Ruins of the Grendleroot, Level 1-5 D&D 5e Campaign

Creating your character

We will build characters within Foundry VTT as part of the zero session. Players will have options from the 2024 Players Handbook, Delve: Hot to Build & Survive Deadly Dungeons from Bob World Builder, and Tasha's Cauldron of Everything. We'll use the modified standard array of 17, 14, 14, 12, 10, 8, then ignore stat boosts. (Source: https://slyflourish.com/build_dnd_2024_characters_quickly.html) As a reminder: Even characters with darkvision have disadvantage on perception checks in total darkness and range attacks have disadvantage. Characters relying on darkvision aren't going to be able to read or discern detail (just like other characters relying on dim light).

Preparing for the session

Players will need: 1) Discord profile and to join the Gentle GM server 2) A mic and headphones (webcam is encouraged, but not required) 3) A computer to access the Foundry Virtual Tabletop (VTT). Players can use physical dice if they prefer. Foundry and Discord offer digital dice rolling. Pregenerated characters will also be available.

What Caleb | The Gentle GM brings to the table

My players say it better than I can: "Caleb’s tables feel inclusive and safe. I love how he encourages player creativity. He tailors his games to the play group, so they are the right level of challenging and the right balance of battles and social encounters." - Cindy "I've been part of multiple table-top gaming groups in the past 10 years and Caleb's storytelling, world-building, knowledge of different systems, and ability to create an inclusive, safe space for every single player at the table is (and I say this with my whole chest) exceptional. If you are looking for a GM that will support, encourage, and wrap you up in the most amazing worlds, Caleb is that GM." - Jenna "When you sit down to play a game at one of his tables, you feel like you interact with the world and story better than I have felt anywhere else... it's like being given the keys to your dad's classic car on date night. Every game with Caleb is a breath of fresh air. I've played and run games for years now, and Caleb truly brings player involvement and agency to a different level than I see elsewhere." - Matt "One highlight for me was the closing of my first Pathfinder campaign. I did not expect anything special, but he prepared a thoughtful ending that gave my character a sense of closure and significance. It stuck with me and shows how much care he puts into his games." - Malirrian "Caleb taught me to play D&D when I was 11. I've played RPGs with him on and off since then, and I even started bringing my friends to play as well. 9 years later, and I’m playing every week with a group that never would have formed if it wasn’t for Caleb inspiring me with his storytelling." - Nyx Nackle You can expect: A story defined by the player characters and your choices Patience and support in moments of uncertainty Colorful characters and fantastical settings Theatrical acting for side characters with a touch of voiceacting Celebration of character success and plot beats Respect and consideration of my players and their consent

Homebrew rules

We'll use the modified standard array of 17, 14, 14, 12, 10, 8, then ignore stat boosts. (Source: https://slyflourish.com/build_dnd_2024_characters_quickly.html) We'll be using zone-based combat instead of tactical distances. This supports more theater of the mind and cinematic combat. Roughly speaking: - Immediate range is within 10' for melee, touch, and whispered words. - Short range is within 30' for thrown and ranged weapons, cones of damage, or bursts of movement. - Medium range is 30'-90' is a move and dash away and ideal for ranged attacks and spells. - Long range is in excess of 90', often difficult for closing the distance and even many ranged weapons. Area of effect abilities are abstracted: - Tiny areas (5-foot radius): Max 2 creatures - Small areas (10- to 15-foot radius): Max 4 creatures - Large areas (20-foot radius): Max 16 creatures - Huge areas (30-foot radius or more): 32 creatures, more under special circumstances - Short line (60 feet): About 6 creatures - Long line (120 feet): About 10 creatures

How Caleb | The Gentle GM creates a safe table

As your GM, I want all players to actively consent to the game and the story. I also respect that anyone at the table can withdraw that consent when violated. If you feel I have not met that expectation, please tell me. Specific details are always appreciated. I try to bring respect to sensitive topics. I do not have blanket Lines & Veils, but may raise them in regards to specific games or even sessions. We all have our histories and we don't always know what triggers a response until it has happened. 1. The X Card is always part of my table. 2. I encourage active Yeses to affirm consent during tense scenes. 3. Content Warnings: Provided when known part of the specific campaign. Will generally exclude CWs that are staples of the hobby, game system, or genre (such as violent combat for D20 Fantasy games or child endangerment for Kids on Bikes). 4. Lines and Veils: Lines represent banned content such as sexual assault or torture by player characters. Veils are items hidden behind a fade to black or otherwise off screen such as consensual sexual encounters between players or arachnophobia. I suspect this will be PG-13 in tone with adventuring, combat, and risk of character death. These Lines & Veils lists can be adjusted in-game and between sessions, requiring updates to all players. Individual violations result in acknowledgement and reminders. Repeated violations of lines and veils can result in being banned from the table. 5. Fast forward/Rewind: Players can request that we fast forward through a scene rather than linger on it. Players can also request to rewind a scene that introduced problems that were not adequately addressed. Note on Content Warnings: I've included a range of likely content given the genre and setting. How these are handled will be discussed in the zero session and can be revisited during the campaign. If you are concerned, visit my reviews for more information from previous players' experience with my table.