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Session Zero! Classic Dungeons and Dragons
Create a character or 5 in the Old School Style of D&D using B/X, BECMI, and/or Rules Cyclopedia. Session Zero preparation and a trial or 2.
TYPE
SYSTEM
LANGUAGE
EXPERIENCE
AGE
$10.00
/ Session
Details
Once / Wednesday - 2:00 AM UTC
Feb 11
Session Duration / 2–3 hours
0 / 4 Seats Filled
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About the adventure
This is a session zero to mainly create a roster of characters. This is about the old school style where "race as class" is the starting line. Even though this is "Basic D&D", it's up to you, the player, to decide how deep you take your character creation. For there are many options. I will be your guide and non-player characters will be there to offer their services. The first thing you will do is roll dice for ability scores, such as strength and wisdom, which if you roll low, might prevent you from playing a restrictive class. Right off the bat you are already hoping to roll dice in your favor. If time permits, we will run an appetizer of a dungeon or adventure in order to test the waters and earn either some experience points or a coffin. If we are short on time, the adventure will be a small sample of a scenario. During the whole process, we can discuss what we want, or what we want to avoid, out of future campaigns. This session is for medieval fantasy players, from the novice never seen a character sheet person to the old grumpy grognard who has libraries of pizza-stained characters. By having a roster of "live" characters, you will be able to jump right into the action of the one shots and campaigns that I plan to host in the future. Optional: Create a high-level character who will act as a mentor to your roster of first level PC's. This character never dies because it only interacts with your adventuring characters. This character is special, because it is the character you get to create with virtually no limitations.
Game style
Tactical / Crunchy
Theater of the Mind
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
5.0
(5)
Less than a year on StartPlaying
3 games hosted
Highly rated for: Creativity, Teacher, Storytelling
Average response time: Under 1 hour
Response rate: 100%
About me
I was in grade school when friends introduced me to Dungeons and Dragons, way back in the early 80's! I couldn't afford to buy any of the books, so I created my own version using six sided dice. Little by little, I bought classic TSR products, running campaigns based mostly off D&D BECMI. I have experience running Star Frontiers, being a player at various editions of D&D and other RPGs. I understand what it is to be a player. I didn't like it when DMs were unyielding, or when they gifted players everything they wanted. I am sort of a rules lawyer, that way every campaign remains consistent. I love house rules, but I use them as needed, usually depending on the needs of the players. I like running occasional meat grinders, balanced solo challenges, and scenarios that seem impossible. Your skills as a role player will be tested. If you manage to create a character who can make it to 14th level at my table, you will be able to say you unequivocally earned it. Your creativity and imagination will be rewarded. Your sense of humor will be appreciated in these dark times. ...we faced a horde of mixed humanoids, ranging from orcs to ghouls. The female fighter in the group gave our magic user the signal to alpha-spell them before we moved in. With inspiring words, he cast a fireball spell, of the weakest order, he rolled all 1's. The horde made their saving throws. I've seen more smoke off a match. Thus, the illusionist class was born... haaaaaa
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
In this session zero, you will create at least one character, but hopefully more. I will walk you through the process. Depending on how you roll, you will have 8 choices. Human characters: Fighter, Magic-user, Cleric, Thief, and the ever-elusive Mystic. And Demi-humans: Elf, Dwarf, and Halfling. I'm sorry if you wanted a Tiefling, or perhaps a Bard. There's none of that here. Well, I really can't say that. For example, you could create a Bard. You would basically create any of the 8 that were mentioned, and then you would pick skills that would reflect the Bard class such as acting, persuasion, music, storytelling. Sub classes do exist, and the prerequisites needed will be discussed. Feel free to look up the free pdf's of Dungeons and Dragons Rules Cyclopedia to familiarize yourself with Character creation. You will need to go through this session zero first before you enter any one-shot or ongoing campaign I may host. So have paper and pencil, electronic device, or rock and chisel ready.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
The game/session will take place on Discord. It wouldn't be a bad idea to get caught up on the rules. I recommend D&D Rules Cyclopedia. You're welcome to roll your own dice. No fudging! lol. https://www.americanroads.us/DandD/DnD_Rules_Cyclopedia.pdf Players can create a character on paper, either from a downloadable character sheet or their own custom design. They can use a computer notepad as well. I'm not picky. As long as you can read it.
What Thunderwolf brings to the table
I bring experience, creativity, knowledge of the rules, and the willingness to collaborate. I will create opportunity for the player to immerse themselves into a role and tackle challenges that seem impossible in real life. Some of the challenges will seem impossible to the dice as well! I want you to expect meat grinding scenarios, especially if you make poor and risky decisions. There will always be a chance of random encounters that result in a TPK or a change of quest. With that being said, why shouldn't you be able to receive blessings as well? You might come across an epic sword that needs a person to free it from its granite prison. You might have to roll 25% or less to do it, but I'm sure some rewards may just fall into your lap. My idea of a perfect adventure is one where either some PC's or hirelings have a tragic end, and where one or two stand above the rest. By the same token, I'm not against all the PC's and major hirelings standing on top of every challenge. It makes their death that much sweeter when ill fate touches them after becoming a legend. Don't get me wrong. I want my NPC's to die. I want them to be conquered. I want them to be replaced. NPC's and Monster personalities won't just be waiting around for you to get super powerful and get destroyed in a lop sided confrontation. Oh no, they will be watching, and preparing to strike if they see characters rising to challenge them.
Homebrew rules
D&D Basic doesn't really have rules for rolling one's and twenties. However, I do like using rewards and penalties if such things happen. I like sticking to the rules because that creates consistency. I also don't like slowing down the game with things such as encumbrance. That doesn't mean you're allowed to carry 12 swords and 5 crossbows on your back either.
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How Thunderwolf creates a safe table
We can discuss at any time during the session zero what we like, and what we would like to avoid. The purpose of role play and gaming in general is to have fun. We must all do our part if we are to play in a group. Please refer to my listed safety tools.
Content warnings
Safety tools used