The Shadow over Barovia: Guests of Ravenloft | An AD&D Adventure

Creating your character

You’ll start your journey to Barovia during a dedicated, free Session Zero, where we will collaboratively build your characters from scratch to ensure everyone is ready for the upcoming live stream. Because we are faithfully recreating the authentic 1983 experience, your heroes will begin with 55,001 experience points and will be rolled up live using classic AD&D 1st Edition method I, rolling 4d6 and discarding the lowest die, six times. We will create two characters in this manner. Then arranging them as desired. We will draw player options strictly from the original Players Handbook and Dungeon Masters Guide. This session will also serve as our technical rehearsal to test your camera and audio setup, and to align on our safety tools so everyone feels comfortable before the cameras start rolling. Your characters will initially be born into the high-fantasy world of Dragonlance as proud heroes of Ansalon, only to be mercilessly snatched away by the Mists of Ravenloft and dropped into a realm of pure gothic dread. To preserve the genuine terror and mystery of this classic module, please do not read or look up any version of the I6: Ravenloft adventure beforehand. Come prepared with an open mind, and a second character concept in mind—because in 1983, the monsters never pulled their punches, and the Mists are unforgiving.

Preparing for the session

Because this is a live-streamed actual play event, players need to come prepared with a reliable webcam, a solid microphone, and a free Roll20 account for our virtual tabletop. Before Session Zero, everyone should jump into the campaign's Discord server and brainstorm two distinct character concepts that fit this retro high-fantasy aesthetic so we can seamlessly transition them into the dark domains of Ravenloft.

What AdamPC brings to the table

When a player steps into our campaign, they are stepping into a premium, fully realized actual play experience where every detail is crafted to enhance the narrative. I provide a highly immersive atmosphere by bringing NPCs and villains to life with distinct character voices and deep emotional acting. This is supported by a carefully curated backdrop of ambient soundscapes and cinematic music that shifts dynamically based on the tension in the room. The technical side is handled seamlessly through a tailored Roll20 virtual tabletop experience, ensuring that maps, tokens, and classic advanced mechanics are organized and smooth. Outside of our scheduled sessions, players have access to a dedicated Discord community where they can collaborate on strategy, develop their character lore, and bond with their castmates. My GM philosophy is built entirely around collaborative storytelling and matching the energy of my players. Because we are diving into classic, high-stakes modules, we honor the gritty, rewarding nature of the rules as written while keeping a firm hand on the rule of cool. If you come up with a brilliant, narrative-driven plan that stretches the boundaries of the rules, I will always work with you to find a mechanical path to test your luck. I heavily favor deep, immersive roleplay and love to step back and let characters build real relationships, rivalries, and dramatic moments with one another. Combat at my table is never just an afterthought or a tedious numbers game; it is tactical, high-stakes, and deeply woven into the plot, meaning your choices, positioning, and resource management truly matter. Since this is a live-streamed actual play, we are ultimately working together to put on a fantastic show, and I am looking for players who are ready to engage, adapt, and build an unforgettable story with the rest of the cast.

Homebrew rules

I do not require the declaration of actions prior to initiative. I use the movement per segment rule in the Players Handbook. So you may be able to move a bit before attacking without charging. Situationally dependent.

How AdamPC creates a safe table

Creating a thrilling, high-stakes narrative requires a foundation of absolute trust, and I am committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and comfortable environment for everyone at the table. Our safety journey begins before the dice even roll, during a comprehensive Session 0. This dedicated session is where we establish our table contract, align our expectations for the campaign's tone, and map out our boundaries. We will collectively review and fill out a Lines and Veils document, ensuring that everyone’s comfort levels regarding specific themes, triggers, and content are clearly defined and strictly respected. During live gameplay, we use digital X, N, and O cards to manage safety in real-time. Because our games are fast-paced and immersive, these tools allow players to signal their comfort levels instantly and discreetly. Dropping an X into our digital space means we stop the scene immediately, no questions asked, and pivot away from the content. An N signals that we are approaching a boundary and need to veil or fade-to-black, while an O is a quick check-in to confirm that everyone is doing great and ready to keep going. This system ensures that even in the middle of intense roleplay, you always have a direct line to steer the comfort of the game. Our commitment to a great experience doesn’t end when the session concludes. At the end of every game, I facilitate a structured aftercare debrief using Stars and Wishes. This gives us a dedicated space to decompress from the session's tension, celebrate the incredible moments or great roleplay we witnessed (Stars), and discuss what we hope to see or explore in upcoming sessions (Wishes). It’s a collaborative, positive way to leave the intense emotions of the game at the table, ensuring that every cast member steps away feeling supported, valued, and excited for the next chapter.