Old-School Essentials Low-level One-shot Adventure

How to prepare

A Discord account will be required for communication. Players will need a mic in order to play. Webcam is preferred, but not required. Familiarity with Foundry VTT is also a plus, but not required. Players will not need to read the rules or create characters ahead of time - the rules are simple enough that we can cover them in the first few minutes of the session before starting, and we will create or receive characters together at the start of the session. If a player wishes to create their roster before the game, we may be able to arrange a call to do so, if schedules allow. Expect about 30 minutes or so at the start of the session where we will handle introductions, questions, and any technical issues before we dive in. Before the game, I will send out QuickStart rules for the party to read over in case it is their first time with this system, or to refresh their understanding if they are a returning player. I will also link to the SRD if players prefer that option for rules reference.

What I provide

The main gameplay of the adventure revolves around dungeon-crawling. Exploration, problem-solving, trap interaction, and combat are typically the main activities. Old-school games encourage (or even require) players to physically map the dungeon themselves as they explore, but with the availability of the VTT format we can take adventure of mapping tools and images to aid in building the collective imagination. We will use Foundry VTT for maps, tokens, and some light rules automation. I like to include ambient music to set the tone of the adventure. The combat is quick and deadly, and creative and tactical gameplay will certainly improve characters' odds of survival. Because we will be running published adventures, we will be trying to stick to the Rules as Written as closely as possible - however, the nature of OSE and B/X D&D is that the rules are not meant to account for every specific situation, so if it we find ourselves in a grey area, we'll lean towards Referee-Player collaboration and Rule of Cool to fill in the gaps.

Gameplay details

Before our first session, I'll check in with each party member to make sure they have everything they need for the game. This will be a good time to voice any concerns about content you would like veiled or left out, if you do not want to openly discuss these things at Session 0. Our first session will be a Session 0 in order to go over rules, setting, character creation, game questions, and expectations for the game, including the lines and veils we wish to establish as a group. Midway through the session, we will take a break in order for folks to stretch their legs, take bio breaks, or otherwise. This will also be the time to address any concerns during game, whether with the group or privately with myself. After this, we will resume the session. At the end of the session, we will hold a short debrief to talk about the session. This will be largely informal and entirely optional. This will be a welcome opportunity for feedback about the game. However, I understand that many folks (including myself) have a hard time coming up with helpful comments right after a game concludes, so if folks want to give feedback but would like some time to sit with the session, I am always open to messages between sessions. On that note, if there is ever an issue at the gaming table that a party member wishes to discuss more privately with me, I always practice an open-door policy - I absolutely encourage anyone with concerns about the content or direction of the game to message me, and we will work towards a mutual resolution. As well, if there is ever a time that a party member needs to step away from the game for any reason, just send me a message letting me know if the leave is temporary or permanent and there will be no further questions asked.

Content warnings

Safety tools used

How will character creation work

I'll have pre-generated characters for whoever would like them. Those who wish are free to roll up their characters at the start of the session, using standard character-creation rules.

Combat / Tactics

Low

Roleplay

Low

Puzzles

Low

Experience level

Beginner