Terrors of Ravenloft: The Van Richten Casefiles - A Pulp Horror Adventure for D&D 5E

About the adventure

Lost in the misty realm of terrors known as Ravenloft, it seemed that accepting your imminent death was the only option left. That is, until you had a chance encounter with the famed vampire hunter and academic extraordinaire, Dr. Rudolph van Richten. While the good doctor makde it clear he only works alone, it seems even professionals need assistance from time to time. Your job as an investigative aid to the legendary monster hunter of The Domains of Dread comes with many benefits: a place to sleep, food to eat, combat training, and competitive pay. Unfortunately, tackling the cases Dr. van Richten is too busy or too uninterested to take on himself often places you in the path of some of the most horrible monstrosities Ravenloft has to offer, especially when a seemingly mundane series of investigations presents a disturbing pattern and Dr. van Richten tasks you with bringing an elusive serial killer to justice... The Van Richten Casefiles is an original pulp horror and noir mystery campaign that will send you across the Domains of Dread in search of answers to a deadly mystery. Face abominations from the darkest corners of Ravenloft, explore the misty realms of the all-powerful Darklords, and unravel a plot that dates back to the very creation of the domains themselves. Can you survive what lies within The Van Richten Casefiles, or will you succumb to the darkness? Either way, it beats being unemployed. WARNING: The Van Richten Casefiles is a HORROR campaign! Safety tools will be used and set boundaries will not be disrespected, but the subject matter at hand in nearly every part of the story is not for the faint of heart. Please proceed with caution.

Additional Details

How to prepare

Players will need a working microphone, a Discord account, a D&D Beyond account, and a free Owlbear Rodeo VTT account. Character creation & other game materials will be provided by the DM on D&D Beyond. Webcams are not required but are welcome. Dice rolling will be done through D&D Beyond.

What I provide

I will bring gameplay materials through D&D Beyond, digital handouts through Discord, and custom maps through the Owlbear Rodeo VTT. I am also more than happy to provide guidance and pointers for anyone wishing to better learn the ins-and-outs of D&D and roleplaying games in general!

Gameplay details

Players can expect difficult combat and a tough but fair experience as befitting the Ravenloft setting. Roleplaying is important and encouraged, and mystery solving and puzzles are a vital element to the story.

Content warnings

(none)

Safety tools used

Breaks
Debriefing
Lines and Veils
Open Door
Session 0

How will character creation work

Characters will be created both in a session 0 prior to the start of the campaign proper and between sessions as needed, with help from the DM if requested. Characters will be created and tracked through a D&D Beyond Campaign, with materials made available by the DM. Characters will start at 3rd level.

Players can expect

• Find a game to join solo or search for a professional game master for you and your friends/coworkers/family.
• Book your session and wait for the Game Master to approve you.
• If you don't have a blast with your first game, your next game is on us.