Peter

We had a very chill session of Shadowdark. Rob was well-prepared to run a 1-shot session with beginners, including newbies to the game and newbies to the VTT. The pacing of the 3-hour session was good. This was a dungeon delve -- get in, get loot, don't die, get out. We played a classic intro module that, according to internet info, is too big for a 1-shot. Rob established expectations at the outset that we would not finish it, but the group enjoyed the dungeon crawl and agreed to keep going to finish the adventure in another session or two.

I had a really enjoyable session and I felt I could see that all the other players at table also really were into it. In addition to having fun a player, I joined this game with hope of spending time with a skilled DM to help me learn that side of table. I think Joel is proving to be a good person to learn from. That I felt good vibes from all the player speaks to his DM skills. He really delivered on the tension of the campaign setting. The Syrinscape soundtrack sets the mood, but this goes beyond technology. His narration really amped up the mood, during an intense combat sequence, during some character RP downtime, and during some exploration (note three pillars of gameplay). I'll add that Joel implements gameplay smoothly. The mechanics and technology never created lulls or felt in the way. Update: Having just completed a multisession free trial run (6 sessions, I think), I thought I would update this review. Our party just completed the Death House, a prelude to the Curse of Stahd campaign. The mood and intensity I referred to previously was maintained throughout the adventure. Joel brings a polished DM style - voices, mood music, techno skills, descriptive story-telling -it's easy to become immersed. Looking forward to the next session. Update: It's been over a year since real life worries took me away from Barovia, but the mists pulled me back in. Two sessions in and I really am enjoying Joel's story telling the role playing it inspires. It's an entirely different group, playing House of Lament, and it seems like everyone loves it.