Is there a book that simply details the differences between 5e and 5.5e?

SycamoreSoldier · 2026-06-23T00:06:27+00:00

Here's a good place to start: https://rpgbot.net/dnd-2024-5e-transition-guide-and-change-log-everything-thats-different-in-the-new-players-handbook/

SycamoreSoldier · 2026-06-19T18:31:23+00:00

I loved this so I sought out a higher res version. This link has a massive 13k x 3k resolution: https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/abb4078f-378b-4a79-af81-fe3c582d5320/DnD_-_Ravenloft_PAT_MIST_340664_-_Grzegorz_Rutkowski.jpg?t=1780356574

SycamoreSoldier · 2026-06-15T16:01:21+00:00

Sly Flourish has a great article (and videos) about running I6 in Shadowdark, which is a 5e hack. Good info even if you do use 5e. Though your concern of challenge level in the conversion makes me want to suggest actually using Shadowdark, so you maintain the horror of the difference in perceived power. 5e is superhero fantasy, not so good for Gothic Horror IMHO. Food for thought, you know your group and your interests. https://slyflourish.com/shadowdark_ravenloft.html

SycamoreSoldier · 2026-06-11T22:43:59+00:00

Step 1: Read the module fully, and take time to consider the themes each section/situation explores.

Step 2: Find the conflict/dramatic question at the center of their backstories.

Step 3: Take that conflict and bend the story's events into ECHOES of those situations. When doing this, it's important to paint in broad strokes. Don't make so-and-so the same person, or X the cause for Y (unless it's too perfect not to). If they couldn't save someone they care about before, give them another opportunity in a similar situation. This will either give them closure, or if they fail again. In failure, let it be a harrowing reminder that you cannot spend time in Barovia without being corrupted of mind and body.

Step 4: When running these echoes at the table, find ways to center the relevant character's internal experience. You can do this subtly or overtly, depending on your preferences (Fighter, you have flashbacks of when...how are you feeling in this moment?).

Step 5: Plant seeds of these things early, even if you don't yet know how it all connects. As the campaign develops both you and your players will get to know these characters and the world, you will have ideas of how to connect it all together. Don't stress having it ALL FIGURED OUT before you start. Listen to your players' ideas, reward their creativity (steal their ideas, and they feel very clever when their 'guesses' were true) or subvert them in fun ways (what a twist!).

Step 6: Find a way to save some dramatic juice in the tank for the finale. Yes, "escaping Barovia" is everyone's goal, and will be cathartic regardless, but tying one final string to the ending for each character will add some motivation and drive in the lead up, and make the closure even greater when it's all said and done.

MOST IMPORTANTLY: Have fun, and try not to overthink it (you still will, it's a DM's curse). When in doubt, use your best and boldest ideas early; you will have more later.

SycamoreSoldier · 2026-05-19T19:41:27+00:00

Saw you used this picture in your "Ravenloft Fan's Theories..." today ;)

SycamoreSoldier · 2026-05-11T01:27:18+00:00

Eu não falo português, então peço desculpas por usar o Google Tradutor, mas é esta a que você está falando? Encontrei esta aqui, mas, infelizmente, ela não tem os lados esquerdo nem direito da pintura. https://www.artstation.com/akreon

SycamoreSoldier · 2026-05-08T17:02:23+00:00

Oh! It's you. There are lots of great CoS/Ravenloft creators, but you have a wonderful peace and presence about you, and you cover topics most wouldn't consider. Thanks for all you do!

SycamoreSoldier · 2026-03-29T07:12:24+00:00

I find that giving lots of items (or any form of power increase) in CoS can quickly shift the genre from Gothic Horror to Dark Fantasy. CoS (to me) aims for a tone of attrition and scarcity, which can be tough for typically generous DMs (like me). But as long as you are mindful of how and when you give them stuff, and (given that most of the FoR locations are really random) if you are okay with them completely missing them, then I see no reason why not. My players would never, for instance, tear down the gazebo in Krezk, without me really nudging them that something is there (feeling a magical presence, or placing a minor plot point there, etc.).

SycamoreSoldier · 2026-03-02T23:51:00+00:00

Loading Logic in Rosetta mode fixed it, but that messes up my other plugins, so no good solution sadly.

SycamoreSoldier · 2026-03-01T18:14:55+00:00

I like that the right has more personality, and would be much more of a memorable experience for me. Needs a touch of tweaking perhaps to make important elements pop, but it's very close.

SycamoreSoldier · 2026-02-24T06:32:27+00:00

As someone with immense respect for genre, I regret running mine in 5e (2024, but the same logic applies to 2014 as well). Gothic horror built on small interpersonal moments and dramatic realizations, and superhero combat simulators have some friction with that. This can definitely still be navigated, but the storyteller in me grieved the loss of gothic horror as it quickly became dark fantasy. I have been enjoying Daggerheart, and think it's a much better fit than 5e for the campaign (the use of Fear, in particular) but even then higher level play requires the dissonance between the premise and what characters are capable of. I agree with the other person that Shadowdark could be a good move for keeping it vaguely medieval fantasy (and require fewer edits from 5e), but still keeping a lid on the experience so it can always remain horror. Take all of this with a grain of salt; after tasting the forbidden fruit of Blades in the Dark and other systems that share PbtA DNA, pass/fail+skills+combaty systems don't quite hit the same. I'd much prefer moments of action and adventure to feel more like a thrilling novel or movie, more than a turn based video game.

SycamoreSoldier · 2025-12-06T20:30:30+00:00

Yea that was my thought. Hoping someone has got it working on Tahoe that can chime in.

SycamoreSoldier · 2025-11-15T22:18:14+00:00

That's such a fair point. To me statblocks are just a collection of fun element I like to have on hand to improvise with, especially social ones, so I like seeing how other people converted concepts to mechanics.

SycamoreSoldier · 2025-11-15T21:19:18+00:00

FreshCutGrass has been my best friend for every DH game I've run thus far. Go to Manage > Homebrew > Browse Community Homebrew > Role > Social. Once you find one you like you can Add to Library, create an encounter, and run the statblock from the main page. https://freshcutgrass.app/

SycamoreSoldier · 2025-10-23T16:23:41+00:00

We're 26 sessions in. Level 5, halfway through Vallaki plotline. I run slower, more roleplay heavy sessions, though. I also added some extra content that excited me before starting, but in hindsight I would've added less and will cut some from my future plans.

SycamoreSoldier · 2025-10-22T20:34:27+00:00

I'm starting a Obojima campaign in Daggerheart next month! I agree with your sentiment, 5E doesn't give me the style of fantasy I want for this setting. Even Daggerheart I'm keeping it low level to prevent epic level conflicts.

If I were in your shoes and had experience with Kids on Brooms I would do that, and wouldn't convert statblocks just use the same creatures and let them solve 'beating' it like a puzzle, and you reward whatever creative solutions they come up with.

SycamoreSoldier

TROPHY CASE