Hatchaway Manor: A Campaign Inspired by Disney's Haunted Mansion

Creating your character

I request that players not use A.I. as part of the games that I run. This includes writing backstories, creating character sheets, and generating character art. If you have questions about this or need special accommodation, please contact me. CHARACTER SHEET GUIDELINES: -Level Seven characters via DnDBeyond.com (DDB) using the 5.5e (2024) rules. -Only use 5.5e core and 5.5e expanded rules. If you’d like to use something from 5e or partnered content, just ask. -Use standard array or point buy to set ability scores. -Your character may start with the basic starting equipment, 500gp of NON-MAGICAL equipment, and then one Uncommon magic item of your choice. -For more detailed character creation instructions, follow this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zV3PDaafE9F9NrxUnLsIg_y4d9oi5F7Krwpu0sGfeV4/edit?usp=sharing -Message me if you need help or have any questions! CHARACTER BACKSTORY GUIDELINES: -When you sign up, you will find a link to the campaign primer, look there for instructions. ADDITIONAL INFO: Players will create character sheets on DDB. You’ll need to make an account on DDB first, if you don’t already have one. It’s free to make an account and there are various methods to do so. Here is a link to sign up for an account: https://www.dndbeyond.com/create-account After you sign up for the campaign on SPG, you will see a link to my DDB Campaign under the "Prep Materials" section of the adventure. If you make a character in my campaign (using said link), you will have access to all the official D&D 5.5e Sourcebook material when choosing your character options. If you make a character on DDB, but not in my campaign, you will only have access to the most basic character options that are free on DDB. Players are encouraged to make character sheets on their own and just send them to me for review. However, for any new/beginner players, I like to schedule an extra one-on-one meeting prior to the game. We can use this meeting to review their character sheet together and/or talk through the process of making one.

Preparing for the session

Prior to the game, each player should have the following: -A completed character sheet (level Seven) in my DnDBeyond campaign. -A computer. -Functional headphones, a microphone, and a camera all connected to your computer and ready to use. -The Zoom software, downloaded and ready to use on their computer. -A reliable internet connection. -A discord account with access to my discord server. -An idea for how to introduce/describe your character to the other players. -A (non-AI) picture to represent your character. Prior to the game, please send me: -A (non-AI) picture to represent your character. You can send me a link to a picture via SPG or you can DM me on Discord. My discord username is: acethegm If you have the option, I recommend using an external microphone (such as from a pair of headphones) rather than the built-in microphone on your computer/laptop. The audio quality is usually much better, which makes it easier for everyone to communicate. For ongoing campaigns like this, I request all players join my discord server for consistent and organized communication. You will be able to find all necessary links there as well as in the prep materials section of this adventure, which you will be able to see once you sign up for the campaign.

What Ace the GM brings to the table

For the game, I will provide: -Use of my DnDBeyond campaign with access to all the official 5.5e sourcebooks (with the exception of any recent publications). -A pro Zoom license for convenient and consistent video call quality. -A professional A/V setup to enhance the listening/viewing experience. -A robust world and story to take part in. -A play style driven by character choices, collaborative storytelling, and improv comedy. -Detailed, custom-made maps (where applicable) displayed in Photoshop. -Voice acting of various unique characters. -Background music, ambience, and sound effects to set the mood and help immerse you in the story. -Thousands of hours of experience running games professionally. -Patience and kindness. -An inclusive and welcoming attitude 😀

Homebrew rules

In addition to my standard homebrew rules (see the link below) we will use madness rules that I will explain at our session zero. They function similarly to exhaustion. Below is a link to a google doc which outlines the key homebrew rules that I use: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1A6QNXLi-Sj_brOUF7lui9gx_ZAEz6kJEv71omn5NOGo/edit?usp=sharing

How Ace the GM creates a safe table

When we meet first via video chat for our session 0, we will start by reviewing the functionality of all safety tools. In summary, the safety tools I use are as follows: session zeros, content disclosures (lines and veils), X/N/O system, breaks, and debriefs (stars and wishes). For a more detailed descriptions of all safety tools, follow this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NOSOhYA-140F58IMP-V_VBBuUolD0BFw2k7XZh7nnII/edit?usp=sharing