The Tragedy of Mistress von Zarovich | Gothic Horror | D&D 5e

Creating your character

We will meet to discuss character creation during a free session zero. We will be using D&D 5.5e (2024). I will provide a DnDBeyond campaign link that will give you access to all of the material I have purchased. Also available for this game will be the Artificer class, as well as the Partnered Content of MCDM and Mage Hand Press which introduces the Illrigger and the Gunslinger classes respectively. During our session zero, we will discuss table rules, guidelines, homebrew game mechanics, etc.

Preparing for the session

You will need free accounts on Discord and DnDBeyond to participate. You do not need an account for Owlbear Rodeo. I will be tracking the character sheets via DnDBeyond. You do not need a paid membership, nor do you need to purchase any materials from their website, so long as you use the campaign link I provide. You do, however, need a DnDBeyond basic account. For our maps, I will use Owlbear Rodeo, though I lean heavily toward roleplaying and puzzles more so than combat. You do not need an account for Owlbear Rodeo.

What Cas | WikipeDM brings to the table

The main thing I offer is the opportunity to tell your characters' stories. We will build your stories together, and an emphasis will be placed on your characters and how they respond to the moral and ethical challenges of Barovia. In terms of the session experience, I use character voices and the Rule of Cool to help make the party *feel* truly heroic. I try to incorporate ambient music when the table agrees (some players are too distracted by music playing). The biggest things I offer, however, are my time, effort, energy, and focus. I will give to each of you as much as each of you gives to me. If you write a two-page backstory, I will read it and mine it for all the juicy bits to challenge your character story and help deepen their story.

Homebrew rules

The only two standout homebrew rules I utilize are maximized dice during a critical hit and Table Inspiration. Double All Damage: When you roll a Critical Hit, roll all damage as normal and double the final total. Specialty Criticals: There are enhancements that allow for weapons to be modified to allow for x3 Critical Hits. In addition, x2 damage on a Critical Hit can be traded in for additional effects on a critical. A x3 damage can be given up for two additional effects. Party Inspiration: When every member of the party has Heroic Inspiration, it can be used all at once to modifiy the narrative. How exactly this works will be discussed during Session Zero!

How Cas | WikipeDM creates a safe table

I have a document that I provide for all players to fill out prior to Session Zero. There is also a space on this document to give any relevant information that you want to convey but don't want to discuss openly. All other information will be talked about at session zero. I will also touch base with all players after every session to ensure everyone is feeling good about the game. Stars and Wishes are a great way to place emphasis on what we all enjoyed and what we'd like to see more of. Any additional questions or concerns can be brought to me at any time, in or out of session, and I will work with you to address them. Your fun, happiness, and safety are my top priority as a DM!