Curse of Stradh (Newbies Welcome)
Was just supposed to be a routine mission...Check on some bogus reports of werewolves for a haughty lord...the powers at be had other things planned.
$20.00
/ Session
Details
Weekly / Thursday - 11:00 PM UTC
Session Duration / 3–4 hours
0 / 6 Seats Filled
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About the adventure
Curse of Strahd is a high-stakes, gothic horror campaign that pits a party of level 1–10 adventurers against the ancient vampire Count Strahd von Zarovich within his cursed, mist-shrouded domain of Barovia. Unlike many D&D adventures that favor the heroes, this campaign is a dark, gritty struggle for survival where the odds are often stacked against you.Campaign Atmosphere & StyleGothic Horror: Expect a world of psychological tension, tragic backstories, and classic monsters like werewolves, hags, and ghosts. Sandbox Exploration: Once you survive the deadly "Death House" prologue, the land of Barovia becomes an open world where your choices dictate which cursed villages to save—or abandon. Narrative Focus: The adventure is heavily roleplay-oriented (roughly 60% roleplay), rewarding character immersion and meaningful moral decisions. The Master of the Realm: Strahd is not a static boss waiting at the end of a dungeon; he is a manipulative social antagonist who may invite you to dinner, taunt you in the woods, or test your resolve personally throughout the entire campaign. What to Expect as a Player The Mists of Barovia: You are trapped in a demiplane where the sun rarely shines and the mists prevent any escape. Your primary goal is to find a way home, which requires confronting the Darklord himself. A World of Secrets: Using a mystical Tarokka card reading, key artifacts and allies essential to your success are randomized every game, ensuring no two playthroughs are the same. High Difficulty: This is a "hard" module where combat can be lethal and running away is often the smartest tactical choice.Tragedy and Hope: You play as the rare "beacons of light" in a land that has known only despair for centuries. Player Requirements:Levels: Designed for a party of 4–6 characters, progressing from level 1 to 10. Character Concepts: Classes like Clerics and Paladins are highly effective against the undead but may also become the primary targets of Strahd’s psychological games. Tone Check: Players should be comfortable with dark themes, including isolation, corruption, and horror tropes. Are you ready to enter the mists and see if you can survive the master of Castle Ravenloft?
Meet the Game Master
5.0
(8)
2 years on StartPlaying
115 games hosted
Highly rated for: Creativity, Teacher, World Builder
About me
Greetings, fellow adventurers! I am Ishmaul (he/him), your Game Master extraordinaire, and I'm on a quest to assemble a band of heroes for an unforgettable tabletop RPG experience. With a burning passion for storytelling, combat that keeps you on the edge of your seat, and a penchant for crafting unique narratives, I invite you to join me on a journey that transcends the ordinary. As a seasoned GM with a year of dedicated experience, I thrive on the collaborative magic that unfolds at the gaming table. Picture a world where your choices shape the narrative, where combat is not just a challenge but an epic spectacle, and where each session leaves you yearning for the next chapter. At my table, I believe in the power of imagination and the freedom for players to shape their destinies. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a newcomer to the realms of tabletop RPGs, I welcome you with open arms. Together, we'll explore untold stories, face formidable foes, and forge bonds that extend beyond the realms of our campaign. I bring to the table a unique blend of creativity, passion, and a commitment to providing an experience that will linger in your memories. From homemade stories to captivating homebrew options, I am dedicated to tailoring the adventure to fit the dreams and aspirations of your characters. If you're ready for a gaming experience that goes beyond the standard fare, where your character's story is as vital as the quest itself, then join me on this epic journey. Let's create a tale for the ages, where every roll of the dice and every choice you make contributes to an adventure that's uniquely ours. Embark on this quest with me, and let's make tabletop RPG history together. May your dice be ever fortunate, and the adventures boundless!
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
Will be using DND Beyond Stats will be rolled, Point Buy or Array and voted on by the group Depending on Skill level of all players will determine what level the group starts at. Milestone leveling.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
DND beyond free account Discord account Using Above VTT through DND beyond
What Ishmaul brings to the table
1. A Haunting Soundscape (Music)Music is the heartbeat of this campaign. I use dynamic soundtracks to heighten the tension: Atmospheric Dread: Expect low, droning cellos and the distant tolling of bells during exploration to keep you on edge. Theatrical Combat: When steel meets bone, the music shifts to aggressive, gothic orchestral tracks that make every encounter feel like a cinematic struggle. Character Themes: Key NPCs—and especially Count Strahd—have their own recurring motifs. If you hear a specific organ melody or a lonely violin, you’ll know a certain presence is nearby. 2. Fog of War & Discovery (Maps)Barovia is a claustrophobic, tactile world. My use of maps focuses on the "unseen" Tactical Battlemaps: Every major location, from the crumbling ruins of Argynvostholt to the 40-foot-high ceilings of Castle Ravenloft, is rendered in high detail to help you manage positioning and line-of-sight. The Crawling Mist: Maps often use a "Fog of War" mechanic. You only see what your torchlight touches, turning every corner into a potential ambush. Exploration over Navigation: The regional map of Barovia is your lifeline. Finding a map in-game isn’t just a handout; it’s a critical survival tool that reveals hidden paths through the deadly woods. 3. Witty & Razor-Sharp Dialogue Gothic horror isn't just about screaming; it’s about the chilling things said over a glass of wine. Strahd’s Sharp Tongue: As your host, the Count is sophisticated, arrogant, and devastatingly clever. He doesn't just attack your HP; he uses wit to mock your failures and sow distrust within your party.Gallows Humor: The weary citizens of Barovia have a dry, dark sense of humor born from centuries of despair. Dialogue is often punchy, cynical, and layered with double meanings. A World of Secrets: NPCs rarely tell the whole truth. You’ll need to listen closely to their wordplay—the most dangerous threats are often the ones whispered with a smile.
Homebrew rules
Rule of Cool with Rules as Written for moments that require a "ruling" that is fair and concise. Drinking a potion can be either a bonus action or action. Crunchy Crits to make crits feel like crits. Critical Fails and Success - to really let the dice tell a story. Critical thinking and thinking outside the box comes with bonuses and perks Starting Feat for character creation - must fit the character and more - which will be discussed for session zero.
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How Ishmaul creates a safe table
We will go over the do and do nots. Session Zero and After Care Keep everything on the table - this is a game and should be treated as such.
Content warnings
Safety tools used