The Churning of the Ice - Homebrew Campaign!

Creating your character

Character creation will be largely up to the players. During session 0 we will discuss what everyone would like to play, how character creation will work (i.e., secrets and hooks, how the PCs are set in the world, backstory/plot elements) sites I use and trust and then I shall send you off on your merry way to make your characters! I'm mulling over starting level, and am happy to discuss with the players. The starting range is 1-3, dependent on how the characters fit into the world. I'd expect the level cap for the campaign to be level 9. During session 0 we shall come to a conclusion on how early we want to start these characters off. All spells/subclasses/classes are allowed from the 5E ruleset (including XGtE, TCoE and other supplements released over the years) and we shall discuss beginning/transitioning to the 5E24 ruleset once it is upon us. Very little is "off-limits," but players should expect to have discussions with me about their choices. If a player wants to play something, they absolutely can! If the choice is weak mechanically, we can discuss ways to improve it. Certain homebrew/playtest material is also allowed, which I will have a list of. Players may approach me with fun homebrew that they've found as well, but I reserve the ultimate right to accept/decline options. I will of course be happy to provide reasoning and discuss. I ask that players create characters that fit the setting and that enhance it, and to remember that while the setting might be couched in an air of mystery and loss, that there is still fundamentally hope. The world might be bleak, but people are still living and thriving. Despite (and partially because of) all the melancholy, the characters can still be heroes and enshrine good in this world. Make characters that want to do the right thing, and I promise that will be rewarded!

Preparing for the session

In order to prepare, players should read over the content warnings and fill out the surveys regarding their own personal lines/veils and game styles. I have included what I am not comfortable including in games in the survey document. **TO BE CLEAR: the surveys present a wide range of ideas and elements that may or may not be included. Players should not expect all elements listed to show up in some fashion or another, especially if they marked something as off-limits. Players should come with an understanding, even rudimentary, of the 5E classes and how they relate to them - simply reading through the class descriptions on D&D Beyond is fine! Players with already concocted character fantasies are great. Players will need to have a webcam and mic to play, and have Discord downloaded and installed. I'll invite people to the server when they've added me (my Discord tag is in the prep materials once you sign up), and we will be conducting a session 0 together over a Discord call. I'm prepared to teach players the rules of the system, and will promise to make space for people to learn both in and out of the session. Players familiar with the ruleset, even if it is passing familiarity, are welcome and celebrated! Players need not own the 5E books to play.

What Hamster Emperor brings to the table

I will be using Foundry VTT for our gameplay purposes, as well as Discord for communication. Players will be responsible for their own character sheet and dice rolls, with the understanding that I will be around to help in character creation and that we will be telling a story together. I reserve the right to request changes to the manner in which we roll and would like to see character sheets! I err on the side of RAW (Rules as Written) but am more than happy to adjudicate on the side of the players so long as it is all couched in the mechanics of the game. If players wish to achieve a goal with a class feature or a spell that is beyond the bounds of what is written, I am more than happy to reward creative thinking. If something is coming up short consistently, I am happy to discuss how to make it better so that a fantasy is lived to its fullest. I aim to stick as close to the published ruleset as possible, but have a few (common sense) rules that I personally abide by, which will be covered in session 0. More than anything else, I love to discuss how play is operating at the table. I want to know a) how much fun you are having, b) what is the most fun for you to have and c) how things could be more fun. As long as we keep those in mind, and keep things grounded, I think we will have a great time. Players can expect a world where choices matter, both in roleplay and in combat. Combat will be often-deadly, with enemies who are capable (and sometimes tactical) with objectives that are compelling and based in character wants. There will be intrigue, loved ones, and NPCs galore! I also invite you to help me create them, and flesh out the world through your stories and creativity. Through the action and through the interactions you have with the friends, foes and denizens of the world, the world will be defined by you, and for you. Your character's story is one I cannot wait to tell with you!

How Hamster Emperor creates a safe table

- Survey covering Safety Tools and player/DM safety - Open and honest communication/availability for potential triggers and problems in/out of game - Discussion of gameplay styles, goals from the campaign, how much of a mix the group is - Aftercare post-session to discuss how gameplay is going and how things could improve! - I will be around to talk at any point, even outside of session time. Shoot me a message and I will make time for your concerns! - I promise to prioritize your fun, and to enshrine your character's story!