Tides of Freedom: a Pirate Campaign for D&D

Creating your character

We will have a first session of character creation. You are welcome to bring your ideas and preconceived characters. There, we can discuss which books we can use. If you have PDFs of DnD 5ed third-party sources, you can share them with me, and we can talk about them. The Dungeons and Dragons classes and your story must be thought out and adapted for a pirate-themed campaign at sea.

Preparing for the session

You'll need a Discord, a D&D Beyond, and an Owlbear Rodeo account.

What Luis brings to the table

You can expect a cinematic, story-driven campaign focused on character choices, shifting loyalties, and life on the edge of legality. The game emphasizes roleplay grounded in personality, background, and ambition, while balancing exploration, investigation, and tactical combat to keep the pacing dynamic and the world responsive. The setting is a living maritime world shaped by trade, industry, and power struggles. Nations rise and compete, corporations maneuver behind the scenes, and piracy exists as a profession rather than a myth. Ports feel busy and political, NPCs have clear motivations, and the tone moves naturally between intrigue, danger, humor, and high-stakes adventure. Atmosphere matters. I use character voices, ambient music, and vivid scene descriptions to bring ports, ships, and open seas to life. Tense moments feel dramatic and cinematic; quieter scenes allow space for character interaction, planning, and humor without breaking immersion. Combat is intentional and story-driven—designed with clear stakes, narrative weight, and cinematic flair. I embrace the Rule of Cool when it enhances the moment, while maintaining fairness, consistency, and mechanical clarity so players can trust the system. Creativity, teamwork, and smart problem-solving are always encouraged. This table is welcoming to both new and experienced players. Whether you’re interested in deep character arcs, morally gray decisions, daring plans, or simply sailing into trouble with a memorable crew, you’ll have room to shine. My goal is to help us tell a shared story—one shaped by your choices, your crew, and the forces pulling the world toward conflict.

Homebrew rules

We will have a simplified system of ship battles. Money has no weight. Critical Hits deal double damage and trigger a special effect (e.g., weaken the enemy, open an ally’s attack, create cinematic impact). Critical Failures cause a mild drawback (e.g., lose your reaction, disadvantage on your next attack, or a narrative mishap). Resurrection always leaves a permanent mark—physical, emotional, or mystical—reflecting the soul’s brush with death.

How Luis creates a safe table

I prioritize emotional safety and clear boundaries in every game. Before the campaign begins, I send a Lines & Veils document where players can privately note themes they want limited or excluded. During Session 0, we discuss expectations, preferred tones, comfort levels, and any topics that should be avoided. I establish table norms for respectful play, spotlight balance, and handling conflict. During sessions, players who feel uncomfortable can say so. This can be typed in chat, sent privately through message, or signaled verbally or on video—whatever is most comfortable for the group. I check in at the start and end of every session to make sure everyone feels engaged and safe. If I notice a player becoming quiet, uneasy, or withdrawn, I reach out privately after the game to check in and adjust the story or tone as needed. My goal is to create an environment where every player feels respected, heard, and able to enjoy the experience fully. Your comfort and well-being are always part of the design of the adventure.