Curse of Strahd Reloaded | Gothic Horror | D&D 5e (2024)

Creating your character

Characters will be created before the campaign begins directly within Foundry VTT, though I’m always happy to help new players through the setup and creation process. New and experienced players are welcome, and I can assist with character ideas, class choices, backstories, and making sure your character fits naturally into the world and story Characters will begin at Level 1. Ability scores can be created using either Point Buy or rolled stats. Players who choose to roll for stats will do so using the dice rolling system inside our digital tabletop or Discord bot before the campaign begins, ensuring everything stays visible and fair for everyone. This gives players flexibility while maintaining transparency during character creation. A vast selection of official D&D 5e and third-party content is available directly through Foundry VTT using integrated modules. While these extensive options are readily accessible for your build, any homebrew or highly unconventional material outside of these modules may be considered on a case-by-case basis, as I prefer reviewing it first to make sure it fits the setting and overall balance of the campaign. Because this is Curse of Strahd Reloaded, I encourage characters with goals, flaws, fears, and personal motivations rather than characters built solely around combat optimization. This campaign focuses heavily on roleplay, mystery, atmosphere, and character growth, so characters with depth tend to create stronger and more memorable experiences. our backstory does not need to be several pages long. A few meaningful details can go a long way. Questions like What drives your character? What are they searching for? What are they afraid of? can often create stronger stories than pages of history. I also enjoy weaving player backstories into the campaign whenever possible, creating personal moments and connections that make Barovia feel more alive, and your journey through it feel unique.

Preparing for the session

Required Setup: - Discord Server: Join the campaign Discord server for communication, announcements, session scheduling, and voice chat. Discord can also be used for rolling stats if you choose that option during character creation. - Forge VTT Account: Create a free account on The Forge. We will be using Foundry VTT hosted through The Forge, so no downloads or purchases are required. Once your account is created, I will provide the access link to log into our game world - Character Creation: All characters will be built and managed directly inside Foundry VTT. You will have access to a massive library of official 5e and 3rd-party content integrated right into the tabletop system no external character builders required. - Audio Equipment: A working microphone is required so everyone can communicate clearly during sessions. A webcam is completely optional. - Arrival Time: I recommend joining a few minutes early for your first session to ensure your browser connection is working properly and to troubleshoot any setup issues. New players are absolutely welcome! If you've never used Discord, Foundry, or The Forge before, I’m happy to walk you through the system and help you get everything set up before we begin.

What GM: Vale brings to the table

- Immersive Visuals: Detailed maps through Foundry VTT, including animated battle maps, immersive environments, and animated tokens to help bring Barovia to life. I create a visual experience that makes you feel like you are actually stepping into the world rather than looking at a static battlefield. - Dynamic Weather & Lights: From flickering candles and moving fog to sudden rainstorms and eerie forests, I want the world to feel alive around your characters. - Atmospheric Audio: Ambient music, sound effects, and tailored visual aids to build tension throughout the campaign. - Deep Narrative Impact: Since I lean heavily into darker settings and immersive storytelling, these audio-visual elements directly reinforce the gothic horror mood and make your character's choices feel highly impactful. - Animated Battle Maps: High-quality, moving maps through Foundry VTT that bring encounters to life with fluid, active visuals rather than a static grid.

Homebrew rules

House Rules - Exhaustion on Revival Exhaustion only occurs if your character dies and is brought back to life. The exhaustion level is applied after combat ends rather than immediately during the fight. - Adjusting Initiative Players may choose to lower their initiative order during combat if they want to coordinate actions or strategies with another player. - Stealth Rules Stealth checks are rolled only when there is a realistic chance of being detected. You won't need to constantly roll Stealth while moving through areas where enemies have no chance of spotting you. - Potion Rules Potions, including healing potions, can be used as a Bonus Action. - Bonus Action: Roll normally for healing or effects. Full Action: Gain the maximum possible healing or effect automatically. - Martial Scroll Use Martial-focused classes such as Fighters, Paladins, Rogues, Barbarians, Monks, and Rangers can use spell scrolls. - Critical Hits Critical hits deal maximum weapon damage or spell damage. These rolls are done automatically through Foundry vtt. Monsters also benefit from this rule. - Resting Rules Long rests fully restore the party only when taken in a safe location, such as: - Taverns - Secure camps - Protected hideouts - Other safe resting areas Sleeping in dangerous locations such as forests, swamps, tunnels, roadside camps, or hostile territory may instead provide only a short rest or partial recovery. Lingering Injuries Lingering injuries are used only during major moments and are not intended to punish players in normal combat. They may occur if: - You are reduced to 0 HP by a critical hit - You fail multiple death saves - You survive an especially brutal attack, trap, or monster ability Examples include: - Cracked ribs - Limping injuries - Scarred eyes - Broken fingers - Ringing ears Most lingering injuries are used for RP moments and not combat related.

How GM: Vale creates a safe table

Player Safety & Table Culture: - Inclusivity & Respect: Player comfort and enjoyment are my top priorities. I want everyone at the table to feel welcome and respected. Before the campaign begins, we will align our expectations during Session 0, covering character creation, campaign tone, themes, and any individual boundaries. - Open-Door Policy: I run a strict open-door policy. You are always free to step away from the table, mute yourself, take a break, or privately message me if you become uncomfortable for any reason. No explanations are ever required. Real life and player comfort always come first. - Safety Tools: Because Curse of Strahd: Reloaded includes darker themes and psychological horror elements, we will establish clear Lines and Veils before the campaign begins. My goal is to create tension and atmosphere within the story while ensuring everyone at the table remains safe and comfortable. - Scheduled Breaks: To prevent fatigue and keep everyone sharp, we will take a 10-to-15 minute break halfway through every session to stretch, grab a drink, or step away from the screens. - lay-by-Post Continuity: Our Discord server features active play-by-post channels between live game days. This allows you to roleplay minor downtime activities, chat in-character, look over clues, or plan your next moves at your own pace throughout the week without taking up valuable live session time. - Open Communication: I encourage continuous feedback. If something isn't working, or if adjustments need to be made, I want you to feel comfortable bringing it up. At the end of the day, we're here to tell an unforgettable story together and ensure everyone enjoys the journey.