MostlyHarmless42
Adventurer
I am torn on this as well. On the one hand, I think that the randomness is a big factor of this game and it should be maintained. On the other, I don't want this campaign to be extremely focused on just the castle. Ideally I'd like to feature at least one of the major side stops for the story outside the castle. I did two readings myself for fun, just as a test. The first reading was about the absolute worst I could possibly imagine (No ally, all the items in the crypts of the castle, and the Strahd was in his tomb!). The second reading was quite nice, most of the items seemed themed around the Silver Dragon guys, which would work for a themed story.
One thing I noticed is that each of the suits themselves seems to correspond to different locations. I've thought about possible keeping all the cards, but split the deck into the suits, and make sure I draw one card from each suit. It ensures randomness, but ensures some location variety.
I really like the idea of offering the players the "prebuilt option". I'd suggest if you go that route to suggest in character Madame Eva has 'preshuffled' the deck in anticipation for the players arrival. It gives an in character explanation for the fates being "kind", and fits with the idea that the players opting to shuffle the deck is an alternative way to 'control their fate', even slightly.
One thing I noticed is that each of the suits themselves seems to correspond to different locations. I've thought about possible keeping all the cards, but split the deck into the suits, and make sure I draw one card from each suit. It ensures randomness, but ensures some location variety.
I really like the idea of offering the players the "prebuilt option". I'd suggest if you go that route to suggest in character Madame Eva has 'preshuffled' the deck in anticipation for the players arrival. It gives an in character explanation for the fates being "kind", and fits with the idea that the players opting to shuffle the deck is an alternative way to 'control their fate', even slightly.