Immersive Gameworld - Dragon's of Icespire Peak

Creating your character

Ideally, have your character created ahead of session zero so we can spend more of that time discussing the game and expectations. However, if this is your first time, and/or you would like my guidance during the process, I am more than happy to spend that time with you; let me know ahead of session zero and we can do a call one on one. I typically use the milestone XP system, so don't worry about tracking XP. We will be starting at level 1. For stats, you can use the point buy, or standard array. If this is your first time, use DnD Beyond's character creator tool for an easy and guided process. If you would like to make a character with a comprehensive backstory, and are interested in having elements of that backstory show up in the campaign, notify me ahead of session 1 and I will send you a google form so you can fill in the details for me. If you would like to use any legacy races/species, or something that is outside of the standard player handbook, it's usually not a problem, just let me know ahead of time.

Preparing for the session

For Virtual - Reliable internet connection - We will be using Foundry VTT. No in-app preparation is required; you can access foundry's webapp through a game link that I will send you ahead of session zero. We will handle stats/hp for player characters outside of foundry - Have your character sheet prepared. If you need help or guidance, notify me ahead of session zero - I can create a custom character token for you, or if you would like to make your own, all you need is to send me the JPEG you'd like to use - Working webcam and microphone - Audio and video for players will be hosted on discord. Create an account and ensure you can get audio/video working on a voice channel. If you would like help setting this up, or testing it, please notify me ahead of session zero In-person - Bring a character token (optional) - Bring your completed character sheet (A sheet on your mobile device or tablet through DnD beyond works) - Bring a set of dice (Dice can be purchased at game stores or if you google anything along the lines of "DnD dice", you will find the correct set)

What Drew brings to the table

My priority, above all else, is delivering an emotional experience. The tools I use to achieve that are meaningful roleplay, developing NPC's whose motivations you understand and care about, unique (and sometimes silly) voices, and making sure the world reacts believably to player input. I've been in games as a player where the NPC's were either cannon fodder, dispensers of information, or reluctant dispensers of information that were one skill check away from spilling their life story to you. Expect more from me. Further, I put significant effort to immerse the players in my game world. Expect highly detailed scene descriptions that use the 5 senses to take you away from the table, and into the game. For example, "You step into the rustic tavern, the old floorboards creak beneath your boots and sing an old song with each step. The smell of hearty meats and spiced ale, paired with the gentle dance of the flames from the hearth fire, beckon you to rest your weary legs" In regards to gameplay and rules, I firmly believe that at it's core, DnD is a game about collaborative storytelling, so don't expect me to get hung up too much on what the rule book says. That being said, where I deviate from some other DM's, is I pair in logic when deciding how your dice roll will impact what happens. My promise to my players is that while my rulings may have unintended consequences, I will be consistent and do my best to rule the same way in similar circumstances. Whether you're brand new or a veteran, expect some exciting chaos! Finally, expect me to go out of my way to get to know what you expect to get out of the game. As a game designer, it is absolutely imperative that I design a game that is aligned with your expectations, and the way I do that is by getting to know you before we play the game, and ensure I am continually meeting your standards throughout the experience. Do you have a great idea for a backstory and want an opportunity to take center stage to explore it during the session? My prep for the next session will involve me going over your backstory in great detail and finding ways to weave it into the broader narrative. Do you prefer to avoid the roleplaying stage and mainly come for the combat? No problem, you're the strong-silent type and I'll make sure there's a few goblin skulls you can knock together. Succinctly, expect immersion, emotional storytelling, roleplay, world simulation, and player-centric design to be at the forefront of the game we develop.

How Drew creates a safe table

Ahead of session zero, I'll send out a link for the Monte Cook RPG consent checklist. If you do not fill this out before session zero, or do not otherwise indicate there is content you want to avoid, I will assume that you are okay with all content. During session zero, I will give the whole group an idea of the tone and subject matter that my games tend to contain. I will then open the floor for everyone to discuss as a group any concerns in regards to content and themes. You may also message me privately if you have any concerns that you'd prefer to discuss one on one. During play, you may, at any time, indicate if something makes you uncomfortable and we will find a way to filter that content out. You may also send me a DM on discord if you are uncomfortable, but do not want to share it with the group. At the end of the session, I usually save about 5-10 minutes to collect some feedback. This is typically informal in nature, and is an opportunity for everyone to share what was great, what needs some work, and what you would not like to see again. Between sessions, I yearn for feedback. Good, bad, ugly, but always constructive. A discord message, or an email are appropriate mediums to share this information with me. I do not care if the volume of content rivals Shakespeare, I will read all of it and take it into consideration!