Cases in the Hebridean Galaxy [Keys from the Golden Vault]

Creating your character

We will discuss the player Roles and their corresponding backgrounds (Hitter, Hacker, Grifter, Thief, Mastermind) in Session 0. Character creation will be done in D&D Beyond (https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/builder) before Session 1. Setting will also be discussed in Session 0. This version of the module takes place in a galaxy where pre-existing D&D settings and custom locations make up whole planets and solar systems. Some species come from worlds long connected by Artificer's steampunk technology and space travel. Other species come from self-contained, magic-reliant planets mostly unaware that travelers from the stars may be hidden among them. With an entire galaxy comes a wide range of character species to choose from. No species will be off limits; if that's overwhelming you may wish to consider the Role you want first (Hitter/Hacker/Grifter/Thief/Mastermind), then work from there. We can work together to construct a backstory that explains your choice. Sharing will be enabled, so anything I have for character creation options, you'll have. Starting level will be 1. We will use rolled stats and reroll 1's and 2's, assigning your six results to whichever stats you deem appropriate for your character.

Preparing for the session

You will need: 1. Accounts on Discord and D&D Beyond 2. Headphones, either with a built-in mic OR 2a. A mic 3. To be prepared to ask questions during Session 0, but be prepared to play right away in Session 1. Message me questions whenever, and I'll get back ASAP. Things to know: 1. This campaign takes place in a large and varied galaxy. Be prepared for a wide variety of possible settings. 2. Players will be choosing one of five original backgrounds (Roles) made specifically for A Matter of Leverage. For the best experience, each player may want to pick a different Role; decide your preference order (1-5, where 1=most wanted and 5=least wanted), and we can discuss in Session 0. 3. Besides the specific backgrounds, all other customization options are available. **Please keep foul language to a minimum. All players should feel safe and comfortable at my table.**

What Danielle Hood, Teller of Stories brings to the table

I have a master tier D&D Beyond subscritpion with official and partnered content, plenty of my own custom-made content to explore, and new and unique character species and monsters from independent creators. Players will have the opportunity to play to their character's strengths; the hitter will revel in combat, the thief will sneak, the grifter will manipulate people, the hacker will control their environment, and the mastermind will provide all-around support to team and con. Each session will provide opportunities for puzzle solving and roleplay, and each "job" will provide players opportunities to let their character's unique skillset shine. The amount of combat versus quick-thinking is up to the players. Roleplaying via text in Discord may be used to prep players for upcoming sessions, or any time at the players' discretion. As GM, I will embrace the Rule of Cool, favoring creativity over rules lawyering. If you have a crazy idea and can put it into words, I will let you try. For immersion, I do some accents and vocal patterns. I also have ambient music and some sound effects. I will have original art for important characters, characters I created, and locations which will be shared with a brief bio on a channel in the Discord.

Homebrew rules

Nat 1's and 20's: In roleplay, these are not always automatic failures and successes. There will be times when these roles result in factors which come into play later in the episode. Potion consumption: It is a bonus action to consume a potion yourself, but a full action to feed one or toss one to another player. Giant's Might/Enlarge/Reduce Stats: As currently written, these effects/spells specify the size a character becomes, but does not specify whether the character's movement speeds are affected. I have developed math for these changes. Crafting: This is a portion of gameplay where players can shine. Save anything, come up with an idea for an item, and we'll figure out details.

How Danielle Hood, Teller of Stories creates a safe table

In addition to figuring out character creation details, Session 0 will frame the setting for players. This will allow open discussion of what players absolutely cannot handle, so that I may make efforts to adjust the modules. We can also discuss anything we can handle in small or vague terms. X/N/O's will be sent as emoji's in Discord messages, or as reactions to messages. Breaks can be taken as a full group or by an individual. If you think we all should take a break and are okay suggesting it, do so. Need to take a break but want/don't mind everybody else playing out the moment? Just text "brb" in the chat and "back" when you return; if you need to check that the part you want to skip is over, DM me. If you need a break but don't want to bring attention to yourself, DM me and I will suddenly need to take a break.