Learn to Play D&D | Dragon Delves | Chapter 1: Death at Sunset

Creating your character

We will utilize D&D Beyond for character creation, so you will either need to download the app or visit the website to create an account. When you register for the session, I will send you a link to our particular campaign. This will give you access to my digital library of books to use during character creation. I will send you more comprehensive character building instructions after you register for the session. You also have the option of using a premade character. We will be starting with Level 1 characters. Here are the basic character creation guidelines: -Sources: Core Rules, Expanded Rules, & 2014 Expanded Rules. -Deselect "Partnered Content" -Enable Dice Rolling -Deselect all Optional Features -Advancement Type: Milestone -Hit Point Type: Fixed -Encumbrance Type: No Encumbrance -Select "Ignore Coin Weight" -Privacy: Public Follow all the prompts to choose your class, background, and species. -For Ability Scores, we will use "Standard Array". Use the drop-down under each Ability to assign one of the scores to it. This part can be a little tricky because where you put each square will depend on your class. If you have any questions, just ask. -For equipment, take standard starting equipment (click "Equipment", not "Gold"). It may give you a few options to choose from. Take whichever you like best. If you have any questions at all, be sure to ask! I will provide you with the link to a Discord server when you register for the session. I'll be available on there for help with character creation, as well as with tech issues.

Preparing for the session

We will be doing character creation in D&D Beyond, as well as utilizing their Virtual Table Top, so you will need to create a D&D Beyond account: http://www.dndbeyond.com) We will be using Discord for all of our pre-session communications, and we will use a Discord voice channel for the game itself. Please create a Discord account, if you don't already have one: http://www.discord.com Some kind of headset or earbuds with microphone will greatly improve your experience. If you already have a gaming headset, AirPods, or anything like that, they will likely work fine.

What Dan the Cake Boss brings to the table

First and foremost, I will create a safe and friendly environment in which you can learn the game and have some fun. Since this is a beginner session, I will teach you how to read your character sheet and make dice rolls in D&D Beyond. I'll also explain the various game mechanics as they come up. Just tell me what your character wants to do, and I'll help you navigate any game mechanics that may apply. I'm a believer in Rule of Cool. If you want to do a thing that isn't technically allowed by the Rules as Written, I may choose to bend (or break) the rules to allow that thing to happen. The more justified that thing is by the story, the more likely I'll let it happen. I will provide you free pre-session support with character building and basic tech setup. I will also provide a Discord server with voice channel for our communication needs. Maps and other visual aids will be provided via the D&D Beyond Virtual Tabletop (VTT).

Homebrew rules

Since this is a beginner session, I'm not going to add any homebrew to it.

How Dan the Cake Boss creates a safe table

At the beginning of our session, we will have a short Session 0 to discuss themes that may be traumatic or otherwise problematic for you, and discuss the safety tools we'll be utilizing. We'll also finish up character creation, and I'll answer any questions you might have prior to the start of our adventure. Open Door Policy: You may leave the table at any time without penalty if you need any kind of break. If the game becomes overwhelming and you need a few minutes, take them! Come back when you feel better. X,N,O Cards: If any themes or actions in our adventure are problematic for you in any way, type an X, N, or O into the Discord chat. Type C if we've already said or done something that you find problematic or traumatic and we need to take a minute to address it or possibly un-do it in the game. Type N if we're barreling towards a problematic theme or action and you'd like us to "pump the brakes" a bit. Type O if you feel like the group might collectively need a bit of a "check in". Aftercare: We will debrief a bit after the game and check in with each other about how we're feeling. Talk about how the game went. As a beginner game, the themes should be relatively light, but it's always best to have safety tools in place. You never know where the game might go.