LFP: Curse of Strahd (Ravenloft Castle and Barovia)

[LordAmaranthus]

1. Game Name: Curse of Strahd

2. Paid/Free: Free

3. Platform, Voice/Text: Fantasy Grounds (Players need to have Standard or Ultimate License), Discord for voice chat (see Links)

4. System & Setting: D&D 5E, Barovia (Ravenloft)

5. Available Space: Slot for 1 (out of 5) regular players remaining. Note: characters are tightly prescribed, for RP story reasons.

6. Time, Timezone, & Day: Tuesdays @ 2100 (9PM) AEDT (GMT+11: Australian East Coast). Session #0 will run a week or two after all player slots are filled/confirmed. Thereafter, game sessions will go for 3-4 hours. NOTE! This time (currently) equates to: EST = 5am, PST = 2am, GMT = 10am.

7. Rules: Can use PHB and XGTE sourcebook (DM will supply), but with restricted race/class options and some custom skills/abilities. There are five characters from which to select: Human Fighter (Champion Archetype - "Vampire Hunter" [OPEN]), Human Paladin (Oath of Devotion - "Church Knight" [FILLED]), Human Cleric (Grave Domain - "Undead Overseer" [FILLED]), Half-Elf Sorcerer (Wild Magic Origin - "Fey Throwback" [FILLED]) and Forest Gnome Rogue (Assassin Archetype - "Possessed Child" [FILLED]).. The Human Fighter must be a male character, and the Gnomish rogue must be a female character. Gender for other three is open to PC's choice. Character names must fit with Barovia theme (consult with DM for options), and Backgrounds from CoS Players or some of PHB/XGTE.

The 'Optional' rules from the 5E PHB/DMG in use are: feats, equipment sizes, renaissance firearms, cleaving, massive damage and morale (DM will handle/explain these). Minor variant house rules apply for generating ability scores, hit point gain when levelling, critical hits/fumbles, and how healing is treated on long rests---these will be explained/pinned in the Discord channel and given in FG as Notes. Emphasis on a balanced mix of roleplay and well-paced action.

8. Synopsis:

Under raging storm clouds, a lone figure stands silhouetted against the ancient walls of Castle Ravenloft. The vampire Count Strahd von Zarovich stares down a sheer cliff at the village below. A cold, bitter wind spins dead leaves about him, billowing his cape in the darkness. Lightning splits the clouds overhead, casting stark white light across him. Strahd turns to the sky, revealing the angular muscles of his face and hands. He has a look of power—and of madness. His once handsome face is contorted by a tragedy darker than the night itself. Rumbling thunder pounds the castle spires. The winds howling increases as Strahd turns his gaze back to the village. Far below, yet not beyond his ken, a party of adventurers has just entered his domain. Strahd’s face forms a twisted smile as his dark plan unfolds. He knew they were coming, and he knows why they have come all according to his plan. He, the master of Ravenloft, will attend to them. Another lightning flash rips through the darkness, its thunder echoing through the castle is towers. But Strahd is gone. Only the howling of the wind—or perhaps a lone wolf—fills the midnight air. The master of Ravenloft is having guests for dinner. And you are invited...

Setting is essentially a fictionalized D&D version of Transylvania, from c1500s, with Gothic Horror theme. There will be some renaissance firearms too, as per DMG pg267-268. Characters will start at Level 1 and advance to Level 10-11 by adventure's end. If the group is working well, there is scope for ongoing play, covering Level 11 and beyond, with a Homebrew continuation also set in Barovia and surrounds.

9. Links/Details: Message me (Discord or FG Forums) for applications/details, especially regarding character options.

[Arkham81]

PM sent.

[LordAmaranthus]

Note that 4 player slots are now filled.

[Travellintroll]

Me please!!!

[LordAmaranthus]

One slot remaining (see next post)

[LordAmaranthus]

I have one permanent player slot that has opened in the Tuesday (9pm, UTC+11 <— note time zone!!!) game of D&D 5e “Curse of Strahd” that I DM. (Details given in the first post.) Unfortunately one of the players had to drop out for RL circumstances.

The LFP invitation is to take over a pre-generated fighter character, starting at 3rd level. The build is a two-weapon specialist (style + dual feat), champion archetype, who also has access to renaissance firearms (pistol, musket): designed as a mix of Van Helsing and Solomon Kane. This PC is a key component of a set of five contrasting characters (others are a cleric, paladin, rogue and sorcerer) who have been carefully interwoven for story and balance reasons. However, decisions on future leveling options/choices are entirely in the hands of the adopting player. Note that the story arc is still currently in the prologue stage (two sessions completed, and only of the Death House mini-module from the Appendix).

Reply here or direct message me for details and applications. You must have Fantasy Grounds standard or ultimate license; I will supply all other required source material.

[LordAmaranthus]

Discord Server, for additional info: https://discord.gg/jwUaR3

[Volomon]

I'm willing to join if you still have room. 6am EST isn't so bad. I'm usually up around then anyway.

[LordAmaranthus]

Update: Game full. Thanks to those who expressed interest.