Extracurricular Adventure: A Strixhaven One-Shot

Creating your character

Players can request a pre-generated character or use the D&D Beyond Character Builder to create 8th-level characters using class and species options from the 2024 version of the Dungeons & Dragons Player's Handbook*. Players may also select background options from the Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos Sourcebook. Both of these books are available to players for free through D&D Beyond when they join the adventure. Additionally, you will receive a link with additional character creation information when you sign-up for the session. Players can also always contact me with any questions. *Please use the standard array when generating ability scores.

Preparing for the session

Players will need a webcam and mic. All of the programs for the game -- including Zoom and Owlbear Rodeo -- are free to download and do not require a paid subscription. Players with a D&D Beyond account can take advantage of my shared content, but players can also opt to use a pencil and paper character sheets. Players should create their characters before the start of their session or request a pre-generated character. A basic understanding of the rules is helpful, but I am happy to teach completely new players. I promise to plunge you right into the adventure while keeping gameplay simple and fast moving.

What Will Ethridge brings to the table

I am a passionate dungeon master with years of experiencing running Dungeons & Dragons online and in-person. I love introducing new players to the game and letting imaginations run wild. This campaign will use rules from the new, 2024 version of the D&D Player's Handbook along with player options from the Strixhaven sourcebook. Both of these books are shared for free through my Master Tier subscription to any player with a D&D Beyond account. The game will be conducted over Zoom and combat maps will be displayed through Owlbear Rodeo, a fun and intuitive virtual tabletop. Both of these services are free for players. You can expect unique combat encounters that encourage creativity and tactical thinking, immersive exploration designed to engage your senses and spark your imagination, and a freedom to role-play your high fantasy dreams in a safe and supportive environment.

Homebrew rules

We’ll use the official 2024 D&D rules as our foundation to keep gameplay balanced and familiar. Character creation, combat, and core mechanics will follow those guidelines. That said, creativity and storytelling take center stage. If you come up with a clever idea or an epic moment that isn’t spelled out in the rules, I’m happy to bend or adapt things to make it happen. Our goal is to keep the game exciting and memorable, so don’t hesitate to think outside the box and bring your unique flair to the table!

How Will Ethridge creates a safe table

This game is generally PG-13. The adventure features themes of rivalry, risk, and revenge. Lines (Areas where the game will not tread): This game will not contain unwanted sexual contact, party-initiated torture, inter-party violence, or inter-party betrayal. Veils (Obliquely referenced but not depicted): Ritual sacrifice, consensual sex, and enemy-initiated torture will be “veiled” off-screen. These lists can be amended at any time by any of the players or DM. If at any time you don’t feel comfortable with the content or direction of the game, say “time out” or raise your X-card and we will stop the game and address your concerns. This is an inclusive game that prioritizes imagination, collaboration, and fun.