused storytelling to every session. My goal is simple: create a space where players feel excited, supported, and completely immersed. Come for the story, stay for the chaos.
View Profile →Character creation
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, we’ll do it together in the designated channel—your fate will rest with the dice. 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.
What to expect
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
Potions as a Bonus Action – ALL POTIONS ARE BONUS ACTIONS (Includes heal, poison, invisibility, fire breath etc.) Splitting Treasure – Major loot drops/hoards are distributed via d20 rolls; highest to lowest pick. These rules keep play fast-paced, reward creativity, and make Barovia feel tense and cinematic.
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
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.
Content warnings
Safety tools used