Critical Role: Call of The Netherdeep

Creating your character

Character creation in this campaign is a collaborative, story-first process. I run a Session Zero where we build characters together rather than individually beforehand. This session is designed to establish relationships, determine who knows whom, and ensure the party begins as a cohesive, narratively connected group. It's also the ideal moment to discuss backstories, personal motivations, and how characters might interact with the journey from Xhorhas to the depths of the Netherdeep. Characters begin at level 3, giving you some established abilities and resources while still leaving room for growth, discovery, and meaningful development. We'll primarily use Dungeons & Dragons 5e rules, and I can run the campaign using either the 2014 or 2024 edition, depending on what the group prefers. All official sourcebooks and supplements are welcome, though players can also focus on core content for simplicity. Stats can be rolled or point-buy depending on group preference, and I'll help balance choices while keeping the process flexible so creativity is encouraged. During Session Zero, we'll cover everything: race, class, backgrounds, abilities, skills, and starting equipment, but we also place strong emphasis on personality, ideals, flaws, and bonds. I encourage players to think of their characters as living, breathing people with motivations and fears, not just a collection of numbers. This ensures that every mechanical choice has narrative weight and every story moment feels meaningful. One of my priorities is group cohesion. I like parties that feel interconnected from the start. Whether your characters are siblings, old friends, rivals, mentors, or share a past tragedy, we'll weave those connections into the story so the party has built-in tension, camaraderie, and motivation. I also help tie your characters' backstories into the larger world, linking you to the festival competition, potential faction contacts, or connections to the themes of heroism and sacrifice that drive this campaign. This gives the story immediate stakes and makes player choices matter from session one. Session Zero is also where we cover table expectations and tone: how combat is handled, the balance of roleplay and mechanics, pacing, safety tools, and comfort at the table. This ensures everyone starts on the same page, knows the style of play, and feels confident engaging with both the story and each other. In short, character creation for this campaign is fun, collaborative, and meaningful. By building your characters together at the table, you'll start your journey as a connected party ready to face festival competitions, political intrigue, underwater exploration, and the emotionally charged depths of the Netherdeep. Every choice you make, mechanical or narrative, will help shape your story, the party, and Alyxian's fate.

Preparing for the session

To make sure everyone can jump in and have fun from the first session, there are a few simple steps to prepare before the game starts. Discord Access – We’ll be using Discord as our main hub for voice, video, and chat. Please make sure you have an account set up and a functioning microphone. Clear audio is important so we can communicate smoothly during roleplay and combat. Video is optional, but encouraged if you want to add extra immersion. Dice rolls can be done here too. Virtual Tabletop – We’ll use Owlbear Rodeo for mapping, visuals, and dice rolling if you prefer to play digitally. You don’t need to purchase anything; a free account is sufficient. Dice rolling is built in, but if you’d rather use physical dice, that’s completely fine! The game runs on trust, and I encourage whatever method feels best for you. Character Prep – Please have your character ready by the end of Session Zero. I’ll guide you through creation together, but having ideas about your character’s race, class, and concept beforehand helps us move faster. Familiarity with Materials – It’s helpful to have access to the relevant D&D 5e sourcebooks or PDFs if you plan to reference rules yourself, but it’s not required. I’ll manage most rules and ensure the session flows. Optional Tools – If you like, you can have a notebook, digital note-taking tool, or initiative tracker to keep track of your character’s actions, spells, and items. This is optional but can make gameplay smoother, especially during combat. To get the most out of the atmosphere, players are encouraged to have Spotify ready if they want to follow along with ambient tracks or shared playlists during sessions. Music helps set tone, highlight suspenseful moments, and immerse the party in the world. A Premium account is ideal for uninterrupted playback, but it’s optional. You can still enjoy the game fully without it. In short, all you need is a good mic, Discord access, and a willingness to dive in. Beyond that, you’re free to use digital or physical dice, take notes as you like, and focus on enjoying the story and interactions at the table. My goal is to make it as easy as possible to jump in and start adventuring!

What Malachi brings to the table

As your GM, my goal is to create an immersive, cinematic, and engaging experience where story, character, and player choice come first. I provide a rich, living world full of lore, intrigue, and adventure, with consequences that matter and opportunities for characters to grow. My style blends narrative, tactical combat, and interactive storytelling, so every session feels dynamic and memorable. I use distinct character voices (where I can!) and personalities for NPCs to make every interaction feel alive. I also incorporate ambient music and sound effects to heighten tension, underscore dramatic moments, and evoke the journey from festival celebrations to the haunting depths of the Netherdeep. Music helps set tone, signal suspense, and make memorable moments feel cinematic. Players with a Spotify Premium account can fully enjoy shared playlists, synchronised tracks, or custom scene music, though it's not required to participate. Combat in my games is intense, tactical, and cinematic. Encounters are designed to challenge your decisions and strategy while keeping the story moving. I embrace the Rule of Cool, rewarding creativity and bold solutions, but I also respect the Rules as Written where needed to maintain fairness and consistency. Players can expect: - A world that reacts to your choices, where decisions carry weight and shape Alyxian's fate. - Story-driven gameplay, with opportunities for roleplay, investigation, faction intrigue, and moral dilemmas. - Dynamic encounters, including tactical combat, underwater exploration, and emotionally charged challenges. - Support and guidance, especially for new players or complex rules interactions. - Cinematic moments, rich with detail, atmosphere, and immersive storytelling. I aim to make each session memorable, interactive, and fun, providing a space where creativity, strategy, and character development are all rewarded. Whether your character is navigating political schemes in Ank'Harel, exploring ancient underwater ruins, or confronting the fractured memories of a fallen hero, I'll provide the tools, setting, and guidance to make every adventure feel alive.

How Malachi creates a safe table

Player safety and comfort are a top priority at my table. I want everyone to feel secure, respected, and free to explore the story without fear of discomfort or judgment. To achieve this, I use multiple tools and practices both before and during sessions. Before the first game, I provide access to the Monte Cooke consent form, which lets players identify topics, themes, or content they are uncomfortable with, as well as their preferences for in-game content. This allows me to tailor scenes and encounters to ensure everyone can enjoy the story without encountering unwanted material. During Session Zero, we discuss boundaries, table expectations, and any “No-Go” topics openly. If there’s something a player would like to communicate privately, that’s always welcome. I’ll never shame or pressure anyone. Session Zero is also the place to clarify tone, pacing, and expectations for roleplay and combat, making sure everyone is on the same page. I also incorporate Lines and Veils where appropriate, either via the consent form or discussion, so players can set limits on what happens on-screen or what is only implied. This ensures sensitive or potentially triggering content is handled safely and respectfully. After sessions, I'm happy to host aftercare check-ins for any players who want to discuss content or decompress. This can be done via chat, voice, or a quick private message. Whatever feels most comfortable for the player. In short, my table is a judgment-free zone where fun, immersion, and safety go hand in hand. My goal is to create a space where players feel free to explore their characters, engage with the story, and enjoy the game without fear or discomfort. Respect, communication, and consent are always at the forefront.