Curse of Strahd Expanded: Ravenloft & the Domains of Dread
The Mists of Ravenloft draw you into Barovia, but Count Strahd is only the beginning. Darker secrets and retro horrors leak from the Domains of Dread.
$20.00
/ Session
Details
2 players following this game
Weekly / Saturday - 3:00 AM UTC
Session Duration / 2–4 hours
Campaign Length / 8–20 Sessions
0 / 4 Seats Filled
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About the adventure
Step into the shadows of gothic horror with a beginner-friendly expansion of the classic Curse of Strahd! This campaign weaves the core gothic mystery of Barovia together with new player options, dark lore, and expanded terrors from Ravenloft: The Horrors Within, alongside retro AD&D Ravenloft modules, dungeons, and lore callbacks from the novelizations to create a unique Curse of Stradhd campaign. You’ll navigate a dark, atmospheric land ruled by Count Strahd von Zarovich, where every decision matters and survival requires wit, teamwork, and courage. This table is specifically tailored to welcome brand-new players and D&D veterans alike. We emphasize high-immersion storytelling, tactical yet accessible combat, deep character integration, and a collaborative environment where you can learn the rules as you play. Expect dynamic Tarokka deck readings, eerie side treks into surrounding Mists, and a classic gothic vibe supported by ambient soundscapes and clear, supportive running style with downtime allowing players to customize and manage a Bastion.
Game style
Dungeon Crawl
Roleplay Heavy
Rule of Cool (RoC)
Sandbox / Open World
Combat Heavy
Puzzle / Mystery Focused
Realm Building
Meet the Game Master
5.0
(17)
Less than a year on StartPlaying
11 games hosted
Highly rated for: Beginner Friendly, Inclusive, Knows the Rules
Average response time: 2 hours
Response rate: 100%
About me
Hi, I'm Bruce! I’m a Game Master dedicated to delivering deeply immersive, character-driven adventures, thanks to my background in theater and a passion for many tabletop RPGs. Here's What I Bring to the Table: Performative Roleplay: I act out unique voices, personalities, and mannerisms for every single NPC to make the world feel alive. Master Storyteller: I weave rich, layered plots that react dynamically to your choices. Your character's backstory isn't just flavor text, I want it to directly help drive the narrative. Player-First Focus: I balance deep lore with high agency and fluid pacing. I prioritize table mood, momentum, and the "rule of cool" over rigid rules-lawyering. High-Stakes Encounters: From atmospheric horror to tactical combat, every session is designed to keep you on the edge of your seat. Whether you're a veteran player or brand new to the hobby, my goal is to give you an unforgettable story where your hero takes center stage!
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
Character creation will take place during our dedicated Session 0 and via our group Discord prior to Session 1. Starting Level: Level 1. Stats: Point Buy or Standard Array Allowed Sources: 5.5e Core Rules, Curse of Strahd, and player options from Ravenloft: The Horrors Within (including new species, backgrounds, and horror subclasses like the Hollow Warden or Reanimator), XGtE, and TCoE. Sheet Location: D&D Beyond (joined via campaign share link so all player options are unlocked for you).
What to expect
Preparing for the session
Create a free account on Discord (for voice communication, session prep, and campaign chat). Create a free account on D&D Beyond (this will be for your character sheet and our VTT). Join the campaign Discord server via the invite sent upon booking, and the D&D Beyond campaign to access all of my shared sourcebooks for you to use in character creation. Bring a working microphone, stable internet connection, and an eagerness for atmospheric horror!
What Bruce brings to the table
Complete VTT Setup: Beautiful maps, most of which are custom made by me, high-quality token art, integrated lighting, and more. Content Access: Full shared access to D&D Beyond sourcebooks for character creation. Immersive DMing: Distinct voice acting for NPCs, tailored audio soundtracks provided by Pocket Bard to always adapt to the moment, and rich scene descriptions. Rules & Playstyle: A fair "Rule of Cool" approach balanced with clear tactical rules. Full patient guidance on mechanics for complete beginners.
Homebrew rules
Dread Resiliency: Secret death saves rolled directly to the DM to keep combat tension high. Dark Gifts & Echoes: Opportunities to earn thematic gothic boons/curses from The Horrors Within and legacy Ravenloft lore throughout the narrative.
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How Bruce creates a safe table
Safety and consent are top priorities at this table, especially when exploring horror themes. Before Session 1, every player will fill out a digital lines and veils consent form. We will review table expectations during Session 0, establish shared boundaries, and agree on red lines that will not appear in the game. During play, we use digital X, N, and O cards via Discord DMs for real-time signaling if content needs to be paused, adjusted, or skipped. We take a mandatory 10-minute break midway through every session, offer post-session debriefs/aftercare, and maintain a strict Open Door policy. Your well-being always comes before the game!
Content warnings
Safety tools used