When D&D 5E came out in 2014, it was not an immediate smash. Pathfinder 1E was still quite dominant in the marketplace.
What happened?
For me it was Pathfinder 2nd. I used to run society games locally for Pathfinder 1st. 2nd felt to me the same 4th ed D&D felt and I had no desire to continue. I tried to fill the void with independent RPGS for a while ignoring all the good things I heard about D&D 5E. I finally gave it a chance because enough of friends I trusted had gotten into it, and glad I did. It's not perfect and there are some things I take from other RPGS etc. when I homebrew, but adventure league seems right for what its trying to do. I still think Paizo has some of the best adventure paths out there, but the mechanics are not motivating me to buy into a new edition.
Under raging storm clouds, the vampire Count Strahd Von Zarovhich stands silhouetted against the ancient walls of Castle Ravenloft. Rumbling thunder pounds the castle spires. The wind’s howling increases as he turns his gaze down toward the village of Barovia.
Far below, yet not beyond his keep eyesight, a party of adventurers has just entered his domain. Strahd’s face forms the barest hint of a smile as his dark plan unfolds. He knew they were coming, and he knows why they came-all according to his plan.
A lighting flash rips through the darkness, but Strahd is gone. Only the howling of the wind fills the midnight air. The master of Castle Ravenloft is having guest for dinner. And you are invited.
Welcome to my recruitment for 5E. Some of you might have seen my interest check so for you what I am about to type is redundant. I am a newer DM to 5E, but old with other iterations of the game and other RPGs. This game is going to be theater of the mind and just played here on this forum. I do not have the technological ability, or time to commit to Roll20 though it looks like a lot of fun. I will try to be as descriptive as possible and if you require clarification shot me a PM or discussion thread post. One post a day M-F is the expectation. I may post more frequent to keep people engaged, but it is not a requirement to match my posts. If you do not post in the expected time frame I will bot your character, if it’s something you think was completely out of character, we can chalk it up to some shenanigans from the mist or other reason. I may need to private message you either in character or out of character.
Character Creation:
We will use Van Richten’s Guide for character creation and any other official wizard of the coast D@D 5E source. No 3rd party at this time. We will use a modified stat buy of 18,15,13,11,10,9. Then (per rules in Van Richten’s) you get your +2 to one stat, and +1 to another in addition to any lineage or race bonuses. This should result in pretty impressive stats, but after all Strahd wouldn’t invite just anyone to dinner. Hit points will be maximum throughout the campaign. Between the stat buff and hit point buff that might help relieving some of the wonkiness of the game style. Any alignment is allowed, but working together is imperative and if you are laying it on too thick, I may ask you to dial it back a bit in a PM. You can be from another domain of dread, but not Barovia itself. Starting Gear In addition to normal gear gained through classes ect, include 1 potion of healing. Background There are many ways offered in the campaign to introduce the characters to the adventure. Instead, I will turn that responsibility to you. In your background include what landed you in Barovia? Do you know any of the other characters? If so how?
Things to know:
Spells used to leave the domain of dread does not work. No not wish, nothing. Many of you have probably played/DMed this before. That is fine, just please keep the story to yourself. I will change encounters a bit or add some, but I want to keep the integrity of the story as much as possible. This is gothic horror, adult level scary stuff ect. If you have an issue with something I have done, rule ect, let's take it to discussion or PM. It’s very possible to take things written in the worst light, let's try to be civil in conversation and not assume the worst of your fellow players. I like to use avatars for important characters. I will sometimes put spoilers in their profile with a spoiler wall with the DC of the information you may want to speed things up for the PBP.
Death and people ghosting us:
It is common in PBP for people to simply stop playing with no explanation. If that happens, I will look for a replacement ASAP, until then I will bot their character until a replacement is found. Replacements will be offered to create level appropriate character. If your character dies, the mist will bring another companion of the same level to join the party within 24 hours. (Basically, you lose a day of posting. Will probably take you that time to make another character, unless you want to use the same one with a different name. This way death takes a toll but isn’t extremely punitive and we can continue to play.
Combat:
I will roll initiative for everyone to save time and sort it out. You can post whenever and I will plug it into the appropriate order. If you want to use conditions you may. Example "If the fighter charges ahead, I will follow behind him, but if someone gets seriously wounded, I will cast a heal spell instead here is that roll.
I will pick 5 players for this. I plan to start the game March 14th.
