Where the Portal Leads, Legends Follow

Creating your character

Character Creation Guidelines: Welcome adventurer! Before we dive into the chaos and wonder of Tales of the Yawning Portal, you’ll need to bring your character to life. Here’s how we’ll do it: Session 0 – Character Building & World Introduction All character creation will happen together during Session 0, so come with ideas and be ready to roll! We'll walk through character sheets, answer questions, and make sure everyone is ready to play. Step 1: Concept & Backstory Before Session 0, come up with a character concept and a short backstory — just enough to explain why your character became an adventurer. Think about motivations, fears, goals, and connections. You don't need a novel, just a paragraph or two to help ground your roleplay. Step 2: Stats – 4d6 Drop Lowest (With Rerolls!) Stats will be rolled together during Session 0 using the classic 4d6 method: - Roll 4d6, drop the lowest die, and total the remaining three. - Reroll any die that is a 1 to avoid low-ball stats. - We'll do these rolls together in session 0. Step 3: Starting Level & Tools - Characters will begin at Level 1, with standard starting gear from your class and background. - All characters will be added to a shared D&D Beyond campaign — you’ll get the invite before Session 0. Step 4: Allowed Sources 🧙 Classes: - Player’s Handbook (2014) - Player’s Handbook (2024) - Critical Role: Blood Hunter 🧬 Species (Races): - Player’s Handbook (2014) - Player’s Handbook (2024) - Monsters of the Multiverse - Other official core rulebooks (case by case — just ask!) If you’re unsure about a choice or have something homebrew or niche in mind, just run it by me first — I love helping bring cool characters to life.

Preparing for the session

Preparation Checklist Before jumping into Tales of the Yawning Portal, make sure you’re fully prepped to join the adventure. Here’s everything you need to do before Session 0: 🧭 1. Join the Campaign on D&D Beyond - You’ll receive a campaign invite link. - Create a D&D Beyond account (if you don’t already have one). - Use the link to build your character and unlock shared content. 🗺️ 2. Create a Roll20 Account - Go to roll20.net and make a free account. - You’ll be sent a game link to join before Session 0. 🗣️ 3. Join the Discord Server - Create a Discord profile (if you don’t already have one). - You’ll get an invite to our Discord server — this is where we’ll do voice chat and share updates, memes, and out-of-game discussion. - Make sure your mic is working and that you can hear clearly. 💡 4. Bring a Character Concept - Come with an idea of who your character is and why they became an adventurer. - Full character creation happens during Session 0, but having a starting point is important. ⚔️ 5. Test Your Tech - Please test your internet connection, Roll20, Discord voice, webcam, and D&D Beyond login before the first session. - If you need help, reach out — I’m happy to troubleshoot with you.

What Mathieu McDougall brings to the table

What I Provide as Your GM When you sit at our table, you're not just here to roll the dice; you're stepping into a world of danger, wonder, and story. Here's what you can expect from me as your Game Master: 🎭 Character Voices (Yes, I Try!) I do voices for NPCs — some serious, some silly, all heartfelt. I’m not Matthew Mercer… but I do have “Mat” in my name, and I bring my best to every character you meet. 🎶 Immersive Ambience Expect rich, thematic soundscapes using Kenku FM streamed through Discord. Whether you're in a cozy tavern, a haunted crypt, or the middle of a boss fight, the mood will feel right. ⚔️ The Rule of Cool > Rules as Written I follow the core rules, but if you want to swing from the chandelier or punch a ghost with radiant knuckles, I’m here for it. Creativity is rewarded, and epic moments matter more than nitpicking mechanics. 📚 Shared Resources on D&D Beyond All players will have access to the following shared material through D&D Beyond: Player’s Handbook (2014) — Spell Bundle Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse 🧙‍♂️ A Collaborative, Player-Focused Game I build the world, but the story is yours. I actively shape the narrative around your backstories, decisions, and relationships. Whether you love combat, roleplay, or problem-solving, I’ll make sure you shine.

Homebrew rules

Homebrew Rules & Table Customs To keep the game flowing smoothly and make room for cinematic moments, I use a few house rules. Here’s what you need to know: 🍷 Potions Are Quick Drinking a healing potion takes a bonus action; meaning you can action drink a potion and use a bonus action to drink a healing potion. Helping someone else drink a healing potion still takes an action. 💤 Resting Made Simple Short Rests take 45 minutes (in-game), and Long Rests remain 8 hours. You may only take 3 short rests per in-game day. 🧠 Extra Languages Your Intelligence modifier grants additional known languages equal to the mod. 💥 Massive Damage Consequences (Level 3+) If you lose more than half your HP in a single hit, make a DC 15 CON save. Fail, and you suffer a lingering injury or system shock (GM’s table). This rule doesn’t apply until Level 3 and above. 🔮 Attunement Made Flexible Attuning to a new item = short rest. Unattuning = 1 minute. Reattuning to an item you've used before = 15 minutes. 🎬 The Rule of Cool Reigns Supreme If you want to try something awesome, say it out loud. I’ll tell you what to roll. “I want to sprint up the giant’s arm, stab it in the eye, then backflip off and slash a goblin mid-air!” We’ll figure out what checks are needed and make it work.

How Mathieu McDougall creates a safe table

Creating an inclusive, respectful, and safe table is a top priority for me. Everyone deserves to have fun, feel heard, and explore the game without discomfort or harm. Here’s how I support that: 🧭 Session 0 – Setting the Tone In Session 0, we’ll go over table expectations, communication styles, and boundaries. We’ll also review: - Lines (hard limits) and Veils (fade-to-black topics) - Preferred tone (light, dark, heroic, gritty, etc.) - Player comfort and spotlight balance 📝 Lines & Veils Document Before Session 0, I’ll send out a Lines & Veils form (Google Form or PDF) that you can fill out privately and anonymously. This helps set clear boundaries without pressure. 🛑 X, N, & O System – Digital & Verbal To ensure everyone’s comfort in real-time, I use the X/N/O system: X – Stop. I’m not okay with this content. N – I’m uncomfortable; let’s ease up. O – I’m good to continue. You can use these through chat, voice, or even private message during the session — whatever is easiest for you. 💬 Aftercare & Check-Ins After intense or emotional scenes, I’ll do a brief check-in at the end of the session. You’re also welcome to message me privately afterward if anything lingers or needs follow-up. 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Zero Tolerance for Harassment Disrespect, discrimination, or harassment of any kind has no place at my table. This includes out-of-character behavior in voice, chat, or Discord.