Horrors of the Vampire Lord || Curse of Strahd (Session 0 FREE)

Creating your character

We will create characters during Session 0 and begin the campaign at Level 3. You will use the standard array or point buy for ability scores, and you may use anything out of the Player's Handbook, Xanathar's Guide to Everything, Tasha's Cauldron of Many Things, Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse, or the Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide, all which you will have access to in Fantasy Grounds. I will be present during this entire process to help you with whatever you might need including determining ability scores, gear, spells, etc. We will flesh out character backstories, relationships to other characters, and character appearances. There will be plenty of time for you to discuss anything you want to with me including variations and content from other source books if you so choose—I am very open to different ideas as long as you openly communicate with me about it. However, know that you are absolutely safe if you stick to picking content from core rulebooks. Session 0 will be the perfect time for us to craft characters to your liking with as much detail as you want as well as get any questions you might have answered. No need to worry, we will get everything sorted!

Preparing for the session

1. Join my Discord server: https://discord.gg/cqm5BzpFfF 2. Make sure you have Fantasy Grounds installed and have an account made (both the install and account creation on this page): https://www.fantasygrounds.com/ Required: • Microphone for clear communication • Fantasy Grounds software • Fantasy Grounds account • Discord account Recommended (NOT required): • Webcam for engagement: I've found that my players have an easier time staying engaged if they are on video, but it's totally fine if you are not comfortable with this. (I will be on video!) • Basic understanding of D&D 5e ruleset: This will make your life much easier. If you are not familiar at all, I highly recommend joining me for a one-on-one intro to D&D one shot so that you feel less overwhelmed when we get started (3-4 hours). Message me for more information. Not required: • Prior experience with Fantasy Grounds: We will run a mock combat during Session 0 to help you get familiar with the program, and it's intuitive to pick up along the way. I have resources in my Discord for players would like to watch some videos on Fantasy Grounds. Characters will be made during Session 0, so no need to prepare anything there unless you want to look over source material beforehand and get an idea of what you might want beforehand. If you have a good idea of what you want your character to look like, you can prefill that information in the following link and I will AI generate a portrait and token prior to Session 0: https://forms.gle/W9zn9ZdNkVypFWM89. If not, you can do so after Session 0 or provide your own artwork. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to message me!

What Valerie brings to the table

I prioritize player comfort and fun above all else. I adapt my playstyle to the group, balancing roleplay and combat in a way that keeps everyone engaged and included. My goal is for every player to feel heard, involved, and excited to return each week. I use music and atmosphere to enhance immersion. Enemies act intelligently and realistically. I balance challenge with fun — creative play is rewarded and setbacks feel meaningful. I follow the rules closely but believe strongly in the Rule of Cool when it enhances the story.

Homebrew rules

1. Drinking a health potion is a bonus action. 2. If you are flanking an enemy (behind an enemy in the 3 tiles opposite your ally), you get a +2 bonus to attack. Enemies also get flanking bonuses. 3. On a critical hit, your first damage die does max damage; you only roll the second to make it feel like a real critical hit. 4. Short rest times are limited and modified. You can only take 4 short rests per long rest. The length of time doubles off the first, the first being 15 minutes; so 15 min. -> 30 min. -> 1 hour -> 2 hours -> long rest.

How Valerie creates a safe table

Pre-Session 0: Once you join my Discord server, you must first agree to the rules of the server before gaining access to the social or game chats. Upon approval, I will direct you to your Lines and Veils document, to be completed before Session 0. Session 0: We will go over hard lines so that the group is aware of boundaries and go over expectations in game and out. Then we will make sure everyone can connect to the game server, create characters, run a combat, and answer any other questions. During sessions: I prefer typed X, N, & O's in the Discord chat as I may more easily miss them if they are on video if I am otherwise engaged. We will also have a 10 minute comfort break 1.5 hours through session. There may be be a couple of 2-5 minute stretch breaks as needed. Post-session: We end with a quick group check in to see how people are feeling and discuss Stars and Wishes—what we all liked and what we wish for. This is to promote constructive feedback towards bringing everyone a comfortable, safe, and fun experience.