The Arcane Auction Heist | A mystical arcana-punk train heist
Not many get invited to the Arcane Auction aboard the Thread Express. World renown performers, rakshasa, peerless mages, Jinn... Why'd I get invited??
About the adventure
An arcana-punk, faction, and character driven heist narrative filled with political intrigue. Complex webs of cause and effect features of the world, weird magical creatures, artifacts, cultures, and locations creating vastly varying and intertwining plot points. This time we're trying to infiltrate an arcane auction of various valuables for an incredibly influential benefactor. The coveted treasure, various personalized side missions, and unexpected encounters, chaos is assured aboard the trackless train, The Thread Express.
Game style
Rule of Cool (RoC)
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
Less than a year on StartPlaying
About me
Veteran dungeon master, illustrator, and Ubisoft artist. Over a decade of experience DM-ing D&D.
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Character creation
Creating your character
There are premade characters I've created that you may choose from if you find that easier or more fun. If you'd like to create your own character, you are absolutely free to bring one to the table. I'm also available to help create it before the session, and guide you through the process if you'd wish. If you're bringing your own character, feel free to use pretty much any official WoTC content. Although, you'll be sending the character sheet to me before the session, so as to avoid complete overlap of characters between players. When creating a character, please use the Standard Array for Ability Scores (15, 14, 13, 12, 10, and 8). The characters should be 5th level. Multiclassing and taking feats instead of ASI's is allowed. If you have a backstory, short bio, or Accompanying text, I'm always up for more in depth characters. Feel free to send 'em my way!
What to expect
Preparing for the session
The game is open to all levels of experience with D&D. it's not an issue if you're completely new to the game, just give me a heads up and we'll get into a call 15-20 minutes earlier to cover the basics. I can help guide you through the rest of the game as we play. Having a mic is pretty necessary as we'll be using discord to communicate and be in a call during the session. If you have a webcam and wish to use it you are more than welcome to, but it's not a requirement. Since this is a one-shot, to avoid any extra steps, we'll be using owlbear rodeo which doesn't require any account or setup on your end.
What Mark Traveler brings to the table
We'll be using Owlbear Rodeo for our digital tabletop, using a mix of my custom made assets and some acquired throughout the years. Roleplay can be but doesn't have to be in the first person, as per players' comfort level. Combat is as relaxed or tactical as you want it to be. Whether you love strategic positioning and gritty mechanics or fast-paced, cinematic action, I’ll adapt to the party’s preferred tempo. I'm fairly lenient toward the Rule of Cool when it serves the story, character concept, or an interesting scene, but I otherwise keep to the rules for consistency. Versed enough in the system, I try to not bother the players with the rules too much as I can cover that part behind the screen, trying to create a seamless experience from mechanics to story. If you're looking for creativity, immersive storytelling, vivid worlds, and a DM who prioritizes player agency, you’ll feel right at home here.
Equipment needed to play
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How Mark Traveler creates a safe table
Before the session, keeping all wishes and requests anonymous and discreet, we'll have open individual discussions via direct discord messages covering any concerns each player might have privately. Any requests will be taken into account, uncomfortable topics can be skimmed over during the game, or completely skipped and removed from the story as needed. Personal messaging with me during the game is also encouraged with any wishes, concerns, etc. If anyone needs to take a break at any point for any reason, they should feel free too, and are free to take it without the need of an excuse. The main rule is approaching the table and fellow players with respect and understanding as much as possible.