u/LanguageOk1726

One of my players wants to make a character who is a half-orc/half-halfling. And while we could simply use the stats for a half-orc, as it doesn't necessarily mean half-human, I decided along with them to make a mix of the two. However, as I was reading through the rules of the two races, I realised this combination, as well as the two original races, are quite weak compared to races found in later and newer books. For example, this player is currently playing a Kobold, which, despite not being the best race unless you have a build in mind, is still far more interesting and powerful than a halfling. This is what I have heard be referred to as the PHB effect, where, similarly to in Pokémon, the average power level of newer content is generally stronger than older content.

So, currently the race is mostly Half-Orc, with the menacing trait replaced with a choice of Intimidation, Persuasion and Deception, and replacing Savage Attacks with the Halfling's Brave feature, which is thematic to the character. But I was considering whether I should add a sort of mini-subrace feature, ironically similar to the Kobold Legacy feature, based on the halfling subraces to compensate that this character might feel weaker compared to their previous character, as well as the rest of the party. How do you feel?

It’s me again if you know me. Somewhat controversial DM who’s running CoS later this year yada yada. I have a few ideas for concepts to add to the module that I wonder what people’s thoughts are on them

1. Mad Mary and Gertruda are Mary and Gertruda Cantemir. Mary is the Sister-in-Law of Bildrath Cantemir and the mother of Parriwimple. Mad Mary locked up Gertruda because she feared Strahd would take her away because of his interest in the Burgeormaster’s daughte

r, as well as maybe losing another child to the recent rebellion.

1. When she ran away, Bildrath became even less interested in letting his nephew Parriwimple (fated ally) leave the town. As part of the heist to rescue Argynvost’s bones, or while dining with the devil, the party can also rescue Gertruda. Parriwimple is glad to see his sister again and convinces Bildrath to let him help
2. Adding an additional town, Kutcherie, which exists on the western of the two ‘peaks’ of Mount Ghakis. This town is largely isolated from the other towns but has an amount of relations with the nearby Krezk. The town is partially run by Ludmilla who has her laboratory in the nearby environs. In this town, people largely work in a nearby mine where they unknowingly (due to Ludmilla’s charming powers) harvest the still partially fleshed remains of Argynvost. They don’t realise this and believe they’re running a silver mine and sacrifice anything that doesn’t fit with this illusion, as well as criminals, to the entities in the nearby Amber Temple. This town would add lore to how Strahd has control over the people as well as help make his brides active characters
3. One of the players is planning on playing a ghostslayer Blood Hunter. When they reach a level that grants the Aether Walk feature, during her next long rest, she wakes up in the ethereal plane, seeing the spirits of dead adventurers and barovians to-be reborn. She also sees Strahd riding atop Beucephalus in the sky, leaving a streak of fire and crying out for Sergei’s spirit, upon which she sees the glowing light of the sun sword in the general area where the treasure can be found
4. Each of the four brides will have different fangs to relate to their characters. Simple addition but adds character to them each. Volenta has a mouth full of jagged teeth, Anastrasya has the classic fangs, Ludmilla has short, almost unnoticeable fangs and Escher has elongated, speech impeding fangs that represent his youth as a vampire and conflicting feelings
5. In Vallaki, the fiendish cult is an additional faction as opposed to being related to Wachter or Vargas. Vargas is aggressively against Strahd which Wachter believes will invoke his wrath which is why she, with a more neutral (and not allied) position wishes to topple him. Defeating either will lead to an actual celebration that dwarfs Vargas’ forced celebrations. This celebration, unless the Bones have been recovered, triggers St. Andral’s Feast where Strahd is angered either way. In the midst of the chaos, Strahd might personally hand over an invitation to Castle Ravenloft
6. Using modified version of the Mysterious Visitors plot hook, Arrigal is present at the Vistani camp which is why he was missing when his niece went missing. Introduces him as a future character and the concept of allies of Strahd
7. Semi-early on the players encounter a stray knight who fits the bill of one of their (multiple) fated allies. This knight turns out to be a spawn of, and sometimes Strahd himself in disguise who seeks to orchestrate the parties actions and learn insights into Ireena’s personality eventually to woo her. It is revealed when they find Emil in the dungeons of Ravenloft that Strahd was using his likeness. This part is mostly because he coincidentally looked like him but also adds some creep factor that Strahd will steal people’s appearances to trick others
8. Adding a lot of monsters from VRGR like the Carrion Puppet(?) and Nosferatu that infest the dungeons of Ravenloft
9. Ireena is a lot less involved in the plot. My understanding is that she functions as the drive to take the players from different locations. Instead she’s one of the quests and a lot less maiden-in-distress.