No idea if you still check these, but I wanted to say thank you for all your help with running curse of strahd. I started runnig it about a week ago, and this is my first time dm'ing. I would like your opinion about adding the Tomb of Annihlation's Mirror of Life Trapping and its built in encounters (within area K11 of CoS among the other mirrors in that room) and reflavoring those already in the mirror
I played this in the early 90s as a stand alone. Two minutes in my character walked across the bridge, the plank snapped and he fell to his death (we agreed to hit the rewind button at that point) Even to this day I always wondered about that random mechanic that either does lots (or like in my case) essentially does nothing - so odd. We died lots and lots - once by a random encounter. The last time was some creature with a its heart sitting on the stairs - we called it time then. Thanks for the vide though I always wondered what happended next.
If your players come here early just to check things out, what is the best way to deal with the the bridge going up and the portcullis closing? If they are level 4 or 5, how far into this thing should they explore?
i have a whole video on returning to castle ravenloft multiple times! though quickly what i would say is to allow for some fun exploration and intrigue with the cast of castle ravenloft!
"In my opinion, a level 11 party is just too strong" Me n my CoS party of 6 years consisting of 5 players sitting currently at level 12 and are just NOW going to Ravenloft for the first time...🥴
I very much disagree that the party should be at least level 10. I did that and when they encountered Strahd they nuked him in two turns. To even have a challenge I had to make Strahd use dirty tricks the next time they encountered him. No. You should invite the players at around level 6-8. You should invite them as guests and let them explore the castle, but not the lower floors of the castle. This gives them the opportunity to meet the staff and characters inside the castle. Maybe they meet the accountant that has become a ghost and he is finally happy Strahd found some clerks to help him count the kingdoms finances. So he sends them to the treasury (doesn't say where) to count how much is left in there. Or speak with Escher and see things from his perspective. Don't actually make Ravenloft dangerous until the characters break Strahds hospitality or leave the castle. Just think about this for a second. There is so much stuff in Barovia that can only be found in the castle. Like the skull of Argynvost. If you make the players be level 10 when they get to the castle. Why should they leave and return the skull? They can kill Strahd right there and then. Why leave to only make themselves more powerful at a later date? If you invite them at a lower level the still have the reason to leave the castle, while you can start the dangers proper at another time.
Thanks for the videos. My group is currently finishing up Berez and is about to head to the temple, then to Ravenloft, presumably, for the third and final time. I have used your videos to study some of the more complex locations. Do you recommend I have them roll initiative at the start of entering the castle? Or encounter by encounter? As a DM I prefer encounter by encounter. But my particular group is more roleplay-orientated, and when we have combats we all prefer fewer but bigger, more lethal, tactical combat in general. However, Strahd doesn't fight this way IMO and I will absolutely try to whittle down the party in the castle with as many small combats as possible.
Do you mind if you did a quick tutorial video on how to import the rpg art into the roll 20 version? Also are there helpful tips on smoothing the process of running it on roll 20 ? Would be very helpful and appreciated
if you buy the module on roll20, it does all the work for you! if you want to add the art, simply make a hand out and put the art you want in it to show whenever is necessary. running games on roll20 is easy, but the most important thing to consider is how far the players can move, and how to handle when the initiative starts!
if it is the final confrontation, then for sure you can run it "as written". they have a dine in with Strahd, then they get locked in! either that, or strahd and gang sit down and final conversations are had, then the evil forces retreat back into the castle and then your party explores!
Just saying that your recommendation of not retconning if you mess up with the stairs was genius. It helped me a lot.
thank you!
Your COS videos are so helpful, I feel like I need to credit you in my game.
haha thank you! It's an honor to help out people!
My DM is doing a killer job and you helped him get there. I can't watch your videos but I wanted to give an endorsement. Keep kickin ass sea bass.
thank you thank you! Happy to help!
No idea if you still check these, but I wanted to say thank you for all your help with running curse of strahd. I started runnig it about a week ago, and this is my first time dm'ing. I would like your opinion about adding the Tomb of Annihlation's Mirror of Life Trapping and its built in encounters (within area K11 of CoS among the other mirrors in that room) and reflavoring those already in the mirror
I played this in the early 90s as a stand alone.
Two minutes in my character walked across the bridge, the plank snapped and he fell to his death (we agreed to hit the rewind button at that point)
Even to this day I always wondered about that random mechanic that either does lots (or like in my case) essentially does nothing - so odd.
We died lots and lots - once by a random encounter.
The last time was some creature with a its heart sitting on the stairs - we called it time then.
Thanks for the vide though I always wondered what happended next.
thank you and no problem!
A lot to grasp for even one floor
Can't wait to explore the rest :D
and my oh my are the other floors even grander in concept!
These videos are some of the best resources on CoS 🙌
Hope you find the inspiration to come back and make more videos at some point!
The A- Hole meter 😂😂😂
I LOVE this concept
haha it's what I use in real life!
You helped my game come to an end I really put my all into this one, thank you for everything i cant thank you enough!
thank you thank you!
"The Asshole Meter" ... brilliant
Haha a very important measurement!
If your players come here early just to check things out, what is the best way to deal with the the bridge going up and the portcullis closing? If they are level 4 or 5, how far into this thing should they explore?
i have a whole video on returning to castle ravenloft multiple times! though quickly what i would say is to allow for some fun exploration and intrigue with the cast of castle ravenloft!
@@NoFunAllowed Thanks! - are you able to link me to the video?
ruclips.net/video/8jt6AtaMfH4/видео.html
The maps for CoS are also on D&DB: Maps now.
Fun video. Which I will get into after back from dropping mum to work
thank you!
@@NoFunAllowed I don't want your thanks. I want your couch
@@oldomen3788 its ikea!
Insane content!
Thank you so much. This videos helps a lot!
thank you!
"In my opinion, a level 11 party is just too strong"
Me n my CoS party of 6 years consisting of 5 players sitting currently at level 12 and are just NOW going to Ravenloft for the first time...🥴
I very much disagree that the party should be at least level 10. I did that and when they encountered Strahd they nuked him in two turns. To even have a challenge I had to make Strahd use dirty tricks the next time they encountered him.
No. You should invite the players at around level 6-8. You should invite them as guests and let them explore the castle, but not the lower floors of the castle. This gives them the opportunity to meet the staff and characters inside the castle. Maybe they meet the accountant that has become a ghost and he is finally happy Strahd found some clerks to help him count the kingdoms finances. So he sends them to the treasury (doesn't say where) to count how much is left in there.
Or speak with Escher and see things from his perspective. Don't actually make Ravenloft dangerous until the characters break Strahds hospitality or leave the castle.
Just think about this for a second. There is so much stuff in Barovia that can only be found in the castle. Like the skull of Argynvost. If you make the players be level 10 when they get to the castle. Why should they leave and return the skull? They can kill Strahd right there and then. Why leave to only make themselves more powerful at a later date?
If you invite them at a lower level the still have the reason to leave the castle, while you can start the dangers proper at another time.
I have a whole video on going to the castle multiple times haha!
Wait, I got this on roll 20 but don't have the battle maps 🤔
these really are excellent
Your Excellent!
@@NoFunAllowed you're*
@@jedigoddanothan You're excellent!
@@NoFunAllowed
My players are fully equipped with all magical items but they are only level 9. There is 6 of them and I hope they make it! Fingers crossed
im sure a few will make it out haha!
Thanks for the videos. My group is currently finishing up Berez and is about to head to the temple, then to Ravenloft, presumably, for the third and final time. I have used your videos to study some of the more complex locations.
Do you recommend I have them roll initiative at the start of entering the castle? Or encounter by encounter? As a DM I prefer encounter by encounter. But my particular group is more roleplay-orientated, and when we have combats we all prefer fewer but bigger, more lethal, tactical combat in general. However, Strahd doesn't fight this way IMO and I will absolutely try to whittle down the party in the castle with as many small combats as possible.
Having initiative in the background us a great way to go, it will keep them always on edge!
How do you get to the maps with the info on the side? I click on journal and scroll down, but no details show up. Am I missing something?
on roll20, you select what map you are on by clicking on the tab near the top left!
Do you mind if you did a quick tutorial video on how to import the rpg art into the roll 20 version?
Also are there helpful tips on smoothing the process of running it on roll 20 ?
Would be very helpful and appreciated
if you buy the module on roll20, it does all the work for you! if you want to add the art, simply make a hand out and put the art you want in it to show whenever is necessary.
running games on roll20 is easy, but the most important thing to consider is how far the players can move, and how to handle when the initiative starts!
Do you get this function when you purchase the 24.99 Strahd book? Are you stuck with a prescription or membership?
you get this with the roll20 purchase yes! and no, you dont need a membership!
How would you suggest to handle the dining hall if the party has already been to the castle for the dinner?
if it is the final confrontation, then for sure you can run it "as written". they have a dine in with Strahd, then they get locked in! either that, or strahd and gang sit down and final conversations are had, then the evil forces retreat back into the castle and then your party explores!
First comment. And first dislike
le feels
@@NoFunAllowed I am keeping the bell icon for this. I am dedicated to ruin your moral
@@oldomen3788 boo haha