The Torrent [5E-2024]

Creating your character

This adventure starts at level 5 and use D&DBeyond for character creation. You are welcome to make your character before play starts or build it together with guidance from me in our session 0. For those wanting to make a character in advance, here's the guidelines to follow: Home › Select the following: Sources: Homebrew, Core Rules, Expanded Rules Partnered Content: All Dice Rolling: Enabled Optional Features: None Advancement Type: Milestone Hit Points: Manual (max at level 1, re-roll 1's on level-up) Use Prerequisites: Feat, Multi-class Encumbrance Type: No encumbrance Ignore Coin Weight: On 1. Class Pick from 2024 Core Rules, Expanded or Critical Role 2. Background Pick from Core or Expanded 3. Species Pick from Core or Expanded (sans Custom Lineage) 4. Abilities Standard Array 5. Equipment Choose starting equipment for level 1. In addition to the guidelines above, as we are starting at level 5, each player will also get the following: 525 gold (used to purchase additional gear, consumables, etc. before play; or hold onto it for later, your choice.) 1 common magic item 1 uncommon magic item For any additional questions not included in the guidelines above, please ask the DM in the session 0 to have concerns addressed.

Preparing for the session

As mentioned above in character creation. We will be using D&DBeyond for characters; additionally, maps will be presented with AboveVTT which is an extension for D&DBeyond. As such, you will need a D&DBeyond account, this is free with an email, and to download the extension from google. *You do not need to worry about buying any books in D&DBeyond if you are a new user, I will be enabling content share with my account giving everyone access to a large majority of the source material. Additionally, plays will be conducted through Discord. If you do not already have a Discord account this is also free and you will receive a server invite from me for the campaign on Startplaying. *Discord will only be used for a VC for the plays. For any questions or concerns you wish to bring to the DM, please reach out via startplaying messages. I will check my inbox daily to address anything that comes up efficiently.

What Kyle brings to the table

As mentioned above for D&DBeyond, I will be turning on content share for source material. Additionally, I will be streaming ambience and battle music via Discord during the plays from tabletopaudio to help set the tone and mood for the sessions. In terms of my DMing style, I like to build my campaigns around my players. As such, I will bring in character backstories you provide as part of the overarching story to generate more immersion between you and your character. Furthermore, I offer a range of combat types, and it will change dependent on what is being fought. Example, when fighting inside a cave or cavern, the environment will play a role in the combat from falling stalactites and lair actions from the dungeon boss. For play management, I operate as a hybrid style between Rule of Cool (RoC) and Rules as Written (RaW). For feats and multi-classing I use RaW as denoted in character creation and using prerequisites. However, in play when describing a crazy action, I will use RoC to have you roll for attempt and the dice will decide if you pull it off; extra points (advantage or bonuses) added for creativity or epic actions. On occasion I do utilize some character voices when able. It's a skill I'm working on, but I am still very much learning and honing my skill. Lastly, I have an open-door policy as a DM and want to offer a safe space during play. This means that if an issue arises at any time and you want to address the concern you can message me any time via startplaying messages and I will get back to you within 24 hours.

Homebrew rules

Brutal Critical: Max of normal damage die, then roll and add modifier. Ex: Mace (1D6) -> 6 + D6 roll + modifier = damage dealt Modified Potion Action: As action -> max heal of potion; As bonus-action (BA) -> roll for healing. Ex: Potion of Healing (2D4+2) -> Action = 10hp healed, BA = roll Hidden Death Saving Throws: IF a player falls unconscious in combat, the DM will roll the savings throws on behalf of the player giving narration to the party to entice action. MVP Portent: At the end of each play, every player will vote on a session MVP who will receive a portent die for the next play. This is a D20 roll that you can use for any D20 roll in the next session for any person at any time but must be used during that session or it is lost to the new MVP.

How Kyle creates a safe table

Breaks: I use breaks during each play both for bodily management and to reset if/when needed from emotional or intense moments during play. With each session lasting 2-3 hours, a 10-minute break will be utilized somewhere in the 2nd hour for this purpose. Lines and Veils: A google doc will be sent out as part of the welcome message to each player that will include a generalized list of topics for you to rate you level of comfort with as well as an open response section to add anything not addressed in the original list. I ask that each player completes this before play starts. Session 0: Here we will go over any questions regarding character creation, expectations from players and DM, confirm answers for Lines and Veils (anonymously), and confirm access to AboveVTT. This session will be free as no play for the campaign will start.