Curse of Strahd | Dead & Loving It | 2024 | Free Session 0

Creating your character

Characters begin at level 3, using the 2024 D&D 5e rules. We'll create characters together during our free Session Zero, where we'll also discuss backstories, party connections, and how everyone fits into the adventure. - Ability Scores: Standard array or point buy. - Character Builder: D&D Beyond is recommended, but you're welcome to use Roll20, a PDF, or another character sheet you're comfortable with. - Character Options: Official 2024 D&D character options are welcome. Other official material and homebrew require DM approval. - Starting Equipment: Standard starting equipment for your class and background. Please make a character you're excited to play, but also one you understand! You don't need to memorize every rule, but you should know what your main abilities and spells do. Beginners are welcome. I'll help you create a character that fits your playstyle and make sure you're comfortable using their abilities before our first paid session. All characters must be completed and approved before Session 1.

Preparing for the session

Before we venture into Barovia, you'll need a few things: 1. Discord: A free account at https://discord.com for voice chat, announcements, and communication between sessions. 2. Roll20: A free account at https://roll20.net for maps, tokens, and tactical combat. 3. D&D Beyond (Recommended): A free account at https://www.dndbeyond.com if you'd like to use it for character creation and management. Other character sheets are welcome. 4. A Working Microphone: Voice communication is required. Headphones are recommended, but webcams are entirely optional. 5. A Computer and Stable Internet Connection: You'll need to be able to access Roll20 and Discord during sessions. I'll send invitations to our Discord server and Roll20 game after you join. Before Session 1, please familiarize yourself with your character's abilities, spells, and equipment. You don't need to be a rules expert, but you should understand the basics of how your character works. You don't need to purchase any books or software. Above all, bring a cooperative attitude, a sense of humor, and a willingness to embrace both the horrors and absurdities of Barovia!

What Aaron brings to the table

I want every session to feel like an adventure worth looking forward to, with memorable characters, exciting encounters, meaningful choices, and plenty of opportunities to laugh between the screams. Here's what you can expect at my table: - Cinematic Storytelling: Dramatic scenes, atmospheric music, character voices, and a theatrical Count Strahd who takes a very personal interest in your adventures. - Horror & Humor: Barovia is a genuinely dangerous place, but that doesn't mean we can't have fun! Expect gothic horror, eccentric NPCs, dark comedy, and the occasional ridiculous situation. - A Living, Reactive World: NPCs have their own motivations, factions pursue their own goals, and your decisions have lasting consequences. The story doesn't stop when you're not looking. - Meaningful Player Freedom: There isn't one correct way to approach a problem. Make alliances, explore dangerous locations, negotiate with enemies, or come up with something I never anticipated. - Exciting Combat: Tactical encounters featuring dangerous monsters, interesting environments, and opportunities for creative problem-solving. Combat should feel meaningful, not like filler. - Rule of Cool: I use the 2024 D&D rules as our foundation, but I encourage creative ideas and clever solutions. I'll favor fun, fairness, and consistency over getting bogged down in technicalities. - Roll20 & Discord: Battle maps, tokens, handouts, and music through Roll20, with Discord for voice chat and communication between sessions. - Character-Driven Adventures: Your character's personality, goals, relationships, and decisions matter. I want everyone to have opportunities to shine. My GMing style is collaborative, improvisational, and character-focused. I've been running tabletop RPGs since 2011, and some of my favorite moments come from players doing things I never could have predicted. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or completely new to D&D, my goal is to give you a welcoming table where we can tell a memorable story together. Come for the adventure. Stay for the terrible decisions.

Homebrew rules

We'll primarily use the 2024 D&D 5e rules, with a few flexible rulings to keep the game moving and encourage creativity. - Rule of Cool: Creative ideas and clever solutions are encouraged! I may allow something unusual if it makes sense in the moment, but success isn't guaranteed. - Milestone Leveling: Characters advance through significant discoveries, accomplishments, and story developments rather than tracking experience points. - Rules Discussions: If a rule is unclear, I'll make a fair ruling to keep the session moving. We can review it together afterward. - Homebrew & House Rules: No major mechanical changes are planned. Any additional house rules will be discussed with the group before implementation. My goal is to keep the rules consistent and fair without letting them get in the way of a good adventure.

How Aaron creates a safe table

Curse of Strahd explores mature themes, including violence, death, psychological horror, manipulation, and disturbing situations. However, everyone's comfort and enjoyment come before the story. Horror should be entertaining, not genuinely distressing. Here's how we'll keep the table comfortable and welcoming: - Free Session Zero: We'll discuss the campaign's tone, content warnings, expectations, personal boundaries, and what everyone hopes to experience. We'll also establish how much horror and comedy the group enjoys. - Lines & Veils: I'll provide a private questionnaire where you can identify subjects you don't want included (Lines) or would prefer handled off-screen (Veils). You never have to explain your boundaries. - X, N, & O Safety Tools: You can signal when something needs to stop (X), when a scene is approaching your comfort limit (N), or when you're comfortable continuing (O). These can be communicated verbally or privately through Discord. - Open-Door Policy: Anyone can request a break, step away, or leave a session without pressure or judgment. - Player Consent: PvP, character romance, and other potentially uncomfortable interactions require agreement from everyone involved. - Check-Ins & Aftercare: I'll check in after particularly intense scenes and provide opportunities for feedback after sessions. Players can also contact me privately between games. - At the end of each session, we'll use Stars and Wishes to share favorite moments and suggest what we'd like to see in future adventures. We'll respect everyone's boundaries without requiring anyone to disclose personal experiences. If something becomes uncomfortable, we'll pause, adjust the scene, or move on without making it a big production. My goal is to create a table where we can experience genuine suspense, dramatic storytelling, and ridiculous moments together, knowing that everyone feels respected and included.