The Wandering Bazaar - Level 6-8 One-Shot (Personal Stakes)

Creating your character

Character creation for this one-shot will take place during either a Session 0, which is always completely free or just before the game itself; whichever the players would prefer. In either instance this is to make sure everyone starts on the same page, both mechanically and narratively; and that every player feels excited and supported going into the game. During this portion, we’ll take time as a group to talk about what everyone wants from the game: tone, themes, boundaries, and expectations. We’ll also discuss group dynamics, how characters might know one another, and how individual concepts can fit together in a way that strengthens the party rather than isolates it. This is a collaborative conversation, not a test; ideas are encouraged, and nothing is locked in until it feels right. We’ll also openly discuss homebrew options. While the campaign uses D&D 5e as its foundation, tasteful and balanced homebrew is absolutely on the table if it helps better realize the fantasy you have in mind for your character. Any homebrew elements will be discussed together to ensure they fit the tone of the world and remain fair for the table as a whole. All stats will be rolled live during this portion, so everyone starts from the same footing. Characters will begin the one-shot between the levels of 6-8 and multiclassing is welcome. You’ll be invited to a DnDBeyond group link for character creation. This group includes additional paid content that I’ve purchased and shared, giving you access to more options than the standard free material so feel free to explore and ask questions.

Preparing for the session

To take part in the one-shot, there are a few things you’ll need set up ahead of time so the session runs smoothly and everyone has access to the same tools and information. First, you’ll need a Discord account. All one-shots will be run through my Discord server, which we’ll use for voice chat and general game communication. You’ll also need a DnDBeyond account. This is where you’ll create and manage your character, including stats, leveling, spells, features, and inventory. You’ll be invited to the group link, which includes additional shared content to expand your character options. In addition, players will need an Alchemy VTT account. Alchemy will be used to present maps, artwork, ambient visuals, handouts, and other immersive elements during play. You don’t need to learn complex systems, just be able to access and view the content during session. Finally, you’ll want something to keep notes in. This can be digital or physical, whatever works best for you. The session will involve ongoing story threads, NPCs, and discoveries, and keeping notes will help you stay immersed and engaged. For dice, you’re free to choose what you prefer. You’re welcome to use virtual dice through DnDBeyond or Alchemy VTT, or roll physical dice at your table if that’s more your style. If you need help setting any of this up, don’t worry, guidance will be available, and questions are always welcome.

What Jay brings to the table

As your DM, my goal is to deliver a rich, immersive experience that feels alive at the table. You can expect a strong focus on atmosphere and presentation, with curated visuals, detailed maps, ambient music, and sound effects used to enhance each scene; whether you’re delving into ancient ruins, navigating tense negotiations, or standing at the edge of something truly mythic. Alchemy VTT will be used to share images, videos, and environmental elements that help ground the world and bring moments to life. I’ll also be providing in-world handouts throughout the session. This includes maps, letters, notes, contracts, sketches, and other digital artefacts that exist within the story itself. These aren’t just flavor, they often contain clues, history, or opportunities that reward players who engage with the world beyond the surface level. Role-play is a major pillar of this game. Expect distinct character voices, memorable NPCs, and conversations that matter. NPCs will have their own motivations, flaws, and loyalties, and how you treat them will influence how the world responds to you. Some will become allies you’d die for, others will remember your mistakes far longer than you’d like. In terms of rules, I run D&D 5e largely as written, valuing balance and clarity, but I firmly believe in the rule of cool. If something is theoretically possible, your character has the means to attempt it, and you roll well enough to pull it off, I’m inclined to let it happen. Creative thinking, bold plans, and cinematic moments are always encouraged and rewarded. Finally, you can expect a fair and consistent DM who respects player agency. Your choices will matter. Heroic decisions will bring meaningful rewards, while reckless or chaotic paths may carry real consequences, regrets included. This is a living world that reacts honestly to what you do, and I’m here to challenge you, support you, and help tell a story worth remembering.

Homebrew rules

Drinking a potion yourself is a bonus action. If you need to throw one back mid-combat to stay on your feet, that’s completely fine. Administering a potion to someone else is an action, as it’s far more involved with positioning, opening containers, and making sure it actually goes down. Passing a potion to another character is also a bonus action, encouraging teamwork without bogging the game down. Death saves at my table are rolled privately and shared only with me. When a character goes down, time should genuinely matter. Other players shouldn’t be making decisions based on “they rolled a 17, they’ll be fine.” That knowledge softens the impact of a dangerous moment and often leads to riskier, less emotional play. With how strong healing is in modern 5e, going down should mean something. Intelligent enemies understand the difference between unconscious and dead, and players can expect smarter foes to finish the job rather than politely ignoring a fallen threat. Helping with a skill check requires proficiency in that skill. A barbarian with a -2 Intelligence isn’t realistically assisting a wizard with advanced Arcana; it doesn’t fit thematically. Similarly, you can’t assist with checks like Insight, or buff them with spells like Guidance, unless your character is aware the check is happening. If a character doesn’t voice their intent, there’s nothing for others to react to or assist with in the moment. Drawing, sheathing, or switching weapons is a free action. If you’re proficient, you know how to use it; you don’t need six seconds to remember which end is sharp. Players are always given the option for natural 1s to be fumbles. These aren’t catastrophic failures, but they do have consequences; something slips, positioning falters, or the moment turns against you. Just as a natural 20 should feel epic, a natural 1 should feel like it matters. I regularly award Inspiration for strong in-character explanations and engagement. Remembering things as a character matters, but we’re all human. If someone asks, “What was that spell the necromancer used?” and another player explains it in character; what it did, how it looked, and how to avoid it, that’s absolutely Inspiration-worthy. It shows understanding, engagement, and great party bonding.

How Jay creates a safe table

Before the one-shot begins, everyone will receive a Lines and Veils document. This helps me understand if there are any themes, topics, or situations that should be completely avoided or handled carefully and off-screen. There’s no judgment attached to this, its sole purpose is to ensure the story stays fun, immersive, and safe for everyone at the table. After each session, we’ll always have the option to take time to wind down. This is a space to decompress, talk through moments that stood out, and raise any issues or scenes that may have felt uncomfortable or off in hindsight. This aftercare is there to make sure no one leaves a session carrying something they shouldn’t have to, and that concerns can be addressed openly and respectfully. During play, Alchemy VTT’s X-Card feature will also be available at all times. If a topic, theme, or moment becomes an issue for you in the moment, you can use it immediately, no explanations required. When it’s triggered, I’ll switch gears and steer the game away from the content in question without pause or pressure.