Danger in the Myst - Curse of Strahd - Beginner Friendly

Creating your character

Character creation happens during Session 0, which is a full session all on its own. We’ll use that time to build characters together, make sure everyone understands their sheets, and lock in party connections and expectations. At the end of Session 0, we’ll also transition into the introductory opening of the campaign, so you’ll leave with your character finished and the story already in motion. If you want a head start, you’re absolutely welcome to message me beforehand with your concept, class ideas, or questions—I’m happy to collaborate early. Characters begin at Level 1, and ability scores are either 4d6 drop the lowest or Standard Array, player’s choice. If you roll, it’ll be done in Session 0 so everything is transparent and fair. New players are fully supported—I’ll explain options, help you avoid “trap” choices, and make sure your character feels effective without needing system mastery. All character sheets will be created and maintained in Foundry VTT, since that’s our primary platform for play. I also provide a custom touch: I create top-down PC tokens for every character using Eldritch Foundry, based on your input. We’ll fine-tune details together so your mini matches your vision—gear, silhouette, vibe, and any signature traits you want represented on the tabletop. Official Wizards of the Coast player options are welcome; homebrew or third-party content is available by approval to keep tone and balance consistent with Barovia.

Preparing for the session

All play coordination happens through Discord, so before Session 1 you’ll need to join the server, make sure your mic is working, and do a quick audio check. That’s where I’ll post scheduling updates, handouts, and any campaign notes, and it’s also the easiest place to ask questions between sessions. We’ll be using Foundry VTT for maps, character sheets, rolls, and exploration. You don’t need to buy anything—just be able to open a secure game link in a modern browser (Chrome/Firefox recommended) and confirm you can load in at least once before we start. If you’ve never used Foundry, no worries—I’ll walk you through the basics so you feel comfortable right away. Your character should be ready before we play (I’m happy to help you 1-on-1 beforehand), and we’ll start at Level 1. Stats are Standard Array or Point Buy to keep things consistent and beginner-friendly, and we’ll finalize any last details during the opening portion of our first session. Barovia works best when characters are built to cooperate, so come with a reason your character will stick with the group even when things get ugly. Because this is gothic horror, I’ll also have you complete the Monte Cook RPG Consent Checklist before Session 1 so I can tailor content to everyone’s comfort level. Finally, please note that sessions are recorded for my YouTube/Twitch channels and for session notes/continuity. If you have concerns about recording or streaming, tell me up front and we’ll handle it respectfully so you can still play comfortably.

What ScaleScribe brings to the table

You’re getting a curated, immersive Curse of Strahd experience built around atmosphere, consequences, and player agency. I run Barovia as a living world—NPCs have real motives, factions adapt, and your choices leave marks that don’t vanish after a long rest. If you want a campaign where the story reacts to you (and remembers), you’ll feel right at home. Roleplay & Atmosphere: Expect character voices (when appropriate), strong NPC characterization, and a table tone that leans into gothic dread—not cheap shock. I use ambient music and scene-setting to heighten tension, build mood, and make key moments land. Investigation, social encounters, and “what do we do now?” dilemmas are a big part of the experience. Combat & Challenge: Combat is cinematic and meaningful, not constant. When it happens, it matters—stakes are real, the environment is used, and enemies act like they want to survive. Difficulty is tuned to Curse of Strahd’s tone: smart play, teamwork, and good decisions are rewarded. I don’t aim to TPK you—but Barovia will punish reckless choices. Rules & Rulings: I run a balanced mix of Rules as Written and Rules as Intended, with a firm but fair approach. I absolutely allow Rule of Cool—when it’s creative, character-driven, and doesn’t break the game’s integrity. If I make a quick ruling to keep momentum, we can revisit it after the session for consistency. Support for New Players: This table is beginner-friendly. I’ll help with character creation, explain mechanics as we go, and make sure you always understand your options. You don’t need system mastery—just show up ready to engage, collaborate, and lean into the story. What you’ll receive: A consistent schedule and clear session pacing Rich NPCs, memorable scenes, and reactive storytelling Music/ambience for immersion (with volume/content sensitivity) Tactical, purposeful combats with real stakes A welcoming table culture with strong safety tools and open communication If you want dark fantasy, tense mystery, meaningful roleplay, and a campaign that takes your decisions seriously, then step into the mist.

Homebrew rules

I run a few light homebrew rules to keep things fun, fast, and consistent. Everyone gets a free feat at level 1 (with DM veto if something clashes with tone or balance). If you roll for HP on level-up, any natural 1 gets rerolled once. You also start with one common or uncommon magic item, again with a quick DM veto if something would warp the early game. For pacing, healing potions are bonus action = roll the dice, action = max healing. We use Variant Encumbrance, and I keep inventory grounded: containers have real capacity, so long or bulky gear has to be carried in a way that makes sense instead of magically fitting into a backpack. On the magic side, Counterspell always requires a check (DC 10 + spell level), and anyone can attempt a spell scroll with an Arcana check (DC 10 + spell level)—failures consume the scroll and it fizzles. Death saves are hidden (I roll them privately), and heavy hits can leave lingering injuries. If Reincarnate comes up, we use an expanded reincarnation table that includes all setting-legal options, with a tone safeguard if needed. Socially, I keep rolls honest: Insight isn’t mind-reading, and Persuasion isn’t domination. Travel is handled with montage rules so journeys matter without dragging, and I ask for a simple party wish list so loot stays relevant. Selling loot typically lands around 50–70% depending on the town, demand, item condition, and how well you negotiate. Between adventures, downtime gives real perks (contacts, training, rumors, faction pull), and if you build a home base it can earn upgrades like a forge, library, shrine, infirmary, or warding circle. Depending on the campaign vibe, I may also use Honor and/or Sanity as optional pressure systems.

How ScaleScribe creates a safe table

Horror should feel intense in-game—not uncomfortable out-of-game. Curse of Strahd is gothic horror, and we’ll keep it scary, dramatic, and fun while making sure everyone at the table feels safe and respected. Before we begin, I’ll share a Monte Cook RPG Consent Checklist for you to fill out privately. This helps me calibrate the tone and avoid content you don’t want in your game. We’ll also cover expectations in Session 0: tone (gothic dread vs. shock), boundaries, table etiquette, communication preferences, and how we handle sensitive themes in Barovia. You can always update your boundaries at any time—no explanation required. During play, we use Breaks and an Open Door policy: step away anytime for any reason. For in-the-moment safety, I use digital X / N / O check-ins—either in chat or by message (✅ = good, 🟡 = nearing limit, ❌ = hard stop). If you’d rather use camera hand signs, that’s welcome too; we’ll confirm everyone’s preference in Session 0. If something crosses a line, we fade to black, redirect, or retcon immediately—no debate, no pressure. After heavier scenes, we do Aftercare and manage Bleed intentionally. I’ll call for a quick debrief (“How are we feeling?”), offer a palette cleanser, and make sure everyone leaves the session grounded. You’re also welcome to message me afterward if something stuck with you—my goal is for you to walk away feeling good, even if the story got dark. Bottom line: your comfort matters more than any plot point. We’ll keep Barovia haunting—without making the table unsafe.