Tales From the High Forest| RP-Heavy |Unique Combat|2024 5e

Creating your character

We will use a built in Foundry VTT module called charactermancer to build our characters. You can also import characters from dnd beyond if you prefer that route or already have a character created there. Character creation and backstory should be completely done by the end of session 0. The more backstory the better but I would at least like one paragraph (we'll talk more about this before session 0). We will start the campaign at level 3, I will allow you to roll only once for ability scores and you may use that or switch to standard array, your choice. You can use any of the official dnd 5e content for species and classes (2024 rules for the standard classes and species provided there). Any homebrew classes or species need to be discussed first and should be talked about before session 0 so I can do some research first and make sure they're not broken or contradict the lore. If you're new and not sure what to pick I am open to discussing it with you and helping find a species,class, and backstory that works for you and the campaign!

Preparing for the session

We will have a session 0 which will go more in depth on these steps so everyone feels comfortable with foundry before session 1. We will be running the game on foundry vtt and using discord to video/audio chat during the game. Foundry can be run from your internet browser and no other downloads besides discord will be necessary! One big non negotiable ask I have is that you are in a quiet place without distractions. If your dog barks, your kids need you, or you get a phone call that is 100% fine and I am sure will happen to me at some point. However, please just make sure there aren't too many reoccurring distractions or anything that may hinder play.

What DM Nick brings to the table

I have multiple paid patreons using gorgeous artwork for maps and scenes from artists such as Cze Peku, Dynamic Dungeons, and more! Likewise, using Foundry VTT's built in playlist system expect a wide variety of ambient music and atmospheric sounds that match the scene being displayed. In terms of gameplay, expect a fair amount of mystery, investigation, combat, and roleplay with the unique npcs in Glenduloch and the surrounding High Forest. Furthermore, if the table agrees that they are interested in the idea, I have also setup in the past homebrew systems for backstory specific feats/powers that offer more role playing options and come along with both buffs and debuffs depending on your character.

Homebrew rules

I stick to the rules as much as possible but am open to cool and unique ways to approach the game as long as it doesn’t break things or completely go against the lore. Expect to see a wide variety of homebrew monsters with unique boss mechanics, a light nemesis system (reoccurring named enemies that grow in power while gaining vulnerabilities), and powerful magic items. If everyone at the table agrees with it, I am also open to backstory specific feats/abilities custom made for your character that offer deeper roleplaying opportunities with both buffs and drawbacks depending on your backstory and character. Any broader mechanical tweaks (throwing potions or how crits work for example) will be discussed in session 0 and we'll see what we agree on.

How DM Nick creates a safe table

We will discuss in depth in session 0 any sensitive topics or things we would like to not see in our game. If anything at any point is over the line or makes you feel uncomfortable in any way I ask that you either send me a message if you’re not comfortable talking about it with the group or let me know at the moment so we can avoid it in the future. Dnd should be a fun imagination based role playing game and there’s no reason for anyone to feel uncomfortable.