Ash and Blood — A Dark Fantasy D&D One-Shot

Creating your character

Character creation will take place during a dedicated Session Zero. Session Zero is required and is used to: • Create characters together • Roll stats as a group • Align on tone, boundaries, and expectations • Make sure everyone starts on the same page No prior experience is required. New players are very welcome, and I’m happy to guide you through character creation step by step during Session Zero. If you’re not comfortable building a character yet, I can also provide pre-made character sheets so you can jump straight into play and learn as you go. Starting Level: Level 1 This campaign starts small and grows over time. Characters earn their power through play, choices, and survival—not by starting strong. Stats: Stats will be rolled together during Session Zero so everyone rolls under the same conditions. This keeps things fair and sets the tone early. If the group prefers a different method after discussion, we’ll decide as a table. Where Characters Are Created: Characters will be created on D&D Beyond. Once you join the game, I’ll invite you to the campaign so you’ll have access to my shared sourcebooks—no purchases required. Allowed Content: Most official D&D 5e content is allowed. Unearthed Arcana, homebrew, or third-party material is welcome but must be approved first to ensure it fits the setting and tone. Backstories: Keep it simple. A few sentences or a short paragraph is plenty. Session Zero will help tie your character into the world so you feel grounded in the setting from the start. Tone & Expectations: This is a story-driven campaign set in a dangerous world. Humor is welcome, but characters should be capable of taking the world seriously. Session Zero is also where we’ll cover content warnings, table rules, and player comfort so everyone can have a great experience.

Preparing for the session

To make sure the session runs smoothly, please complete the following before game day: Create a free D&D Beyond account. After booking, I’ll send an invite to the campaign with access to shared sourcebooks so you can create your character. Join the Discord server using the link provided after booking. Discord will be used for voice, optional video, and session coordination. Have a working microphone and a stable internet connection. Headphones are strongly recommended. Review the tone and content notes in the listing so you know what kind of story this is and can opt in comfortably. Come with a basic character idea (a sentence or two is plenty). Full character creation will happen after you receive the campaign invite. No prior D&D experience is required. Rules, mechanics, and guidance will be provided as we play. Please plan to arrive 5–10 minutes early so we can do quick introductions, safety check-ins, and get started on time.

What Chase Panter brings to the table

What I Provide as Your GM I run story-first, consequence-driven games where player choices meaningfully shape the world. The setting reacts honestly to what you do—there are no “right” answers, only outcomes. I focus on emotional weight, grounded roleplay, and tension that builds naturally rather than forcing drama. You can expect cinematic narration, distinct NPC voices (used selectively for clarity and tone), and ambient music and soundscapes to support mood and pacing. Combat is dangerous and purposeful rather than constant, and when it happens it’s fast, tactical, and tied directly to the story. I balance Rules as Written with Rules as Intended and the Rule of Cool when it enhances the narrative. I’ll always explain rulings clearly and prioritize fairness and consistency so players feel confident making choices under pressure. Most importantly, I provide a respectful, safety-forward table. Safety tools are always in use, player comfort matters, and intensity is never sprung on anyone without context. My goal is for players to feel immersed, challenged, and supported—so when the story hits hard, it hits because you chose to engage, not because you were pushed.

Homebrew rules

Homebrew & Table Rules I keep house rules light and intentional, focused on pacing, tension, and clarity rather than complexity. Any rulings are explained at the table before they matter. Potions: Drinking a potion is an action unless you’ve specifically prepared it for easy access or gained a feature that changes this. Rules Flexibility: I primarily use Rules as Written, but will lean into Rules as Intended or the Rule of Cool when it improves the story without breaking balance. Death & Consequences: This is a dangerous world. Characters can be knocked unconscious, forced to retreat, or suffer narrative consequences, but I do not use surprise or punitive rule changes. Player Agency First: No homebrew will remove your ability to make meaningful choices or understand the risks involved. If any additional rulings come up during play, they’ll be handled transparently and consistently.

How Chase Panter creates a safe table

Safety & Player Comfort Player comfort and consent are a priority at my table—especially in darker, emotionally intense games like this one. Intensity is always opt-in, never a surprise. Before play begins, we’ll do a brief group check-in to align on tone, boundaries, and expectations. This includes reviewing content notes and confirming any personal limits so everyone knows what to expect and can engage comfortably. I use the following safety tools: Lines & Veils: Content boundaries are respected at all times. Hard limits will not appear, and veiled content will fade to black without lingering detail. X-Card / Open Door: Players may pause, redirect, or step away from the game at any time—no explanation required. This can be done verbally or via chat. O-Card / Group Check-ins: I check in during and after intense scenes to make sure everyone is doing okay and having fun. Aftercare: At the end of the session, we’ll take a few minutes to decompress, check in emotionally, and separate player feelings from character outcomes. Dark themes are handled with care, clarity, and respect. No one will be pressured into roleplay or content they are uncomfortable with, and boundaries can be adjusted at any time—even mid-session. My goal is for players to feel challenged, immersed, and safe, so when the story hits hard, it does so because you chose to engage—not because you were pushed.