Hello. I am a DM that runs Curse of Strahd (modded). I have run this campaign a total of 4 times now. I love to DM as I put a lot of time and work into it, and seem to do a decent job according to my past players. My experience is about 3 years now of DM for 5e. Everything below you are about to read will give you insight on how my sessions will run, which I would love full feedback. The main deterrent when it comes to running a campaign online with a group of new people boils down to this: Compatibility. I always get at least one person that leaves and another that constantly puts the party in danger due to rush acting/thinking. I am hoping this new system will be great for getting a batch of awesome players who will work great together and enjoy each other as much as they enjoy the story. How I choose an applicant (Please give me feedback on your thoughts. And yes, I will be posting a listing for a new CoS game soon): (1) In depth application. General information is a common factor when it comes to knowing an applicant. My application skeletons will be lengthy, be prepared to write a good bit. All these questions/info are designed for me to understand you better and proceed forward with step 2. (2) Pay to Play. I personally do not like charging people any money. It puts uncomfortable pressure on me as a DM. I do however believe it can be a great tool to get committed and serious players. This is why I will charge a $20 fee if you are accepted as a PC. This fee is ONE TIME ONLY and will last the entirety of the campaign. The $20 fee is also refundable upon the completion of the campaign (AKA defeating the 5-8 core bosses). I will also hope at this point you would of loved me enough as a DM to let me keep the fee as a gracious tip but- hey, that's up to you :) (3) The real application. In order for you to understand me as a DM, for me to better know you as a player, and to see how you work with others.. The final application will be a 1-shot with you and another random applicant and me as your DM. My hopes is that these 1-shots will give me better insight on each applicant's style of play so I can better select the party based on who I believe it most compatible. With all that said here are the following general rules I have when I make a campaign for CoS. Consider this: -You will have access to my compendium which entails several of the books for making your epic character in the charactermancer. This also includes crazy new monsters, spells, and magic items! -Lot's of fun twists for experienced players! Instead of fighting a dozen wolves with all the same statblock and skills... I instead made a variation of different wolves. Ex: Alpha, Beta, Runts, Dire wolves, Shadow wolves, Dark Wolves, Crimson Hounds, and many more! This means more token art, figure art, and variation in skills, capabilities, tactics, health, all the good stuff! -Speaking of epic characters.. Your character level starts at lvl 2. For the sake of this campaign I strongly insist characters are more simple than usual. This means if you pitch a character who is a dragon slayer and champion of the realms I will probably reject it. Can your character become a legendary champion of the realm and slay dragons? Absolutely. Start small, build big! -Can you uphold a high attendance? (80% or more). If a majority of the players show up to a session and want to play, we will play without you. I will make sure your character does not die. If I am the one that can't make it (which might happens sometimes but not often) then we will skip that week or schedule for a different day. I know that sounds a little unfair but I am the DM and that's just how it has to be :\ -This campaign runs custom mods and API scripts. I am no master, but I have put a lot of hours into the art of code. -This campaign has several mods (homebrew of my own design and from friends/online resources) which will level your character further than normal and allow more content. I mean a lot more freakin content. -A party will most likely be between 4-5 people -Dynamic lighting! In dungeons and at night time, your character will have a 120 degree field of vision. You will only see what's directly in front of you. During daytime or already explored areas, you will have full 360 vision. -Are you up for a campaign that can last a decent while? -Have you played CoS before? I reserve spots for those who have not been spoiled by this module's amazing story -No characters can be on the "Evil" alignment. This is negotiable but also refrained. However, a character can have their alignment shift throughout the campaign. -You can die in this campaign easily. It is very "dark souls", and I do not allow new characters. Play smart and be smart, if you die and there is no means of revival, you're done. Feel free to spectate or control a NPC upon my discretion. -This campaign is Roleplay heavy. (That doesn't mean you have to be In Character all the time. I cater to the style of the PCs but due to nature of this campaign, no overboard, absurd, silly characters) I tend to use music through discord, soundboard, and sometimes a voice modifier to try and maximize your experience. -Reminder: Heavy RP! There is lots of combat and action and even some good puzzles. Also, lots and lots of twists and mystery. But with all that said, heavy RP is a big thing in this campaign. I will focus more on applicants who are immersed into their character. Because it's not a lot of fun when you are playing a good alignment character and your buddies decided to rob the store merchant and beat up anyone who gets in the way just because they can. Basically, if you are playing it like a video game - grand theft auto kind of game - then this campaign is not for you. -CoS is a dangerous campaign. If not played strategically and well minded, you will die. I promise I am rooting for you but also understand that death to your PC is something I am not afraid to do. If you choose to slap a creature that is 10ish levels over you (true story) then that creature will likely eat you and you're done. I know this rule is kind of already stated earlier but I just want to be absolutely clear. You can DIE. Play smart, run when you must, think outside the box, and coordinate with your team!!! -No RP sex. Not my thing. Just making sure we are clear on that. -This campaign is designed for experienced players. I don't mind new players, it's just that more experienced players tend to play smarter. -The one time fee will go straight to my pro membership and more resources on roll20 to constantly upgrade my CoS campaign. This includes any additional tips :) -If you have a problem with another PC or myself please communicate about it. If you want to counter a point with a DM's decision you may do so. I will consider what you say, but whatever I choose you cannot contest. Respect the DM please. *1on1 or smaller group sessions can occur due to special circumstances. These sessions are meant to add more flavor and mystery to the campaign. You are never required to attend a branch off session, it's up to you to strike the opportunity, if it arises. Group 1: Died at lvl 3's. (group of 6) Group 2: Died at lvl 6's (group of 4) Group 3: Died at lvl 7's (group of 4) Group 4: Currently still playing (group of 6. *1 died*) I promise I don't aim to TPK you guys. I am very much on your side. People just tend to vastly underestimate this module and I don't show much grace when they do. It's an unforgiving campaign. For real guys, I love CoS. I can't tell you how many hours I have put into this campaign trying to master it. From homebrew content to making my own custom battlemaps for legendary encounters, I have done so much. I do hope you all appreciate it and I only plan to make it bigger and better! Well, that's enough typing for now. My fingers hurt. Hopefully this provides some good info for everyone. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like to provide me feedback. Do you think you have what it takes to beat Strahd? Because if this anything like dark souls... it just got a whole lot darker
