Chapter Overview
This chapter covers the party’s transition from whatever campaign world they inhabit into the Demiplane of Dread. It should feel like a one-way door closing behind them — atmospheric, unsettling, and irrevocable.
Prep Checklist
- Decide on your hook (letter from the burgomaster vs. Vistani campfire vs. mysterious mists)
- Prepare the gates of Barovia description
- Have the Death House ready if you’re using it (see sections below)
- Set the mood — dim lights, ambient music, change your tone of voice
Key Decisions
Which Hook?
| Hook | Best For |
|---|---|
| Burgomaster’s Letter | Groups that need a clear quest objective |
| Vistani Campfire | Groups that enjoy mysterious, atmospheric openings |
| The Mists | Groups coming from another campaign — the mists simply swallow them |
Death House: Yes or No?
Death House (Appendix B) is a level 1-3 dungeon designed to introduce Strahd’s themes. It’s excellent but takes 2-3 sessions. Use it if your party starts below level 3.
Pacing
This chapter should take 1 session (or 3-4 sessions if including Death House). Don’t linger — the real campaign begins in the Village of Barovia.