Aerth & Shadow (first 3 sessions free)

Creating your character

## 🎭 Character Creation Process To ensure consistency and a smooth start to the campaign on **Aerth**, we will follow a structured character creation process: ### 1. **Timing & Session 0** Character creation will **not** happen during the first official session. We will hold a mandatory **Session 0** beforehand. This session will be used exclusively for introductions, discussing campaign themes, aligning expectations, and reviewing and finalizing all player characters. ### 2. **Character Creation Details** * **Starting Level:** All characters will begin at **Level 1**. * **Ability Scores:** Stats will be decided by **rolling dice 4d6, dropping the lowest result (4d6 drop 1)**, for six totals. **This rolling will be done collectively during Session 0 to ensure transparency and a balanced start for everyone.** * **Creation Tool:** Characters must be built using **D&D Beyond**. I will share a campaign link that provides access to all necessary content. ### 3. **Allowed Content (Books & Sources)** To maintain the specific tone and setting of **Aerth & Shadow**, we are limiting character options strictly to **Standard Classes and Races**. * **Allowed Sources:** Only the core races and classes found in the **Player's Handbook (PHB)** are permitted for this campaign. * **Disallowed Sources:** To keep the focus grounded and consistent with the setting, please **do not** use content from supplementary books (e.g., *Tasha's Cauldron of Everything, Xanathar's Guide to Everything, Monster Manual, etc.*) unless explicitly approved by the DM for a specific background element. ### **Next Steps:** Once your application is accepted, I will share the link to the D&D Beyond campaign and the Session 0 schedule. Please come to Session 0 with at least a **character concept** ready to discuss!

Preparing for the session

## ✅ Player Preparation Checklist (Before Session 0) To ensure a seamless start to the **Aerth & Shadow** campaign, please complete the following technical steps before attending Session 0: ### 1. Account Setup & Tools * **Discord Account:** Ensure you have an active Discord account. You will receive the server invite link upon acceptance for voice communication. * **D&D Beyond Account:** You must have a free D&D Beyond account ready for character creation and VTT integration. ### 2. VTT Setup (Crucial for Tabletop) * **AboveVTT Extension:** You **must** download and install the **AboveVTT browser extension** (available for Chrome and Firefox). This extension is necessary to use the VTT effectively and to display map and combat information directly from D&D Beyond. * **Device Note:** AboveVTT relies on the browser extension and **only works on desktop or laptop computers, not mobile devices.** ### 3. Equipment Check * **Headset and Microphone (Recommended):** A working headset and microphone are highly recommended for clear, immersive communication during voice chat on Discord. * **Webcam (Optional):** A webcam is not mandatory but is welcomed if you wish to use video during the sessions. ### **Summary of Necessary Actions:** 1. Create/activate accounts for **Discord** and **D&D Beyond**. 2. Install the **AboveVTT extension** on your computer. 3. Ensure your **microphone/headset** is ready for use. Completing this list guarantees you are fully prepared for Session 0 and the adventures ahead on Aerth!

What Dead_One brings to the table

## 🎲 What I Will Provide to the Players As the Game Master for **Aerth & Shadow**, my goal is to facilitate an immersive, narrative-driven experience where your characters' choices are the core of the story. Here is what you can expect from my style: ### 1. **Focus: Roleplay Over Roll-Play** I believe the heart of D&D lies in character interaction, decision-making, and immersive storytelling. **Roleplay (RP) is the primary focus of this campaign.** While dice are necessary, creative, compelling roleplay that demonstrates your character's commitment or understanding of a situation will often grant mechanical advantages (like advantage on a roll or simplified success) over simply shouting a skill name. We prioritize common sense and narrative cohesion over rules lawyering. ### 2. **Technical & Creative Assets** You can rely on me to provide a fully realized environment for our game: * **VTT Access:** Access to the **D&D Beyond campaign** and the **AboveVTT extension** integration for visual tabletop scenes and combat tracking. * **Visuals:** Handouts, detailed environment images, unique tokens, and maps (created using AI generation tools, as noted in the ad) to enhance immersion. * **Music and Ambiance:** I will utilize **ambient music and sound effects** sparingly but effectively. This will often be done in-world—for instance, a specific song played by a tavern bard to deliver local news or set a location's mood—rather than constant background noise. ### 3. **GM Style and Rules Philosophy** * **Character Voices:** I focus on narrative description and distinctive dialogue rather than performing specific character voices. * **Rules & Flow:** I adhere to the **Rule of Cool and Common Sense** over strict Rules as Written (RAW). If a situation demands a quick ruling to maintain narrative flow, I will make the call on the spot. * **Rules Discussions:** We aim to keep the action moving. Any significant rules questions or disputes will be politely **tabled until after the session or discussed in a dedicated Discord channel.** The Friday night session time is for playing the game, not debating rules minutiae. In short, you can expect an environment that encourages deep, emotional character arcs, rewards creative thinking, and provides a polished, consistent space for an epic weekly saga.

Homebrew rules

## 🛠️ Homebrew Rules & Rules Philosophy The campaign in **Aerth & Shadow** primarily uses the **Rules as Written (RAW)** from the Player's Handbook (PHB) for maximum consistency and clarity. However, due to the narrative-focused style and the dynamic nature of Aerth, we use the following philosophy regarding rules: ### Rules Philosophy * **Common Sense Override:** If a rule, strictly interpreted by RAW, actively conflicts with common sense, narrative logic, or dramatically halts the flow of the game, we will collectively agree on a ruling that prioritizes the story and logic. * **Narrative Advantage:** As mentioned, strong roleplaying that informs your actions will often grant mechanical advantage (e.g., Advantage on a skill check) rather than modifying the core rules themselves. * **Rule Discussions:** All major discussions about rules modifications or specific rulings will be **tabled for an out-of-session vote or discussion.** The goal is to keep the Friday night session moving. ### Current Homebrew Adjustments * **Evolving World:** **Aerth is a constantly evolving world.** The ruleset is not static; it is a living document. As new magical phenomena or unforeseen player actions change the nature of the world, a few minor rules may be adapted or added (with full player notice and agreement) to keep the gameplay consistent with the narrative reality. **In summary, expect RAW by default, but be ready for collaborative rule adjustments to ensure the story and common sense always prevail.**

How Dead_One creates a safe table

## 🛡️ Player Safety and Comfort Protocol Maintaining a safe, respectful, and comfortable environment is my top priority for the **Aerth & Shadow** campaign. We will utilize the following tools and practices: ### 1. **Session 0: Foundational Safety** * **Lines and Veils:** We will discuss **Lines and Veils** collectively during Session 0. Lines are topics that we agree never to include in the game (e.g., specific phobias, graphic violence). Veils are topics that may occur but will fade to black or be handled indirectly. A digital document will be shared for confidential, individual submission prior to Session 0. * **Open Door Policy:** I maintain an **Open Door Policy**. Any player is welcome to discuss concerns, discomforts, or private safety needs with me one-on-one at any time, without judgment. ### 2. **During-Game Safety Tools** * **X, N, & O Cards (Optional):** We will confirm during Session 0 if the group wants to utilize the **X, N, and O Cards** (digital or private message). * **X:** Stop the current scene immediately. * **N:** Nudge the scene in a different direction. * **O:** Consent to continue (usually not used unless a scene is sensitive). * **Breaks:** Regular scheduled **breaks** will be taken every 90-120 minutes to ensure physical and mental comfort. Players are always welcome to call for an unscheduled break if needed. ### 3. **Aftercare and Feedback** * **Debriefing:** Following every session, we will have a brief **debriefing** period. This is an opportunity to check in, disconnect from intense roleplay, and ensure everyone is feeling okay before signing off. * **Stars and Wishes:** At the end of Session 0 and periodically throughout the campaign, we will use **Stars and Wishes**. * **Stars:** Something you liked about the session or someone else's contribution. * **Wishes:** Something you wish would happen, or something you wish would change (used for constructive feedback on pacing, tone, or logistics). This feedback can be given privately or as a group. These tools are in place to ensure we can explore the high-stakes world of Aerth safely and enthusiastically.