Curse of Strahd: The Devil Waits in the Mists

Creating your character

Character creation will take place during Session 0, with all characters finalized before Session 1. The campaign begins at level 1, before the Mists draw the party into Barovia. For stats, we will use point buy. Official published D&D 5e material is allowed, using 2024 player-facing rules where available and 2014 material where needed for compatibility. Homebrew and Unearthed Arcana require approval first. Grim Hollow is not permitted. Characters should fit the tone of Curse of Strahd: gothic horror, mystery, survival, moral tension, and courage under pressure. You do not need to make a grim loner or monster hunter. Characters with fears, loyalties, ideals, regrets, and reasons to protect others often work best. For equipment, choose either class starting gear or starting cash. Because the campaign begins at level 1, characters do not receive bonus gold or magic items unless specifically approved.

Preparing for the session

Before Session 0, please complete the following: Create a free Discord account and join the game server using the link provided after signup. Create a free D&D Beyond account as well; a campaign link with shared content will be provided once you join. You will also need a working microphone, a stable internet connection, and a computer or laptop capable of running Foundry VTT in a web browser. A headset is recommended for clearer audio and less background noise. No character creation is required beforehand. That will be handled together during Session 0, along with setup, onboarding, safety tools, rules questions, and campaign expectations. This is a gothic horror campaign, so Session 0 will also cover tone, boundaries, party connections, and what kinds of horror themes are appropriate for the table. Setup is straightforward, and I will help make sure everyone is ready before play begins.

What Bauric brings to the table

I provide a structured, immersive campaign built around strong pacing, consistent rulings, and meaningful player choice. Expect cinematic gothic atmosphere, ambient music, visual aids, tactical maps, tonal scene setting, and selective character voice work. Sessions are designed to move with purpose while leaving room for roleplay, exploration, investigation, and combat. My GMing style is roleplay-forward, but not slow or unfocused. Combat is meaningful and efficient, with stakes that fit the tone of Barovia. I run close to Rules as Written, with practical flexibility when it improves flow, immersion, or the table experience. If you want gothic horror, mystery, tension, consequence, and a world that responds seriously to your choices, this table is built for that.

Homebrew rules

My homebrew rules are intentionally light. Most of the game will stay close to Rules as Written, using 2024 rules where available and 2014 material where needed for compatibility. Drinking a potion yourself is a bonus action. Giving one to another creature is still an action. Advancement uses milestone leveling instead of XP. I allow a limited early-campaign respec window if a build is not working as expected. Later respecs may be considered if a player genuinely is not enjoying their class or build, but character choices and story continuity still matter. I am open to small retcons for honest mistakes when caught quickly. I also allow Rule of Cool moments when they improve the scene while still respecting balance, tone, and consistency.

How Bauric creates a safe table

Player safety and comfort matter at my table, especially in a campaign with horror themes, cults, and dark fantasy elements. Before the game starts, I will send out a Lines and Veils document and go over boundaries, tone, expectations, and table norms during Session 0. During play, X, N, and O check ins can be used verbally, in Foundry chat, or by private Discord message. I also use an Open Door policy, meaning players can step away at any time without pressure, and regular breaks will be built into sessions. If something needs to stop, shift, or fade to black, I will adjust immediately. I also leave space for brief debriefing at the end of sessions, especially after heavier moments. My goal is a table that feels respectful, communicative, and safe for everyone involved.