Tyranny of Dragons

Creating your character

When it comes to character creation, we'll dive into the process during our session zero. Players are encouraged to brainstorm character concepts and backstory beforehand, ensuring they have a complete character ready to go by the start of session one. For determining stats, we'll stick to the tried-and-true methods of point-buy or the standard array. No rolling for stats here—we want to ensure fairness and balance for everyone involved. Our journey begins at level 1, laying the foundation for the epic tale that awaits us. As we progress, characters will grow in strength and skill, ultimately reaching level 15 and beyond, ready to face even greater challenges. Whether you prefer the convenience of digital tools like D&D Beyond or the classic feel of pen and paper, you have the freedom to create your character using whichever method suits you best. While Roll20 character sheets don't need to be perfectly accurate, they'll serve as handy tokens for our adventures. In terms of source books, we have a curated selection of approved options to choose from, including the Player's Handbook, Xanathar's Guide to Everything, Tasha's Cauldron of Everything, Fizban's Treasury of Dragons, and Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse. These provide a wealth of options for character creation and customization. Any content outside of this list will require GM approval before use. Additionally, I'm open to incorporating homebrew feats and magic items with GM approval, allowing for even greater customization and creativity in your character builds. Whether you're bringing your own character or crafting one from scratch, rest assured that we'll work together to ensure that each character is unique, balanced, and ready to embark on this epic adventure!

Preparing for the session

Players will need a decent microphone setup and Discord for communication during our sessions. While a webcam isn't required, having a microphone ensures that everyone can actively participate in the game. In terms of accounts and software, players should have accounts on D&D Beyond for character creation and management, as well as Roll20 for virtual tabletop functionality. Additionally, having Discord downloaded and set up on their devices will be essential for our communication needs. As for reading the rules ahead of time, it's not necessary. I welcome players of all experience levels, from brand new players to seasoned veterans. No prior knowledge of the game is required—I'll guide everyone through the rules and mechanics as we play, ensuring a fun and inclusive experience for all. In terms of character creation, players should refer to the information provided earlier regarding the approved source books and character creation process. Whether creating characters independently on D&D Beyond or collaboratively during our session zero, having characters ready to go by the start of session one will ensure a smooth start to our adventure.

What Nick Grotto brings to the table

🎲 Meet Your Game Master: A Veteran's Tale 🎲 Greetings, fellow adventurers! I'm your guide through the realms of imagination, a socially progressive Airforce Veteran hailing from the streets of Brooklyn and now finding solace in the deserts of Tucson. With a passion for storytelling and a knack for weaving epic adventures, I'm here to lead you through the gripping saga of "Tyranny of Dragons." Utilizing the finest tools of our digital age, including D&D Beyond, Roll20, and Discord, I ensure your journey is seamless and immersive. Whether you prefer the tactile feel of print or the convenience of digital, I've got you covered with access to "Tyranny of Dragons" in every format imaginable. Having traversed the perilous paths of this campaign with friends before, I bring a wealth of experience and excitement to our table. I respect the rules as written, yet I'm not afraid to embrace the spirit of the "rule of cool," fostering unforgettable moments and keeping the thrill of adventure alive. Metagaming is welcomed in moderation, but cheating? That's a dragon I won't let stand. If detected, expect me to wield my storytelling magic to maintain fairness and balance within our world. But there's more to our journey than meets the eye. With the aid of cutting-edge AI, I've delved into the art of game journaling and image generation. This ensures our campaign stays on course, leaving no plot thread unexplored and no character development forgotten. And for those seeking to immortalize their characters in pixels, I'm always ready to conjure up custom character art upon request. So, gather your courage, sharpen your swords, and prepare to embark on an unforgettable quest. The dragons await, and destiny beckons. Are you ready to answer the call?

Homebrew rules

I am using a blend of 5 and 5.5e. For instance I use the new character creation rules but keep the old rules for initiative during an ambush. I usually defer to the more immersive option.

How Nick Grotto creates a safe table

🛡️ Safety First: Creating a Welcoming Environment 🛡️ Greetings, adventurers! Before we embark on our grand journey through the realms of "Tyranny of Dragons," let's take a moment to ensure that our table is a safe and inclusive space for everyone. As your Game Master, I prioritize the well-being and comfort of all players, striving to create an environment where everyone feels respected and valued. To kick off our adventure, we'll hold a session zero, a crucial meeting where we align our goals and expectations for the campaign. During this session, we'll work together to establish a cohesive party dynamic, ensuring that each character feels like an integral part of the group. It's important to me that every player has a safe, if not always comfortable, space to explore their heroic aspirations in our high fantasy world. In line with my values of respect, freedom, and diversity, we'll utilize safety tools such as the Monte Cook Checklist to set boundaries and establish lines and veils. These tools empower us to navigate sensitive topics with care and consideration, ensuring that everyone feels heard and supported. Personally, my lines are drawn at descriptions of sexual assault or child abuse, while I veil sexual activity. Whatever happens behind closed doors between consenting adults in our fantasy world is entirely up to you. By fostering an environment of trust and open communication, we can embark on our adventure knowing that we're all in this together. So let's gather around the virtual table, raise our shields against harm, and prepare to forge bonds that will withstand the trials ahead. Are you ready to embark on this journey of camaraderie and heroism?