3.5 D&D - The First Campaign

Creating your character

Characters will be created before the first session, either independently or with one-on-one support via text chat or voice. This is a beginner-friendly game, so I can walk you through every step—from choosing a race and class to understanding your character’s abilities and backstory. For ability scores, characters will use the 4d6 drop lowest method, or 32 point-buy if the roll results aren't satisfactory. The main sources are the Player’s Handbook and Core Rulebooks (PHB, DMG, MM) as our foundation, but all official 3.5e material is fair game on a case-by-case basis (except for the classes Incarnates, Binders and Truenamers that rely on weird alternative magic systems). Level adjustments are allowed up to a +3 bonus and can be broken up into level ups at specific intervals, benefitting from the LA Buy-off rules from Unearthed Arcana, but also apply the LA penalty rules from the book Player's Guide to Faerun. You can build your character using a shared Sheet website like Myth-Weavers, a Google Doc, or a form-fillable PDF on cloud storage —whatever works best for you. My goal is to make sure you feel confident and excited about your character before we dive into the adventure.

Preparing for the session

Before we begin, here’s what you’ll need to get set up: - **Create a free account on Discord** – We’ll use Discord for voice chat and session coordination. I’ll send you an invite to the game’s private server once you sign up. - **Make an account on the virtual tabletop (VTT)** – We’ll be using **Owlbear Rodeo** for maps, tokens, and dice rolls. I’ll provide instructions and links to join the game once you’re signed up. - **Character creation tools** – You can use a website sheet, fillable PDF, Google Docs, or another method we agree on. I’ll help you build and review your character before the first session. - **Bring your curiosity and questions!** No prior experience with 3.5e is needed- I can guide you through everything you need to know. - **Bonus points** Reading Chapters 8 - "Combat", and 9 - "Adventuring", on pages 133 to 168 (35 pages) of the Player's Handbook (pdf can be accessed through Discord), will be helpful to all players, including veterans of the system. And Chapter 10 - "Magic", on pages 169 to 180, for those who will be playing spellcasters.

What Carlos C. Cox brings to the table

As your Dungeon Master, I’ll guide you through the legendary 3.5 edition of Dungeons & Dragons with patience, enthusiasm, and a deep love for storytelling. Whether you’re experienced, or brand new to D&D or just this edition, I’ll make sure to support and empower you all to explore, experiment, and grow as players. I provide: - A full campaign arc from level 1 to 20 using the first ten published 3.5e adventures. - Beginner-friendly onboarding, including character creation help and rules explanations. - Immersive storytelling with rich descriptions, character voices, and a living world that reacts to your choices. - Tactical combat that rewards teamwork, creativity, and smart positioning—perfect for players who enjoy strategy. - Flexible rulings that balance the spirit of the rules with the Rule of Cool—fun and story always come first. - A welcoming, inclusive space where questions are encouraged and everyone has a chance to shine. - I also use ambient music and visual aids to enhance immersion, and I’m always happy to adapt to your play style. The game will follow the official rules (which includes DM fiat), however, general house rule tweaks may be offered depending on collective consent. DM ruling is primary and final, as normal. The campaign is planned to take characters from level 1 to 20 in a single year worth of play with once a week sessions. Leveling is expected once every session until level 5, once every two until 10, and once every three until 20. Although occasional slow session progress might disrupt progress, it gets compensated for further down the line. The point is not to rush the experience, but keep steady pacing. If the group ends up enjoying a slower pace, that's fine too.

Homebrew rules

Optional rules in play: - Retraining (PHB2) - Level Adjustment Buy-off (UA) - 2 Flaws (UA) - 1 free Regional or Racial starting feat - All classes grant 2 extra skill points per level, and hit-dice is increased to the next step (Barbarians get 2 extra hp per level instead), PCs and NPCs get full HP.

How Carlos C. Cox creates a safe table

- The Lines and Veils document and the Safety and Consent form will be used ahead of time as replacement for the "session 0" format, which tends to stunt games and doesn't account for players who join later anyway. A quick conversation at the beginning of the game will still be held. - The 1st session of a player is always a sort of "audition" to see if they are a good fit for the group and the campaign. - X, N, & O's can be whispered through the VTT to ensure privacy and responsiveness. - "Pause for a minute", "Can we Rewind?" or "How about a Fast Forward?" can also be suggested at anytime privately. - Everyone can take a step back at anytime if they feel the need, without fear of discussion or judgement by others at the table. - After a session the players will be asked to recall their favorite moments, and a "comments and suggestions" form will be available to record wishes they may have for the game.