🥀 Curse of Strahd: A Dark Welcome (LGBTQ+ & Beginner Friendly)

Creating your character

Character creation is simple and designed to be quick and collaborative. A few clicks in the virtual tabletop get your sheet ready and functional. All details and the narrative hooks that tie your character into Barovia are decided in a free, one-on-one Session 0 with me. Below is the step-by-step of how we will handle character creation once you are accepted at the table: 🧙‍♀️ Session 0 We build your character together, refine your backstory, set personal limits, and slot your hooks into the campaign, so your character feels part of the world from day one. 🗺️ Where we Create The sheet is completed inside the virtual tabletop during your Session 0. It is fast, intuitive, and I guide you step by step so you never feel lost. 📚 Books and Options No purchases are required. The options library is large. If you want something unusual, like a Gunslinger or a Blood Hunter, just ask, and we will work together to adapt or approve it so it fits the table's tone. Here are also a few important details about character creation: 🏁 Starting Level Default is level 1, which is beginner-friendly. If you prefer to start at a higher level, we can discuss options and find a level that fits your experience and the table. 🎲 Stats Ability scores are rolled using 5d6, dropping the lowest two. The sum of your six scores must be between 72 and 82. If your total falls outside that range, we reroll until it fits. This helps keep multi-ability classes balanced and fair. If you want a quick prep call before Session 0, I can do that. Can’t wait to see what you bring to Barovia!

Preparing for the session

Getting ready to play is quick and straightforward. Most of the setup happens through Discord, and I will guide you through anything you need along the way. 🔐 Create a Discord Account Make sure you have a Discord account and verify your phone number, as this is required to access the server. 💬 Join the Campaign Server Use the invite link to join the server and follow the onboarding steps: https://discord.gg/Vk3usnKgjP. Audio and camera will happen on Discord, while the visual and mechanical parts of the game, such as maps, dice rolls, and effects, will take place in Foundry Virtual Tabletop. 🔌 Equipment Use a stable internet connection and a headset with a microphone for the best experience. A webcam is completely optional. 🗺️ Where We Play Sessions take place on Foundry Virtual Tabletop. You do not need to buy a license. Access will be provided on the day of the session. ⚙️ Recommended Optimisation For better performance, it is recommended to download FLC (Foundry Lightweight Client). It is a small tool that helps the virtual tabletop run more smoothly on your computer by optimising how it loads maps, lighting, and visual effects. This can reduce lag and improve stability, especially during large or animated scenes. https://foundry.ruleplaying.com/flc⁠ 📝 Schedule Your Session 0 After joining the server, schedule your individual Session 0 with me on Discord. This is where we create your character and talk about personal limits and campaign expectations. The setup process is very simple. Join the server, follow the steps, and I will take care of the rest on game day. I am always available to help with any questions or technical issues.

What João Victor brings to the table

My tables focus on atmosphere, strong visuals, and collaborative storytelling. I aim to create sessions that feel immersive while still leaving plenty of room for player creativity and unexpected choices. 🗺️ Foundry VTT support Full map and sheet integration, tokens, and clickable X/N/O cards. I also use a collection of premium modules and tools to enhance visuals, automation, and immersion. Part of the reason this is a paid campaign is to support those resources and keep the experience premium. I open the game instance on session day so you can jump in quickly and focus on play. 🎬 Cinematic presentation and battle maps Short cutscenes and staged transitions set the mood. For fights, I use animated map packs from Beneos Battlemaps. These are high-resolution maps with built-in animated elements like drifting fog, moving water, and dynamic environmental details that make locations feel alive while keeping tactical clarity. Combat then ramps into 4K battlemaps with dynamic lighting and clear grids so tactical choices are obvious. Everything is timed to land like a showpiece. 🎵 Curated music and SFX I run music and sound cues through Narrator's Jukebox by Wand and Widgets to heighten the atmosphere. Tracks and SFX are carefully chosen, and you can opt out or lower the volume if you prefer. Players can also suggest tracks during the session via the music module, so the playlist can shift to match the table’s rhythm and mood. 🎭 Voice work and roleplay Distinct NPC voices and mannerisms bring characters to life. I encourage players to lean into roleplay, and I match their energy to lift scenes. ⚔️ Tactical when it matters Combat carries weight and consequence. Encounters are designed to be strategic and meaningful, not constant. 🎲 Rule of Cool with consistency I support bold player ideas and prioritise memorable scenes while keeping fairness and table balance. If a cool idea fits the story, I will find a fair way to make it work. 🫂 Safety and accessibility All agreed safety tools are active and respected. I accommodate audio, visual, and comfort needs so everyone can enjoy the game. At the end of the day, the magic moment is when someone rolls for a desperate move, the room goes still, and the result changes everything. That gasp and the laughter that follows are why I run games. The goal is simple: create sessions that feel memorable, tense, and fun to experience together.

Homebrew rules

These are small tweaks I use to speed play, deepen tactical choices, and make characters feel cinematic without breaking balance. They are optional in spirit and always open to discussion during Session 0, so we build a table that works for everyone. 🧪 Potion Use Potions can be used with either an action or a bonus action. This keeps healing and utility items meaningful in tense moments and avoids stalling combat. 💡 Shared Inspiration Pool Inspiration lives in a shared pool for the whole table. Players can gift inspiration to each other to fuel big moments and encourage teamwork. ⚔️ Flanking Bonus Flanking grants a +2 bonus to hit on melee attacks. This makes positioning matter and rewards cooperative tactics. ⭐ Additional Feat Every character begins with one additional feat. This helps flesh out concepts quickly and gives more mechanical identity from session one. 📜 Homebrew and Third-Party Content If you like options from Valda's Spire of Secrets, Tal’Dorei Reborn or other third-party sources, bring them up. We can review and adapt content together to make sure it fits the table’s tone and balance. If any rule worries you or you want a tweak, mention it in Session 0. I’m flexible, and I build house rules to make the game more fun, not to limit creativity.

How João Victor creates a safe table

This campaign is meant to be a safe, welcoming space for everyone. To make that real, I use a set of safety tools that protect comfort, consent, and well-being during sessions and after. Every player will also have an individual Session 0 focused on character creation and clarifying limits, so no one is surprised by an unwanted topic. 📎 Before we Meet, Docs I’ll Send Lines & Veils link for you to read and edit before session zero. Monte Cook Consent Checklist and a short guide explaining the tools we use. You can suggest additions at any time. These are living documents. 🕰️Session 0, How it Works? Group Session 0: campaign tone, pacing, house rules, safety tools, session rhythm, and the Open Door policy. Individual Session 0: We build your character, review backstory, fill the Monte Cook checklist together, and set personal limits. I’ll confirm your X / N / O preferences and explain any house mechanics (for example, 5d6dl2 or Inspiration Pool). 🃏 Signals & X / N / O X (Stop) pause the scene immediately. We move on, and I check in privately. N (Adjust) continue with changes. We pause briefly to agree on the tweak. O (Okay) you’re comfortable with that content. Formats: These options will be integrated into Foundry VTT. You will be able to click on the options at any time within the system during the session. ☕ During Sessions, Pacing & Support Planned breaks are about 90–120 minutes in session, and the option for an immediate pause if needed. Nonverbal signals are welcome for those who prefer not to speak up in the moment. I watch spotlight balance and tone to keep things fair and engaging. 💬 End of Session, Debrief & Aftercare Quick group debrief (~5 minutes) to note what worked and what to tweak. If a scene hits hard, I do an immediate private check-in. I follow up with a personal message within 24–48 hours to make sure you’re okay and to offer adjustments. If you want extra support or resources, I’ll help find appropriate options. 🚪 Open Door & Communication If something bothers you, please tell me. For sensitive matters, I prefer Discord DMs. You choose how and when to speak up. I respect your preference for private or public discussion. 🔒 Confidentiality & Ongoing Consent Notes from Session 0 and aftercare conversations remain private. Consent is ongoing. Scenes, triggers, and rules can be changed at any time by request.