D&D: Out of the Abyss

Creating your character

Players may use any platform to create their characters, however I always strongly suggest using D&D Beyond for all new players. If you choose not to use D&D Beyond, please let me know how you intend on maintaining your character sheets. Creation can be done before Session Zero if you wish, however you may wish to change some details once we have run through the details of the campaign, to tie your character to the world in more detail. Any official D&D published content is permitted, as well as any "Kobold Press" and "Critical Role" content. If you wish to use any content outside of these limits, please message me directly and we can discuss further. I am happy to include other third party content but will want to review, understand and assess before proceeding. This is to ensure game and party balance.

Preparing for the session

I will be running combat encounters on Roll20 or Sigil VTT. In addition, the game will be run primarily over either Roll20, Sigil VTT, or Discord. Again we can discuss options in session zero, however I suggest signing up to both Discord and Roll20 in advance, and downloading Sigil VTT. I also host a repository for the campaign on my own site, which can be used to refer back to for session notes, NPC details, locations etc. No need to sign up for anything on this, and a link will be shared during session zero.

What Aaron H brings to the table

**SESSION ZERO + SESSION ONE FOR FREE!** ------------------- I run my games with soundscapes and music where possible. Roleplay IS required at the table, and conversations at the game should be from the perspective of the character. I do not expect you to create a voice for your character. You're of course welcome to voice act, but some players are not comfortable with voice acting, so please don't feel pressured to do so. I tend to operate on the Rule of Cool, using the rules as written as a foundation, but adjusting as required for the scenario/situation. I find this makes the game a lot more welcoming to new players, and avoids "rules lawyering" at the table, meaning you can all be immersed into the world without debating the wording of a rule.

Homebrew rules

I tend not to run many homebrew rules, especially with newer players at the table as it makes learning the game harder on players. I do however have the below tweaks to standard game rules: Healing Potions - If you use your ACTION to consume a healing potion, you will receive the FULL benefit of that potion, whereas if you use your BONUS ACTION to consume a potion, you will need to roll. From a roleplay standpoint this signifies you either taking time to gulp down the fluid, or quickly trying to swig it whilst doing something else. Death Saves - Death saves are rolled by the DM, and the players are not made aware of the result. I have found this makes for a more dramatic scene, as the players do not know how long the dying character has before they perish. In addition, the DC of death saving rolls increase the more a character is incapacitated.

How Aaron H creates a safe table

I start every campaign with a Session Zero, to set the expectations and limits of the group. I also operate an "Open Door" game which permits players to step away from the session at any time if they become uncomfortable should anything arise. More importantly, I will work with the group to set "Lines & Veils" which are grey areas and hard limits that a player may have. I like to encourage a safe gaming space for all, and have a zero tolerance on players that breach lines set by others. Should a player breach a boundary set in session zero or afterwards, they will have ONE warning. This is as some people can slip up or forget in some situations. However if a line is exceeded a second time, the offending player will be evicted from the campaign and no refunds issued.