Curse of Strahd
The vampire Count Strahd von Zarovich, one of D&D’s most iconic villains, is the undisputed master of his hidden domain of Barovia. While his reign of terror breaks the spirits of his subjects, he himself is a prisoner; Barovia is a demiplane, a pocket dimension which traps both the vampire and his victims, to Strahd to possess, enthrall, or dispose of as he sees fit. Perhaps the heroes who now wander into its mists will slay Strahd and free Barovia once and for all… or perhaps they will simply die, just like all who have come before. Curse of Strahd is a gothic horror adventure module for the fifth edition of Dungeons & Dragons. Based on the classic Ravenloft by Laura and Tracy Hickman, Strahd revamps the beloved adventure with tons of new NPCs, locations, and a full history of the dark lord Strahd himself. It’s a good example of a “sandbox” or open-world adventure; while Barovia’s borders trap the heroes, there’s nothing stopping them from exploring wherever they like, and deadly danger can appear anywhere. As such, players need to play smart and be cautious, as even the devilish vampire himself can show up whenever he likes to torment them. The adventure begins with a divinatory card reading that can completely randomize the locations of important characters and treasures, so the module can even be replayed without retreading too much old ground. Heroes will need to gather allies, grow in strength, and ultimately know their enemy to resist Strahd’s charms and temptations and put him in the ground for good!
Authors: Jeremy Crawford, Laura Hickman, Tracy Hickman, Adam Lee, Chris Perkins, Richard Whitters
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Curse of Strahd Reviews (36)
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Curse of Strahd gets so much right, it is easy top look past the things that it gets wrong. Holding what may be the most iconic villain in all of TTRPG history as it's main antagonist, Curse of Strahd solves so many questions new DM's struggle with. Why would the party work together? What if they just want to leave? Why would they want to fight the villain? How do I keep them focused on the plot? Curse of Strahd solves all of those issues for you, by simple virtue of its setting. Is it perfect? No. It does take some experience from DM's to make sure players interact with Strahd enough to make him a compelling villain. It also has some less-than-perfect portrayals of certain cultures and some uncomfortable characters, but as long as every player is informed and happy, they are not so egregious as to ruin the story. Curse of Strahd is often considered the best adventure for 5e, and I can easily see why.
As a long-time game master with years of experience running various campaigns, I can confidently say that "Curse of Strahd" is a masterpiece in tabletop role-playing. From the moment we stepped into the eerie mists of Barovia, the atmosphere was palpable, setting the stage for an unforgettable adventure. The creativity and depth of Strahd von Zarovich as a villain are remarkable. He's not just a traditional antagonist; he's a tragic figure who evokes sympathy despite his dark deeds. This complexity provides an excellent springboard for character development, allowing players to delve into moral dilemmas and the consequences of their choices. Each interaction with Strahd builds tension and suspense, keeping the players engaged and on their toes. The campaign's blend of horror and classic fantasy elements creates a perfect balance. The sense of dread is ever-present, with ample opportunities for exploration, combat, and role-playing. The locations, from the haunted village of Barovia to the dark corners of Castle Ravenloft, are richly detailed and invite curiosity. Every session felt like peeling back layers of a haunting story, with new twists and turns that kept us eagerly anticipating what lay ahead. One of the campaign's greatest strengths is its flexibility. As a veteran game master, I appreciated how the adventure allows for varied play styles. It caters well to both role-players and combat enthusiasts, giving everyone a chance to shine. The ability for players to influence the outcome of their story, whether through alliances or confrontations, makes for a dynamic and engaging experience. Additionally, the themes of dread, loss, and heroism resonate deeply. Our party grappled with our characters' fears and motivations, leading to some truly memorable moments. The emotional stakes felt high, and the powerful storytelling created bonds between the players that extended beyond the table. "Curse of Strahd" is an essential campaign for any tabletop enthusiast, offering rich lore, engaging characters, and an atmosphere that pulls you in from the very start. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to D&D, this adventure provides ample opportunities for creativity and connection.
Curse of Strahd is *the* iconic gothic horror experience among the D&D modules. As players, you’ll be traveling, fighting, and exploring within a bleak land trapped by the Mists, where the vampire Strahd von Zarovich rules supreme, obsessed over the one thing he cannot have. As a game master, you’ll be cultivating this sense of dread and despair, providing an often-brutal experience through combat and difficult choices, and tempt the PCs with freedom…or power. This module is not for the faint of heart, and those seeking a light-hearted fantasy romp should probably look elsewhere. But if this struggle to overcome the oppressive Strahd and other challenges strike your fancy, Curse of Strahd is the module for you!
I've run Curse of Strahd multiple times, and every campaign has been an unforgettable journey into gothic horror, dread, and player-driven storytelling. If you're looking for a Dungeons & Dragons experience that blends deep roleplay, high stakes, and an iconic villain, this is the absolute gold standard. From the moment players enter Barovia, they realize this isn't your typical D&D adventure. The world is dark, oppressive, and deeply immersive, filled with tragic characters, horrifying monsters, and the ever-present shadow of Count Strahd von Zarovich. Unlike other campaigns where the villain lurks in the background, Strahd is an active presence, watching, manipulating, and playing with the party like a cat with its prey. Why Curse of Strahd is a Masterpiece: 🔹 A Living, Breathing Villain – Strahd is more than just a final boss; he’s an intelligent, tragic, and menacing antagonist who actively interacts with the party. His presence looms over every session, and the players never feel truly safe. 🔹 Player-Driven Narrative – The nonlinear structure allows the group to explore Barovia at their own pace. Whether they choose to ally with factions, uncover long-buried secrets, or face Strahd head-on, every decision matters. 🔹 Gothic Horror Done Right – The campaign is packed with classic horror elements, from haunted mansions and eerie mists to cursed bloodlines and moral dilemmas that push players to their limits. It’s a world dripping with atmosphere, and no two campaigns unfold the same way. 🔹 Memorable NPCs – Characters like Madam Eva, Ireena, Rahadin, and Rictavio add depth and intrigue, while tragic figures like the Abbot and Morgantha remind players that Barovia is a land of suffering and lost hope. Every interaction has weight. 🔹 Challenging Yet Rewarding Combat – Strahd is not a fight you can brute-force—he's cunning, strategic, and terrifying. Combat encounters throughout the campaign reflect this, often requiring tactics, resource management, and clever thinking to survive. As someone currently running five different games of Curse of Strahd, I can confidently say this campaign never gets old. Each group brings new perspectives, new challenges, and new ways to tackle the dark and twisted world of Barovia. Some embrace the horror, others seek to outmaneuver Strahd’s machinations, and every session feels like a gripping horror story unfolding in real time. If you want a D&D campaign that will keep players talking long after it's over, Curse of Strahd delivers. It's not just a game—it’s an experience.
There is a reason why this campaign is the most popular among D&D modules. There are many challenges and restrictions that make for engaging sessions of combat and adventure, to be sure, but the main draw to the game is the rich tapestry of NPCs, tragic backstories, and opportunities for Players to tackle the big bad their own way. But more than that, this module can serve as a perfect mirror for the 'type' of D&D you & your group like to play. The silly "beer & pretzels" style of D&D groups will find plenty to have a good time with (especially with DM help in early levels) and the "theatre kid roleplay" type crowd will get a lot of angst and gothic characters to interact with. DMs that want a challenge to test their limits on encounter balance/rebalance, juggling many plots/NPCs, and roleplay chops will find everything they need here. And plenty of newer/less experienced DMs will discover their shortcomings when they try running this game, and could serve as a great experience for those still learning the craft. There are two published 5e books associated with this module, multiple community-famous fan addition folios, and additional material from previous editions & fictionalizations. You can run this module with any additional materials, or just the Curse of Strahd book, like I have. You are spoiled for options to fit your DM style. The 'problem' with Curse of Strahd is that it does not seek to give you the 'full D&D experience' in the way that an all-access pass to D&D Beyond would imply. The tone and expectations of this campaign can tend to restrict a fair many character archetypes and options, depending on the table you are joining. For those that view such restrictions as negatives to gameplay instead of positives to creativity, you may want to consider your DM & table carefully.
Curse of Strahd map makers
Mike Schley
Over the years, Mike Schley has worked in a variety of positions, including lead designer, art director, and freelance illustrator for top-tier publishers. Their art is well recognized among fans of Dungeons and Dragons, having created art and maps for everywhere from The Sword Coast to Barovia, and countless places in between. Mike says that they "aim to ignite the viewer's imagination in a way that inspires their own creativity" with their illustrations.
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JamesRPGArt
James creates animated background scenes for TTRPGs, and releases new scenes each month. As a concept artist and digital painter, they have a great passion for running and playing a wide variety of role-playing games, creating their art and animations to add atmosphere and immersion to your favorite games.
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