Phantasmagoria - A Ravenloft Domains of Dread Campaign

Embark on an eerie campaign that will take you from levels 1 to 20, traversing the sinister landscapes of Falkovnia, where the specters of the past roam amidst the armies of it's despotic ruler. Delve into the haunting tales of Richemulot and Tepest, where the shadow fey weave their dark enchantments and the cries of banshees pierce the night. Explore the unsettling realm of Bluetspur, in a tale of cosmic horror. Sail the dark waters of the Sea of Sorrows, haunted by ghostly pirates. Confront the undead menace in Darkon, and finally, journey to Sri Raja, where twisted phantasms and malevolent demons wish to claim your very soul.

Setting: Ravenloft – The Domains of Dread

Beyond the rach of human perception, lurking just beneath the fabric of the world, lies a dark and hidden realm. It seeps into your existence, filling the chasms that separate worlds. Here, at the threshold between the domains of the living and the departed, consciousness and substance intertwine; emotions and desires, dread and longing can become as solid as steel. Deep within those spectral spaces, a shadowy realm lurks, governed by unseen, sinister forces. Some whisper it is a prison for the cursed; others believe it serves as a trial for the righteous. Yet, for some, it is simply a place they call home.

 It is a domain of fog and darkness, love intertwined with death, sacrifice mingled with seduction, beauty shadowed by terror. It is a realm where whispered fears take form. Perhaps you have felt its presence. At the command of the Dark Powers, the tendrils of the ethereal Mists that envelop this land extend to brush against the Material Plane. They send shivers down your neck when a creaking floorboard hints that you are not alone in the room. Their unseen touch slithers along your spine when otherworldly shapes flit at the periphery of your sight. The Mists do more than merely touch. The Dark Powers are drawn to purity and malevolence, to hatred and longing, to obsession and despair. They hunt for lost aspirations and inner demons, relishing the decay of the soul. Their Mists ensnare the damned at the moment of their downfall and creep upon heroes when they let their guards down.

What purpose do the Dark Powers have in adding these benighted souls to their collection? To torment them? To redeem them? No one knows, for few who are lured into the Domains of Dread return to share their stories. Yet perhaps you will discover the truth for yourself, for tonight, the Mists have come for you…

Campaign Style:

In my gaming sessions, you can look forward to a strong focus on immersive roleplay, featuring dynamic and realistic NPCs. Prepare for epic quests, vibrant and evolving worlds, surprising plot twists, cunning adversaries, and deep-seated mysteries, all intricately tied to your characters' journeys. I thrive on delivering both chills and thrills as well as exhilarating action, while fostering innovative problem-solving. The game mechanics are seamlessly integrated into the narrative as much as possible, ensuring that they enhance the story rather than detract from it.

At my table, you can look forward to a few key elements: 

 - First and foremost, inclusivity and safety are paramount. Every player shares the responsibility of ensuring that everyone enjoys the experience. 

 - Assume your character is capable. A roll that doesn’t succeed isn’t necessarily a failure; it could mean you leave a dent on your opponent’s armor with your warhammer or narrowly miss your target, causing the bullet to graze their arm. I advocate for "failing forward," where setbacks create opportunities for drama and unexpected twists, rather than leading to a dead end. 

 - I am not here to be your adversary; rather, I am your guide. My role is to breathe life into the world and its characters, but my ultimate goal is to ensure you have a great time, not to "defeat" you.

 - Non-player characters (NPCs) will act in ways that reflect their unique motivations and quirks. They will strive to achieve their goals using their skills, and like you, they generally prefer to survive.

 - Expect some level of risk in our adventures. Whether it pertains to your character's body, mind, or spirit, remember that without risk, there can be no significant reward. While the stakes may not always be apocalyptic, shying away from risk will lead to a dull narrative. 

 - The narratives I craft are rich with NPCs and scenarios that center around your characters. While there are overarching and minor plots, my games are free from rigid paths. The story unfolds based on your decisions, with multiple avenues to explore, each carrying its own consequences, and no outcome is set in stone.

Length of the Campaign:

I have no set end date in mind. The characters will begin at level 1 and end at level 20. We will tell these tales together, and when we reach level 20 we will have reached the end, taking as long as it takes to get there.

Session Length: This will be discussed by the group once we have all player slots filled, but I'd prefer 3 hours of game time each session.

Group Size: Anywhere from 3 to 5 players.

All official sourcebook content permitted for use. Any homebrew content must be discussed with me before it is given an okay, same goes for any Unearthed Arcana content. I have some of my own preferred homebrew/DMs Guild content for Ravenloft, which we will discuss at session 0 or in direct messages.

New or inexperienced players are welcome to play!

Here is a link to my StartPlaying profile to learn more about me: https://startplaying.games/gm/eldritchechoes

And here are links to each of the games on StartPlaying where you can learn more details and sign up to play!

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