Lost Mines of Barovia: A Beginner Friendly Gothic Adventure

Creating your character

Characters will be created during Session Zero or immediately after, once we’ve established table expectations and safety tools. This gives everyone a shared foundation before building their heroes. We’ll use standard point buy for ability scores, and all characters begin at Level 1. Sheets are created directly in Roll20, and I’ll walk you through the process step by step if you’re new to the platform. For character options, we’ll primarily use the 2024 Player’s Handbook. Material from Ravenloft: The Horrors Within is available where it fits the tone and the group agrees it works. Forgotten Realms material may be allowed on a case‑by‑case basis. No Eberron content will be used for this campaign. Session Zero is your chance to ask questions, explore concepts, and make sure your character fits the tone of the mist‑touched valley and the reimagined Lost Mine adventure. Whether you come with a full concept or just a spark of an idea, we’ll shape it together.

Preparing for the session

Before the game begins, you’ll need a few basic things set up so you can join the table smoothly. Create a Discord account — We use Discord for voice chat and session coordination. You’ll receive an invite link after booking. Create a Roll20 account — All character sheets, maps, and gameplay happen inside Roll20. Join the campaign’s Roll20 game — I’ll send the link once you’re signed up. Check your microphone — A working mic is required. A webcam is optional. Use a computer or laptop — Roll20 does not run well on phones or tablets, so a computer is necessary. That’s it. No extra software, no downloads, no special tools. If you’re new to Discord or Roll20, I’ll walk you through anything you need during Session Zero.

What Dungeon Mister brings to the table

I run a structured, story‑driven table with clear communication and consistent pacing. My focus is on atmosphere, exploration, and giving players room to make meaningful choices without ever feeling lost or overwhelmed. Combat is straightforward and fair where every battle uses my own handcrafted battlemaps., roleplay is encouraged but never forced, and I keep the tone grounded in the gothic‑mystery style of the adventure. Session Zero is free and included for every player. This is where we set expectations, establish boundaries, walk through character creation, and make sure everyone is comfortable with the tone and direction of the campaign. New players get the support they need without slowing the group, and returning players get a table that respects their experience. I provide a stable weekly schedule, clear rules explanations when needed, and a table culture built on respect and collaboration. I use Roll20 efficiently, keep the game organized behind the scenes, and make sure players always know what’s happening and why. My goal is simple: a welcoming, well‑run campaign where the story has weight, the world feels alive, and every player has space to enjoy the adventure.

How Dungeon Mister creates a safe table

Player safety and comfort are built into the structure of this campaign. We begin with a Session Zero where we establish expectations, discuss tone, and set boundaries together. During this session, we complete a Lines & Veils check‑in using the Luxton Technique, which gives everyone a clear and private way to express what they do and don’t want in the game. These boundaries stay active throughout the campaign, and players are always welcome to speak up if something needs to be adjusted. You can message me privately at any time during or after a session if something feels off, unclear, or needs attention. After every session, I offer debriefing and aftercare. This is a space to talk through intense moments, clarify rules or story beats, or simply decompress. You can participate as much or as little as you like. The goal is a table where everyone feels respected, supported, and able to enjoy the story without discomfort or surprises.