Session 0
Setting expectations (both ways)
Character creation (mechanical & backstory)
Curse of Strahd
~2 year campaign. Start is in a few weeks, after the Epilogue of Consistency. Next weeks will be character building and me changing the module to fit your backstories and preparing the first few areas.
Narrative-driven, requires high investment in the narrative. Notes recommended (many plotlines, locations, NPC's, secrets)
Technically in the world of Aeragos, but almost all of the campaign wil take place in a certain place, and there will be little chance to visit any places in Aeragos during the campaign.
Lots of triggers (suicide), let me know during the session or after the session if I went to far on details or some topics.
Barovia
Theme: Dark / Gothic Horror
Different from last campaign (heroic fantasy)
Dark Souls mindset (it's hard, setbacks, hopelessness). Externalize setbacks to your character and think what it does to them. It will happen, it may be your own fault, but mistakes also enrich the story.
However, does not mean that there will be no humor and all will be bleak. Curse of Strahd will (hopefully) be an engaging narrative experience, with very cool locations, NPC's, storylines.
Few but impactful positive moments.
Semi-open world, you can go in many directions, and many locations which will be too dangerous for your level
Less magic items and boons
Character Creation (Mechanical)
Starting level: 1 (Speed level to level 3)
Late-game level: 10-11
Party comes together at Aphas, near the Summit of the Moon. Character can come from over the entire world (Vestania, Sadakirim, Iskivar, Sekka Archipelago)
Different races are allowed. However, the people of Barovia will see you differently based on race, and you may be subject to xenophobia or racism by some NPC's. Strange races, such as Leonin, Kenku, Genasi are allowed, but please still develop these characters and do not let their race be their personality (see below). These races will also face more intense xenophobia and racism in Barovia.
Multiclassing is allowed, as long as you know your character and it doesn't slow down combat.
Discussion: 3/2/1 or 2/2/2 characters know each other + mini session to meet?
Discussion: Low item start?
Discussion:
Character Creation (Character & Backstory)
When creating your character, develop hidden tragedies, impossible goals and regrets (in the past)
Characters probably fall into one (or more) of three categories: Broken creature searching for healing or redemption, lost soul searching for kinship or purpose (Rasknit, Caleb Widogast), creature that has lost or been abandoned by something important to them, and are attempting to regain it (Daff). Other sample goals: whatsapp.
Backstories like Uzz' would not work the way they were written for past campaign, but could be altered so they fit one of these three archtypes of backstory.
Characters don't need to be dark and edgy! They can be, though. It is necessary to create a character that wants to work with the party, is not disruptive (unless everyone finds that ok), and one that is altruistic or would do nice things for another reason. Curse of Strahd often has quests which egocentrical or egothistical characters would not take on, because there is no immediate reward.
I encourage to keep your personal quests and backtories private until relevant and dropping small bits along the way. These are much more interesting when revealed bit by bit over the course of the first half of the campaign, rather dan dumped on the table all at once.
Evil characters are not allowed, unless you have a very strong idea that would work well in the setting and in the party. Discuss with me.
Discussion: Would you like a small list of things that need to be in the backstory, like parents, worldview on gods, worldview on people?
Tips
Notes recommended (many plotlines, locations, NPC's, secrets)
Invest time into developing your characters' mthoughts, personality and motivation.
Make more friends than enemies. A favor from an influencial NPC's can be a greater boon than a magical item in this campaign. It is different, mentally, than the XP and Loot progression model which last campaign followed. You can make much progress by winning favors, fulfilling objectives and advancing the story.
Try to engage with the other characters when not in combat or discussing plans, tactics and objectives. Try to learn what person they are. This can lead, hopefully, to meaningful relationships between PC's.
Please engage with NPC's, especially returning ones, as more than plot devices :p
Other
Resurrection does not have DC's, but finding resurrection materials such as diamond is extremely tough. Most resurrections will be done through quests or story and will have a profound impact on the character and story.
I don't know how deadly the campaign will be. The module is hard, but you are with 6 players, which offsets it. Characters will die; sometimes, the dice roll bad, and something goes wrong. I will try, as always, to make clear when entering a very dangerous location, or one that you are too underleveled for.
However, there will be moments that are very punishing, whether it was due to your failure or just bad luck.
Discussion: PvP
Discussion: Expectations for me
Discussion: Character creation / classes? Characters that I would find interesting to add to the current roster: a creature searching for redemption, a heroic character (that fits into any of the three tropes but wants to do good). Further discussion about the available classes.
Comments