Silver Blade Saga | LVL 1-10 | For Beginners! Learn to Play D&D!

How to prepare

- A steady internet connection - A Discord account, as we will do voice and video through Discord - A microphone - Webcams are not required, but are highly encouraged! - Access to a device with Google Chrome, for Owlbear Rodeo VTT. - Any third-party resources they used in character creation, for reference during the game, especially if I don't own that third party resource myself.

What I provide

Experience - I've been a GM for a little over 6 years, and ran consistent games even through the pandemic. I've introduced many players to the game over those 6 years; the majority of my players had never played D&D prior to their games with me, so I'm extremely comfortable guiding new players into the hobby. Custom Setting - a unique world, inspired by various media, cultures, mythologies, music, etc., (in this case, loosely inspired by Lord of the Rings, Sword of Shannara, and other fantasy classics). Discord server - where we'll play the sessions, communicate, and post character pics/maps/etc. Maps - battlemaps from various sources, as well as custom world maps I draw myself. Google Drive - any player-relevant documents with lore information, calendars, etc. will be posted here (the link will be in Discord). Pre-generated character sheets - For anyone who doesn't want to make their own, especially players brand new to D&D 5e. These will be in the Google Drive as well, and you can look through them, ask questions, or make any tweaks during Session Zero. Voices - I love doing voices and accents (all ranging from mundane to outrageous!) and using mannerisms to make the people of my fantasy worlds unique and interesting. Story-focused, character-driven - While there is a broad arc to the story built into the campaign, this game is about the characters and their choices, and how they decide to conquer the challenges along the way. Roleplay - I lean more roleplay-heavy as a GM, and enjoy using NPCs (non-player-characters) to give the players a window into the world. I use vivid descriptions to invoke tone, provide clues, and offer hooks for connection between characters and the world. Rule-of-Cool - If the rules-as-written are getting in the way of a cool moment and it won't break the game, awesome moments always win out over following guidelines. Investment - The stories told at my table matter deeply to me, and I most enjoy playing with players who are willing to care about the world, the NPCs, and especially their fellow characters. I'm always thrilled when players want to incorporate world lore into character backstory (enriching that part of the world in the process), or latch onto a facet of the world that feels fun to them, or enjoy an NPC so much they remember them long after the session is over. Leveling Up - I use Milestone Leveling, because it makes more sense for the way I run games. Also, less bookkeeping on both the DM and the players.

Gameplay details

- This game is for +18, and includes themes and content that range from PG-13 to R rating. For example, violence, bodily harm, gore, and the like could range more R-rated, while romantic encounters will be PG-13. About the GM - I am a Rule-of-Cool GM. Fun is always more important than sticking strictly to the rules, and whenever possible, I bend rules to make sure that my players are having an epic time while still ensuring good game balance. - I absolutely love it when players really lean into the theme of their characters! Reflavoring or reskinning abilities/spells/features is welcome and encouraged. - I strive to build trust with my players, and to make my tables a safe space for players to explore and experiment. I know how much my characters have helped me process, change, and grow over the years, and I do my best to provide space for that for my players. - I record my own audio feed during every session, solely for my note-taking and reference use. In Session Zero, I will ask the table if they would be willing to allow me to record their audio as well, so I have a complete record of the session; consent to this must be unanimous, otherwise I will only be recording my own voice. House Rules - Drinking a potion is a bonus action - Everyone can spend their bonus action to make an extra attack, but you don't add your ability modifier to the damage dealt. - I give out Inspiration Points at the beginning of every game, one per player. They can be spent to reroll a D20 roll, given to a fellow player, traded in for an extra use of an ability or class feature, or to turn a regular hit into a critical hit. Safety Tools - In Session Zero, we'll have a basic overview of the setting, and discuss safety tools, resolving rules disputes, expectations on how characters interact with each other, reflavoring/reskinning, house rules, etc. Then we'll do character creation together, so we can build a party that everyone's excited about, and I can assist any players who need help building out their character sheets!! Please ask questions freely! (Post-Session Zero, I'm available to answer further questions via Discord message or my GM profile.) - We'll have a 15 minute break about halfway through the session, when we reach a good pause point. Players are encouraged to take breaks or step away at any point if things get too stressful during game or they need a breather. I try to be very aware of anyone getting uncomfortable, but please indicate/message me to let me know if I don't catch it immediately! - At the end of the session we'll do Stars and Wishes, which is a great way to find out what players are enjoying now and hoping for in future! I'll also be hanging out post-game 15-30 minutes for anyone who wants to discuss, debrief, or just chit-chat and unwind.

Content warnings

Safety tools used

How will character creation work

- This campaign starts at Level 1, and goes to Level 10. - We will do character generation during the Session Zero; you can come with a few ideas to play with, or start character building during the session. - Character sheets can be form-fillable PDF, made on D&DBeyond or some other character builder, handwritten on printed out sheets, whatever method the player is most comfortable using, so long as they can send me digital copy of the sheet once completed, for reference (this digital copy can be a link, a scan, or even a photo). Pre-filled character sheets are also available in the Google Drive. - Stats will be determined either by using 4D6-drop-the-lowest or my custom standard array, whichever the player is most comfortable with (both will be explained in Session Zero for those unfamiliar with either). - All official 5e content is allowed. Third party content for 5e (including classes, races, and spells) as well as homebrew options may be allowed, pending approval by the DM.

Combat / Tactics

Medium

Roleplay

High

Puzzles

Low

Experience level

Beginner