Curse of Strahd (2024) - A Ravenloft Campaign

Creating your character

We will hold a dedicated Session Zero to handle character creation together, establishing your ties to one another, your tragic backgrounds, and your shared motives. Stats will be generated using the Standard Array or Point Buy to ensure a balanced party, and we will be starting at Level 1. Allowed Materials: We will be using the 2024 Player's Handbook alongside Ravenloft: The Horrors Within to create characters perfectly suited for this macabre setting. You are welcome to use thematic third-party content (with prior approval), but please note that high-fantasy or steampunk settings like Obojima and Eberron are strictly excluded to preserve our gothic atmosphere. Character Options: I highly encourage utilizing the Ravenloft: The Horrors Within sourcebook. You might play a macabre species like a Dhampir, Hexblood, or Reborn. Consider eerie subclasses such as the College of Spirits Bard, Grave Domain Cleric, or the Undead Patron Warlock. You can also select horror-themed backgrounds like the Haunted One, Investigator, or Mist Wanderer, which offer unique Dark Gifts or Origin feats that tie you to sinister forces. There are also vampiric player options like the Vampire Hunter feat found in Astarion's Book of Hungers if that fits your concept. Motives & Backstory: Your character needs a compelling, dark motive to be drawn into the Mists of Ravenloft. Think about what sinister secrets you harbor, what past tragedies haunt you, or what terrible bargain you might have struck. Perhaps you are a former werewolf seeking redemption, a monster hunter looking for a lost mentor, or someone plagued by a Dark Gift—a supernatural curse with sinister consequences. The darker and more intertwined your history is with the themes of fear, loss, and obsession, the better your character will fit into the tragic tapestry of Barovia.

Preparing for the session

What you will need to prepare: ✅ A Mic ✅ Discord ✅ Foundry/Forge Account will be created ✅ DNDBeyond Account (I will share a link to the campaign/oneshot in which all my content will unlock for you.) ✅ Fill in the Supplied Google Forms ✅ Create your character within DNDBeyond ✅ A basic knowledge of the rules and how your character/class works. (if you are a beginner, don't worry, you will get the hang of it!)

What Calvin brings to the table

Tools & Resources: D&D Beyond: We'll use D&D Beyond for character creation and reference during the game. This makes it easy for everyone to track their stats, abilities, and spells. FOUNDRY VTT: Immerse yourselves in the adventure with dynamic maps on the Foundry VTT or App, complete with fog of war, line of sight and interactive elements & initiative tracker all within one platform. Discord: We'll connect and communicate on Discord, sharing voice and text chat to keep the game flowing smoothly. Legendkeeper: Behind the scenes, I'll be using Legendkeeper to weave a rich tapestry of lore, track our progress, and build captivating maps for the world we explore together. Custom Content: I'll be creating plenty of my own content to bring the world to life, from unique NPCs and monsters to immersive descriptions and intriguing plot hooks & creative hand outs. My GM Style: Immersive Storytelling: I love to create a vivid and engaging narrative, using descriptive language, character voices, and ambient music to set the scene and draw you into the world. Tactical Combat: Expect exciting and challenging combat encounters, where strategy and teamwork are key to victory. Rule of Cool: While I respect the rules, I also believe in the power of the Rule of Cool. If you come up with a creative and awesome idea, I'll do my best to make it work within the game's framework. Collaborative Storytelling & Passion: As one of my players mentioned, I'm passionate about collaborative storytelling. My primary concern is for everyone to contribute to and enjoy an awesome story together. Lore Focused: I delve deep into the lore, crafting a world rich in history, secrets, and interconnected narratives. Overall, my games are a blend of: Immersion: I aim to create a world that feels real and alive, with rich details and memorable characters. Challenge: Expect to face tough choices, overcome obstacles, and test your skills in combat and roleplaying. Fun: Above all, I want everyone to have fun and enjoy the collaborative storytelling experience. What to Bring: Your Character: A fully created character on D&D Beyond, ready for adventure! Enthusiasm: Come ready to explore, roleplay, and have a great time! Open Mind: Be prepared for the unexpected and embrace the collaborative storytelling experience. I'm excited to embark on this journey with you!

Homebrew rules

House Rules A Blessing from Bhaal: Players who provide a recap of the previous session at the start of a new session or submit notes in the Journal Channel by the day before the next session will receive a free reroll token. This token can be used once per session on any check, save, or attack roll, as well as on damage, healing, or Hit Die rolls (When Leveling up). This benefit is limited to one token per player per session.

How Calvin creates a safe table

Safety Tools & Session 0: Lines and Veils: I'll share a link to a Lines and Veils document before Session 0, where you can anonymously list any topics or themes you'd prefer to avoid or approach with caution. Session 0: We'll dedicate time to discuss everyone's expectations, comfort levels, and playstyles. We'll also establish shared boundaries, review the Lines and Veils, and address any questions or concerns. Aftercare: If a session touches on sensitive topics or triggers any discomfort, I'll check in with everyone afterward to ensure they're okay. I'm also open to debriefing or discussing any issues outside of the game. X, N, & O's: We'll use a combination of digital and verbal cues for X, N, & O's, depending on what's most comfortable for the group. Gameplay Details: Character-Driven: I love to see characters grow and evolve, so expect plenty of opportunities for roleplaying and personal development. Player Agency: Your choices matter! The story will adapt and change based on your decisions, creating a unique and collaborative experience. Worldbuilding: I'll provide a rich and detailed setting to explore, filled with intriguing lore and hidden secrets. Getting to Know You: Before we begin our adventure, I'd like to get to know you a little better. Please take a few minutes to fill out a Google Form before our session. I'm curious about what you enjoy in games, what inspires you, and any specific boundaries or preferences you have. This helps me create a safe and enjoyable experience tailored to your interests. For example, I'm personally terrified of spiders, so I won't be including them in the game unless everyone is comfortable with it.