Adventure Overview:
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 turns his gaze down toward 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 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.
Welcome to Barovia, one of the darkest realms of the multiverse, ruled over by a twisted master of evil: Strahd van Zarovich. This adventure, one of D&D’s best and brightest, features many dark twists and turns, evil boons, chatty skeletons and more! You can expect:
The Call to Adventure:
Whether a completely fresh and new adventurer, or a veteran of D&D for many years, Curse of Strahd is catered to all parties and players. Expect to be guided, assisted, and helped every step of the way to ensure you have the skills, know-how, and might to free a Dark Lord from his dread curse! If you’ve played before, be welcomed as well, for Curse of Strahd allows players to make informed decisions, hide in the dark corners of the world, and bide their time to bite back against Strahd himself.
What You Will Need:
When signing on for this adventure, you’ll gain access to a customized Discord where you’ll be granted access to art, fellow adventurers, and more! Access to Discord, a functioning microphone, and access to the website known as roll20.net are expected to be able to play, and Discord and roll20 are free services!
What You Receive:
Using roll20 exclusively for my DM’ing needs, you’ll have access to almost every sourcebook needed to fully customize your character! From the website of roll20 you’ll be able to use the Charactermancer and create a character from scratch, following simple step by step prompts. If you’re new to the game or the system, I’ll run you through the whole process, so no need to worry!
What To Create:
Adventurers will begin this adventure at level 1, but if you’re joining us later on, you’ll make a character fitting of the level of the rest of the party: no adventurers left behind! Expect point buy, or standard array, for stat distribution, and basic equipment to start; don’t worry, you’ll be outfitted with magic and tools to combat Strahd once you’re in the game proper!
Villainous adventurers are not recommended, as the evil of Barovia and its dread foes will bring more than enough villany, though expect grey areas as morals and goals are questioned throughout the adventure.
What To Expect:
Notes From the GM:
This adventure is expected to be a very long excursion, as most of what’s in the adventure I love to expand upon in almost every way. Dozens of new NPCs, customized maps, and set pieces pulled from other adventures to enhance this one make it all one very lengthy story. If you want your DM to obsess over the finer points to enhance your play, this is a great place to start.
Your DM is available typically between the hours of 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM PST, and your enjoyment is paramount above all things. Reach out if you have questions, and let’s get you armed, prepared, and ready to end the curse of Strahd van Zarovich, and bring light to a beleaguered land!
It’s been almost a year since I’ve joined with Robert and I have to say it’s been the ride of a life time.
Robert runs the table with a passion, dedication, and with a level confidence I have never seen before in any DM. He takes time to ensure that each player’s character has their time to shine. He ensures that every session is ran with a plan that is ensured to keep us both entertained and motivated. Ever since I’ve played with him, there has never been a moment where he has ever lost our respect, attention, or our interest.
This is the second game I’ve played with Riko and I really appreciate how well he understands the game and makes it accessible for his players to explore and be creative. He has an innate sense of combining role play and adventure seamlessly, which makes his games exciting. I don’t feel intimidated asking questions nor do I feel bad for creating weird (maybe under powered) characters that I like, Riko is all about creating an inclusive experience for everyone. I can’t recommend him enough.
What makes Riko so wonderful is his patience, understanding, and ability to think on the fly and be creative. The battles, in particular, come to life with him. Every game is a delight. Highly recommended.
33 sessions played
It’s been almost a year since I’ve joined with Robert and I have to say it’s been the ride of a life time.
Robert runs the table with a passion, dedication, and with a level confidence I have never seen before in any DM. He takes time to ensure that each player’s character has their time to shine. He ensures that every session is ran with a plan that is ensured to keep us both entertained and motivated. Ever since I’ve played with him, there has never been a moment where he has ever lost our respect, attention, or our interest.
This is the second game I've played with Riko and I really appreciate how well he understands the game and makes it accessible for his players to explore and be creative. He has an innate sense of combining role play and adventure seamlessly, which makes his games exciting. I don't feel intimidated asking questions nor do I feel bad for creating weird (maybe under powered) characters that I like, Riko is all about creating an inclusive experience for everyone. I can't recommend him enough.
What makes Riko so wonderful is his patience, understanding, and ability to think on the fly and be creative. The battles, in particular, come to life with him. Every game is a delight. Highly recommended.
31 sessions played
I really look forward to my sessions with DM Riko.
He's extremely friendly, patient, and knowledgeable on all parts of the game. I haven't been playing dnd that long and I can get a bit nervous when it comes to my character's stats/movement. I don't have to worry with Riko, he answers whatever questions I have and doesn't make me feel awkward about. I'm glad he's here.
Joining Riko’s game as a first-time player I was excited to play and learn the game. I made the perfect choice. He helped me build my character and explain all the finer details that I wasn’t aware of. Then when we got into the game, he helped me get started and I found myself immersed in this world.
His story telling, the characters he portrays, and his custom maps bring you all into the world he loves to be in, and you can feel that through all aspects of his game. A true feeling of verisimilitude.
I get excited for each session to catch up with friends and then get stuck into playing D&D.
Riko (Robert) is incredible at his job and has an unparalleled knowledge of all things DnD. New to the game, rules, and online format? No problem! You are in good hands. Riko masterfully tailors any module to the party and individual characters, making each player feel important and impactful with their decisions.
Also, if you have any opportunity to try his homebrew worlds and content, JUMP ON THE OPPORTUNITY! Truly unique environments and meticulous details make for a beautiful and memorable fantasy experience.
94 sessions played
Riko is an amazing DM and Story teller. He has so much knowledge about the lore of the worlds, and he loves to share it with the tables. The story comes to life with his fantastic Theater of Mind descriptions, Custom Maps, various NPC voices, and his genuine love of DND. He weaves together fantastic tales, and works with the players, to create an amazing story. If your new to DND, Riko will work with you to help you learn the mechanics of everything you need to know. I highly recommend you checkout any of his open games. He is the reason I have developed such a love and obsession with DND.
So, I haven't ACTUALLY played in Riko's Descent into Avernus game, but I have played in many a session of his over the past few years. He is, quite simply, a genius. I've never been more impressed by a GM's facility with the rules, and the worlds he creates are fantastic. And his MAPS!! Custom made and beautiful. Do yourself a favor and grab the next seat that opens for one of Riko's tables. I promise you won't be disappointed!
Riko is an amazing DM and I highly recommend joining one of his games! You'll be on the edge of your seat as they take you through the thrill of a fight, the joy of companionship, the relief and ecstasy of a hard earned victory and if you're not careful the heartbreak of character death. You'll come back each week excited and end each session buzzing. You'll build a character, build a story and build friendships at his table. Oh and don't worry if you're new to the game or unaware of some of the mechanics, Riko is one of the most well versed DMs I've met and is always happy to answer question or talk about the quirks of the game. I can't recommend him highly enough
Riko an amazing DM. His games are great fun, with brilliant characters and fun challenges. Great for beginners and experience player alike. I would highly recommend Riko as your DM.
I have played in several games for pay online and DM Riko is the best DM I have played with by an order of magnitude. DM Riko!! Ask for him by name.
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