Waterdeep: Descent into Madness

Creating your character

Character creation will take place during Session 0, where we’ll build your adventurers together and weave their stories into the campaign’s opening hooks. Dungeon of the Mad Mage provides unique entry points for each character, and we’ll use those to ensure everyone has a personal reason to descend into Undermountain. Players will use standard array or point buy for stats, and take maximum hit points at every level, and may choose from any official Wizards of the Coast content—no homebrew, please. Whether you’re a grizzled sellsword, a curious scholar, or a thrill-seeking rogue chasing whispers of Halaster’s power, we’ll craft your character’s connection to Waterdeep and their call to the deep. By the end of Session 0, your party will be fully equipped, bonded by shared purpose, and ready to step into the halls where light fades and madness reigns.

Preparing for the session

Before we begin our descent into Undermountain, here’s how to get ready for the adventure: Join the Discord Server – All communication, scheduling, and announcements happen here. You’ll also find character channels, lore drops, and a space to connect with your fellow adventurers. Create or Log Into a D&D Beyond Account – You’ll receive a campaign link to join, build your character, and access all shared sourcebooks. Familiarize Yourself with Owlbear Rodeo – This is our virtual tabletop for maps and combat. It runs directly in your browser—no downloads needed. Check Your Audio Setup – A working microphone is required for clear communication. Cameras are optional but always welcome. Bring Your Curiosity – No need to study the lore ahead of time; just come ready to explore, roleplay, and survive the madness below. Once those steps are complete, you’ll be ready for Session 0, where we’ll finalize your characters, establish party connections, and prepare to face whatever waits in the dark.

What Skyybunny brings to the table

As your Dungeon Master, I’ll bring the world of Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage to life with a mix of immersive storytelling, dynamic combat, and atmospheric flair. Expect rich narration, distinct NPC voices, and cinematic descriptions that make every chamber of Undermountain feel alive—and dangerous. I use ambient music, soundscapes, and visual maps through Owlbear Rodeo to enhance immersion without slowing gameplay. Combat will be tactical but fast-paced, blending strategy with cinematic moments that reward creativity and teamwork. The Rule of Cool is always in play—if you can describe it well and it makes sense in the world, I’ll find a way to make it happen. My DMing style focuses on player-driven storytelling. Your backstories, decisions, and relationships will shape the tone of the descent. While this campaign is famous for its sprawling dungeon, it’s not just about clearing rooms—it’s about discovering what the madness reveals in your characters. You can expect a balance of combat, exploration, and roleplay, with space for moments of levity amid the danger. My goal is to create a world that feels alive, reactive, and unforgettable—one that challenges both your dice and your imagination.

Homebrew rules

I like to keep combat fast, fun, and cinematic while rewarding smart decisions. Here’s what to expect: Potions: Drinking a potion is a bonus action, but you can take a full action to receive maximum healing. Critical Hits: A natural 20 deals max damage + rolled damage for truly epic moments. Death Saves: All death saving throws are rolled privately—only you and the dice know how close you are to the end. There are a few additional house rules that help with pacing, immersion, and player agency—these are all posted in the Discord server for easy reference before play begins.

How Skyybunny creates a safe table

Player safety is a top priority, and we’ll establish clear boundaries before the game begins. During Session 0, we will review a comprehensive Lines and Veils document, which I will send out ahead of time for players to fill out and reference during gameplay. This document will cover sensitive topics, including what’s off-limits (Lines) and what can be included in a more controlled way (Veils), as well as what’s fully acceptable (On). We’ll also discuss any additional content concerns and make sure that everyone feels comfortable with the game’s themes. After Session 0, we’ll review these boundaries at the start of the campaign and ensure everyone is on the same page. Throughout the game, we’ll use a combination of physical (X, N, O) indicators and digital signals, like the “X card” (or an equivalent), to quickly halt content that makes players uncomfortable, and we’ll do a check-in after each session to ensure everyone’s okay. This could be a simple message or a more in-depth conversation depending on player needs. Aftercare is key. If anything intense or difficult happens during the game, I’ll provide a safe space for players to debrief, either in-person after the session or digitally in a private message. I’m always available for private conversations to ensure everyone’s emotional and mental well-being is taken into account, and I’ll offer additional support if needed. The goal is to keep the game fun, engaging, and, most importantly, safe for everyone involved.