Curse of Strahd:Survive the Mists -A Dark & Challenging campaign

Creating your character

Character creation will be handled collaboratively during a Session 0, where we’ll finalize concepts, mechanical choices, and how each character fits into Barovia. This session is also where we’ll go over house rules, tone expectations, and details like token art and backstory integration. Characters will begin at the campaign’s starting level (to be discussed before Session 0). Ability scores, starting equipment, and any campaign-specific adjustments will be clearly outlined ahead of time. I’m flexible and happy to work with players to help bring their character ideas to life in a way that fits both the rules and the setting. Barovia is a harsh, insular land that is mostly—if not entirely—human. Non-human races are absolutely welcome, but be aware that the stranger you appear to the average villager, the more attention you may draw. Whether that attention is good or bad will depend on your actions and the story that unfolds. This is not a restriction, but a narrative consideration we’ll discuss together in Session 0. I allow official material as well as partnered content such as Critical Role and Mage Hand Press subclasses. If you have a concept that doesn’t neatly fit existing options, let me know—I’m open to creating or adapting content where it makes sense. Some races and options are restricted due to tone and setting (for example, centaurs, changelings, and similarly disruptive choices). We’ll be using Foundry VTT for play. Since Foundry links are not permanent like Roll20, I strongly recommend keeping a personal copy of your character sheet (D&D Beyond works great). My goal is to make sure everyone feels prepared, invested, and excited before the first session begins.

Preparing for the session

Before the first session, players will need to complete a few simple steps to get set up: Join the campaign Discord server. This will be the main hub for communication, announcements, and resources. Once you join, you’ll find a step-by-step setup guide walking you through everything you need to do next. Audio setup. A working microphone and stable internet connection are required. Voice will be handled through Discord.

What Claystorms brings to the table

I put a lot of care into making the game look, feel, and play smoothly. Expect a high-production experience in Foundry VTT with custom maps, ambient music, sound effects, and interactive elements designed to bridge the gap between tabletop and video game immersion—without losing the soul of D&D. My Curse of Strahd is gritty, hardcore, and challenging, Yet always rewarding. Combat is tactical and meaningful, supported by clear initiative tracking, streamlined automation, and easy-to-use action workflows so players can focus on decisions rather than menus. Fights are dangerous, victories are earned, and smart play is rewarded. I embrace the Rule of Cool when it enhances the story, but I stay grounded in the rules to keep the game balanced and consistent. Player choices drive the narrative—I adapt the world to your decisions rather than forcing a fixed outcome. I use character voices when it fits, curate music to match the moment, and support collaborative storytelling where your characters truly matter. Above all, the goal is a fun, memorable experience where challenge and enjoyment go hand in hand.

Homebrew rules

Core House Rules Injuries, Boons, & Banes: Combat and major choices can leave lasting effects. Injuries linger, while smart play and roleplay can earn powerful boons. Coyote Physics (Falling): Long falls occur over rounds rather than instantly, allowing limited chances to react at DM discretion. Daily Inspiration Tokens: Each session, a player may receive a one-use token for rerolls or but also can call a success, (for example- ill use the token to hit an enemy). At session end, the group votes for MVP, who earns the token next session. this is done usually by how everyone felt did well in rp or combat or handled a situation well. Skill Usage Adjustments: Some skill checks may be used as bonus actions in appropriate situations. Helping on a check requires proficiency. Free Skill Checks (Limited): Free skill use cannot be abused for disarming, excessive grappling, or forced prone effects—those require actions. Encumbrance & Supplies: Food and survival resources matter. Encumbrance is tracked when relevant. Mounts & Travel: Individual mounts are abstracted into shared party transportation (wagon, caravan, etc.). Combat & Pacing Initiative and combat are streamlined using Foundry tools. Friendly fire is possible—positioning matters. Be ready on your turn. If turns stall repeatedly, a 60-second timer may be used. No action defaults to Dodge. Cheating or arguing rulings mid-combat is not tolerated. Roleplay & Table Conduct Party relationships (romantic or otherwise) must be discussed beforehand. Intimate moments fade to black. In-character conflict is allowed, but respect the table. I will check in after tense sessions. Murder-hobo behavior or disruptive play results in warnings, then DM discretion. Respect spotlight moments—everyone deserves time to shine. During tense scenes and combat, only speak on your turn or when addressed. Foundry chat may be used for brief narrative cues. Character & World Restrictions Barovia is primarily human. Non-human characters are welcome, but rare races draw attention. Common races: Humans, Half-Elves, Elves, Halflings, Gnomes, Dwarves Limited (DM approval): Dragonborn, Tieflings, Aasimar, Half-Orcs, Goliaths, Drow, Duergar, Githyanki etc..(most likely im fine with it. ) Some races (e.g., centaurs, changelings) are restricted for tone and lore reasons. Wish exists in the world, but is extraordinarily rare and not generally obtainable. Final Word Rules may evolve to fit the group and story. My goal is always a challenging, immersive, and respectful table where player choice matters and the experience feels earned. TL;DR: Play fair, respect others, know your character, and don’t be a problem. some more rules in discord but this is the basic. Let’s tell a great story together.

How Claystorms creates a safe table

Safety & Player Comfort Player safety and comfort are a priority, especially in a dark, horror-focused campaign like Curse of Strahd. Before the game begins, we will hold a Session 0 where we establish tone, expectations, and boundaries together. I provide a Lines & Veils document that all players can review privately before Session 0. Hard limits (Lines) will not appear in the game, and soft limits (Veils) will fade to black or be handled off-screen. These boundaries are always respected without question or justification. We use digital safety tools throughout play. Players can signal discomfort at any time via private message, Foundry chat, or Discord using X / N / O check-ins (or a simple “pause” message). No explanation is required in the moment—scenes will be adjusted immediately. After intense sessions, I check in with the group and individually as needed. Horror is meant to be immersive, not distressing. The goal is a challenging and memorable experience where everyone feels safe, heard, and respected at the table.