Candlekeep Chronicles: Secrets and Shadows

Creating your character

We will have a brief Session 0 (no cost), which will include information about character creation. But if you want to start early, here are the details: System: D&D 5e (2024 rules) Starting character level: 1 Ability Scores: Standard Array Alignment/Vibe: Party-cooperative. Please make your character in D&D Beyond (link provided in preparation details) Sources: Official WotC content is preferred; please check with me before using anything else. ⸻ Quick Setting Tie-In Candlekeep is no ordinary library. It is a fortress of towering walls and endless shelves, where monks known as the Avowed guard knowledge too precious (or too dangerous) for the wider world. To enter, every visitor must present a book not already contained within its vaults, and once inside, the stacks stretch like a maze of wisdom and temptation. Why have you come? Perhaps… • To unearth lost lore: an ancient spell, a forbidden ritual, or a fragment of history that the outside world has forgotten. • To seek answers to a personal mystery: your lineage, your god’s silence, a prophecy, or a curse. • To gain power or prestige: the secrets that can shape kingdoms or make your name remembered forever. • To pursue scholarship or service: joining the Avowed, aiding a master, or delivering a rare tome. • To find healing or redemption: a cure for a loved one, a path to forgiveness, or wisdom to guide your next steps. Whatever your reason, Candlekeep has drawn you here. But be warned: in this library, books do not rest quietly. Some whisper. Some hunger. And some open doors that should remain forever closed.

Preparing for the session

Before our first session, please take these steps so everything runs smoothly: 1. D&D Beyond: You’ll need a D&D Beyond account (free). 2. Virtual Tabletop: We will use D&D Beyond Maps. 3. Voice & Video: We will use Discord for voice and video (free account). Please sign up with Discord if you haven't and test your mic and camera before the game. 4. Tech Check: Make sure your internet connection is stable and that you’re in a quiet spot where you can play comfortably. Headphones recommended. 5. Bring Your Curiosity: This is a game of intrigue, secrets, and roleplay. The more you interact with other characters and NPCs, the richer the experience will be!

What The Fresch GM brings to the table

When you join my table, you can expect an experience that blends immersive storytelling, atmospheric detail, and player-driven action. • Expect a focus on intrigue, roleplay, and choices that shape the story. • I use a range of character voices to bring NPCs to life • Ambient background music and soundscapes set the tone. • I run combat rules tight enough for fairness, but I’m happy to bend things for Rule of Cool moments if it makes the scene more epic and is roleplay consistent. • Safety tools are always on the table. If something makes you uncomfortable, you can pause or redirect at any time. • I encourage collaboration, creativity, and spotlight-sharing so everyone gets a chance to shine.

Homebrew rules

Healing Potions: You can choose to use your action to drink a healing potion and receive the full amount of healing for that potion Help Action: Proficiency is not required

How The Fresch GM creates a safe table

Your safety and enjoyment at the table are my top priorities. Everyone should feel comfortable while immersed in the story. X/N/O Cards: We’ll use the X/N/O card system throughout the session. X = Stop immediately (content is unsafe/unwanted). We will stop and change course/rewind, making sure that everyone is comfortable and feels safe. N = The story is heading in a direction where one feels uncomfortable and may use an X card. This allows us to change direction or fade to black before crossing that line. O = “Okay” — check-in that everyone is comfortable continuing. You can signal these by message, holding up a card, or even a subtle gesture if you prefer discretion. Luxton Technique If something comes up during play that feels uncomfortable or triggering, you’ll always have the option to pause and talk it through with the group. With the Luxton Technique, you get full control over how we handle that moment. You can tell us what you need, whether that’s a change in how a scene plays out, a shift in direction for the story, or even just taking a short break. Once you’ve shared, we’ll adjust and continue in a way that accommodates your request. Lines and Veils: I will provide a lines and veils questionnaire so that players can anonymously indicate any hard lines (content we will not engage in) and any veils (content that can be mentioned but not described). This will then be distributed to the group to ensure everyone is on the same page about how to handle sensitive content. Candlekeep Library may be full of secrets and danger, but the table itself is a safe, respectful, and collaborative space where everyone’s boundaries matter.