Curse of Strahd: ReVamped - Updated & Expanded D&D 5.5e NEW Game

Creating your character

Character creation will happen towards the end of session zero and before session 1. I have guidelines for character creation in a campaign document that I go over at session zero. However, here are some of the important parts you might want to know right away. We are going to be starting at level 2 and using either standard array or point buy for ability scores. We will make sure no one plays the same kind of character at session zero, and the DM will work with players to make characters that fit the tone and themes of the adventure. We will mainly only be using the 2024 updated rules of D&D 5e otherwise known as D&D 5.5e. There are some house rules that will be brought in that affect character creation, such as a bonus origin feat, reduced Darkvision to help with the horror, etc. I also include some house rules and homebrew feats to help give martial classes a boost to be more on par with spellcasters. We will be using D&D Beyond to make and run characters, and use Above VTT to play the game. Above VTT is a free extension for D&D Beyond.

Preparing for the session

Players should prepare by having at least free accounts on Discord & D&D Beyond. They should also have a space set aside to the play that game that will limit background noise and interruptions. We will help get the VTT Above VTT downloaded at session zero. Players should also be prepared to ask questions at session zero and start looking at the basic rules or 2024 5.5e D&D Players Handbook to help get an idea of the character options.

What Grayson brings to the table

I have run Curse of Strahd about 4.5 to 5 times at this point. I know the characters and adventure very well. I have been a DM for 5th edition D&D since it came out in 2014 so that is over a decade of DMing experience. I have many options on D&D Beyond for players to use, as I have content sharing on for my players, so don't worry you don't need to buy anything. I use official art and James RPG Art for giving our campaigns more visual interest, and will even make home made maps when needed using the service Inkarnate. For music I use Table Top Audio to help give tone and set the atmosphere. I love doing voices, and really getting into character, so if you are looking for deep and rewarding role play, you have found the right DM. I run my games as RAD (Rules as DMed), this a combination of Rules As Written, Rules as Intended, & Rules as fun. I do not like long rules arguments during game play, so just know I'm not a fan of Rules Lawyers, if I make a final call as a DM that is the end of the discussion, we got the get the game going. The rules even say the DM has final say, and they are guidelines.

Homebrew rules

We do use various house rules, all given at session zero in a document. That being said I will include some of them here to give some examples. Some of these are general house rules and homebrew, some are because we are running a horror version of D&D. Death Saves – Death Saving throws will not be counted as D20 Tests in this game. Exhaustion Execution – Failing a Death Save will cause your character to gain one level of Exhaustion. Darkvision Reduction – To help with the theme of horror & darkness of this campaign, Darkvision will be reduced. All Darkvision ranges will be halved, & the rules for how Darkvision works will be very strictly enforced. Healing Potions – Drinking healing potions can be done as either an action or bonus action. Regular healing from a bonus action, & maximum healing from an action. Giving a downed creature a healing potion can only be done as a full action & must be rolled. Long Rest Requirements – Alongside the requirements & rules for resting found in the books, there will be these additional requirements. 1. A bedroll & blanket (Barbarians, Rangers, & Druids are exempt from this) 2. A source of warmth & light ranging from a single candle to a large campfire 3. A meal & fresh clean water 4. A reasonable sense of security (determined by the DM) & 5. If injured (not at full hit points) the use of a healer’s kit. Healers Kits – In order to spend hit dice on a short rest or heal from a long rest, you will need to use a healer’s kit. Restricting Ritual Casting – Characters can only ritually cast a number of times per long rest equal to their proficiency bonus. The following spells have been removed from Ritual Casting. Leomund’s Tiny Hut/Tiny Hut, Water Breathing, & Water Walk. Specifying Spells – When you are casting a spell you must declare what spell slot level you are casting the spell at before you roll or do anything else.

How Grayson creates a safe table

When it comes to content and safety tools, Curse of Strahd is a campaign and story with many dark elements. I personally don't think those things should be removed, or else it loses the elements that makes it horror, gothic, and different from normal D&D. You can expect Curse of Strahd to be a like a strong Rated R Movie, or a hard Rated M for Mature Videogame. Please look at the content warnings listed here before joining the campaign. We will always allow breaks and fades to black for some content. Detailed or Graphic Sexual Content and Sexual Assault will NOT be allowed or role played. There might be slight references or allusions to such thing or it might be implied, but it won't be "on screen". I will NOT have direct Sexual Assault or Sexual Content happen "on screen". Curse of Strahd does have some implied and alluded to Sexual and Assault implications, but nothing directly stated or shown. The Content Warnings for Sexual Content, Sexual Assault, and Sexual Predator have been added to give the warning that they are implied off screen, but they will NOT be done on screen. Tasteful consented light romance is allowed in this game, but nothing clearly sexual. The consent of romance must be agreed upon by all involved, including those who would be observers (as sometimes romance role play can make people uncomfortable.) At session zero we will allow players to privately message the DM with any things you want to be fade to blacks, or not involved at all. Keep in mind though, this is a dark gothic horror campaign. Not all requests would make sense to remove. For example if you have an issue with blood, this campaign features combat, vampires, undead, and injury. Blood would not be removed. If the item is listed in the content warnings section then it most likely will stay in the campaign. If there are any concerns please feel free to reach out to me with questions or concerns. I care about your well being and safety, and will do what is reasonable given the dark nature of the campaign and its subject matters and tone.