The Darker Path, or "What I learned about myself in Ravenloft"

Creating your character

We will create characters in the DndBeyond Campaign on DndBeyond. I have access to all currently available content. Roll for stats (4d6 drop lowest) rolling two complete sets and choosing which set is better. No restrictions on Species, Class, and only one restriction of Subclasses (Torture Conclave Ranger). - please note that due to personal reasons black-powder and bullets aren't a thing. All firearms in my game deal alternative damage such as force or elemental. Characters can be from any published setting, including partnered content - the Mists can pull people from anywhere. The party is currently level 6, on the cusp of 7, starting equipment plus the following magic items: 1 rare item, 1 uncommon, 2 common magical items. (I have veto power just in case there is some game-breaking uncommon items from partnered content I haven't discovered yet.) Multiclassing after level 3 only and must make a 3 level commitment to the multiclass - no taking a single dip into Rogue, Barbarian, etc to get their sneak attack or rage, then bailing. If building a multiclass character, your original class has to be selected first for levels 1 through 3.

Preparing for the session

Discord is used for audio (and optional video). Roll20 for MAPS, DndBeyond for character sheets and rolling, Beyond 20 browser extension to facilitate connection between DndBeyond and Roll20.

What Storytime with Uncle Casey brings to the table

I provide all currently available content on DndBeyond, create or source maps for the games, can create character tokens. I try to stick to RAW because it gives each character the chance to shine in their respective areas and keeps the playing field even: between the player characters and myself as the DM - to ensure everyone has a comparable experience. I will employ the rule of cool for flavor, and occasional mechanical benefit. I work hard to provide detailed descriptions of what your characters see and hear, who they are facing, and what confronts them. Being anglo, I stick to using anglo-related accents to avoid using any stereotypes of other cultures.

Homebrew rules

No blackpowder /bullets - firearms base damage type is force instead of piercing - modifiers for other damage types are still applicable. Backpacks - you can ignore ration, water, and torch weight when loading your standard Backpack. I'll give a 10ish pounds grace for other items. You cannot carry two backpacks. You can have multiple pouches No underage characters, please- I won't put children in peril, and I expect all PC's to be of a majority age for their species No taking 1 level of Rogue, etc, just for Sneak Attack, etc- at least 3 consecutive levels of any secondary class OPPORTUNITY ATTACKS: cannot be used on allies. Regarding hostile allies: combat is "Us vs. Them", when an ally is compelled to, or otherwise attacks or makes known their intent to attack the party, they become a "Them" and are fair game

How Storytime with Uncle Casey creates a safe table

Ravenloft is a horror setting and contains many disturbing themes. There will be a pre-session 1 survey of lines and veils so I as the DM know what topics are off limits, etc. We will also have X cards in Roll20 so Players can stop a scene at any time. I am also open to being interrupted if something seems off or we are approaching a topic that may not have come up before. Also - I do not allow sexual harassment at table or in-game. I don't want to think about human trafficking, rape, or harassment during my game-time. It's not included in my games. Brothels are okay, as it's all consenting adults. The list of content warnings will be rather long in an attempt at covering all of the materials covered in published Ravenloft books.