Barovia Beckons: A Spicy Gothic Tale with Lady Strahd PbP 18+
Trapped in a cursed land ruled by a vampiric countess, can you escape her grasp -- or will you become part of her dark, twisted legend?
$25.00
/ Session
Details
Play by Post (Asynchronous)
Billed Weekly / Thursday - 3:00 PM UTC
Session Duration / 1 hour
0 / 5 Seats Filled
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About the adventure
Darkness has a name. And she is watching. Barovia is a land trapped in shadow, its skies ever gray, its people hopeless. Whispers speak of a vampire countess -- Strahd von Zarovich -- whose eyes see all and whose power knows no bounds. She rules from Castle Ravenloft, lonely, eternal… and amused. You and your companions were not meant to come here. But the mists do not care for intentions. This is a tale of gothic horror, cursed love, and cruel fate. A land where every kindness has a cost, every pact leaves a scar, and the greatest monsters may not be undead. Will you defy the Countess’s will -- or become part of her twisted story? Curse of Strahd is a narrative-heavy, roleplay-focused campaign with dark themes, deadly choices, and space for haunting character arcs. This version features a female Strahd, written with seductive menace and ruthless charm. The mists have chosen you. Step inside.
Game style
Play By Post
Roleplay Heavy
Theater of the Mind
Rule of Cool (RoC)
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
5.0
(10)
1 year on StartPlaying
543 games hosted
Highly rated for: Inclusive, Creativity, Storytelling
Average response time: 9 hours
Response rate: 100%
About me
I’m pretty sure my love of immersive storytelling and Dungeons & Dragons began the moment I picked up my first Choose Your Own Adventure book in third grade. I was one of those “Talented and Gifted” kids of the late ’80s and early ’90s (we’d call it neurodivergent now), and let’s just say... sitting still wasn’t my strength (hello, undiagnosed ADHD). While most teachers didn’t know what to do with me, my third-grade teacher—bless her—sent me to the library instead of the office. After filing books and learning the Dewey Decimal System, I’d sneak off to the reading corner and dive into every adventure I could get my hands on. I didn’t just read those books—I explored every possible outcome, and something inside me came alive. Fast-forward to my 30s (yep, my 30s), when my partner introduced me to Dungeons & Dragons. My brain went click and then boom—and I’ve been hooked ever since. After over a decade as a player, I’m now stepping into the role of Dungeon Master, offering play-by-post games that are welcoming, patient, and perfect for beginners—or seasoned players curious about a slower, story-rich format. Whether you're diving in solo or bringing a friend (real or imaginary), I’ll guide you through the game at your pace. You'll get a deeply personalized experience built around shared storytelling, creativity, and emotional connection. Together, we'll carve out a little pocket of wonder—an escape from the chaos into a world where you call the shots. To me, D&D is joy, catharsis, and magic all wrapped into one. I’d love to help you find that, too. xo, Moss
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
Character creation happens in Session 0. You don’t need to have a character ready beforehand -- I’m happy to help you craft a compelling character that fits Barovia like a glove, or you can come in with a fully fleshed-out PC if you’re more experienced. We’ll start at level 1 unless otherwise discussed. Stats can be rolled (with table rules of roll 3 sets and pick 1) or use point buy/standard array. We play on D&D Beyond, using the 2024 ruleset. Legacy material is allowed when 2024 doesn’t provide what you’re looking for -- just check with me first. I prioritize story and character over stats, and I’ll work with you to tie your background meaningfully into the world. The goal is to create someone who belongs in this grim, haunting tale.
This game can be started at a 1:1 with 1 player + the DM or with up to 5 players. Reach out for what you have in mind.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
Before we begin, please make sure you have the following: A Discord account -- game communication happens there. A D&D Beyond account -- we’ll use it for character creation and sheets. That’s it! You’re welcome to start brainstorming character ideas ahead of Session 0, but there’s no need to have anything finalized. I’ll be there to help shape your concept or tie it into the world during our first session.
What Moss brings to the table
I provide full access to D&D Beyond content and all necessary digital tools through D&D Beyond. This is a play-by-post game, with activity typically Monday through Friday. Players can expect a mix of group quests and 1-on-1 story arcs tailored to your character -- play-by-post lets us explore secrets, side plots, and character development in ways that live games can’t. I embrace the Rule of Cool outside of combat to keep things fun and cinematic, but switch to Rules as Written during combat for clarity and fairness. You can expect a story-rich game full of gothic atmosphere, layered intrigue, and meaningful character moments. I love weaving personal backstories into the larger narrative, so every character has a reason to be in Barovia—and a reason to fight their way out.
Equipment needed to play
Computer
Internet
Platforms used
Safety
How Moss creates a safe table
This game may include romance, drama, and emotionally charged moments -- but nothing happens without your consent. During Session 0, we’ll talk openly about boundaries, comfort levels, and use tools like Lines, Veils, and safe words to ensure everyone feels respected and empowered. Because this is a gothic horror setting, violence, emotional harm, and unsettling themes may arise—but we will clearly define what is off-limits and what is fade-to-black. Your fun should never come at the cost of your comfort -- consent is key, and in this game, it’s sacred. Secrets may exist between characters, and sometimes even between players, but never in a way that undermines player safety. I will always check in privately before involving you in plot twists, betrayals, or sensitive material. This is a collaborative story -- we’re here to build something powerful together.
Content warnings
Safety tools used