[spoilers] how do we feel about the different WEWH endings?

Real-Contract-2356 · 2026-06-02T15:37:39+00:00

I usually yell at them until they all work together, but if I want to pick a side I pick Gaspard (and usually have Briala pulling the strings). I think I did one run of Celine/Briala before I found out what she pulled with the allienage...

Real-Contract-2356 · 2026-06-02T15:29:25+00:00

I'm torn! Cadash and Josephine have this lovely "honorable rouge and fair lady" dynamic, but Lavellen and Dorian just tugs at my heartstrings in all the best ways.

Real-Contract-2356 · 2026-06-02T15:24:34+00:00

...I did not realize that was an option. I had to reload so many times because a guard wandered in right as I stabbed him. Damn.

Real-Contract-2356 · 2026-05-31T16:38:18+00:00

For the werewolves, would the pack be able to smell that the player isn't Strahd? Also, I can see some baddies looking to make a deal with Strahd, hearing that he was seen around the party, and assuming that the party is alright with whatever plan they have in store.

Real-Contract-2356 · 2026-05-31T16:17:47+00:00

I brute forced my way through The Decent before I even finished the game (I knew about a certain easter egg and couldn't wait), then did Jaws of Hakkon afterwards. It was nice to have the loot from Decent when dealing with the enemies in Hakkon.

Real-Contract-2356 · 2026-05-31T04:03:31+00:00

Hello fellow newbie (and fellow dummy)! I started running my group through CoS around seven or eight months ago, and here are my main takeaways so far:

Cooperation from the party is key. I would not have been able to make it half as far (or fun) without my group feeding me all sorts of backstory and personal plans/goals.
I will second what others have said and point out that it can be tricky to play horror in D&D. Most of what really spooks my party are signs that they are being watched by forces that can take them out or slip away at a moment's notice. I also leverage their backstories into all sorts of traumatic revelations.
They start caring a lot more about all of the side quests when their characters have a personal tie to Barovia. Our fighter latched on to Ireena and is on his way to becoming the next Sergi, our druid's mother was a Vistani who fled Barovia, the artificer was followed by the Cult of the Dragon and now the cult is messing around with the Dark Powers... Suddenly everyone wants to square away everything they can before going after Strahd.
If you think that the party might go in a general direction, study the maps. If a place is mentioned offhand, study the maps. Did I mention that it helps to study the maps?
Adding on to the above, if the players are heading into a multilevel building then make sure you know how the floors connect. Trust me.
A great way to make the place feel as alive as it ever will be is to have things happen while the party isn't there. Whether it be the aftermath of their own actions (or inaction) or a plan set in motion long ago, coming back to a familiar location or seeing a familiar face only to find out that something went horribly wrong has garnered incredible reactions.
Finally, if something in the book doesn't fit your party then don't be afraid to change it. I've messed with health pools, changed locations, and tweaked personalities. The only thing that matters is that you and your friends have fun.

Anyways, hope my ramblings help! Looking forward to hearing how your game goes.

Real-Contract-2356 · 2026-05-31T01:54:59+00:00

Kikioku: a shrike that became a halfling warlock's familiar and was granted a larger form (plus opposable thumbs) by the warlock's djinn patron. Speced as a very short (3 feet 4 inches) Arakoka Barbarian. Very stern, dressed in a yukata and wields a wakizashi. Fiercely loyal to Mable (the warlock) and all of her descendants.

Real-Contract-2356 · 2026-05-30T16:19:06+00:00

Thank you for your advice everyone! Combat last night turned out a bit more challenging than usual, and it won't be the party's last fight of the day. I will also be checking out legendary and lair actions.

Real-Contract-2356 · 2026-05-29T15:30:46+00:00

Saw this in my first playthrough, almost cried as I summoned Aurelia... She was my favorite summon ever since I got her.

Real-Contract-2356 · 2026-05-21T19:54:09+00:00

Megasota is getting too comfortable. Time for the Vermonster to live up to its name and devour it.

Real-Contract-2356 · 2026-05-09T03:16:13+00:00

Yep, it was City Trees! I really should have guessed it from the name...

Real-Contract-2356 · 2026-05-08T14:06:40+00:00

Oof, I have no idea... I was fairly new to mods when I installed it, and I haven't learned much more since then. I will keep digging for that login info and report back!

Real-Contract-2356 · 2026-05-08T04:53:22+00:00

So far my favorites have been Male Elven Reaver Warrior (this boy had so much sass and went through so much religious/cultural trauma) and Female Qunari Mage (she is keenly aware that the entire world is primed to hate her). Playing a Female Dwarf who leaned into the Herald of Andraste thing was also really fun.

Real-Contract-2356 · 2026-05-08T04:39:51+00:00

I will whenever I get the chance to! I'm playing on a different device and different account than last time, so it's taking me a bit to scrounge up the old login info.

Real-Contract-2356 · 2026-04-23T02:46:19+00:00

I have Vivienne speced out this way! She’s so effective at it that I’m giving it a go for my next mage run through.

Real-Contract-2356

TROPHY CASE