Ravenloft: Into the Domains of Dread

Creating your character

Characters begin at Level 1. Character creation should be completed before Session 1, but I'll gladly help anyone who is new to Dungeons & Dragons create a character. Character Creation Guidelines Starting Level: 1 Ability Scores: Standard Array (15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8) or Point Buy (Player's choice) Starting Equipment: Class and background starting equipment Character Creation: D&D Beyond is preferred, though other character sheets are welcome if they're clear and complete. Allowed Sources: Official 2024 Dungeons & Dragons books and content. If you'd like to use material from another official source, just ask—I enjoy working with players to make their character concepts fit the campaign. Homebrew: Homebrew races, classes, and subclasses require approval before play. This is a character-driven campaign, so I encourage every player to create a character with goals, fears, ideals, and flaws. Your backstory doesn't need to be long—even a few paragraphs are enough—but it should provide me with hooks to weave your character into the story. The more your character invests in Barovia, the more Barovia will respond. If you're brand new to D&D, don't worry! I'll help you create a character, explain your abilities, and make sure you're comfortable before we begin.

Preparing for the session

Before Session 1, please complete the following: Join the campaign Discord server (link provided after booking). Discord will be used for voice chat, announcements, scheduling, and campaign discussion. Create your character in D&D Beyond before Session 1. If you're new to D&D or would like help creating your character, I'm happy to assist. Join the Roll20 game using the invitation link I'll provide after booking. All maps, handouts, combat, and tokens will be managed through Roll20. Make sure you have a working microphone and a stable internet connection. A webcam is completely optional. Please log in 10–15 minutes before your first session so we can verify your audio and answer any last-minute questions. New players are always welcome! No previous experience with Dungeons & Dragons, Roll20, or D&D Beyond is required. I'll help you get everything set up so you can jump right into the adventure.

What Zeraphicx brings to the table

I strive to create a table where every player feels like their character matters. My games are story-driven, with memorable NPCs, meaningful character choices, and an immersive world that reacts to your actions. Whether you enjoy roleplaying emotional moments, unraveling mysteries, or overcoming dangerous encounters, I aim to give every character opportunities to shine. Expect immersive descriptions, distinct NPC personalities and voices, ambient music to enhance the atmosphere, and tactical combat where teamwork and creative thinking are rewarded. I generally follow the Rules as Written to provide a consistent experience, but I'm always open to rewarding clever ideas and cinematic moments when they make the story even better. Combat is challenging but fair. Your decisions have consequences, and victory is earned through preparation, cooperation, and good tactics—not by trying to defeat the players. My goal is to challenge your characters while making every success feel well deserved. After each session, we'll spend a few minutes on a Stars & Wishes discussion so everyone has an opportunity to share what they enjoyed and what they'd like to see more of. This helps me continually tailor the campaign to the group and ensure everyone is having fun. At my table you'll find: 🎭 Character-focused storytelling 🗣️ NPC roleplay with unique personalities and voices 🎵 Ambient music to build atmosphere ⚔️ Tactical, meaningful combat 📖 Rules as Written with room for creative solutions 🌍 A world that responds to your choices ⭐ Stars & Wishes feedback after every session 🤝 A welcoming environment for both new and experienced players

Homebrew rules

I generally run games Rules as Written (RAW) with a few quality-of-life adjustments to keep the game flowing smoothly: 🧪 Drink a potion yourself: Bonus Action. 🧪 Administer a potion to another creature: Action. 🎭 Rule of Cool: Creative, cinematic ideas are encouraged! If your idea fits the story and makes sense within the rules, I'm happy to reward clever thinking. 🤝 Rules discussions: If a rules question comes up during play, I'll make a quick ruling so the game keeps moving. We can always look up the official rule together after the session if needed. ⚔️ Flanking Creatures that successfully flank an enemy gain Advantage on their melee attack rolls. 💥 Crunchy Critical Hits When a creature scores a natural 20 on an attack: Maximize one set of the attack's damage dice. Then roll the critical damage dice as normal. Finally, add all applicable modifiers (Strength, Dexterity, magical bonuses, Sneak Attack, Divine Smite, etc.). Example: A rogue with a shortsword (1d6) and 3d6 Sneak Attack scores a critical hit. Weapon: 6 + 1d6 Sneak Attack: 18 + 3d6 Plus Dexterity modifier and any other bonuses. This ensures critical hits always feel impactful while still allowing for exciting high rolls. 🌟 Stacking Inspiration Inspiration can be saved and stacked. If you earn Inspiration while already having one, you keep both instead of losing the new one. ☠️ Whispered Death Saves Death saving throws are rolled privately between the player and the DM. Other characters won't know whether an ally is stable, close to death, or has already failed multiple saves unless they check on them in-game.

How Zeraphicx creates a safe table

Player Safety & Comfort Curse of Strahd explores themes of gothic horror, tragedy, fear, and moral choices. While the world is dark, my goal is for every player to have fun in an environment built on trust and respect. During Session 0, we'll discuss: Campaign expectations and tone Character concepts and party connections Table etiquette and communication Lines & Veils (subjects to avoid or fade to black) Any topics players would like excluded from the game Players are welcome to privately message me before or during the campaign if there is content they'd prefer to avoid or if they become uncomfortable for any reason. I use the X, N, & O Card system digitally through Discord chat or private message: X – Stop or skip the current content immediately. N – Slow down or change direction. O – Everything is okay; continue. No explanation is required when using a safety tool. Player comfort always takes priority. At the end of each session, we'll spend a few minutes on Stars & Wishes, giving everyone an opportunity to share what they enjoyed and what they'd like to see more of. This helps me tailor the campaign while ensuring everyone continues to enjoy the experience. Above all, my goal is to create a welcoming, respectful table where players can enjoy the tension of gothic horror while knowing the people around the table are working together to tell an unforgettable story.