Fight for Freedom; Find your Home. Legacy 5e, Levels 3-12.

Creating your character

Everyone is expected to have their character created prior to the first session. Should you have any specific questions regarding your character or what is allowed, message me before game time to get them resolved. All official content created for 5E (2014 edition) is allowed, though with some specific restrictions or changes (limited flight and teleportation, no emotional immunities, nothing obviously game-breaking.) This campaign features balanced combat encounters, so power gaming or min/maxing characters is not required. Casuals, breathe easy. Characters will be created at level 3. Multi-classing requirements are in place, though can be relaxed in specific instances if good enough reason is given. Stat spread is point buy (27 points) with racial bonuses or the SlyFlourish Stat Array (16, 14, 14, 12, 12, 8) with no racial bonuses. All characters begin with the starting gear for their first level class, 800 gold, and any additional mundane gear that makes sense for their second and third level classes, if applicable. Players will be given the opportunity to shop between sessions. While not necessary, each player is encouraged to include a backstory (no longer than one typed page) tying their character to the city of Iriaebor, the City of a Thousand Spires (information about the city can be Googled, found on my Discord server, or requested via Discord DM.) Players are encouraged to include within their backstory at least one family member living in Iriaebor with whom they are on good terms. Players may also include whether they are outsiders seeking citizenship in Iriaebor, poor citizens looking to improve their lot in life, or members of one of the trade houses or temples desiring to rank up from a junior member to a full member. To reiterate: a backstory is not necessary, but helps me to create a more customized experience. Players are expected to submit their completed character sheets and backstories a day prior to session 1 so that I have time to double check their sheets and work their backstories into the main story.

Preparing for the session

Players will need the following: - A reliable internet connection - A computer or other device capable of running Discord - A free Discord account - A microphone - Speakers or a headset - A keyboard or other way to enter text - A way to view, fill, and save PDF files - The ability to view JPEG and PNG files - A web browser We will not be using video for this game. I will be sending out the Monte Cook RPG Consent Checklist prefilled with my preferences. Fill in any additional preferences you have and send it back to me before game time.

What Nikolas "Nik" Solitaire brings to the table

I will send out the Monte Cook RPG Consent Checklist ahead of the game. I will also provide the following: - A PDF form-fillable character sheet for everyone to download and save - Links to information for creating your characters if necessary - An invite to my dedicated Discord server - An engaging story, decades of experience, and a positive attitude

Homebrew rules

Loot - Magic is an easy solution to too many problems. As such, my worlds tend to be low magic, even for the already low magic 5e setting. On the bright side, that makes any casters or magic items that you possess that much more incredible. To avoid fights over loot, irrelevant loot, or bad roll streaks, I use an "inspired currency" system. Each player gets 3 free inspiration at the start of each session. Every time an inspiration is earned by anyone (quest reward, important discovery, really cool accomplishment, etc), everyone gains one. Inspiration can be used normally or, at the end of each session, players may bank or spend their inspiration points on gear and magic items. Levels - Levels are doled out based on story progression which I typically pace out to be every 3 sessions. My campaigns are paced to run ~30 sessions, from levels 3-12. - In general, I allow the Rule of Cool to influence what is allowed. I will also alter rules in a way that moves combat along more quickly. This tends to work well with people who prefer Theater of the Mind or story-driven combat, and not-so-well with those who love miniatures & rulers or video gamers who are searching for that perfect position/turn/combo. - Emotions lay at the core of storytelling. As such, I change any spell or ability that gives immunity to a particular emotion (such as Heroism and Aura of Courage) to instead give advantage (if you already have advantage, it gives a bonus equal to your proficiency modifier.) - Flight marginalizes too many things. Flight without wings or material assistance (carpet, broom, ship, etc) does not exist. Creatures with a natural fly speed and items will have time/distance limitations based on level. - Long-range teleportation can only happen via circles or devices placed by you. This means that you can not teleport to places you have never been before. - I like to keep my action scenes (combat & contests) fast-paced. I use a ~10 second rush rule during such scenes (you have ~10 seconds from the start of your turn to decide on a course of action.) This rule is meant to mimic the feeling of an action-packed moment, and there are no penalties for going over, so people prone to stress need not worry. These scenes are tuned so that a few mistakes won't cause any major changes to your desired outcome, and mistakes add a sense of chaos and realism. - To also assist in faster combat, I use average damage per die instead of damage rolls. Of course, I'll allow you to roll your pretties if you'd prefer.

How Nikolas "Nik" Solitaire creates a safe table

The Monte Cook RPG Consent Checklist will be sent out ahead of the game. X, N, and O cards may be typed into the game's Discord chat channel or stated orally during game play. All applicable safety tools will be discussed at the beginning of Session 1.