Roots of the Hollow Grove

Creating your character

Character creation will take place during Session 0, especially for anyone new to Daggerheart or those who simply prefer building characters together as a group. If you’d like to come in with a character already made, that’s absolutely welcome—but not required. We’ll be using the free character builder available on Demiplane, so please create an account there before the session if you don’t already have one. All characters will begin at Level 1, using only core rulebook lineages and classes to start. This keeps things simple and accessible for new players while still offering lots of great options for storytelling and growth. If you need help navigating Demiplane or the rules, I’m happy to walk you through it during Session 0 or answer questions ahead of time!

Preparing for the session

Before the session, please make sure you’ve completed the following so we can jump into the game smoothly: Create a free Demiplane account – We’ll use Demiplane to build and manage characters. – You can explore the builder in advance or wait to create your character during Session 0. 👉 https://www.demiplane.com Create a free Roll20 account – Roll20 will be our Virtual Tabletop (VTT) for maps, dice, and gameplay visuals. 👉 https://www.roll20.net Join the Discord server – We’ll use Discord for voice chat and between-session communication. – A working mic is required; a camera is optional but welcome. – You’ll receive an invite link after signing up. Have something handy for taking notes – This could be a notebook, Google Doc, or whatever helps you track story clues, NPC names, or cool moments.

What TDUBBS brings to the table

This campaign is designed to feel like stepping into a slowly unraveling folk tale—one full of eerie wonder, moral tension, and creeping mystery. My goal is to create a story-rich, collaborative space where your choices matter, your characters evolve, and every session deepens the world around you. Here’s what you can expect from me as a GM: - Guided storytelling focused on exploration, discovery, and character-driven moments - Distinct NPCs, often with voices or emotional depth to bring the world to life - Combat that supports the story, not bogs it down—tense, but not overly tactical - A Rules-as-Written approach, especially helpful for new players, with flexibility for the Rule of Cool when it enhances the experience A welcoming, inclusive space for both new and experienced players This game is best for players who enjoy narrative-first adventures, morally complex choices, unsettling mysteries, and characters who are shaped by the world around them. If that sounds like your kind of story—you’re in the right place.

Homebrew rules

This game will mostly follow the core Daggerheart rules as written, with one optional rule in use from the start: Massive Damage Threshold: If a character takes damage equal to or greater than twice their Severe Threshold in a single hit, they mark 4 HP. This represents the sheer force of overwhelming blows and adds higher stakes to dangerous encounters. Other optional rules—such as limiting PCs to three actions per turn—are open for group discussion. Nothing additional will be implemented without talking it through as a table, and adjustments may be made later if they help improve clarity or balance during play.

How TDUBBS creates a safe table

Creating a safe, respectful, and welcoming play environment is a top priority. This campaign deals with mystery, tension, and moments of darkness—but never at the expense of player comfort. To help support this, we’ll use the following safety tools: - Session 0 to go over expectations, tone, character ideas, and establish clear boundaries together - A shared Lines and Veils document, where players can privately note topics they want excluded or handled with care -The X, N, O system to give players real-time control over their comfort levels during the game: ❌ X – Stop or change the scene immediately ⚠️ N – Proceed with caution or consider adjusting the content ✅ O – All good, keep going as is These can be sent privately via message or held up on camera if you're comfortable A brief after-session debrief to check in, share thoughts, and ensure everyone leaves the table feeling good about the experience If you ever want to talk before or after a session—about boundaries, story direction, or anything else—I'm always happy to connect. The goal is for everyone to feel safe, seen, and excited to return.