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The Mystery of Lady White: A Level 16 D&D 5e Story

The Mystery of Lady White: A Level 16 D&D 5e Story

Dungeons & Dragons 5e | One-Shot

About the adventure

West Lake (ancient fantasy eastern not-China) is a jewel of a town where many cultures converge, especially during its week-long tea festival in the spring, at the first blossom of the plum trees. The town is famed for its teas infused with medicines (or something a little stronger), as well as natural & archaeological attractions. It is said that the waters here are blessed by ancient gods that grants everlasting life or supernatural powers to those who are pious and worthy. You (PCs) find yourself at this year's festival for insert backstory reasons (perhaps in search for a cure of an ailment of yourself or a loved one, perhaps just to see the sights, or for other more nefarious reasons, let me know ahead of times) and heard that the featured presenter of the festival, proprietor of most renowned apothecary/Tea House, Lady White, had disappeared. Everyone's disappointed as many had travelled across oceans for her teas, as well as concerned for her safety. This is where you come in to solve the mystery. (This one shot is based on one of the adventure from Volume I of the Uncaged Anthology: a collection of myth and folklore themed adventures written for Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. Each original adventure subverts tropes around a female mythological creature or monster including hags, harpies, medusas, and much, much more.) Since this is a relatively high level one shot, the character building aspect is perhaps geared more towards folks who already have a basic grasp on the 5e system. However, If you're a brand new player and wishes to participate, I'm more than happy to work with you to go through the foundations before game time. Since this is a one shot, there might not be extensive opportunities to play out any character backstories, but I do strive to weave into the narrative as much detail as possible that's related to your character. On playing in a fantasy Chinese setting: avoid cliches. This is the main reason why I am not setting the hook as "you are heroes from the far realms recruited to be western saviors to this eastern town". That is also why I encourage you to step into the mindset of a local. Furthermore, if you choose to play a "Chinese" character, avoid stereotyping. Think about it this way: is your character defined entirely by a stereotypical hobby, a Kungfu master, for instance? Your characters should be whole individual with different aspects and aspirations. Bottom line is: feel free to ask questions if you're uncertain about anything.

Streamer
LGBTQ+
Queer
BIMPOC
Asian
Neurodivergent
Published Writer
Artist
Cosplayer
Teacher/Educator
Women/Femme Identifying
Game Designer
Multi-lingual

3 years on StartPlaying

34 games hosted

Highly rated for: Storytelling, Creativity, Inclusive

Average response time: 2 hours

Response rate: 100%

Additional details

How to prepare

You will need to send me your character sheet through discord: https://discord.gg/tyjy26UdgT as well as character art of your choice the day before the game, ideally, so I could create your character's token. Please also send any summon/wildshapes so I have that in mind. Webcam is encouraged but not a requirement (It prevents cross-talking) Please have a mic and decent internet connection. Please also have downloaded Beyond20 before the game as we will be using D&D Beyond character sheet and send those rolls to Roll20. https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/beyond-20/gnblbpbepfbfmoobegdogkglpbhcjofh?pli=1

What I provide

VTT, custom maps/tokens Ambient music And years of experience as a professional storyteller (playwright + theatre directing) I try to stick to the rules because, well, they're what most people know and exist as a guideline. I'm sure many of us interpret certain things differently, so when disagreements happen I ask that the table defer to my (the GM's) interpretation of rules rather than spending a long time arguing over it. I very much welcome Rule of Cool as a result of creative problem solving and am happy to come up with ways to use the existing game mechanics to enable folks to do the cool things they want to do. Ultimately I care a lot more about the stories than the rules. Note on combat: I've listed medium as this one shot's combat level but in truth that is in flux. Depending on what your characters do, combat can either be extremely intense, or you can avoid it altogether. As a player as well as a GM, I've always believed that combats are not the most exciting aspect of D&D, so if you talk your way out of every fight, I'll only be here cheering you on.

Gameplay details

We'll use a combination of digital X, N, O cards as well as using message functions. I will be checking in with each player regarding their lines and veils. We will go over them at the top of session as well and post a full list in the gaming text channel so we're all aware. At my table, there's a standing line against PvP charm/agency taking spells, that is to say, please do not cast spells like Detect Thoughts, Charm Person, Suggestion, Friends, Hold person, Polymorph, etc., against your fellow Player Characters. Exceptions will be granted for special scenarios with consent from all involved party. Other lines include: PC initiating torture; coupe de grace on an NPC if another PC had decided to use non-lethal force upon them. After the game, I'll be around for a few minutes for any debriefing needs or feedbacks. Bottom line: open communications and be respectful, then we'll be able to have more fun within the safety of the magic circle.

Content warnings

Safety tools used

Breaks

Debriefing

Lines and Veils

Open Door

Stars and Wishes

X, N, and O Cards

How will character creation work

Level 16 character with 1 free starting feat Stats: whatever way you wanna generate stats (if it's rolled, you can do the two sets pick one; and if they are both horrible, switch to point-buy etc). I like this roller. https://rgbstudios.org/projects/dnd-dice/character-roller?r= But you can use whatever you're used to. Please use starting equipment. You may re-sell your starting equipment at half of its original cost. You may have 2 magic item 1 of them up to rare. Stat setting items like amulet of health or belt of XXX strength are not allowed to augment extreme low scores (so that we're not getting barbarians who actually only had a STR 5, please distribute your ability scores within reason of your class/build. And as always, exempts can be made, please talk to me). You also have an additional 300 gold to spend. Make sure you have your spell material components if they cost money. Any race/class but I encourage you to build someone who's a local or has some connections to the setting (so I can tell you things). I do NOT allow custom lineage or conquest paladins.

Players can expect

Combat / Tactics

Low

Roleplay

High

Puzzles

Low

Experience level

Open to all

Platforms used

Roll20

D&D Beyond

Discord

2 NEEDED TO START
$25.00

/ Session

Each player will be charged when a session starts.

Details

Once / Friday - 11:00 PM UTC

Apr 11

3.5-5 Hour Duration

0 / 5 Seats Filled

Requirements

Experience required: Open to all

Age: All Ages

This game will begin once 2 players have joined