Beyond 1st Level

The RAIN find themselves back at the beginning in Barovia… or should we say, Bar-over? The clues they hoped to follow aren’t as clear as expected, and the paths ahead lead to new faces, strange encounters, and dangers they’ve never seen before. With no easy answers, how will they face challenges they can’t predict—and threats they don’t yet understand? 

 The mountain shakes as an undead dragon rends sky from stone, and The RAIN face a battle they cannot win. If death is not the end, what comes after? And how many times can they fall before hope itself is lost? 

 Through snow and storm, The RAIN reach the painter’s hut high in the mountains—only to find answers that raise even darker questions. Who is this strange figure, and how can he know so much of their journey? And when truth is finally revealed, will it free them… or trap them forever? 

 In Vallaki, celebration hides a darker purpose. The RAIN split up to uncover the truth behind the festival, but every answer only breeds more questions. What is the Burgomaster’s true intent? Can they stop the night’s ritual before it’s too late? And if they do… will the town see them as heroes or villains? 

Arriving in Vallaki during the height of the Blood Moon Festival, The RAIN find a town full of cheer, masks, and unsettling smiles. But beneath the celebrations, something feels wrong—forced, desperate, too perfect. What lies behind the masks, and what will the night’s rituals truly reveal? 

Castle Ravenloft opens its grand doors to The RAIN, offering warmth, food… and questions. A cordial host. A lavish meal. A house full of secrets. But in Barovia, even kindness feels like a trap. Can hospitality be trusted when offered by the devil himself? 

 The RAIN begin their climb to Castle Ravenloft, treading a path walked by countless adventurers—most never returned. Whispers haunt the road, and uneasy allies raise more questions than answers. Can Rawlin be trusted? What horrors wait along the castle’s looming paths? And is Strahd truly the devil they’ve been warned about… or something far worse? 

The RAIN step into the Vine’s Blessing Inn, knowing full well it’s a trap—but what choice do they have? With the eerie doll still in Mother Ireena’s clutches, the question isn’t if things will go wrong… It’s how. Will they sneak, steal, or fight their way out? And just how much longer can they survive Barovia’s twisted version of hospitality?

The RAIN delve into Barovia’s abandoned church and quickly learn that sanctuaries here are anything but safe. With the unsettling presence of Mother Ireena and a doll that holds more weight than it should, the shadows only grow deeper. What lies beneath the church? Why does the doll matter so much? And can a single natural 20 really unravel secrets not meant to be known… yet?

In this special episode, David (DM) is joined by The RAIN: Riku (Will), Airis (Cesar), Ishi (Kelley), and Nadia (Sam). They summarize and share their thoughts about the campaign and episodes 121 through 140?... of Beyond 1st Level. Use this episode to catch up and hang out with Beyond 1st Level.

Swept up by a cheerful crowd, The RAIN find themselves center stage before the entire village of Barovia. Their search leads them to the town’s eerie graveyard, but in a land ruled by dread, nothing is ever as it seems. Are they truly safe under the villagers' watchful eyes? What secrets sleep beneath the graves? And why is everyone smiling in a place built on sorrow? 

Of all the Domains, this was the one they feared most—and yet here The RAIN stand, in the shadow of Castle Ravenloft itself. Strahd has taken notice, and in Barovia, death is never swift... and mercy is just another game. Can The RAIN escape the Count’s grasp, or have they already lost the moment they stepped through the mist?

 The RAIN finally reach the Domains of Dread—but entering may be the worst decision they’ve ever made. As they drift through the mist toward an unknown fate, a new enemy strikes, one that challenges Ishi in ways no blade ever could. Can The RAIN survive without their fighter, and will Ishi’s mind survive the encounter? 

With a chance at freedom, Kleek seizes the moment and the RAIN dive into Baba Yaga’s hut to reclaim what was lost—Kleek’s Negative side. But facing the Beast is only the beginning. Will Baba Yaga tolerate intruders once more? Can the RAIN handle the horrors inside? And can Ishi endure the strain long enough for Kleek to return?

In the twisting depths, Ishi comes face to beak with Kleek—a long-lost companion of Soveliss, thought dead in the Negative Energy Plane. As old memories stir and strange tensions rise, questions take flight. Who is Kleek really, and how did he survive? What is Ishi’s Negative side… and is he now trapped in a realm far darker than he realizes? 

Deep beneath Avernys, a familiar name rings through the labyrinth—Soveliss. Before marching toward their fate in the Domains of Dread, the RAIN chase one last mystery. Who or what is calling out? What secrets do the Wards truly hide? And with twisting tunnels all around them… can Ishi actually get lost?

After surviving a chaotic battle and a near-fatal cave-in, The RAIN finally have a chance to catch their breath. With Rassheth before them, now is the time for answers—about the city, the Yuan-ti, and the dangers lurking in the shadows. As long as nothing world-shattering comes to light, this should be a simple conversation… right?

A battle erupts, but something is terribly wrong—there are two Nadias, each claiming to be the real one. The RAIN struggle to unravel the truth in the chaos, but deception runs deep in the Shadowfell. Which Nadia is their ally, and which is the imposter? Or worse… could there be more than two?

In the mist-covered Withered Cradle, The RAIN navigates eerie streets where ghosts live ordinary lives. Guided by spectral visions, they uncover a forgotten temple hidden among the ruins. But within its crumbling walls lies a discovery that could change everything. What secrets await them, and are they ready to face what they find?