The Eclipsed Trade

Creating your character

The characters should be created before the first session, ideally ASAP, but it can be left for after session 0, before we actually start. The starting level will be 3, and the characters can be created wherever you prefer, including D&D Beyond. Moreover, if you have a specific idea from a book, you're more than welcome to utilize it. Stat distribution is up to you, if you'd prefer to buy or use the standard array—it shouldn't make a massive difference either way. I keep an open door policy on these kinds of things, including creative efforts, so feel free to ask questions. This is what session 0 is for, anyway.

Preparing for the session

I will make a Discord server and a Roll20 campaign for us to use, so an account on both would be necessary. There's nothing else you need for the play. Discord will be used for voice, while the actual game will be played on Roll20 itself.

What Brad brings to the table

I utilize many fun (based on player feedback) things to ensure a healthy, entertaining space for us to play together. D&D is meant to be fun, and I aim to do whatever I need to in order to make it as fun as possible. I tend to make very difficult, tactical combat. Every combat encounter should feel like a fight for your life, because that's exactly what it is. I like cool, dynamic encounters with awesome enemies, to let players shine when they pull a victory from the jaws of defeat! Not to mention a "How does that spell look when you cast it?", or a "How do you want to do this?" when applicable, to let you set your own scene. Rules as Written have their place, but as with everything, I will always reward good play. I will never punish a player for playing their character well, be that in RP, or combat. Fun is the goal, and losing yourself in the world is paramount. Creative collaboration has me engaged every time, and if you have a cool idea, let me know. I'll probably want to use it somehow. This is a narrative, story-driven campaign. If your cool idea bends a rule, there's always room to play around a little. I also share information privately, so if your character reads a note, recalls a detail, etc., only you know it, and hold the power to share it, or keep it to yourself for an advantage. I utilize voices, accents and setting images, maps that I can find, and music and ambience that suits the scene. I also use a voice mod, to really add some immersion! I also offer collaborative character creation and worldbuilding. I'd like to play with your ideas, and make you more than a player. You're a part of this world, and your character will leave a lasting impact on it.

Homebrew rules

There are many that come up, at any given time, and therefore, we may discuss them as they come up. Don't be scared to ask, as I love a good idea.

How Brad creates a safe table

My priority is ensuring that every player feels safe, respected, and in control of their experience. I use clear safety tools to maintain a welcoming space for all play styles. Lines & Veils Document I would prefer to discuss these things in Session 0, as that is the best place to cover them. If a document is necessary, you can let me know, but I do not mind discussing them privately, and I needn't ask questions if that's how you'd prefer it. Session 0 Discussion During Session 0, we’ll cover: - Tone & Themes – What the campaign explores narratively and emotionally. - Player Boundaries – Reviewing Lines & Veils to ensure group alignment. - Character Interactions – Setting expectations for PC relationships, rivalries, and emotional depth. - Combat Expectations – Clarifying difficulty, lethality, and tactical play. Safety Tools in Play I use X, N, & O Cards (Red, Yellow, Green system) in digital format, available via private message or quick check-ins in chat. You can send me a DM in-session whenever you feel it's necessary. - X (Stop) – Used if a scene becomes too uncomfortable, immediately shifting or fading out. - N (Adjust) – Signals the need to tone down a subject without stopping play. - O (Proceed) – Encourages deeper engagement with intense scenes when all players feel safe. Aftercare & Debriefs I provide end-of-session check-ins, either through brief discussion or private message, where players can share concerns, reflections, or emotional impact. D&D tells powerful stories—sometimes, an intense moment sticks with us. Aftercare ensures players feel grounded after big decisions or heavy themes.