Rooftop Rumble | A One-Shot Heist Adventure (D&D 5E Homebrew)

Creating your character

Pre-Game Character Creation: Characters should be created before the session begins. We'll use a brief pre-game check-in to review characters, establish safety boundaries, and answer any questions. Starting Level: Characters begin at level 3, giving you access to subclass features and enough abilities to make the chase exciting without being overwhelming. Stats: We'll use point buy (27 points). This ensures balanced characters. Sources Allowed: All official 2024 D&D 5E content is allowed. I'm open to DM-approved homebrew—if you have something specific in mind, message me before the game to ensure it fits the tone and maintains game balance. Since this is a one-shot in my homebrew world of Rhivana, some official content may need slight flavor adjustments to fit Zenye's setting. Platform: Character sheets will be created on Roll20, where we'll be playing the game. I'll help you set everything up if needed during our pre-game check-in. Character Concept: Bring a character who thrives under pressure—quick-thinking, bold, and ready to improvise in a chase. A simple concept is plenty: "reckless treasure hunter," "disgraced museum scholar," "streetwise courier," or "arcane acrobat." Characters should be willing to participate in a heist (whether for money, justice, or adventure) and able to work with a team. Recommended Builds: Characters with good mobility (high Dexterity, spells like Misty Step or Jump), social skills (for infiltration and negotiation), or creative problem-solving abilities will shine. But any build can work—this adventure rewards creative thinking over optimized builds.

Preparing for the session

Before the Session, please complete the following steps: 1. Discord Account: Create a free Discord account if you don't have one. You'll need this for voice communication during the session. 2. Roll20 Account: Create a free Roll20 account at roll20.net. This is where we'll be playing the game and managing character sheets. No subscription required—the free account is sufficient. 3. Join the Game Discord: Once you've signed up, I'll send you an invitation to our Discord server. This is where we'll do our pre-game check-in, coordinate the session, and communicate. 4. Create Your Character: Build your level 3 character either on Roll20 or on paper/pdf using point buy. Bring a basic character concept—we'll review everything during our pre-game check-in to ensure it fits the adventure and answer any questions. 5. Pre-Game Check-In (15-30 minutes before session): We'll do a brief check-in before the game starts to: - Review/Import characters and answer questions - Establish safety boundaries (Lines and Veils) - Set expectations for the session - Test audio/technical setup What You DON'T Need: - No paid subscriptions required (Roll20 free account is sufficient) - No specific books to purchase (I'll provide access to necessary information) - No extensive backstory (a simple concept is enough for this one-shot) Technical Requirements: - A computer with an internet connection - A microphone (webcam optional but welcome) - Discord installed or accessible via browser - Roll20 accessible via browser (Chrome recommended)

What Remy "Akarii" brings to the table

As your Game Master, here's what you can expect from me: Narrative and Atmosphere: I provide a fast-paced, cinematic one-shot with a light, campy tone. Expect high-energy chase scenes with dynamic skill challenges, colorful NPCs with distinct personalities (like Captain Zephyr, the Air Genasi guard captain, and Scholar Mira, the nervous museum curator), and clear scene framing so the action never drags. Visuals and Gameplay: - Roll20 Maps: I provide detailed maps for the Royal Museum and the rooftop chase sequence across Coriolis's Sun-Layer Market District. The maps are designed to enhance the cinematic feel of the escape. - Dynamic Skill Challenges: The chase sequence uses a skill challenge system where creative problem-solving is rewarded. You'll need to accumulate successes while avoiding failures, with multiple approaches to each challenge. - Rule of Cool: I embrace creative rulings when they make the escape more fun. Using spells creatively, combining abilities in unexpected ways, and taking risks for dramatic moments are all encouraged. Pacing and Tone: - Fast-Paced Action: This is a 4-hour one-shot with tight pacing. We'll move quickly through the heist, discovery, chase, and resolution to keep the energy high. - Campy Comedy: The tone is light-hearted and fun. Expect moments of chaos, hilarious mishaps, and NPCs with personality. Serious consequences are possible, but the overall feel is adventure and mischief rather than grimdark. - Multiple Solutions: There's no single "right" way to approach the heist or escape. Stealth, social engineering, combat, and creative problem-solving are all valid paths. Game Management: - Balanced Encounters: Adjusted for 2-4 players. If the party is smaller or larger, encounters scale accordingly. - Player Agency: Your choices matter. The chase sequence responds to your decisions, and there are multiple possible endings—clean getaway, narrow escape, or caught red-handed (each with its own rewards and consequences).

Homebrew rules

Core System: We're using the 2024 version of D&D 5E as the base system. The following homebrew and table rules apply for this one-shot: Skill Challenge System: - The rooftop chase uses a skill challenge format where you'll need to accumulate **8 successes** to escape cleanly. **3 failures** result in capture. This encourages creative problem-solving and teamwork. Rule of Cool: - Creative Solutions: I encourage creative uses of spells, abilities, and the environment. Want to use Thunderwave to destroy a bridge behind you? Misty Step through a magical barrier? Use market goods as weapons or tools? Go for it—if it's reasonable and enhances the story, I'll allow it. Action Economy (for this one-shot): - Drinking a Potion: Drinking a potion yourself or administering to others is a bonus action. This keeps the pace fast during the chase. Falling Damage Modifications: - Falling is common in a rooftop chase. Falling damage is **1d6 per 10 feet** as normal, but creative solutions (using *Feather Fall*, catching yourself on awnings, etc.) can reduce or negate damage. Time Pressure: - During the chase sequence, there are time constraints. Guards are pursuing, reinforcements are arriving, and delays have consequences. This creates urgency and prevents overthinking. No Long Rests: - This is a single-session, high-intensity adventure. Long rests aren't available—you'll need to manage resources carefully. Short rests may be available briefly during lulls, but don't count on extended breaks. Magic Item (Reward): - If you succeed in the heist, the Storm's Eye gem can be used as a magic item: Very Rare Wondrous Item (requires attunement), grants the ability to cast Lightning Bolt (3rd level) once per long rest, and can be used as a spell focus for lightning/thunder spells (+1 to attack rolls and save DCs). This item can be utilized in future adventures with me if you choose to continue.

How Remy "Akarii" creates a safe table

We’ll use the following safety tools to keep the game comfortable and fun: - Lines and Veils for content boundaries - Stars and Wishes for post-game feedback - Pre-Game Check-In to align expectations Players can always message me privately if they want to adjust boundaries during play.