[2e] Argenta's Heirs (Old School, Beginner Friendly, RP Focused)

Creating your character

Character creation will be at least started in Session 0 and will be handled on a "guided" basis. There are a lot of options available in AD&D2e so I plan to start from "Who do you want to play?" and help the players to find the right options to fulfil their vision.

Preparing for the session

You will need a reasonably quality microphone and a free Discord account. Preferably you will use a headset since open speakers can cause disruptive echoing or feedback which may annoy or inconvenience other players - in some cases this can even prevent a player from participating. You will also need a free/demo account with the Fantasy Grounds Virtual Tabletop (VTT) and to have installed and updated the client software. If you are unfamiliar with this software then we can run through installation and basic use during or before Session 0. While you are welcome to create your character ahead of time if familiar with AD&D2e, I would prefer a group creation experience which ensures a group which will work well together. You will not need dice, as Fantasy Grounds provides die-rolling features. If, however, you prefer to roll your own physical dice and report the result, I work on an honesty system and you are welcome to do so. No prior knowledge or experience of the game, or of tabletop roleplaying as a hobby, will be assumed before Session 0. I am happy to teach.

What Fishy brings to the table

I am an old school GM who has been running games since the mid '80s and, as such, believe that the game system and mechanics are an integral part of the role-play experience. My policy is to take RP as the base player input and then to fit the stated actions to the mechanics. Players may choose to learn and interact with the mechanics as much as they wish, or are equally welcome to ignore them and simply roll the dice I ask for. I will be running the game using an Ultimate License on Fantasy Grounds, meaning that neither a purchase or subscription is required from you (you just need to install the free client software). I will use a combination of maps, images and narrative at different times so some encounters will take place purely as spoken interactions while others may use maps and tokens within Fantasy Grounds. I may or may not use ambient sounds, SFX and music in any given session (via a combination of SyrinScape and Discord). This will be determined by a combination of practicality and player input. Players will not be charged for the planned Session 0 but this may not apply if joining after the campaign begins. Any additional "out of campaign time" admin will be free but the normal cost will be applied if the group decides to spend a scheduled session on campaign maintenance.

Homebrew rules

Healing is faster (rates are now per level) and Dexterity can be applied to attack roles if desired. Other changes may be introduced during play.

How Fishy creates a safe table

The Content Warnings list covers elements which COULD feature, however I will consider the ages, needs and wants of the players when creating or interpreting each adventure and will avoid elements which the players request or which I deem inappropriate. I use an anonymised X-card implementation called "Halt!" in Fantasy Grounds and my DMs will be open in Discord. If a player needs a private discussion then I am happy to pause the game while this is accommodated. Most of my safety tool implementation can be encapsulated by the phrase "Common Sense & Consideration" and I hope that it will suit. The aim is for everyone at the table to be able to have a good time.