Corsairs and History

Creating your character

Character Creation Players can create their characters before Session 0, or build them during Session 0 if they’d like help or guidance. I’ll review all character sheets before the session begins to make sure everything is good to go. Character Details Level: 3 Platform: Characters must be created in D&D Beyond Ability Scores: Use Point Buy or Standard Array (no rolling) Allowed Content: Official sources only (no Homebrew or Unearthed Arcana) You may use either the 2014 or 2024 Player’s Handbook rules Starting Gear: Use class and background starting equipment Feats: Allowed if granted by your background (2024 rules) or if you choose Variant Human Important: Set Character to Public Please make sure your character is set to “Public” under Character Settings in D&D Beyond so I can view and review your sheet before the game.

Preparing for the session

How Should Players Prepare? Here’s everything you’ll need to join the game and be ready for the Festival of the First Crown: Required Tools A working microphone (no webcam required) A StartPlaying.com account (to reserve your seat) A Discord account (for voice and pre-session chat) A D&D Beyond account (for character creation and gameplay) A Forge VTT account (free, used to access the game in Foundry) The Beyond20 browser extension (to connect D&D Beyond to Foundry) Character Creation Create your character in D&D Beyond using Point Buy or Standard Array (Level 3) Set your character to Public visibility You may use 2014 or 2024 official rules (no homebrew or UA) If you need help, character creation can be done during Session 0 with guidance! Rules Knowledge You don’t need to know all the rules! I’ll explain anything you need to know as we go That said, reading through your class and background ahead of time is helpful. If there are any questions prior to sessions 0 please let me know!

What Dm/Gm Travis brings to the table

What I Offer My Players – Corsairs and History: An Elmwood Adventure Discord for Voice & Chat All in-game communication will take place on Discord. Once you're signed up through StartPlaying, you'll receive a private server invite for your session and Session 0 prep. D&D Beyond for Character Sheets Characters must be created and managed using D&D Beyond. You can build your character using either the 2014 rules or the updated 2024 Player’s Handbook. ✅ Standard Characters Only ✅ Point Buy or Standard Array only ❌ No Homebrew or Content Sharing Enabled Beyond20 + Foundry VTT via The Forge Gameplay will take place on Foundry VTT, hosted via The Forge. You'll need: A free Forge account The Beyond20 browser extension This setup lets you roll directly from your D&D Beyond sheet into Foundry for seamless, immersive play. StartPlaying Sign-Up Required All players must sign up through StartPlaying.com to reserve a seat. Session 0 scheduling, campaign prep, and ongoing session updates will be managed through StartPlaying and Discord. My GM Style – What You Can Expect in Elmwood Balanced Play – RAW Meets Rule of Cool I stick to the Rules as Written for clarity and consistency—but I’m always open to bending the rules when it enhances the story, rewards clever thinking, or supports cinematic, character-driven moments. Story-Rich Exploration in a Living World This is a roleplay-forward PvE campaign set in a recovering republic full of forgotten ruins, political undercurrents, and magical remnants of war. Player choices shape the tone of each region and how NPCs react in future sessions. Tactical Combat, Player-Driven Decisions Combat is present but purposeful. Expect meaningful encounters where strategy, positioning, and environment play a role. Roleplay, discovery, and solving problems in-character are just as important as battle. Immersive Presentation I enhance each session with: Battle maps tailored to each location Dynamic lighting and weather (Foundry tools) Ambient music and nature/urban sounds that match the tone of each moment Visuals that bring Elmwood to life

How Dm/Gm Travis creates a safe table

Safety Tools & Gameplay Details This game is meant to be fun, welcoming, and inclusive for everyone at the table—whether you're a new player or a seasoned adventurer. We'll spend some time before we play making sure everyone feels comfortable, prepared, and respected. Session Zero – Discord Prep Before the game session, we’ll hold a brief Session Zero on Discord (text or voice, depending on your preference). In this check-in, we will: Go over character creation and answer any rules questions Set expectations for tone and play style Discuss the game’s themes Introduce and explain the X, N, O safety system Make sure everyone knows what to expect and has a voice at the table Safety Tools – X, N, & O System During the game, we’ll use the X, N, and O system to help everyone feel safe and heard: X – Stop. A line has been crossed or something is uncomfortable. We'll pause and adjust immediately. N – A nudge to shift away from something. It’s not a full stop, but let’s ease up or move on soon. O – All good! A quick way to show you're okay with the current scene or tone. You can use these tools in Discord chat or say them out loud—whatever feels most comfortable. Aftercare At the end of the session, we’ll take a few minutes to: Share favorite moments Check in on how everyone felt about the session Give space for feedback or private chats if needed This is casual, supportive, and always optional. Additional Gameplay Notes Beginner-friendly and welcoming to all experience levels Focus on roleplaying and story. No forced PvP—everyone should be like-minded and working together Characters can be pre-generated or created ahead of time All players are encouraged to engage at their comfort level