Play by Post: OUT OF THE ABYSS | 5e | Underdark RP & combat!

Creating your character

Characters will be created on D&D Beyond for ease of tracking, starting with level 1. You may certainly have a character or two in mind before the session, but there are aspects of the story you may want to know about before finalizing anything, which we'll discuss during Session 0! As far as species/class/background options, anything is on the table as long is it is an officially licensed product available on D&D Beyond (no homebrew classes, etc.).

Preparing for the session

Access to Discord and a D&D Beyond account (any tier) is required, but other than that, I'd love for you to be able to just jump in and play! Beginners are more than welcome! However, if you've never played D&D, I do recommend at least reading the Free Rules (2024) on D&D Beyond, though that's never required -- again, I'd much rather you learn as we play! As for Play-by-Post methods, I will be reaching out with tips and guidance on how to get the most out of a text-based game. The big thing is planning for contingencies -- for example, "If I fail this Stealth check, I'd instead like to roll for Persuasian and try to negotiate my way through." Again, we'll talk through these things during the Session 0!

What DM_Alex | Zoological Gardens brings to the table

A text-based, Play-by-Post campaign is an amazing collaborative roleplaying and storytelling experience that allows each player time to think, look things up, and really flesh out their actions, as opposed to the spontaneity of the in-person table. It's just as rewarding, if not more so, than playing on video/audio or around a real table! So, how does Play-by-Post work on a practical level? You'll get access to a private Discord server with an out-of-character (OOC) lobby. In game, I will post AT LEAST three times per weekday (or five days out of the week). By joining the group, you agree to post at least once a week, though I recommend ~2 posts per week day. I will post at least three times per week day, and the time listed here is for our totally optional live check-in times for players to meet with me to discuss, clarify, and conspire! *** We will use 2024 D&D rules or 2014 D&D rules (as long as you stay consistent with one or the other). *** Players will receive maps and custom Spotify playlists for each location! *** I provide access to a private Discord server, custom maps/tokens, content on D&D Beyond, and even a master-tier D&D Beyond login if you need it. *** As a GM, I focus on two things: the story, and you, the player. I make them work seamlessly with each other and encourage emergent storytelling as much as possible to make this a memorable, worthwhile experience for all involved. As a former high school English teacher and a current children's librarian who runs D&D frequently for children and adults of all interests, styles, ages, and ability levels, I make my focus centered around you, the player. I am constantly working to find what makes this game fun for you and maximize that component(s), and I strive to make this as fun, creative, challenging, and fulfilling as possible. *** I balance the social, exploration, and combat aspects of D&D, though I tend to focus on the social and exploration aspects a bit more as they lend themselves to the narrative more fully, which is my other primary goal. *** I do fun voices in my live plays, but my focus is on characterization and personality, as well as story and your characters' motivations -- this is especially the case in my play-by-post games. *** My combat tends to be intense but swashbuckling (yes, please do swing on the chandelier!) and not as tactical, though I can adapt to your playstyle quite easily.

How DM_Alex | Zoological Gardens creates a safe table

We will do a Lines & Veils survey, which will be compiled and shared as part of a campaign one-sheet for each player. It incorporates many of the resources listed above. X, N, & O's can be privately messaged to be on Discord, or opened messaged if the player feels comfortable.