The Withered Marches | Daggerheart | Beginners Welcome

Creating your character

It is recommended to watch the Daggerheart playlist (~30 minutes): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKCcN4B6ZBs&list=PL1tiwbzkOjQzrupXVqcsfRyJ_0m5ABXov&ab_channel=CriticalRole Character Creation: The Essentials The character creation process is a phased approach that takes place before your first session, culminating in Session Zero for lore integration. When is Character Creation? The bulk of the sheet creation must be completed before Session Zero. Session Zero is reserved entirely for deep character background integration and character finalization as well as initial world building decisions. Where are Characters Created? Instructions: All specific guidance on Ancestries and Classes is found in the #resources channel on the Dice & Destiny Discord server as well as the necessary demiplane group invitation and character creation links. The digital sheet will be built using the group's Demiplane account. (link found in the #resources channel.) Registration: The URL to your finished character sheet link must be submitted to the community wiki and character vault to officially register your character for the campaign. All gold and reward handling is tracked via our @Watchful Guardian on the discord channel. What is the Starting Level? All expedition members will begin their journey at Level 1. Which Books Should I Use? You do not need to refer to any external books. All necessary rules and digital materials are provided via the community, accessible through the Discord and Demiplane account.

Preparing for the session

Final Player Preparation Checklist: To ensure a seamless start to your adventures in The Withered Marches, please complete the following steps before your first scheduled session. Step 1: Join the Community Hub Join Discord: You must join our Dice & Destiny Discord server here: [[ https://discord.gg/CGYSbCnECp ]]. This is our primary hub for all scheduling, communication, lore, and table session coordination. Player Role: Once you join, please reach out to me (Major Burns) and ask to be assigned your 'player' role, let me know what session (time and date) you signed up for. This will unlock access to the campaign player only channels, lore forums, and the scheduling system. Step 2: Set Up Digital Accounts I use industry-standard tools for the highest quality experience, which requires two free accounts: Roll20 Account: [[ https://roll20.net/welcome ]] Create a free account on Roll20 if you don't already have one. This is the Virtual Tabletop (VTT) where we will run the game, handle maps, and manage combat. Demiplane Account: Create a free account on Demiplane. [[ https://app.demiplane.com/nexus/daggerheart ]] This is where we manage and create our character sheets. You will need to be invited to our 'The Withered Marches' group on Demiplane via the link in the #resources channel in our discord, first to gain access the character builder and resource materials. Step 3: Complete Character Creation Your character must be created and approved via discord forum character vault post before you can be slotted into a campaign session. Community rule! Schedule Session Zero: If you are a new Daggerheart player, message me directly in Discord to schedule your free, dedicated Session Zero workshop where we will build your final character sheet or select a premade, ensure you are configured in the roll20 campaign, and discuss any character background you want to be included. Submit Your Lore: Ensure your character sheet includes the answers to the Session Zero Questions (found in the #resources tab in discord) to finalize your integration into the world. Step 4: Final Technical Check & Support Discord Voice: Ensure you have a functioning microphone and headset (required for clear voice communication). VTT Access: Log into Roll20 on your primary browser at least a half hour before your first session to ensure the VTT loads correctly on your device. Download and review the Daggerheart player cheatsheet (found in #resources channel in the Dice & Destiny discord server). Sign the Session 0 document and agreement which covers safety and agreements for everyone and message me privately. GM Support: I am available for one-on-one sessions to assist with any character creation questions, lore clarification, or technical setup checks. Feel free to ping me on Discord anytime before our scheduled game slots.

What The DM Shane brings to the table

As a Game Master running this ambitious campaign, I guarantee a premium, consistent, and highly immersive experience across all of our weekly sessions. My style is centered on dramatic storytelling, high-fidelity production, and meticulous organization. 1. The Immersion: Narrative & Sensory Depth My background as a writer and in theatre informs every session. You can expect the following commitment to immersion: Character Voices & Personas: I provide distinct voices and mannerisms for every key NPC, making your interactions with Havenites and Wicklings feel personal, complex, and memorable. Ambient Music & Soundscapes: I will utilize professional ambient music and soundboards to paint the world. You will hear the sickly sweet silence of the corrupted Witherwild and the desperate clamor behind Haven's high walls. Vivid Descriptions: I will focus on all five senses when painting a scene. Whether it’s describing the metallic scent of the corruption or the taste of a rare Fanewick delicacy, I ensure the world is tangible and responsive to your actions. 2. The Gameplay: Rules, Combat, and Consequences I maintain a strong, fair structure essential for a large West Marches campaign, while keeping the focus firmly on the narrative. Intense, Narrative-Focused Combat: Combat is tactical and high-stakes (it is survival horror). I follow the Rules as Written (RAW) for Daggerheart to ensure fairness and balance across all sessions. However, I always lean toward the Rule of Cool when a player's action elevates the drama or supports their character's story. Duality Dice in Action: I actively utilize the Hope and Fear systems, weaving them directly into the environment and NPC behavior. Expect to be frequently tested on your moral alignment—the Duality Dice are not just a mechanic, they are the soul of this campaign. High-End VTT Production: I utilize professional, high-resolution custom maps, dynamic lighting, and integrated character sheets (Demiplane → Roll20) to ensure a smooth, visually appealing, and well-managed experience. 3. The Professional Guarantee: Safety and Support My commitment to the table goes beyond the session time. I offer professional support to ensure your long-term commitment is rewarding: Unwavering Safety: I maintain a safe and inclusive table environment, utilizing lines and veils (discussed in Session Zero) and following a strict zero-tolerance policy for harassment. 1 on 1 support: I am readily available on Discord for personalized character & world-building assistance, lore questions, or technical setup checks to ensure you are fully prepared for your expedition

Homebrew rules

I stick rigorously to the published Daggerheart Rules as Written (RAW) to ensure consistency, fairness, and balance across all tables, especially during combat. However, the ROC always surpases the RAW for narrative and story immersion (when appropriate). My only exceptions are minor clarifications designed to streamline the game: Immediate Item Use: To maintain narrative flow, using a simple item (like drinking a Potion of Healing) is treated as an Incidental Action instead of a full turn action. This keeps the action moving and supports the heroic tone. Shared Lore Resources: All players gain immediate access to our comprehensive Dice & Destiny Lore Vault and a specific Withered Marches Wiki (both hosted on Westmarches.games). This is an out-of-game resource that helps you integrate your character and plan expeditions in our vast shared world.

How The DM Shane creates a safe table

Your safety and comfort are my highest priority. Running a safe, inclusive table is a requirement for a successful long-term campaign, and I have a clear, three-part system for managing sensitive content and player well-being. 1. Pre-Game: Setting the Boundaries Digital Lines & Veils: During character creation, when submitting the character form for review, there is a section at the bottom of the form that has a 'for GM eyes only' section. This section allows you to privately and anonymously set your boundaries regarding any sensitive content (like severe body horror, non-consensual acts, etc.). (This is also where you place your character backstory.) 2. During Session Zero We dedicate a portion of our Session Zero to discussing Tone and Content. I go over the core themes of the Witherwild (Cultural Clash, Survival Horror, Transformation) and ensure all players understand that the Serpent's Sickness and the Withered affliction are core elements of the plot. We establish clear "stop" mechanics. We will also have access to my easy to use handcrafted API for Roll20's X, N, & O's digital deck. 3. Aftercare and Feedback Immediate Aftercare: If any session contains particularly intense or triggering moments, I check in with the group briefly after the session has ended to ensure everyone is okay. 4. Anonymous Feedback: I maintain an open door policy and treat all feeback as anonymous. This allows you to report anything—from a rule mistake to a safety concern—at any time without fear of reprisal. Your comfort is non-negotiable.