Runes of Ruin: Secrets of the Forgotten Vault

Creating your character

Character creation for Runes of Ruin: Secrets of the Forgotten Vault is flexible and simple—designed so we can jump right into the adventure while still letting you create a character that feels personal and meaningful. Because this is a one-shot, you’re welcome to create your character before the session so we can begin immediately. If you’d like help, I’m happy to meet individually for a short session to walk through creation, answer questions, and ensure your character fits smoothly into the story. We’ll use Dungeons & Dragons 5E, starting at Level 3. You can use material from official sources such as the Player’s Handbook, Xanathar’s Guide to Everything, and Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything. Homebrew or Unearthed Arcana options are welcome—just check with me first to make sure they align with the tone and balance of the adventure. You may choose Standard Array, Point Buy, or roll for stats (we’ll roll together to keep things fair). Standard class equipment is fine, and I encourage players to include one small, story-driven item that hints at your background or reason for seeking the Vault. Each character should have a personal motivation—curiosity, greed, knowledge, destiny, or a mysterious pull toward the ruins. I’ll weave those threads directly into the opening scenes so the story feels like it begins with you, not around you. Whether you’re brand new or a seasoned adventurer, I’ll make sure you feel at home in the world and confident in your role. Together, we’ll focus on collaboration, creativity, and immersion—because the best stories aren’t just told; they’re discovered.

Preparing for the session

We’ll use D&D Beyond Maps for our virtual tabletop, so each player will need a free D&D Beyond account. I’ll send a custom campaign invite link before the session—joining it lets you access all of my official 5E books and resources. You can wait to create your character until after joining the campaign so you can use those unlocked materials. If you’d like help building your character or you’re new to D&D Beyond, I’m happy to meet one-on-one before the game. We’ll use Discord for voice chat, so please have a working mic and account ready. Once you’re invited to the campaign and server, you’ll be fully set for the adventure. Bring your imagination—and maybe a good snack—the Vault awaits!

What Keith (aka Maestoso/The Old Bard) brings to the table

My goal as a GM is to make every session of Runes of Ruin: Secrets of the Forgotten Vault feel like a living story—cinematic, mysterious, and shaped by your choices. I embrace the Rule of Cool. If an idea is clever or exciting, I’ll make it work. I know the rules and use them to keep things fair and flowing, but I’ll always choose fun and storytelling over strict mechanics. Expect a blend of exploration, story, and fast-paced combat, with challenges that reward creativity and teamwork. I focus on atmosphere, player agency, and the thrill of discovery more than endless dice rolls or rule debates. This is a welcoming, inclusive table for new and veteran players alike. You’ll find support, collaboration, and freedom to experiment. You’ll have access to my D&D Beyond campaign tools, organized maps, and a world that reacts to your actions. I handle the prep so you can focus on the story. At my table, you can expect: * Immersive storytelling and worldbuilding * Combat that favors creativity * The Rule of Cool over Rules as Written * A world shaped by player choices * A friendly, low-stress environment Bring your imagination—the Vault is waiting to be explored.

How Keith (aka Maestoso/The Old Bard) creates a safe table

My table is built on respect, communication, and fun. I use Lines & Veils—where Lines are topics we leave out completely and Veils are moments we “fade to black”—alongside the X/N/O system so everyone feels safe and heard. We’ll start with a quick Session 0 to check comfort levels and expectations, and I always do a short debrief afterward to ensure everyone leaves feeling good. Everyone is welcome here—no pressure, no judgment, just great stories and shared adventure.