Beyond 1st Level

 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?

With the Yuan-ti priestess revived, The RAIN pleads their case before the Fang of Kindness, asking for permission to hunt down Rahas and stop his evil. But the Yuan-ti leaders are torn—are The RAIN saviors or would-be murderers? If Rahas is truly Rassheth, their revered leader, a misstep could make The Serpent's Embrace their greatest enemy. Will The RAIN's quest for justice seal their fate?

The RAIN fight for their lives against Yuan-ti cultists. But as Rahas's eyes meet Nadia's, he flees mid-battle, vanishing with the Raven Queen's high priestess. With the cultists closing in, can The RAIN survive the fight and pursue Rahas before it's too late?

The RAIN fight for their lives against Yuan-ti cultists. But as Rahas's eyes meet Nadia's, he flees mid-battle, vanishing with the Raven Queen's high priestess. With the cultists closing in, can The RAIN survive the fight and pursue Rahas before it's too late?

A shadowy figure reveals herself—a Yuan-ti identical to Nadia, pleading for The RAIN's help to stop an evil Yuan-ti from the Material Plane threatening her people. But secrets lurk behind her desperate plea. At the Ebon Spire's ceremony, the truth strikes like a dagger: the villain is Rahas, their long-defeated foe. What is Rahas's true plan, and can The RAIN stop him before he plunges Avernys into chaos.

Chaos erupts as rioters storm the Serpent's Embrace, accusing the Yuan-ti of spreading destruction. With tensions high and swords ready, The RAIN step in to defuse the violence—this time. But as the dust settles, a foreboding fortune from a Vistani soothsayer warns of death and peril ahead. Can The RAIN change their fate, or are they destined to walk the grim road to the Domains of Dread?

The RAIN arrive in the shadowy city of Avernys and take their first steps into its secrets at the Copper Boot tavern. Their exploration leads them to the Divine District, home to grand temples, including one for the Raven Queen and the mysterious Serpent's Embrace. But here, the Yuan-ti are kind and compassionate—nothing like those on the Material Plane. Why is this place so different, and what deeper mysteries await in the shadows?

The RAIN make a daring sacrifice, leaving one of their own behind in the Shadowfell—but not without a plan. All they need to do is survive long enough for it to succeed. As they navigate the perils of the unknown, a new challenge looms: the sprawling city of Avernys. Will they endure the darkness and find their footing in this mysterious city, or will unseen dangers strike when they least expect it?

The true horrors of the Shadowfell begin to press in, testing the limits of hope and sanity. Despair creeps into the hearts of the travelers and the RAIN alike. Who will muster the strength to endure, and who will succumb to the overwhelming darkness?

The RAIN seek refuge from the horrors of the Shadowfell, but rest is elusive as nightmares haunt their sleep. With the threat of the Nightmen's return, they must leave the cave and press on. Along the way, they encounter mysterious travelers. Are they allies or yet another danger born of the Shadowfell? Trust is fragile, and questions abound: who are these strangers, and what secrets do they carry?

The Corpse Mound. It's a twisted amalgamation of decaying bodies, Towering and grotesque, animated by some malevolent force. The stench of death thickens the air as they realize this horror is not just a fight for survival, but a battle against something that should never have existed. Will they conquer the unholy Corpse Mound, or will they be consumed by the very dead it commands?

The RAIN finds themselves trapped within the depths of the Nightman's cave… or are they? Shadows shift, opening a path, tempting them to escape. They think it has to be a trap, yet they descend deeper, determined to finish off the last of the Nightmen. Little do they know, each step only delays the inevitable...

The Rain seeks shelter from a relentless storm in a place where echoes of their past sins still whisper in the darkness. Things quickly turn into a nightmare as the Rain comes face to face with the Nightmen, the very beings they destroyed all those years ago. The Nightmen are back, fueled by vengeance. Can the Rain survive the wrath of those they left behind, or will this confrontation finally consume them?

The party refuses to back down, heading south toward the ominous Nightmen Cave, despite worsening weather, treacherous roads, and NPCs warning them to turn back. But what drives them toward this perilous destination? Why is reaching the cave so crucial, and why can't anyone stop them?

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 111 through 120 of Beyond 1st Level. Use this episode to catch up and hang out with Beyond 1st Level.

The lines between the game and reality blur as a mysterious voice speaks directly to the players, warning them that their DM is stalling to avoid the Shadowfell. Key details, like Airis's letter, have been withheld, and now the Rain must confront their DM's fears while heading toward the Nightmen Cave. What is the DM so afraid of, and who—or what—is that unknown voice?

As The RAIN awaits a message from the Shields of the Many, they turn their attention to the eerie mysteries of their new keep. Drawn to the strange energy in the basement, they face undead guardians, only to be left with more questions than answers.

The RAIN finally reunites in Arnkyth, exchanging stories and strengthening old bonds. Mingor honors his debt with their own keep, offering a rare moment of peace. The group enjoys a brief respite with Lindsey's memory restored and heartfelt conversations shared. But even within the comfort of their new home, an uneasy tension lingers. The road ahead is uncertain, and this calm may be their last for a long time.

With The RAIN scattered, Nadia is left alone, questioning her place in the group. Haunted by doubts and past battles, she heads to Bonaborough, seeking help from Dundle, only to find indifference and forgotten memories. But in a world of magic, nothing is ever as it seems. 

After emerging from the depths, Ishi is drawn to the Kingdom's Strength Games, determined to prove his legendary might. His brothers, Kawa and Kasia, have tracked him across the kingdom, arriving in Zasia with urgent intentions. As Ishi battles through one brutal challenge after another, a question gnaws at him—why have his brothers followed him now? As the games intensify, so does the mystery surrounding their presence.

 Airis finally cures the wererats he encountered long ago, but what happens next? Unfortunately, the audio was lost—so you'll have to tune in to the group session to hear Airis recount the story firsthand. 

Riku's journey to Nornwich leads to a fateful meeting with the mysterious White Cat, Grim's former disciple. What starts as a tense exchange reveals chilling secrets about a millennia-old cycle and Riku's role in it. As forbidden knowledge tempts him, Riku must decide: will he break the cycle or become its next victim?

 The RAIN finally faces off against their relentless pursuers, Maki and Kona Valentine, in a deadly game of traps and treachery. As the Valentine sisters turn the cavern into a maze of danger, The RAIN must confront their limits and face death itself. Will they outlast the onslaught, or is this their final stand? 

 The RAIN stands on the brink of freedom, but the cost is high. As danger closes in and courage tests their unity, a desperate run through the shadows leads to a brief calm. Yet beneath the surface, old grudges and simmering tensions threaten to tear them apart. With a final confrontation ahead, will The RAIN emerge stronger, or will the shadows between them grow too deep to bridge? 

Riku finds a Shadow Crossing, a portal to the Shadowfell, exactly what he needs to find Grim…But he refused to enter. The RAIN still needs to get the Refugees out of the Underdark. What does Ronin think of that? How is The RAIN going to get past these Riddling Mushrooms? And who knew he was such a dick? 

The Rain has a moment of relive as they are finally out of the Drow City. But does that mean they are out of the frying pan and into the fire? With the Fungi Forest now in between them and freedom, what dangers lie ahead? The drow did not make chase in the forest, What are they so afraid of?

Riku is poisoned. The poison specifically made for Riku. Riku's poison. Well, not exactly, but you get the bit. He is poisoned, and he now sees his friends as the very thing he fears: the Valentines. Can Riku overcome this poison? Can The RAIN escape the city? How are they going to handle all of these refugees?

The RAIN must now escape the city and finally rid themselves of the Drow. Will they be able to escape unseen and unharmed? Will the Valentines stop them from leaving? Can The RAIN help the others in the city?

As The RAIN escapes House Toulan, they head to House Zephroth to end Matron Zesstra for The White Fox's deal. It seems the deal is pretty off with Matron Chathi, revealing she also wants the Soul Shard. But Riku still has his honor, if not for himself but for Grim's Code. Will Riku be able to fulfill his contract? Does The Rain have enough strength to take down a matron? Will Ka'Narlist let go of the Soul Shard so easily?

Not all of The RAIN can be as lucky as Ishi. While he has some fun, the others must use his distraction to their advantage. What is Ishi up to? How is Nadia going to save herself? And where did those come from?

Triel of House Zephroth sees who is really with whom and how the RAIN isn't as subservient as the Drow thought. Just a few hours after being sold, they are ready to bring the drow city and all of its houses crashing down. Will the RAIN be able to survive without their Ishi? Will Airis survive without his pendant? Will the White Fox's mission be stopped before it can even begin?

In this special episode, we have David (DM) joined by The RAIN: Riku (Will), Airis (Cesar), Ishi (Kelley), and Nadia (Sam), summarizing and sharing their thoughts about the campaign and episodes 101 through 110 of Beyond 1st Level. Use this episode to catch up and hang out with Beyond 1st Level.

Matron Zephroth's plan seems to be stopped… for now. How will the RAIN end her terrible plan? Will the White Fox be able to complete his mission and get his friends out of the Underdark? Can any of these matrons really be trusted?