Dungeon of the Mad Mage; 2024PHB; Start L5; Alternate Opening

Internet

Computer

D&D Beyond

Discord

Foundry VTT

Dungeons & Dragons 5e

Fantasy

High Fantasy

Imaginative

After the game ends, check-in with the group and talk about how you all feel. Have an open way for the group to decompress and encourage each other to practice self-care.

Aftercare

Intense games can cause feelings to bleed over into life outside of the game. Being open and honest of where the game ends, what feelings are the players versus bleed, and having discussions can lessen the stress of bleed.

Bleed

For long games or stressful content, having built-in breaks allows the group to stay focused and process content. This time can be used for bio breaks, conversation, or any other necessities.

Breaks

Debriefing is a way to reflect on the game. Identify possible issues, highlight the good parts, and work through potential emotional bleed.

Debriefing

Lines and Veils set the boundaries of the games. Lines are hard limits for content the group doesn't want to participate in, this means that content will not be in game, referenced in game, or alluded to. Veils are soft limits, meaning that when the content arises it might be mentioned, but not described, or it could mean that when the content shows up, it results in a “fade-to-black”.

Lines and Veils

With this technique, when triggering content comes into play, they can discuss with the group, take a break, and express their needs or wants for how play should continue. After the discussion ends, play should continue to account for the requests.

Luxton Technique

The Luxton Technique Discussion involves having an open conversation about triggers at the table. It is not possible to identify every trigger, but this provides a good-base for the GM. In addition, there must be no pressure to go into detail or justify a trauma trigger.

Luxton Technique Discussion

Open-Door is an assurance that anyone in the group can take a break from the game for their own safety and well-being without judgement. This should be made clear to the group.

Open Door

Session 0s are used to start the game, opening up with communication, setting expectations, and discussing any safety tools that will be used at the table.

Session 0

Stars and Wishes are used to reflect and discuss feedback in a positive way. Stars are used for things that participants enjoyed in the game. Wishes are things that participants would like to see in the future. Both players and the GM can express their stars and wishes to make the game better.

Stars and Wishes

X, N, and O Cards are check-in tools. X-Cards are used to indicate that a participant is uncomfortable with the current content, often resulting in a change, rewind, or skip of the aforementioned content. N-Cards can be used by participants if they feel content is heading towards an X card, often resulting in a change or a “fade to back”. O-Cards are used to check-in on the group and ensure that everyone is comfortable continuing with the content.

X, N, and O Cards

Waterdeep: Dungeon Of The Mad Mage

I enjoy the collaborative effort that comes with hosting games. I like seeing how different groups react to and handle the scenarios that I prepare for them. The entire endeavor, from prep to delivery, is a source of fulfillment. 

I design games where the Players are the focus of the story. I tend to prefer longer campaign styles where we can see dynamic character development, over a period of time, as the Players make decisions and take action to deal with the challenges that I develop for them. There will be intrigue, mystery, exploration, and times when they have to fight to defend themselves or their interests. 

Dungeon of the Mad Mage; 2024PHB; Start L5; Alternate Opening

About the adventure

Additional details

Players can expect

Platforms used

$15.00