The Last Road to Barovia | Gothic Horror D&D One-Shot

Creating your character

Characters should be created before the session so we can jump straight into the arena. Bring a level 20 character using the 2024 D&D rules. Characters may be built in D&D Beyond, Roll20, or another shareable format, but I’ll need to review the sheet before game time. Use Point Buy or Standard Array for ability scores. Hit points are max at level 1, then average after that. Official 2024 character options are allowed. Legacy 2014 options may be approved if they do not conflict with the 2024 rules or create rules headaches at the table. Starting gear: normal class equipment, plus 1 Legendary magic item, 1 Very Rare magic item, 2 Rare magic items, and 2 Uncommon magic items. No artifacts. No infinite loops, duplicate-summon armies, or break the game before initiative builds. All characters require final DM approval. This is a high-powered level 20 boss fight, so build something strong. Just make sure your character is playable, readable, and ready to take turns quickly.

Preparing for the session

Before the game, please make sure you have: - A completed level 20 character sheet submitted before the session. - Access to Discord for voice and table communication. - A working microphone and a quiet enough space to play. - Your spells, class features, magic items, and key abilities ready to reference quickly. Because this is a level 20 boss battle, please review your character before game time. Big turns are expected, but the goal is to keep combat moving so everyone gets their cinematic moment in the arena.

What Bauric brings to the table

I’ll provide a focused, cinematic level 20 arena battle built to move fast and hit hard. You can expect a prepared boss encounter with multiple phases, shifting arena hazards, tactical objectives, and clear stakes from the first round. This is combat-heavy, but not just a damage race, the battlefield will change, the boss will adapt, and smart choices will matter. My GM style is cinematic and rules-grounded. I use dramatic narration, clear rulings, ambient tension, and the Rule of Cool when it supports the moment without breaking the table. At level 20, I’ll keep things moving so everyone gets their turn, their spotlight, and their chance to do something ridiculous. I’ll also provide support before the game if you need help checking your character, understanding the setup, or getting ready for the arena.

Homebrew rules

This game uses D&D 5.5 / 2024 rules as the baseline, with 5e material allowed where needed for compatibility and character options. Homebrew / table mechanics: - Critical hits use the standard rules unless stated otherwise. - Flanking is not used by default. - Rules questions are welcome, but I may make a quick ruling during play and revisit it after the session if needed. For this one-shot, the goal is clean pacing, fair rulings, and cinematic boss battle without getting bogged down in edge-case rules debates.

How Bauric creates a safe table

This is a high-level arena boss fight, so safety and comfort still matter even though the focus is epic combat. Before play begins, I’ll review the tone of the session, expected themes, and content warnings. This game may include intense fantasy violence, blood, monsters, death, overwhelming odds, and high-pressure combat. Players are welcome to message me privately before or during the game with anything they want avoided or handled carefully. During the session, we’ll keep safety simple: * Say “pause” if something needs to stop or shift. * Message me privately if you do not want to interrupt the table. * We can fade to black, redirect, or move past a scene without debate. * No one has to explain or justify a boundary in the moment. The goal is an intense, cinematic boss battle, not shock value, humiliation, or pushing players past their comfort zone. After the session, I’m available for questions, feedback, or a quick check-in if anything needs clarification.