The Final World, Ion. (Session 0 Free)

Creating your character

Character creation is mostly standard D&D 5e, with a few small adjustments for this campaign: Hit Points – Do not add your Constitution modifier to your maximum HP. Use only what you roll, or the average if you choose that. Magic – If your character uses magic, choose two elemental types for all of your spells. You can reference the magic table and combination effects for guidance. For example, Fireball could become Waterball, Iceball, or even Soundball depending on your choices. Level & Allowed Sources – All characters start at level 3. You may use content from the Player’s Handbook, Xanathar’s Guide, or other official books. Avoid Playtest, Unearthed Arcana, and most Homebrew classes or races unless approved. Roll20 – The campaign will take place on Roll20. You can upload your character and import it directly. If you need a blank sheet or an invite, message me and I’ll provide one. Special Requests – If you want a race or class not listed, just message me for approval.

Preparing for the session

To play, you’ll need a Discord account and a Roll20 account. I’ll provide invites to both the campaign Discord server and the Roll20 game. Before our first session, make sure: Your accounts are active and you can log in. Your character sheet is uploaded or ready on Roll20. You’ve reviewed the magic system if your character uses spells.

What James brings to the table

I do my best to bring the world to life with voices, accents, and tone shifts, plus background music to set the scene—whether it’s a quiet village in the hills or a dark forest rumored to hide a monstrous hunter. I use a lot of homebrew rules, so while the game is guided by Rules as Written, I often let the Rule of Cool take priority if it makes sense and is described with conviction. Combat varies depending on your choices: sometimes it will be intense and tactical, where every action matters, and other times encounters may be easier or intentionally one-sided to tell the story. Every session is designed to balance challenge, excitement, and storytelling.

Homebrew rules

This campaign includes several homebrew systems designed to make combat, magic, and survival more tactical and immersive: Potions – Drink a potion as a bonus action and roll normally. Use a full action to drink it and gain maximum healing. Exhaustion & Fatigue – A simplified system where each level of exhaustion gives -1 to all d20 rolls, up to 10 ranks, at which point your character dies. Fatigue is a short-term version that dissipates faster but can escalate into exhaustion if ignored. Wound System – Your CON modifier determines how many “health bars” you must deplete before death. Each bar triggers progressively more serious wounds: minor (fatigue, small drawbacks), moderate (noticeable impairments like slowed movement), major (serious injuries, possibly losing a limb), and finally death. This makes combat more strategic and dramatic. MP/SP System – Spells use mana or spell points instead of traditional spell slots, allowing flexible casting without limiting powerful spells to one-time uses per day. Magic Damage Overhaul – There are 15 types of magical damage. Casters choose two elemental types that all of their spells will always use, allowing for unique spell effects and interactions. Each of these systems is designed to make combat, magic, and survival feel meaningful, cinematic, and high-stakes while still being fair to players.

How James creates a safe table

During Session 0, I’ll make sure to gather everyone’s input on topics or content that could be uncomfortable or triggering. If something is avoidable, I’ll remove it, and if it’s unavoidable, I’ll discuss whether this campaign is a good fit for you. Your comfort and consent are a priority.