New DM LFP for Curse of Strahd campaign - Cambridgeshire/Bedfordshire UK

Game: D&D 5e

Group type: Face-to-face

Experience: Any (Never DMed/2 years as player)

Location: Cambridgeshire/Bedfordshire, preferably around St Neots to Bedford area. (An exact location for sessions to be determined)

Schedule: Weekly/fortnightly (specific dates to be determined)

Roles sought: 4-5 players

Game style: Roleplay/casual

 Hi, I'm Jamie (she/they) and I am looking for a group of players for a Curse of Strahd campaign. I am new to the Cambridgeshire/Bedfordshire area so I don’t know anyone at the moment! My only experience with DnD is a random one shot I’ve completely forgotten at this point and a 2 year long campaign of Descent into Avernus. So yeah… extremely rusty.

I have never been a DM before so honestly I welcome any players with various kinds of experience. Never played? Awesome, we can figure it out together. Very experienced? Also amazing because I will definitely value your input if I’m doing a rubbish job. My only requirement would be players that have never played Curse of Strahd before please. Also, adults only please.

 Intended Schedule

I’m looking for players that are able to do face-to-face sessions only and meet around the Bedford to St Neots area. I don’t know exactly where yet because I’m not over familiar with Cambridgeshire yet so I welcome suggestions if I’ve not figured it out by the time I put a group together.

I am currently free all day everyday for the following month until I start work so I can do anytime until then for sessions. Ideally, the sessions would be weekly/fortnightly depending on everyone’s availability.

Campaign details

The campaign will be 5e because that is what I have experience with. I think trying to learn 5.5e whilst DMing for the first time might give me a stroke. Characters will start at level 3 and will level-up by milestone. The maximum level will be level 10 approaching the end of the story.

I intend to fully integrate each of the players’ characters into the story as best as I can as to really immerse everyone in the story. Therefore, players really caring about their character and their backstory  would be appreciated. The more info, connections, and quirks about your character, the better!

Due to the nature of the campaign as well, It will have a bleak tone but I will try to lighten it up so it’s breathable and enjoyable throughout. I will put the campaign book's blurb below so you can get a sense of what it is about.

Additional info I suppose would be that I will be using paper battle maps. I don’t have minis or anything so I’ll probably use counters to mark characters, NPCs, and enemies on the maps but if you have minis and want to use them, you are most welcome!

If you're interested, please feel free to send me a message here (if that's even possible, idk?) or message me on discord: rabbittoes

 Curse of Strahd

"Under raging storm clouds, the vampire Count Strahd von Zarovich stands silhouetted against the ancient walls of Castle Ravenloft. Rumbling thunder pounds the castle spires. The wind's howling increases as he turn his gaze down towards the village of Barovia.

Far below, yet not beyond his keen 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 lightning of 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 guests for dinner. And you are invited."