Call of the Netherdeep: The Weight of Hope

Creating your character

We will have a brief Session 0 (no cost), which will include information about character creation. But if you want to start early, here are the details: System: D&D 5e (2024 rules) Starting character level: 3 Ability Scores: Standard Array Alignment/Vibe: Party-cooperative. Please make your character in D&D Beyond (link provided in preparation details) Sources: Official WotC content is preferred; please check with me before using anything else. Specifically for Exandria, I recommend Explorer's Guide to Wildemount and Tal'Dorei Reborn. ⸻ Quick Setting Tie-In: Your character begins in Jigow, a frontier settlement on the edge of the Wastes of Xhorhas on the continent of Wildemount. The village is preparing for the Festival of Merit, a rare moment of celebration where travelers, mercenaries, pilgrims, and locals gather to compete, trade stories, and test their skills. People come to Jigow for many reasons: prize money, reputation, curiosity, or simply because the road led them here. Your characters arrive in Jigow together, having agreed (recently and perhaps casually) to compete as a team in the Festival of Merit. You do not need to be lifelong companions, but you’ve at least traveled together long enough to know one another’s names, strengths, and quirks. Whether you’re friends, coworkers, family, or strangers brought together by circumstance is up to you. The Festival of Merit is a rare opportunity: a chance to prove yourselves, earn coin or reputation, and test your skills in front of a cheering crowd. Each of you has your own reason for being here, but you’ve chosen to compete together. You trust one another enough to stand side by side when it counts, even if deeper loyalties have yet to form. As you create your character, answer the following: 1. What’s your character’s story? (Full on backstory would be great, but at least a few sentences! The more fleshed out your character is in your mind, the easier it is to answer the below questions and to roleplay) 2. General thoughts on personality + core/defining emotion 3. What would incentivize your character to go on an adventure? 4. Does your character have a short-term goal? What is it? 5. Does your character have a long-term goal? What is it? 6. Why did they join this group and why do they want to compete in the festival? 7. What would push them to protect their teammates when the stakes rise?

Preparing for the session

Before our first session, please take these steps so everything runs smoothly: 1. D&D Beyond: You’ll need a D&D Beyond account (free). 2. Virtual Tabletop: We will use D&D Beyond Maps. 3. Voice & Video: We will use Discord for voice and video (free account). Please sign up with Discord if you haven't and test your mic and camera before the game. 4. Tech Check: Make sure your internet connection is stable and that you’re in a quiet spot where you can play comfortably. Headphones recommended. 5. Bring Your Curiosity: This is a game of intrigue, secrets, and roleplay. The more you interact with other characters and NPCs, the richer the experience will be!

What The Fresch GM brings to the table

When you join my table, you can expect an experience that blends immersive storytelling, atmospheric detail, and player-driven action. • Expect a focus on roleplay, character arcs, and choices that shape the story. • I use a range of character voices to bring NPCs to life • Ambient background music and soundscapes set the tone. • I run combat rules tight enough for fairness, but I’m happy to bend things for Rule of Cool moments if it makes the scene more epic and is roleplay consistent. • Safety tools are always on the table. If something makes you uncomfortable, you can pause or redirect at any time. • I encourage collaboration, creativity, and spotlight-sharing so everyone gets a chance to shine.

Homebrew rules

Healing Potions: You can choose to use your action to drink a healing potion and receive the full amount of healing for that potion Help Action: Proficiency is not required

How The Fresch GM creates a safe table

Your safety and enjoyment at the table are my top priorities. Everyone should feel comfortable while immersed in the story. X/N/O Cards: We’ll use the X/N/O card system throughout the session. X = Stop immediately (content is unsafe/unwanted). We will stop and change course/rewind, making sure that everyone is comfortable and feels safe. N = The story is heading in a direction where one feels uncomfortable and may use an X card. This allows us to change direction or fade to black before crossing that line. O = “Okay” — check-in that everyone is comfortable continuing. You can signal these by message, holding up a card, or even a subtle gesture if you prefer discretion. Luxton Technique If something comes up during play that feels uncomfortable or triggering, you’ll always have the option to pause and talk it through with the group. With the Luxton Technique, you get full control over how we handle that moment. You can tell us what you need, whether that’s a change in how a scene plays out, a shift in direction for the story, or even just taking a short break. Once you’ve shared, we’ll adjust and continue in a way that accommodates your request. Lines and Veils: I will provide a lines and veils questionnaire so that players can anonymously indicate any hard lines (content we will not engage in) and any veils (content that can be mentioned but not described). This will then be distributed to the group to ensure everyone is on the same page about how to handle sensitive content. While the story includes danger and emotional stakes, the game avoids graphic or exploitative content. Player comfort and consent are always prioritized.