Curse of Strahd - Roleplay Heavy - Beginer Friendly

Creating your character

Beyond the mists lies Barovia, a land shrouded in eternal twilight, ruled by the dread vampire Count Strahd von Zarovich. Once a realm of beauty and pride, it now languishes under his cruel dominion. Travelers who enter these haunted valleys soon learn that the mists do not easily let go — and that every heartbeat echoes in Strahd’s ears. This campaign blends gothic horror and tragic destiny, inviting players to confront not only monsters, but their own fears and desires. Amid crumbling castles, cursed forests, and the echoes of lost souls, your choices determine whether Barovia finds redemption or sinks deeper into despair. The tone is dark and atmospheric, rich with moral tension and cinematic storytelling. You’ll face tactical encounters that reward strategy and courage, but not all threats can be fought with steel — some must be faced with empathy, wit, or sacrifice. Between moments of terror, you’ll find quiet glimpses of hope and humanity that make every victory hard-earned and unforgettable. Whether you’re a first-time adventurer seeking a story-driven introduction to D&D, or a veteran ready to brave one of its most iconic tales, this campaign offers an immersive, collaborative experience where every player matters. With detailed maps, narrative depth, and the freedom to shape your own fate, you’ll discover why Curse of Strahd remains one of the greatest adventures ever told — and perhaps, you’ll decide how the legend ends.

Preparing for the session

Create your character on DnD Beyond using the point buy system. You can use any official content, including unearthed arcana (playtest material). We can use 2024 rules or Legacy rules, to be decided by all players on the table.

What Bruno brings to the table

Have Discord, Roll20, D&D Beyond, and Beyond 20 ready to play this game. Join Discord at: https://discord.gg/6gBwjtNy

Homebrew rules

All combats in our table will use battlemaps. They will be intense, and there might be a learning curve in recognizing challenges in the terrain DM`s usually do not use. In short, you will not be fighting in an empty square room. Everything you see drawn is there and can be used. I always check the rules first, but creativity will be rewarded if used within logic. You can expect a well-balanced, fair game, with interesting combat, high-quality assets, and a world-building that is interactive with your character choices, bringing real consequences of your actions to the story.

How Bruno creates a safe table

Usually, players choose to play with audio only. It is your personal choice, so we can talk about this in session 0. I always ask for feedback after sessions. This can be our Aftercare moment. We can discuss limits and sensitive topics in session 0 with the group as well, and adopt any systems or tools the group thinks are helpful. I don`t go into sensitive topics in my games other than violence. If a character says, "Step back or I will cut his throat!" they are usually not bluffing. Players have been surprised by this before; I don`t know why. They said it pretty straightforwardly with all the necessary words. If a ghoul paralizes your character, it will try to drag them away from the group, dismember, and eat them alive. If a character decided to explore a dungeon alone, they might be later found by the group being digested by an Ochre Jelly. I don`t fudge dice for my players. If your character dies, they die. You can create a new character, or the group can use one of many ways to bring them back to life. There will be consequences to your actions. Both positive and negative.