5e Dungeon Masters Guide - Curse of Strahd - [Preamble] [Ch. 1] [Ch. 2] [Ch. 3] [Death House]

[@aronagerton2909]

I have ADHD and its unmedicated. I have a really hard time DMing modules because of it because its hard for me to read long form. But I listen to audio books and can watch long form tv shows and podcast just fine. This video has been a huge help to me. thank you so much for making it.

[@Marcel2278]

Dude 100%, I've never felt so prepared to DM a session in my life!

[@Jachord]

Same here this is lovely :)

[@GeekandGlory]

I was so happy when I found out this was basically an audio book. I can listen to this at work and it is so much easier to digest than reading through the actual book.

[@rockboy12346]

I have ADD and have the same problem reading modules but absolutely love dnd. Could not get through the castle part of the module at all so this video is a big help.

[@greenman13131313]

lmao I'm not even listening to the video because of my ADD. I'm down here in the comments instead XD

[@davidhollowelljr949]

So it's basically an audiobook of Curse of Strahd? ...aight, I'm about it.

[@xpyright2935]

I highly suggest you put on some fireplace and rain/thunder ASMR while listening to this.

[@AF-tv6uf]

This is exactly what I was looking for and didn't know it existed. Nice.

[@Packermanice97]

as someone who would like audio book version of adventure books as a dm i aprrove

[@lc9604]

Curse of Strahd: the Audio book. Nice.

[@davidhollowelljr949]

Shit I was late af on that joke

[@Locolupine4144]

I still followed along with the physical copy of the book and it gave me a chance to pause the video and take notes of how I would use different features for some of the campaign since I'm running a game for newer players

[@Locolupine4144]

And the pieces of information about Ireena and Rudolph all give the DM (me in this case) even more knowledge without reading all the way to chapter 3/5 right away to find out where these characters are once the campaign starts. That ultimately means I'll get to run this campaign even sooner!

[@carljoosepraave2102]

I feel many share this sentiment, but this has helped me enormously in preparing as someone with ADHD

[@lcamacho398]

Finally modules as audiobooks, this guy deservers more subs

[@doctorbubonic1956]

This has saved my life. I'm very dyslexic and I'm currently running this campaign for my friends. It took me a long time to read the module and I barely understood it.

[@alexanderbarlow8155]

I was literally just searching for Curse of Strahd videos, and this popped up ("2 minutes ago"), loved your work the Lost Mines video.

[@irnbru5496]

Thankyou so much for doing this I am dyslexic but always wanted to DM I found the books really daunting to read without a general overlay now I can watch these videos as prep and I have a rly good idea what to do as the characters move about.

[@music4note]

you can just read the book...in the same amount of time....exact same since he is reading the book to us...

[@irnbru5496]

Y4 H you could just read my comment...

[@joaobatina7417]

As another dyslexic, thanks mate. Waiting for the next

[@jamesvandevender7975]

Y4 h can you yourself NOT read? Read his initial comment. 😑

[@wingscancer]

also dyslexic here, i want to DM as well. ill back you up on this Will Grant 👍

[@heroscape-legends5067]

Every time I watch I fall asleep in like 5 minutes. It’s very relaxing

[@bonesdnd8716]

This was extremely helpful and very informative. I was reading over the official book when I stumbled across this. Studying the module can be monotonous but listening to it like an audiobook is actually pretty entertaining. I really appreciate how much work you've put into this video and really hope to see more content like this in the future. Thanks a ton.

[@paulh3892]

Thanks for posting another well produced in depth campaign setting guide. It’s no wonder everyone speaks so fondly of this module. What a cool theme

[@pseudonym9599]

This is my first time running a module. Having this in audio makes notes and prep so easy. The ideas flow as I listen. Thank you so much for posting this.

[@joshuawalker8624]

As someone with a bit of an issue when it comes to reading extensive lore due to poor attention span, having an auditory aid while reading kept me turning pages and absorbed what's being said. I plan on running this in a few weeks and this really helped keep focus.

[@fraserhardy7430]

These episodes are some of the (if not THE) best GM prep content I've ever heard. As a relatively new DM, listening to these before picking up Strahd gave me so much more freedom over my ability to guide the story and ideas to implement. Previously unclear motivations and interactions laid bare, and your connecting of npcs across the land with historical insight is brilliant- what I'd give for these guides for other campaigns 😩😩

[@chrisnash8825]

I love that 'reading the campaign book' is the best prep content for the campaign....

[@travails3829]

@@chrisnash8825 How on Earth this isn't copyright infringement I'll never know.

[@BonScott1995]

Its a shame you didnt continue doing video's like this, they are REALLY good!

[@YourPocketGM]

Sorry for the wait, this is coming soon: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2XCZ4aJqKyeeLc

[@ryanversecodp]

I can't thank you enough for your content. I'm a chef, so finding time to do anything is a challenge. I listen to your videos while I'm prepping and cleaning, it really makes the time fly by.

[@biornr.4031]

I own the book, but your narration makes it even better. Your tone also really fits the setting/mood. This also allows me to continue without having to sit down at a desk and read through it all. Great job, I really appreciate it

[@ltGargoyle]

I have to agree.

[@ademiranda2]

I keep coming back to this video since I have been watching it in parts. I am learning a few things as I go along. This is my approach in preparing: 1)I am trying to read through the whole thing cover to cover. However, I am going slow because I am reading and rereading the areas that I’m about to run. I highlight what I consider important as I go. I also use Post it notes to remind me of sequence of presenting scenes, encounters, and NPC’s. 2)As I go through reading an area, I make index cards of all the NPC’s in that section and possible monsters the PC’s might encounter. Nothing kills the immersion more than stopping everything to look up stats in a book. My philosophy is that books are resources to be used between game sessions, not during game sessions. 3)It’s important to read the Appendix D: Monsters and NPC’s section at the back of the book. I found that it helped clarify a lot of the sub plots and made me understand the important NPC’s motivations a lot better so I could role play them correctly. This is important because it will help move the story along. This is a great campaign and a lot of fun to DM so far!

[@YourPocketGM]

Yes it can be quite hard to run especially if you're a first time GM. I would recommend just memorizing 3 random monster encounters and just run them as you feel appropriate for the moment. Trying to memorize every encounter will overwhelm you. It is far better to have 3 fast, exciting and memorable encounters than 20 slow, tedious and forgettable ones! Remember that you can always 'revise' the campaign notes in between sessions as opposed to trying to have it all ready at session 1. :) Good luck!

[@asherscottL]

THANK YOU for the visual map explanations. I was able to figure them out, but flipping back and forth between the map and the descriptions for exhausting. I really appreciate the extra work

[@Yandarval]

Listening to this. it sounds very much like the OG Ravenloft adventure. No changes at all. just stat blocks I imagine.

[@StyrofoamCancer]

I rarely comment on videos, but THANK YOU so much for this wonderful resource. I'm preparing to run CoS (after having played it) and listening to this at work is helping me mentally prepare in a big way. Incredible work, really.

[@SwedenMupp]

Your voice is amazing for reading its so captivating yet smooth

[@DevilsandDragonsDaD]

I felt overwhelmed trying to read the book and I'm hoping that this will provide me the things needed in order to start my first session

[@dm_guru2408]

I love Curse of Strahd and it's one of my favorite campaigns I've ever run and I so very much wish that this video existed when I started preparing it years ago. This was great! Awesome images/effects.

[@ademiranda2]

I am getting ready to run this next week and decided to watch this video in preparation while I wait to get the guide I just ordered. I also decided to go all out and order the tarokka deck. This video is going to help me a lot in getting ready. Thanks!

[@christopherwood1994]

I’m starting CoS in 3 days, I’ve listened to this 5 times over. Thanks!

[@Shimloo]

Can't say enough how big of a help this series is - best guide I've come across and it's a huge aid to a new DM

[@duttdits]

I know this video as old as the hills but I'm about to run my first pre-written adventure instead of homebrew content and I chose curse of strahd. I'm able to listen to headphones at work and this is been a fantastic way to make time for the book without having to actually have my book. Thank you so much for this gift that still continues to give to this day!

[@Marcel2278]

As someone with ADHD and the ability to read the book but not in one sitting, this immeasurably helpful in helping me get through the content relatively quickly so I can always go back and double check if I need to later. This works so much better for me and you have no idea how thankful I am for this, and I can't imagine how useful this for other people with similar disorders or issues.. Again thank you and dope quality and editing!

[@sirelfinjedi]

This is my #1 resource for running Curse of Strahd. Thank you!

[@esperthebard]

Well done! If only I'd listened to this before running CoS, I would have felt overall more familiar with everything.

[@YourPocketGM]

To have impressed such an accomplished bard I am quite smitten.

[@_frogerino]

this is exactly what i have been looking for

[@SquiddlyInk]

This was so cool. Thank you - your voice is so nice to listen to.

[@animouse2354]

Been so terrified of doing a premade campaign because of the amount of reading and dyslexia is a big b word this helps so much ❤

[@martinmaydana2418]

At first I was thinking to myself: "what's the point in listening to hours of video?, I'm just looking for quick tips...." That was like 6 videos ago. Congrats, man, unique style and content.

[@m.mulder8864]

This has been a really great way for me to absorb the module's information while idling at work. Thank you for these videos

[@Yhoshua_hiphop]

This is awesome! I’m preparing to DM CoS for the first time and this is really helpful in getting into the module and setting.

[@Yohmama1988]

You got a patreon or someway we can support you? Because this helps me out so much and this seems like alot of work. I feel bad not giving you something lol.

[@Wndrlnd9]

This! ^^^

[@vtecnick89]

I just started dm'ing and I find this video so helpful since I wanna run this campaign for my friends who are newish players. I wholeheartedly agree

[@magerious2150]

This video was Immeasurably valuable to me, I am GMing this next week I felt unprepared until now

[@frederika.h.1004]

Just saying, this really helps. You have no idea ! I love the books, and i love having them, i love skimming and reading the sections i need to know. But when it comes to actually reading a whole book or for extended time, no matter how much i want... its just difficult. So thank you. You got my sub, and all the likes i can give ! Definitely gonna use this for other moduls !

[@toasty5296]

the letter to the players: please come to strahd also I've been trying to reach you about your cars extended warranty

[@trusarmor4957]

this is some good stuff. loved it. nice delivery too.

[@alphasia91]

Thank you so much for doing this! I struggled through reading the book but I still feel like I’m lacking in so much. This is really helpful!!

[@ThorBalthorak]

Thank you for making this video. I will be running this campaign along with some of my own created horrors this year. I love that I can listen to this at work and then read more of the book on the weekends.

[@musicloverfromA45]

Thank you for this video, makes working with the book easier for my game. your a real champion for posting this.

[@Mallachaii]

Listening to videos like this is easier to understand than reading the module for me. Definitely a big help. I like the background music too, very fitting, wish I knew what it was.

[@Theoharis00]

Cant wait for part 2.Great video!

[@lizepietje]

I Like Turtles cant WAIT indeed!

[@YourPocketGM]

Thanks for the support, this is coming soon: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2XCZ4aJqKyeeLc

[@adamjacobrogers9155]

Ravenloft is fantastic. The original had detailed maps, backstory, atmosphere, with a card reading system designed to use as a gypsy witch fortune telling. I have played through as a PC and DM 'ed later on, both roles were equally fun and engaging AF. Classic module in a series of fantastic adventures.

[@joshshin6819]

5e is just like the original n is amazing as well. Def depends on the DM but it's a great story.

[@adamjacobrogers9155]

@@joshshin6819 I have to admit I've yet to play any version past... Say.. 3.5 maybe? 5th edition seems fairly easy to grasp I just don't have the materials, resources to obtain said materials, or ppl who can actually commit to it as a consistent thing..

[@adamjacobrogers9155]

@@joshshin6819 I used to play through my Step - Dad 's collection of modules and played some classic ones, Keep at Borderlands, Hommlet, Ravenloft, the Oasis of White Palm trilogy, Queen of the Demonweb Pit. Great fun and good times.👍

[@kalebmantegani5922]

Helps a lot to have your narration as I’m reading the book, thanks!

[@andreagarton5535]

Hey! Thanks for helping me build my character - gold Fizbain’s treasurery of dragons dragonborn wild magic sorcerer who literally fell into Barovia when she was 5. Thanks so much for this video. 😊

[@stelioskaz6585]

great job. having an audiobook along side the book really helps

[@azreon25]

I’m going to come back to this for when I run Curse of Strahd to refresh, I might just run Strahd when I finish running my first campaign, This sounds like fun

[@cwesley2005]

Please do more of these! They are extremely helpful and entertaining! Thank you very much!

[@Trappolacida]

Thank you so much! english is not my first language, so i follow with the sub. Its funny youtube translate Barovian with Peruvian. So i follow all the adventure with this Peruvian all around. It's Curse Of Strahd, but in Peru.

[@FD-lo8xr]

THANKS!!!! cant wait for part 2! when will u be uploading it??? great job man!

[@YourPocketGM]

Thanks for the nice comment, this is coming soon: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2XCZ4aJqKyeeLc

[@MegaScuffy]

Thank you for these videos there very helpful for someone like me who has trouble reading

[@rpm297]

Exciting, and well read! Looking forward to hearing the second part.

[@YourPocketGM]

Sorry for the wait, this is coming soon: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2XCZ4aJqKyeeLc

[@nelsoncaetano9302]

The work you're doing here is amazing, thank you!!

[@bytecode5834]

Fantastic video, thanks for the gift!

[@mrkojak-ci1zm]

Sounds like "Diablo l " sound track. Awesome

[@YourPocketGM]

Good ear! Diablo 2 as well. :)

[@ryanrizzo4869]

That's what I thought. Good choice. I use these soundtracks in my games often.

[@gibberishmerchant3413]

Instantly subbing, this video is super helpful to keep me focused on the module.

[@dimofamo]

I'm about to end my 3rd campaign of CoS and still find this useful and intriguing. The reading is very understandable, even for non-native listeners. Very nice video

[@Sage2000]

Hello. 3 times, impressive. I would like some advice of better aventure hooke and a reason for Sthrad to being people in. Feels forced the way its written...

[@dimofamo]

@@Sage2000 I had great improvements from the CoS reddit and the Lunch break heroes videos on KZbin. Developing personal quests for the PCs was a HUGE difference.

[@Sage2000]

@@dimofamo thanks. Will take a look. But for the vampire himself, why is he bringing people in...

[@dimofamo]

@@Sage2000 eh will look for a challenge, allies/partners (to subjugate) and a successor. As he see fit

[@tothesimplethings9685]

Video is very helpful, helps for first time running the adventures. You should do tomb of annihilation next

[@paulcoy9060]

5:28 On page 15, it says "Inspire. While within sight of Strahd, this character grants inspiration to one player character he or she can see." It doesn't mention a Per Encounter maximum, and I would rule that this ability is usable once per Round, because Strahd is no push-over, and the PCs will need a hell of an ally to win the war.

[@mariajuliafernandes3659]

I have been using microsoft edge for audiobook this book, iam so happy this existi, my dyslexia is very happy kkkk

[@elzbthlncstr]

I have a reading difficulty that has made reading this book really difficult. Thank you for this!!!!!

[@ducktiekz]

Thank you so much! I cannot absorb reading because of my condition, this let's me to DM the best adventure of 5e :)

[@ImmuneToKnives]

YOU ARE INCREDIBLE. I appreciate you for this.

[@BigJackGameplays]

I'm really grateful for this masterwork! Not only I'm more interested in DMing Curse of Strahd, but I can rest assure that I'll understand what information the book have :)

[@jackobrien1716]

Really loving your work so far dude, hopefully, you'll put another one of these out on the Dragon of Icespire peak!

[@nickvalentin3646]

Ool

[@MrWiggy83]

Love it. Especially the Res 1 safe room music.

[@YourPocketGM]

My favourite RE game. :)

[@BoundScyth3]

Awesome in depth guide, it’s got me even more excited to transition my players into it in a few weeks 😎

[@saw31489]

Thanks for reading the module.

[@Gworgalad]

I plan to begin running this campaign on Friday 13th. This video has been immensely helpful in prep!

[@christhompson7662]

Super helpful for me. I was following along in the book and listening here. Helped me a ton, so thank you.

[@kutal35]

This is fucking gold! I been meaning to read this book for the longest time now I can listen to it while I work. This is way better than Audio book.

[@johnniefitzpatrick7]

Thank you so much for this! My anxiety frequently keeps me from reading because it doesn’t feel “productive enough.” This helps so much because I can do chores or sew with the book nearby for reference.

[@runstibble]

Thanks for doing this series. Been very helpful

[@_leontheprofessional]

Going to make a part 2? Would be a huge help!

[@blackunoichi]

Is it ever coming?

[@YourPocketGM]

Thanks for the support, this is coming soon: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2XCZ4aJqKyeeLc

[@manyPotions]

Thank you very much for this great video.

[@MrJedimedic]

Gothic D&D ASMR? Yes please!

[@VeritechGirl]

Halloween just around the corner! Good time for some Ravenloft!

[@InkWarrior]

Thank you for this. It's my turn to DM and I ran this in 2E. And that mummy statue is going to work great into the next part of the campaign.

[@fintandeconnachta5525]

Holy crap dude you're a lifesaver. This was extremely helpful. I have been a homebrew DM ever since I started playing. Never once ran a premade module. Tried once, when I first started learning 5E just to help me figure out how it works in comparison to the *coughsuperiorcough* more number cruncy Pathfinder and 3.5 I started with. Frankly, I don't get it. It seems a lot more difficult to follow something someone else wrote than just making it all up on my own. But...my group wants to play Curse of Strahd, the actual horror version (Three have played but the DMs ran it a horror comedy or a fricken BDSM porno because degeneracy.) So now I have no choice...plus, seems interesting. That said...I have to point out, that a lot (if not all) of the pictures between 3:07 and 3:33 are in fact cannon Pathfinder characters. The one in the first image is Seelah, a Paladin of Iomedae. The Arabic influenced one is Kyra, a cleric of Sarenrae, The orcish looking one in the red cloak is Imrijka, an inquisitor of Pharasma The female with the highly revealing robes is Seoni, a sorcerer and Pharasma worshiper Kind of warms my heart.

[@ignidraws5364]

you make the best dnd guides out there man

[@quaidsix8761]

Keep this up. I am looking forward to the next part.

[@YourPocketGM]

This is coming soon: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2XCZ4aJqKyeeLc

[@ThePassamaquoddy]

Thank you so much, this allows me to cut down preptime as I can listen while I work!

[@mosheye84]

Holy crap this is so well done!!!!!

[@Sanosuke18]

Awesome work! I had too little time reading the book, but thanks to you, I can listen to it while I drive!

[@Scarpie24]

My guy! Great vid!

[@AbsurdNotions]

Fantastic resource! Thanks so much.

[@caolanochearnaigh9804]

The Curse of Strahd is the *PERFECT* Halloween campaign...

[@jillianh7565]

It's funny how you mentioned who Strahd gravitates to and why. I am currently playing a half elf cleric noblewoman in my group's Curse of Strahd campaign. She is literally everything that would intrigue Strahd, whether it is because of her beauty, intelligence, charisma and status. Note that I did not intend on making her a victim when I built the character. I play this character similar to Sansa Stark from Game of Thrones, Padme from Star Wars or Princess Zelda from the Legend of Zelda series. Unfortunately, this makes my character a prime target of hate and mistrust in Barovia. So far she has died twice and gotten seriously injured once because of the plans of the rest of her party. Sometimes I wonder what all this could mean for the story and how Strahd views my character. According to my dm, Strahd hates my character because she is a cleric, but I think there is more to the story given that I am the one who is attacked often.

[@Dragons4Dummies]

This is just what I was looking for! Thank you!! I can study the campaign at work now for my playersn

[@darrinstanfill6846]

Thank you so fn much for these Stahd videos

[@flightpathacquired2013]

This is so awesome! There is a little bit of a mixup in the video description.

[@YourPocketGM]

All fixed, thanks :)

[@stevenmayes2958]

This has made learning CoS so easy! I can follow along in the book and make notes as you read it and explain. Thank you so much for this! How can we contribute to your success for doing this??

[@dashlock211]

Dude Thank you for these vids. You rock.

[@FullmetalFreakthingy]

Please continue this series! Its so good!

[@YourPocketGM]

Yes, sorry for the delay. This is coming soon: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2XCZ4aJqKyeeLc

[@vangogh589]

Very well narrated. It intrigues me to want to give this setting a play.