Welcome to Barovia. You are not here by accident (COS)

Creating your character

Characters will be created at Level 1 using D&D Beyond. Once completed, I will import all characters directly into Foundry VTT, so please ensure your character sheet is accurate and finalized before play begins. Ability scores will be rolled together during Session 0, using the official 2024 rules. This keeps things fair and ensures everyone starts on equal footing. We’ll also use Session 0 to align characters with the campaign’s tone, themes, and party dynamics. Allowed materials: All official D&D 5e content published by Wizards of the Coast is permitted using the 2024 ruleset (Player’s Handbook and other official supplements). No homebrew or third-party content is allowed unless explicitly approved by the DM in advance. If you have a character concept you’re unsure about, feel free to ask before Session 0—I’m happy to help refine ideas so they fit Barovia’s gothic horror tone.

Preparing for the session

Before the first session, players will need to complete the following steps: Create a free Discord account for voice chat, game announcements, and between-session communication. Have a D&D Beyond account to build your character (Level 1, 2024 rules). No Foundry purchase or setup is required on your end — we will be using Foundry VTT hosted via The Forge. Once you sign up for the game, I will send: An invite link to the Discord server A Forge/Foundry access link for the virtual tabletop Please ensure you have a working microphone, stable internet connection, and a desktop or laptop computer capable of running Foundry in a web browser. Headphones are strongly recommended for audio clarity. That’s it — everything else will be provided in Session 0.

What Pacts & Polyhedrals - Asmo brings to the table

I run Curse of Strahd as a dark, player-driven gothic horror campaign where choices matter and danger is real. Character death is an expected part of this story. Barovia does not scale to protect reckless adventurers—if the party ventures into areas they are not prepared for, total party kills are absolutely possible. Caution, planning, and roleplay are often just as important as combat prowess. You can expect a highly immersive experience, including extensive, detailed maps with dynamic lighting, atmospheric environments, and curated visuals through Foundry VTT. I use ambient music and soundscapes, along with distinct character voices, to bring NPCs and locations to life. Player backstories will be woven directly into the narrative, creating personal arcs, meaningful stakes, and moments tailored specifically to your character. My GM style balances Rules as Written with Rule of Cool—the rules provide structure, but clever ideas, strong roleplay, and cinematic moments are rewarded. Combat can be intense and tactical, especially against major threats, but social encounters and investigation are just as important to survival. This campaign is fully choice-driven. Players are not locked into a single outcome. You may choose to oppose Strahd… or embrace his power and serve him. Both paths—and many shades between—are valid and supported by the narrative. If the group wishes to continue beyond the written adventure, the campaign can extend past level 10, exploring the long-term consequences of your decisions in Barovia and beyond. Come prepared for horror, tragedy, moral ambiguity, and the knowledge that Barovia remembers what you do.

Homebrew rules

This campaign uses a handful of house rules designed to heighten tension, reward roleplay, and reinforce the brutal, unforgiving nature of Barovia. Critical hits are powerful. On a natural 20, attacks deal maximum damage rather than rolling. Conversely, critical failures carry consequences—a dropped or damaged weapon, self-injury, or collateral harm to an ally may occur at the DM’s discretion. Combat is dangerous, chaotic, and rarely clean. Potions are reliable—but risky. Healing potions always restore maximum possible hit points—no rolling required. Drinking a potion yourself uses a Bonus Action, while administering one to an ally requires an Action. However, potion toxicity is real: consuming more than one potion within an hour forces a roll on the Potion Toxicity chart, with increasingly dangerous side effects. Combat awareness is fluid. In most situations, you may attempt a simple skill check (such as Perception or Insight) during combat as a free action. Attempting to multitask or push beyond reasonable limits may impose disadvantage or other penalties, as determined by the DM. Inspiration rewards commitment. Inspiration dice can stack and are most often earned by leaning into your character’s personality, flaws, and difficult choices—especially when doing so creates complications or personal risk. Play your character honestly, even when it hurts. Death is uncertain and terrifying. All death saving throws are rolled in secret. No one at the table knows how close a fallen character is to death… until it’s too late. Expect tension. Expect silence. Expect fear. Barovia does not pull its punches—and neither does this table.

How Pacts & Polyhedrals - Asmo creates a safe table

Player safety and comfort are taken seriously, especially in a campaign that explores dark and horror-themed material. We will begin with a Session 0, where expectations, tone, boundaries, and communication norms are clearly established. Rather than formal Lines & Veils documents, this game uses an Open Door Policy—players are always free to step away, pause the game, or raise concerns at any time, no explanations required. At the end of each session, we’ll use Stars & Wishes as a short group check-in and review. This gives players a chance to highlight moments they enjoyed, express concerns, and suggest things they’d like to see more (or less) of going forward. Communication is always open, respectful, and ongoing. Horror should be thrilling—not uncomfortable—and adjustments can be made as needed to ensure the table remains a safe, welcoming space for everyone.