Dice Hard: A Learn-To-Play Christmas D&D 5e Adventure

Creating your character

I will create characters for all players in DNDBeyond and then send a link to claim that character through Discord. Characters will be properly themed and a range of different classes will be made available. However, if you have a specific type of character you want to play you can go ahead and create that character in DNDBeyond (no higher than level 3). You will send me a link to the character for me to review and, if approved, that character will be invited to the adventure. As this is a "learn-to-play" session, characters will be kept simple and use only the 2014 players handbook. We will also run a session zero ahead of the actual play session and so character creation can be discussed at that stage. You can also contact me through Discord when you are invited to the server and ask any questions you have about creating characters.

Preparing for the session

You will require a Discord account in order to access the server through which game preparation, discussion and chat and then audio and video during sessions will run. Once the table has been filled, invitations to the Discord server will be sent out. Wherever possible I encourage players to have a webcam and have it turned on during gameplay. It encourages interaction, allows me to read the table more accurately and reduced instances of talking over each other. However, video is not mandatory if it makes you uncomfortable, but you will obviously need a microphone for audio. I will have my webcam on as GM at all times. You will require a DNDBeyond account in order to create or claim your character and for me to be able to see that character during gameplay to help you learn the mechanics of play. You can let me know your preference of using a pre-made character or a desire to create your own character once the table has been filled and you are in the Discord server. You can use digital dice through DNDBeyond, but it is always fun to roll actual dice if you would prefer! Digital maps will be run through Owlbear Rodeo, and all you need for this is a browser (Chrome preferred). No specific program download is needed.

What Richard Jow brings to the table

As your Game Master my goal is to guide you through an exciting, action-packed, humorous introduction to Dungeons & Dragons. This game is designed to be a welcoming space where you can learn, play and experiment without fear of "doing it wrong". You'll have everything you need to step into your character's boots and take part in a lighthearted adventure inside a castle under siege. I'll provide you with pre-generated characters, each with their own unique skills, spells and personality hooks to make it easy to dive right in. I'll walk you through how to read your character sheet, when to roll dice and what your abilities can do - step-by-step. You don't need to know any rules beforehand; we'll learn as we play. I will also help you through the options available during exploration, combat and roleplay. When it comes to storytelling, I'll bring the world to life through narration and (attempted) character voices - though by no means am I a professional actor! My goal is not perfection, but immersion and fun. I'll play NPCs with personality, quirks and humour, helping you feel part of a living story. I like to try and keep things cinematic and embrace the "Rule of Cool" - if you want to do something awesome we'll look for a way to try and make it happen. Sometimes though, the dice and the game rules will set limits and I'll help you understand why. Teaching how D&D works is part of the adventure and every ruling or result is a chance to learn. Combat will be exciting and clear. I'll explain what you can do on your turn - both with universal options (like attacking, moving or casting a spell) and your character's special abilities. Each battle will build your confidence, and by the next one, you'll be making more tactical choices. Between fights you'll explore and interact with the castle's eerie (and sometimes ridiculous) inhabitants. Above all, this is a space for curiosity and creativity. Ask questions, share your ideas and don't hesitate to pause if something is confusing or you want clarification. My background as a former stand-up comedian means I love injecting humour into my games. But I also value meaningful storytelling, so they'll be moments of heart, heroism and discovery too. Comedy and tragedy go hand in hand, after all - and that balance is where the best stories are found. In short, I'll provide you with guidance, support and a safe, fun environment to learn and play Dungeons & Dragons. Hopefully you'll leave the table not just knowing the basics of how to play, but hopefully with a great story, a few laughs and the confidence to take on your next adventure - wherever it leads.

Homebrew rules

- Drinking a potion yourself is a bonus action. Administering it to someone else is a bonus action. - Instead of doubling the dice, critical hits are calculated as maximum damage on first die roll, plus the total on the second die roll. - Death saves are rolled in secret and only the GM and the player making the role know the result. - The GM reserves the right to give out inspiration for good gameplay (e.g. roleplaying, kindness, inventiveness, etc).

How Richard Jow creates a safe table

I will connect you to my Lines and Veils document within the Discord server. I would ask you all complete this document and return it to me before session zero. We will run a session zero in advance of the first play session. At this session zero I will run through what I expect of you as players as well as details of the safety tools in place during play. Any concerns before, during or after sessions can and should be privately messaged to me through Discord. If such a message is received during gameplay I will pause the game and review the content, making immediate adjustments if necessary. Players should have no concerns that discussions and requests will be taken seriously and, if necessary, acted upon. Content is monitored throughout sessions and N, X and O cards can be digitally typed into chat or privately messaged in Discord. This will be further expanded upon in session zero, as well as being fully explained within the Discord server. I will also operate an Open Door policy during games. You will be free to take a break from the game for your own safety without being judged. Any form of bigoted behaviour will not be tolerated at my table. Everyone needs to be kind, supportive and respectful of others around the table. Any misuse of harmful language of any kind, especially directed at one of the other players, will result in immediate removal from the game and being reported to StartPlaying. After games are concluded, feedback on the content of the session is encouraged through the Stars and Wishes method, an explanation of which will be available through the Discord server.