Shadows of Sostegaria: The Lumina Incident

Creating your character

The Platform: Please create your character using D&D Beyond or alternatively, Roll20. This makes it easy for us to track rolls and inventory during the game. The Build: Level: 5 Stats: Standard Point Buy. Sources: Player’s Handbook (2014 or 2024). Restrictions: No species with innate flying speeds (e.g., Aarakocra, Owlin). We are staying grounded for this mission! Equipment & Loot: Gear: You start with standard class equipment. I will also provide a bonus gold allowance for you to purchase extra non-magical supplies (potions, kits, etc.). Magic Items: To aid your mission, I will provide 1–2 magic items per player. We will select these together during Session Zero to fit your playstyle. The Process: I host a dedicated Session Zero (approx. 1 hour) a few days before our scheduled game. We will use this time to finalise your character sheets, select your magic items, and answer any questions. This ensures we can jump straight into the action on game day!

Preparing for the session

Tech & Accounts D&D Beyond: Please have a free account ready. We will use this for character sheets and the Maps feature for visuals. Discord: We will use a dedicated Discord server for voice chat during the game. I will send you the invite link once you sign up. Backup: Please have a Google account or browser ready for Google Meet, just in case we experience technical issues with Discord. Dice Rolling You are welcome to roll physical dice if you prefer the real feel! Alternatively, you can roll digitally directly on your D&D Beyond sheet so the math is done for you. That’s it! Just bring your excitement (and maybe a snack). I will handle the rest.

What Barbazán brings to the table

A Living, Homebrew World. I usually don't run generic modules. I invite you into Sostegaria, a homebrew world I have crafted with care. Whether it's a one-shot or a longer campaign, the lore is profound, the consequences are real, and the setting reacts to your presence. I love weaving character backstories into the narrative, making sure you feel like a protagonist in the world, not just a tourist. Immersive "Theatre of the Mind", I believe immersion starts with sound. I bring combat and exploration to life using vocal sound effects and vivid descriptions. When a monster roars or a sword clashes, you will hear it. - Voices: I use distinct accents and first-person acting for key villains and monsters to raise the stakes. - Roleplay: I encourage you to embody your character, but I will never force it. If you prefer to narrate your actions, that is perfectly fine. Tactical, High-Stakes Combat My games lean towards an "Old School" philosophy: combat is dangerous, and recklessness is deadly. I treat combat as a central pillar of the game, not just filler. You will need to think tactically, work as a squad, and use your resources wisely to survive. I reward creative solutions and clever play over simple dice rolling. A "Flow-First" Philosophy. Nothing kills immersion faster than a 20-minute argument about rules. My ruling style is Game Flow > Rules Lawyering. I make fair, quick calls in the moment to keep the action moving. I am always happy to discuss the technicalities after the session, but during the game, the story comes first. A Professional & Safe Environment - Tools: A dedicated Discord server and D&D Beyond for smooth gameplay. - Safety: I use X-Cards and maintain a zero-tolerance policy for bullying. My table is a space for collaboration, not conflict between players. - Preparation: I am always online early to set up. I respect your time, so we start on time. Join the Squad. If you are looking for a GM who balances gritty tactical challenges with immersive storytelling and a good laugh, take a seat at my table. Let's roll some dice.

Homebrew rules

I generally apply these rules to enhance the tactical depth and stakes of the game. However, I am democratic—if the majority of the group prefers to stick to Rules as Written (RAW), I am happy to adapt. Brutal Criticals: To make combat deadlier, on a Natural 20, you roll damage, add your modifiers, and then multiply the total by 2. Be warned: this rule applies to monsters, too. Critical Fumbles: A Natural 1 might trigger a roll on my custom "Fail Consequences" table, introducing unique narrative twists or complications to the battle. Magical Critical Fail (Natural 1 on Save): If a creature rolls a Natural 1 on a saving throw against a damaging spell (e.g., Fireball), they take Maximum Possible Damage. The "1-in-400" Event (Epic Luck & Catastrophe) -Occurs when rolling double 20s (Advantage) or double 1s (Disadvantage). Double Nat 20 (The Miracle): - Minions: Instant Kill (decapitation, etc.). - Bosses: Maximum Damage + Lasting Injury (severed limb, blinded eye, loss of flight). - Skills: "Impossible Success" (reality bends to the player's luck). Double Nat 1 (The Catastrophe): - Combat: The PC takes Double Damage (as if crit) + Severe Condition (Stunned, Broken Bone, etc.). - Skills: The tool breaks, the NPC becomes immediately hostile, or a new threat appears instantly. Tactical Potions: You can drink a potion as a Bonus Action (roll for healing). If you choose to spend your Action to drink it instead, you receive the maximum possible healing (no roll required). Tactical Flanking Rule: Flanking an enemy provides a +2 to hit (instead of Advantage). Wild Magic Zones: In specific areas of the world, magic is unstable. Casting a spell in these zones requires a Concentration check; failure triggers an unpredictable effect from my Wild Magic table. Cooperative "Heroic" Inspiration: If a player rolls a Natural 20 (not with an advantage roll), they gain Heroic Inspiration. If they already have it, they must give it to another player. "Click" Traps (Traps as Puzzles): When a player triggers a trap (like stepping on a pressure plate), I don't roll damage immediately. Instead, I'd say "Click." I will ask the players: "What do you do right now?" - If they say "I drop prone," and the trap creates a scythe that swings at head height, they avoid it (or get Advantage on the save). - If they say "I jump forward," and it was a pit trap, they fall straight in (Disadvantage or auto-fail). Other Tweaks: I may introduce small, situational rulings as we play, but I will always prioritise fairness and established expectations.

How Barbazán creates a safe table

The Foundation. We are here to tell a cool story together, and that requires trust. My table is a safe, inclusive space for everyone, regardless of background or experience level. The Tools X-Card: We use a digital X-Card system. If any content makes you uncomfortable, you can type "X" in the chat or message me privately. We will stop, edit the scene, and move on—no questions asked and no judgment. Lines & Veils: During our Session Zero, we will briefly discuss boundaries (Lines) and soft limits (Veils) to ensure the game themes align with everyone's comfort levels. The Conduct Zero Tolerance: I have a strict Zero Tolerance Policy regarding bullying, harassment, discrimination, or aggressive behaviour towards fellow players. Collaboration is the soul of the game; anyone disrupting that safety will be removed. Open Door: My DMs are always open. If you have concerns before, during, or after the session, please reach out. I am here to facilitate a fun experience for everyone.