Claus for Concern: A Holiday Adventure

Creating your character

We will play level 3 characters. You can bring an existing character, we can build one together before the session, or you can use one I'll provide ready-to-play. If you bring a character, use Point Buy or the Standard Array from the PHB, and stick to Wizards of the Coast official source material.

Preparing for the session

You'll need to have logged into Discord and joined my server (invite in the prep materials) You'll need to have logged into D&DBeyond and add a Character to my Campaign (if you don't have a character, or don't know how to do this, I'll work with you). You'll need to have downloaded the AboveVTT Chrome Extension or FireFox Addon (whichever matches the browser you'll use to play).

What Chris Johnston brings to the table

I will provide a great one-shot experience! I will provide a pre-made character, or careful assistance helping you to craft a character you'll enjoy playing, or appreciation of the ready character you bring. I will teach the system where needed as we engage with the adventure. I will bring a fun, mysterious, cozy story from start to finish. I will set up and run tactical combat on interesting maps, conversations with NPCs with varying motivations, and choices for you to make on behalf of your characters. I will bring supporting soundscapes. I will be flexible and energetic in the pursuit of your fun.

How Chris Johnston creates a safe table

Safety & Comfort Creating an exciting and intense story is important — but keeping everyone safe and comfortable at the table comes first. Here’s how I handle player safety: 📝 Session 0 & Expectations Before the campaign begins, we’ll have an asynchronous Session 0 in Discord where we go over character creation, campaign themes, and safety tools. I’ll provide a Lines & Veils document so players can anonymously mark content they want excluded (Lines), or handled off-screen (Veils). 🎮 In-Game Safety Tools I use X, N, & O cards adapted for online play. X = Stop. Something is uncomfortable; we rewind or fade away immediately. N = Not now. This element is okay in the story but needs to move past quickly. O = All good. Check-in to confirm players are comfortable during intense moments. On AboveVTT/Discord, these can be done through quick chat messages, emojis, or private DMs. 🤝 Aftercare & Debrief After each session, I’ll host a 5–10 minute debrief. This lets everyone share highlights, talk through heavy moments, or flag anything that felt off. If a player prefers, they can message me privately after the game with feedback or concerns. 🌟 Table Culture Respect is non-negotiable. No harassment, bigotry, or gatekeeping of any kind will be tolerated. Everyone’s fun matters. If a player’s actions are consistently harming that fun, I’ll step in. This way, players know up front that the game is not only exciting and fun but also a safe, welcoming space.