Nightfall over Faerûn

Creating your character

For this campaign, characters will be created before Session 1 using D&D Beyond. I’ll send out a campaign link so you can build your character directly into the game, and we’ll do a quick review together at the table to tie everyone into the setting and each other. We’ll be starting at level 3, so you already feel like competent heroes with your subclass online. For ability scores, you can either Roll (standard 4d6, drop the lowest, assign as you like), or Use Point Buy if you prefer something more controlled. You will be using the 2024 rules and you will get a free feat on top of the background feat you get. All official material available on D&D Beyond is fair game meaning classes, subclasses, backgrounds, feats, etc. If you’d like to use a homebrew or third-party species/subclass that isn’t on D&D Beyond, just run it by me first for approval so we can keep the game balanced and on-theme for the Forgotten Realms. If you come in with just a concept (“edgy wizard with a good heart,” “retired soldier trying to be better,” etc.), I’m happy to help you finish the build and connect your character to the world and the rest of the party.

Preparing for the session

1) Make a D&D Beyond account (free). If you don’t already have one, create a free account on D&D Beyond. Once you’re in, I’ll send a campaign link and join it, and create your level 3 character there using either rolled stats (4d6 drop lowest) or Point Buy. Use anything official on D&D Beyond; anything outside of that (homebrew, third-party) needs my approval first. 2) Make a Discord account & join the server. You’ll need a Discord account and the Discord app (desktop is preferred for stability). I’ll send an invite to the game’s Discord server, where we’ll handle scheduling, table rules, announcements, and text RP if the group wants it.Please make sure your mic is working and you’re somewhere reasonably quiet for game time. 3) Share your character & concept with me Once your character is built in D&D Beyond and linked to the campaign, send me a short blurb on who they are (personality, vibe, 1 to 2 sentences of backstory). If you’re unsure or overwhelmed, you can come with just a concept (“grumpy cleric of Lathander,” “former Zhent agent trying to be good now”), and I’ll help you finish the build and tie you into the story. 4) Skim the basics (optional but helpful). New players don’t need to read the whole rulebook, but it helps to know roughly what your class does and what your main abilities are. If you’re brand new, just let me know!

What River brings to the table

At my table, story and character come first. I love digging into who your heroes are, what they care about, and how the Forgotten Realms changes them over time. Expect plenty of roleplay, meaningful choices, and scenes where your backstory and relationships matter, not just your damage output. I aim for a heroic tone: real stakes, real danger, but ultimately about hope, courage, and pulling Faerûn back from the brink together. I do use character voices, but nothing too theatrical is required from you, think “slight accent and attitude” more than professional voice acting. I like to layer in ambient music and soundtracks when possible to set the mood: quiet strings in a temple, drums when steel clashes, that sort of thing. If you’re shy about roleplay, that’s okay; I’ll give you space to ease into it and won’t put you on the spot in a way that feels uncomfortable. Combat will be tactical but not punishingly crunchy. Positioning, terrain, and smart use of your abilities matter, but I’m not here to rules-lawyer you into misery. I follow Rules as Written as the baseline so everyone knows what to expect, but I happily embrace the Rule of Cool when you describe something awesome, clever, or dramatically appropriate (and we can justify it within the spirit of the rules). If something isn’t clear, I’ll make a call in the moment and look it up after the session if needed. Table culture is collaborative, respectful, and inclusive. I want players who are excited to cheer each other on, share the spotlight, and help build a story together. Lines and content boundaries will be respected, and I’m always open to feedback if something at the table isn’t working for you. If you like a mix of heartfelt roleplay, cinematic hero moments, and satisfying combats, without needing to be an expert on every rule, this game should feel like home.

How River creates a safe table

I will be sending you Lines and Veils document that you are required to fill out before session zero. We will go over the Lines and Veils with the group and add as necessary. This is a safe space and this document will be useful for our table rules.