Shadows of Barovia | D&D 5E | Levels 3-10

Creating your character

Characters will be created before Session 1, though I’m happy to help players individually with ideas, mechanics, and fitting characters into the setting. We’ll also have a Session 0 to discuss tone, boundaries, party dynamics, and character connections. This campaign uses: D&D 5e 2014/2024 based on table agreed need Starting Level: 3 Point Buy, Official Wizards of the Coast content is allowed Homebrew/Subclasses from other sources may be allowed on approval if they fit the tone and setting Characters should fit a gothic horror campaign and be willing to work as part of a group. Deep backstories are encouraged, especially characters with fears, regrets, ambitions, faith, guilt, lost loved ones, mysterious pasts, or reasons they might be vulnerable to temptation.

Preparing for the session

Players will need: A Discord account with a working microphone A stable internet connection A free Roll20 account D&D Beyond Access to the campaign Discord server before Session 0 Please come prepared with: A completed Level 3 character Basic understanding of your class abilities A character portrait/token if possible

What Yore-GM brings to the table

I run immersive, cinematic, roleplay-heavy games focused on atmosphere, emotional storytelling, meaningful choices, and memorable moments. Expect a world that reacts to player decisions, recurring NPCs, layered mysteries, and encounters designed to feel dangerous and impactful rather than filler combat. My games typically include: Character voices and immersive NPC roleplay Ambient music and atmosphere Cinematic descriptions Dynamic combat encounters Emotional character arcs woven into the main story Horror, mystery, and exploration A balance between roleplay, combat, and discovery I strongly encourage creative problem-solving and collaborative storytelling. Rule of Cool absolutely exists at my table when it creates memorable moments, though I aim to keep the game fair and grounded within the tone of the world. Combat can be deadly, and choices matter. Actions have consequences — both good and bad — and the world remembers them. Most importantly, I want players to feel like protagonists inside a living gothic horror story where their decisions genuinely shape what happens next.

Homebrew rules

A few light table rules/homebrew adjustments are used to keep the game flowing smoothly and cinematically: Potions may be consumed as a bonus action on yourself where you roll or if consumed as an action you get the full potion Critical hits deal maximum damage plus rolled dice NAT 1's are dangerous Rule of Cool may occasionally override strict RAW when it improves the scene This is still fundamentally a 5e game, and clarity/fairness will always come before “gotcha” rulings. Safety tools and boundaries will also be discussed during Session 0 due to the horror themes present in the campaign.

How Yore-GM creates a safe table

Open-door policy: players may step away at any time if needed X cards presented will stop the story Lines & Veils discussion before the campaign begins No graphic sexual violence or harassment Respect for player boundaries both in and out of character PvP or betrayal only with full player consent Horror should feel immersive and tense, not personally distressing