Curse of Strahd | A Daggerheart Experience

Creating your character

Character creation for this campaign will happen together during Session 0. You don’t need to arrive with a finished character - in fact, it’s better if you don’t. We’ll build characters collaboratively, using the campaign frame to ensure everyone is grounded in the tone, themes, and shared expectations of the story. We’ll be using Daggerheart’s core rules (and Void extensions) for character creation, starting at Tier 1. All stats, traits, and options will be chosen as part of the group process, with plenty of time to ask questions and explore concepts. No prior experience with Daggerheart is required; I’ll walk everyone through the system step by step. Characters will be created with an emphasis on who they are, what they carry with them, and why Barovia might care. We’ll focus less on optimization and more on motivations, relationships, fears, and unresolved pasts that can naturally intertwine with the setting. The goal is a party that feels connected to the world - and to each other - from the very start. A campaign frame will be provided ahead of Session 0, outlining the tone, themes, boundaries, and narrative touchstones of the game. Safety tools and content expectations will be discussed before character choices are finalized. All characters will be created using officially released Daggerheart material only; no third-party or homebrew options will be used for this campaign. By the end of Session 0, everyone should have a complete character, shared context, and a clear sense of what kind of story we’re about to tell - together.

Preparing for the session

No advance preparation is required to play in this campaign. You don’t need to read rules, build a character, or purchase any materials ahead of time - I’ll provide everything you need. Before the game begins, players will need to join the Looking for Mom Discord server, which we’ll use for scheduling, session announcements, safety tools, and general communication. An invite link will be provided after sign-up. Gameplay will take place online, with all rules references, character materials, and play aids shared during the session. As long as you have a stable internet connection, a webcam, a microphone, and access to Discord, you’re ready to play. If any additional tools or optional resources become relevant later, clear instructions will be shared well in advance.

What Andrew - The Real MacGuffin brings to the table

I’ll provide a fully supported, immersive play experience designed to pull you deep into the world of Barovia. This includes all necessary rules guidance, character creation support, and campaign materials, so you can focus on inhabiting your character rather than managing mechanics. You won’t need to bring books or system knowledge - everything will be introduced clearly and at the table. My GM style emphasizes deep immersion through visuals and soundscapes. Expect atmospheric music, ambient audio, and evocative descriptions that reinforce mood and tension. I use character voices and distinct NPC personalities where appropriate, always in service of the story rather than performance for its own sake. The goal is to make the world feel present, oppressive, and alive. The heart of this campaign is character-driven storytelling. Your choices, relationships, fears, and beliefs will shape the direction of the narrative. I prioritize emotional stakes, meaningful consequences, and collaborative storytelling over strict optimization or puzzle-solving. The rules are used to support tension and drama, and I lean into cinematic moments when they enhance the story. Combat, when it happens, is dynamic and dangerous. Fights are fast, high-stakes, and consequential - violence is never routine, and victory is never guaranteed. I aim for a balance between rules clarity and narrative flow, favoring rulings that heighten tension and maintain momentum while staying grounded in the system. You can expect a game that rewards engagement, creativity, and emotional investment, and one where the story remembers what you survive.

How Andrew - The Real MacGuffin creates a safe table

Player safety and comfort are a top priority in all of my games, and that is no different for this campaign, especially given the gothic horror themes. Before play begins, I’ll share a Safety and Consent Check List for everyone to review and contribute to, ensuring clear boundaries around content, tone, and topics we want to avoid or handle off-screen. This document will be a living agreement and can be updated at any time. During Session 0, we’ll go over expectations for tone, consent, and emotional intensity, as well as discuss safety tools and how to use them. We’ll establish shared language for pausing or redirecting scenes and talk openly about the kinds of horror that are compelling versus distressing. No one will ever be asked to justify a boundary. At the table, I use X, N, and O safety tools in a digital format via Foundry VTT, allowing players to message me privately or use agreed-upon signals to indicate discomfort, the need to slow down, or a desire to lean further into a scene. These tools can be used at any time, without explanation, and will always be respected immediately. Aftercare is built into the experience. We’ll do brief post-session check-ins, giving players space to decompress, share thoughts, or step away as needed. I also remain available between sessions on Discord for follow-up conversations or concerns. The goal is to create a space where players feel supported, respected, and free to engage deeply with the story - knowing their well-being always comes first.