The Ancient Trails of Nazaroth | Beginner Friendly - Safe Space

How to prepare

Technology & Accounts ✅ Discord Account – All communication, session scheduling, and out-of-game discussions will take place on Discord. A microphone is required, as this is a voice-based game. ✅ Quest Portal Profile – This game will be run on Quest Portal, so players must create an account. ✅ A Laptop or Tablet (Preferred) – While Quest Portal works on iPads and phones, it’s highly recommended to use a laptop for the best experience. If you plan to use a mobile device, please let me know ahead of time, as it may limit the type of cinematics and animations I can provide. Character Creation ✅ Pre-Made Level 4 Character – Players should have their character created in Quest Portal before the first session. If you need assistance, I am happy to help! ✅ Adherence to 2014 D&D 5E Rules – Characters should follow the standard D&D 5E template and include a detailed backstory with secrets and unknown elements (as outlined in the character creation guidelines). Rules & Preparation 📖 Do Players Need to Read the Rules? A basic understanding of D&D 5E rules is helpful but not required—I am happy to teach as we go! I encourage players to read through their class abilities, spells, and survival mechanics so they can engage effectively with the world. Microphone & Webcam Requirements 🎙️ A Working Microphone is Required – Clear communication is essential for immersive roleplay and combat. 📹 Webcam is Optional – I typically do not use a webcam, but I can make exceptions upon request if a player prefers face-to-face interaction. Final Notes Having these things in place will help ensure a smooth experience so we can dive straight into the story without technical delays. If you have any questions or need assistance setting up, just reach out—I’m always happy to help!

What I provide

When you join my table, you’re stepping into a deeply immersive and cinematic experience. My goal is to create a world that feels alive, where your choices truly matter and the challenges you face feel dynamic and meaningful. Here’s everything I bring to the table to ensure a high-quality and engaging experience: Game Tools & Resources 🖥️ Virtual Tabletop (VTT): I run my games using Quest Portal and other VTTs where necessary, ensuring seamless online play with animated maps, integrated character sheets, and interactive mechanics. 🗺️ Custom Maps & Tokens: Every battlemap is professionally designed, and character/NPC tokens are uniquely crafted for the game. Expect high-quality visuals that enhance every encounter. 📜 Custom Homebrew Content: This includes additional items, spells, mechanics, and D&D Beyond integration where applicable for character management. 🎭 Player-Driven Narrative: Your decisions shape the world. I encourage players to engage with the setting, form alliances, and impact the world in meaningful ways. My GM Style 🎙️ Character Voices & Roleplay: I love bringing NPCs to life with distinct voices, personalities, and motivations. I fully encourage deep character interactions, moral dilemmas, and meaningful relationships within the story. 🎶 Immersive Audio & Music: Expect cinematic ambiance, soundscapes, and battle music tailored to fit every scene. ⚔️ Intense, Tactical Combat: While I enjoy roleplay and storytelling, I also love well-balanced, strategic combat. Expect meaningful encounters where teamwork, resource management, and smart decision-making matter. 🔥 Survival Mechanics: This is not a game where you can just walk from place to place with unlimited supplies. You will track rations, face environmental challenges, and endure the harsh reality of the Desert of Nazaroth. 🎭 Emotional Depth: I create narratives with weight, where actions have consequences, and choices affect both the world and the people in it. Whether it’s dealing with the struggle of survival or uncovering lost histories, expect a story that rewards deep roleplay. 🚀 Rule of Cool vs. Rules as Written: I follow Rules as Written (RAW) to maintain structure, but I’m not afraid to bend or adapt the rules in favor of fun and dramatic storytelling. If something makes sense narratively and adds to the game, I’ll work with players to make it happen. Player Expectations 💬 Open Communication & Safety: I implement Session 0, X/N/O Cards, Stars & Wishes, and a no-judgment open-door policy to ensure every player feels comfortable and respected. 🎭 Collaborative Storytelling: Your character backstories and goals will be woven into the campaign, making each journey feel personal and impactful. 🎲 Engagement is Key: I encourage active participation—whether it’s roleplaying, strategizing, or just immersing yourself in the world. I work to ensure every player gets their moment in the spotlight. Final Thoughts My games are cinematic, immersive, and character-driven,

Gameplay details

1. Open-Door Policy – No Pressure to Stay I operate under a no-judgment, open-door policy, meaning that any player can step away from a session or even leave the campaign entirely without fear of guilt or pressure. Life happens, schedules change, and sometimes a game may no longer feel right for a player. If someone needs to leave, whether for personal reasons or simply because the campaign isn’t the right fit, they are welcome to do so at any time—no explanations required. I encourage open communication but never demand it. The door is always open for players to return if they wish, and their departure will be handled with understanding and respect. This ensures that no one feels trapped in a game that no longer brings them enjoyment. 2. Session 0 – Establishing Expectations Before the campaign even begins, I run a Session 0, where we: Discuss the themes of the game, ensuring everyone is on the same page about its survivalist tone and mature storytelling. Set boundaries using tools like Lines and Veils to define what content is off-limits (Lines) and what content should be handled with discretion (Veils). Introduce X, N, and O Cards (or digital alternatives) to allow players to express when they are uncomfortable, need a pause, or are enjoying a particular moment. Clarify player expectations—both in terms of roleplay and mechanics—so that everyone knows how to engage with the world and each other respectfully. Discuss the gameplay style, including resource management, character survival, and the importance of teamwork in the campaign’s setting. This session ensures that we start the game with mutual understanding and respect. 3. Breaks and Aftercare I incorporate regular breaks in long sessions to prevent burnout and ensure that everyone remains engaged and comfortable. This is especially important in intense scenes where emotions can run high. After particularly heavy or emotional moments, I practice aftercare—a debriefing period where we check in as a group. I make space for players to express their feelings, decompress, and separate themselves from their characters before logging off or leaving the session. This can be as simple as discussing the scene in a casual way, sharing fun moments, or just acknowledging when something was particularly impactful. 4. Stars and Wishes – Encouraging Player Feedback At the end of each session, I use the Stars and Wishes method: Stars: Players highlight moments they loved, whether it's something another player did, a particularly intense scene, or an aspect of the session that stood out. Wishes: Players share things they would like to see more of in future sessions—whether it’s a story direction, character interaction, or mechanical adjustment. This feedback loop ensures that players feel valued and gives me direct insight into what’s working well and what can be improved. It also encourages players to celebrate each other’s contributions, reinforcing a positive and supportive group dynamic.

Content warnings

Safety tools used

How will character creation work

Character creation is an essential part of Ancient Trails of Nazaroth, and I want every player to feel connected to their character’s journey. Below is how we’ll handle the process, from rolling stats to weaving personal mysteries into your backstory. When & Where? ✅ Before Session 1 – I prefer character creation to be done before the campaign starts so we can dive straight into the story in the first session. ✅ Character Sheets – Characters will be created using the 2014 D&D 5E template for consistency with game mechanics. ✅ VTT & Digital Tools – I’ll provide access to a digital character sheet system (D&D Beyond or another platform) to help track stats, inventory, and abilities throughout the campaign. How Will Stats Be Determined? Standard Array (15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8) or Point Buy is the default method to ensure balanced characters. Rolling for Stats is allowed with me present, but be aware that once you roll, you must commit to those numbers! Starting Level All players will begin at Level 3 to allow for more depth in their characters’ abilities and backgrounds. Feats are allowed at Level 1 if using the variant rule. Backstory Requirements Every character must have a compelling backstory, including: Secrets They Carry – Something about them they wouldn’t want others knowing (e.g., a hidden past, a secret burden, a crime they committed, or a dangerous allegiance). Mysteries About Themselves – Something they themselves do not know but may uncover throughout the campaign (e.g., a lost memory, a hidden lineage, an unknown curse). These elements are crucial, as they allow me to integrate your character’s journey into the larger story, making your arc feel personal and meaningful. Race & Class Selection All official D&D races are allowed. Homebrew & non-standard races (e.g., Tabaxi, Warforged, etc.) are allowed but require approval to ensure they fit the setting. I’m happy to work with players to integrate these races into the lore. Multiclassing is allowed, but it must make narrative sense. Books & Resources Players should refer to 2014 D&D 5E rules when building characters. Any expansions (Xanathar’s Guide, Tasha’s, etc.) are allowed, but I’ll review anything that might be mechanically excessive. No Unearthed Arcana or third-party homebrew without approval.

Combat / Tactics

Medium

Roleplay

High

Puzzles

Medium

Experience level

Open to all