The Canvas Job: An All-Bards Art Heist

Creating your character

To create an ensemble dream team: * Starting at Level 4 * You must have a minimum of 3 levels in Bard. Your 4th level may be a multiclass if it fits your "Curator" specialty, but you are a bard first and foremost. * We are strictly ONLY using the 2024 Player’s Handbook; because of this, we have 4 subclasses only, so one of the subclasses will be used for two players, but no subclass should be used by 3 players. * Stats: Every player will roll with Avrae (bot in Discord). After we have all the arrays available, each player will choose which one of the available rolls they want to use. * Equipment: You start with your standard 2024 Class & Background equipment, plus a Curator Stipend of 125 GP to spend on additional mundane gear or consumables. You will also receive one Signature Curator Tool (Magic Item) during Session 0.

Preparing for the session

Preparing for the Heist To ensure we hit the ground running for Session 0/1, please complete the following steps: * D&D Beyond Account: We will be using D&D Beyond for character sheets. I will provide a Campaign Link that shares my digital library with you, so you’ll have full access to the 2024 Player’s Handbook even if you don’t own it! * Discord: This is our "Mission Control." Once you join, I’ll send you an invite to our private server for voice chat, mood music, and out of character planning. * Owlbear Rodeo: No account or software download is required! I will drop a browser link into Discord at the start of each session. It’s a lightweight, VTT that works on any mobile phone, tablet or computer. Character Concept: Start thinking about your "Curator". Remember: Level 4, minimum 3 levels of Bard, 2024 PHB rules only. Who is your character? What's their backstory? How do they invoke magic? Do they express themselves through music, dance, or verse? All of the above?

What Eldritch Nova brings to the table

Joining this campaign isn't just about rolling dice; it’s about participating in a curated "Limited Series" experience. As your DM, here is what I bring to the table: * The "Rule of Cool" Philosophy: In an all-Bard party, creativity is your greatest weapon. If you want to use a Dance flurry to swing from a chandelier or use Lore to exploit a flaw in a painting's perspective, I will always find a way to make it happen. * Bespoke Visuals & Sound: Since we are traveling inside famous works of art, I provide custom curated maps and ambient soundscapes that change with the "Art Style" of the painting we are in. Expect a shift in atmosphere from whimsical landscapes to surrealist nightmares. * Tactical "Synergy" Combat: I run "Dynamic Combat." I don't just stand monsters in a line; I use the environment, verticality, and the 2024 PHB rules to push your Bardic synergy to its limit. You’ll feel the power of an all-Bard troupe when your inspirations and abilities start stacking. * Professional Pacing: With only 10 sessions, I ensure every hour counts. We skip the "filler episodes" and get straight to the drama, the heist, and the heart pounding moments inside the canvas.

Homebrew rules

If you are a new player, feel free to skip this. I’ll make sure to explain all details. 🎲 Nat 20 on Combat? Roll double the dice, pick your preferred rolls and then add max damage. For example, you roll a Nat20 on an attack of 2d10. You roll 4d10. The results are 1, 5, 7, 8. You keep 7 and 8. And add 20 (Max damage) for a total of 35. 👯 No repeats of ability rolls for some checks For the majority of checks, I don't allow characters to try after another character failed. Either you roll as an individual or as a group.

How Eldritch Nova creates a safe table

LINES / VEILS I love telling deep and sometimes dark stories, but your comfort is my priority. These are my personal boundaries as a GM, this content will not appear in any of my games. Regarding Your Boundaries: I will send every player an anonymous Lines & Veils survey upon the group being complete. We will discuss the campaign's Lines and Veils during Session Zero. Throughout the duration of the campaign, we will have group and individual check-ins to ensure we are still aligned. 🔴 HARD LINES (Banned Content) Sexual Violence: This is strictly forbidden. It includes non-consensual content and any use of Mind Control for sexual purposes. Abuse Targeted at Children: Any form of emotional, psychological, or physical abuse toward children is a hard line for me. To be more specific, individual children being abused versus a whole town being wiped out by an external force. Real World Hate Speech: I do not allow slurs or real world bigotry, even "in-character." Calling a Warforged a "clanker" is ok, or calling an elf a "knife-ear". And even these will be within the context of the world we are creating together and the story. 🟡 VEILS (Fade to Black) Extreme Torture/Gore: While we may acknowledge violence, I will not provide graphic or visceral descriptions of it, beyond what's cool and necessary. Usually, during combat is great, but during roleplay, as we find the corpses of fallen allies, not so much. PC Romance & Intimacy: I fully allow and enjoy romance between characters! You are welcome to flirt and develop romantic bonds. However, the moment an interaction becomes overtly sexual, we fade to black. 🛑 THE X-CARD If you ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe during a scene, just type "X" in the chat (you can also DM me). I will immediately pause, change the subject, or skip ahead, no questions asked in the moment. This also helps me. Let's remember that the DM can also use the X-Card. Note: If I don’t immediately understand why the X-Card was used (for example, if it's used while someone is describing a meal at a tavern), I might reach out via DM later. I just want to understand better so I know exactly what content I need to avoid to keep you safe!