Beneath No Merciful Moon | A Curse of Strahd Campaign

Creating your character

Character creation can happen prior to Session, giving you time to come to the table with a concept ready to discuss and refine. Characters begin at Level 3 using Point Buy or Standard Array, and all creation is done through D&D Beyond. The world sits in a grounded, real-world adjacent setting — think Victorian gothic horror in the Scottish highlands, filtered through the aesthetic of Bloodborne. The politics and religion of the real world do not exist here; what does exist is superstition, folklore, and the very real sense that the dark between the trees is watching you back. Build your character with that world in mind. Species, classes, and subclasses are drawn from a curated list rather than the full 5.5e roster. That list, along with all relevant homebrew documentation, will be available in the campaign Discord server once you are accepted at the table. If something you want to play, and feel fits the aesthetic that is not on the list— come with a reason it belongs in this world, not just a reason you want it and we can discuss. Characters begin equipped with their class and background starting gear, one uncommon permanent item, two common permanent items, and two common consumables.

Preparing for the session

- Access to Discord for voice communication (mic required; webcam optional). - Stable internet connection to participate reliably. - D&D Beyond account (free) for character sheets and campaign management (link will be provided). - A Roll20 Account for the map and table space You do not need to be a rules expert before joining—just bring yourself, your creativity, and a willingness to engage with the story.

What Leatorii brings to the table

I bring over 20 years of Dungeon Mastering experience across home games, living communities, and large-scale narrative campaigns. My approach is shaped by a strong focus on player agency, shared story ownership, and respect for the written game. I run D&D close to RAW (Rules as Written) to ensure consistency and fairness. When rulings are needed, I prioritize clarity, player understanding, and table flow—always keeping the game moving without sacrificing the spirit of the rules. You can expect: - A respectful, mature table where communication and comfort are prioritized. - Survival-focused exploration and tense encounters. - A commitment to giving player actions real consequences that impact the story. My games are best suited for players who enjoy tactical decision-making, emotional investment in story, and a steady respect for the rules as our shared framework.

Homebrew rules

Life Points / Death Rattle You don't roll Death Saves. You instead come back at the start of your next turn with a piece of your lifeforce taken from you if not healed. Paragon Points You take on heroic actions that can turn the tides of dire situations into your favor. Spell Points A more flexible casting system that turns spell slot levels into their respective points for a pool of casting power. Flanking +2 To Hit when enemies are flanking, or you flank an enemy Flat Healing from Items Potions and other curative consumables heal their maximum values

How Leatorii creates a safe table

This campaign emphasizes story-first play, shared trust, and respect for emotional safety at the table. We aim to create an environment where strong narrative moments, survival tension, and emotional depth can happen without risking anyone's real-world comfort. Streetlight (XNO) system is in play constantly. Before we begin the campaign, a Lines and Veils document will be provided. - Personal boundaries (what’s off-limits, what needs fade-to-black). - Party cohesion and character themes (ensuring healthy group dynamics). - How to handle "bleed" (managing intense emotional roleplay responsibly). After particularly intense sessions, I offer soft aftercare—meaning we’ll have space for decompressing, debriefing, or even just casually chatting out of character if needed. Above all, player agency and safety come first. Story is powerful—but people are more important.