The Curse is Coming

So in my home group I have been tasked with running Curse of Strahd, and so my research and preparation begins. First I need a list of Tarokka cards (in the new Gale Force 9 edition) so that I can come up with uses for them:

Pentacles - Wizard (Master), Transmuter (1), Diviner (2), Enchanter (3), Abjurer (4), Elementalist (5), Evoker (6), Illusionist (7), Necromancer (8), Conjurer (9)

Swords - Warrior (Master), Avenger (1), Paladin (2), Soldier (3), Mercenary (4), Myrmidon (5), Berserker (6), Hooded One (7), Dictator (8), Torturer (9)

Coins - Rogue (Master), Swashbuckler (1), Philanthropist (2), Trader (3), Merchant (4), Guild Member (5), Beggar (6), Thief (7), Tax Colletor (8), Miser (9)

Glyphs - Priest (Master), Monk (1), Missionary (2), Healer (3), Shepherd (4), Druid (5), Anarchist (6), Charlatan (7), Bishop (8), Traitor (9)

High Deck - Ghost, Tempter, Seer, Raven, Donjon, Mists, Darklord, Marionette, Broken One, Innocent, Beast, Horseman, Artifact, Executioner

It has been hinted that the deck will be used to set up random encounters to make each play through of CoS unique, and that sounds awesome. But I want to do more with the deck. Some initial thoughts include:

Addition to Initiative, possibly with special effects
Effect on Critical Hits and Fumbles
Represent Inspiration, possibly granting additional abilities depending upon card gained

[D&D 5e] The Hidden World - Class(es?)

Okay, so +Erik Westmarch questioned why my goal to use one class, and while I responded that it was something I was toying around with, I decided last night that I was not going to attempt that goal. However, I don't want to focus on classes being as different as archetypes, so I think I am going to try and work up the following:

• Hunter
• Ascetic (similar to a Monk)
• Berzerk (similar to a Barbarian)
• Mercenary (similar to a Fighter)
• Witch (similar to a Paladin)
• Occultist
• Accursed (similar to a Warlock)
• Erudite (similar to a Wizard)
• Pious (similar to a Cleric)
• Savant (similar to a Sorcerer)
• Vagabond
• Criminal (similar to a Rogue)
• Folksy (similar to a Bard)
• Rustic (similar to a Ranger)
• Wild (similar to a Druid)

Obviously, when a say similar, I don't mean anywhere near directly. Mainly I am going to try to hit the feel of those classes in a modern sense. It may also just me, but I like this outline as you will them be able to describe your character clearly, as a Witch Hunter for example, or as an Accursed Occultist. Due to the fewer total classes, I think I will have the archetype you choose be active at level 1, instead of later in the core game, and have the traits for the archetype come more quickly, possibly every second or third level...

[D&D 5e] The Hidden World - Introduction

Awaken.
The world is not as you thought it was. Not entirely.
Man thrives, and technology advances apace. But there are still hidden places in the world, hidden peoples. Most will never know, will never see.
But you do.
And they see you...

So, I have been wanting to work on some ideas for running an urban fantasy game using D&D 5e, and there isn't a lot out there, with what is being scattered and disjointed. So I thought I'd start bringing some ideas together for my self. My goals will be thus:

1. Create/adapt at least 5 bloodlines of Awakened.
2. Create a single class with multiple and expandable trees of traits.
3. Create/adapt at least 10 backgrounds with more mechanical weight (to cover for having only one class).
4. Modify the skill list to include more modern skills and/or uses of skills.
5. Create/adapt a modern list of gear and equipment.

I think that is a good starting point, so we'll see how it goes.