EchoRain: The Returning Light

Creating your character

🧙 Character Creation Everything in this section is done before Session 0. Just message me and we’ll arrange a time to build your character together, craft your backstory, and make sure you feel confident walking into the first session. 📌 Rules Base We use 2014 rules with 2024 healing We level by Milestones (no XP) 🎲 Stats & Hit Points Ability Scores: Roll 3 full sets of stats and choose the set you like best Hit Points: Level 1: take maximum Levels after: take the safe average (one above half, i.e., average or higher on your hit die) ✨ Feats & ASIs You get a free feat at character creation At ASI levels (4, 8, etc.) you get both: the Ability Score Improvement and a feat 🧰 Starting Kit & Coin Start with equipment OR starting gold (your choice) If your background gives no starting money, you begin with 10 GP ✅ Allowed Options / ❌ Restrictions Optional class features ✅ Homebrew: only if we discuss it and I approve it on request (otherwise, no homebrew) No content from: Drakkenheim or Obijima (more books may be added later) Not allowed: ❌ Plasmoids ❌ Artificers ❌ Eloquence Bards (EchoRain restriction) ❌ Crooked Moon optional features Custom backgrounds / custom races: only with a chat first ✅ 🎒 Inventory & Scrolls No encumbrance tracking, but please be realistic about what you carry Any scroll can be used without a roll (Wizards: keep in mind what you can re-scribe.)

Preparing for the session

You will need to join the discord server link join the dndbeyond campaign link - for character sheet this will also give you access to all the books i own on that platform join the foundry link - the virtual table top make a free account on obsidian portal and click the link to get basic information on homebrew world set up a time to talk to me to get additional world information look at expectations, homebrew rules and important information on discord server. download beyond20 to send rolls between dndbeyond to roll20 though you can just use the foundry to either works and is fine.

What Emma brings to the table

What I Provide to My Players When you join my table, you’re not just getting “a DM who runs the rules.” You’re getting a full, supported experience built around immersion, teamwork, and making sure every character matters. Character & Performance I do my best to bring the world to life with different voices and personalities for NPCs. I’m not claiming Oscar-worthy accents, but I will give you memorable people to love, fear, and argue with. Atmosphere & Vibe I use music through my Kenku bot to set the tone—tense combat beats, eerie mystery ambience, cosy tavern noise, and “oh no” moments that land harder because the soundtrack hits at the right time. Combat That Feels Like a Scene I allow tactical chat during combat because teamwork should matter. I also aim to make fights more than “stand still and swing”—expect interesting enemies, terrain, stakes, and moments that feel cinematic rather than repetitive. Rule of Cool Energy I lean into Rule of Cool a lot. If you pitch something awesome, creative, and it fits the story, I’ll work with you to make it happen—because the best moments are the ones you’ll still be talking about weeks later. Clear Communication I do my best to communicate clearly: what’s happening, what your options are, and what the tone/expectations are—so you can focus on playing, not second-guessing. Session Recording (With Permission but required to be able to play) I record sessions to help both me and the players: remembering details, keeping continuity strong, and making it easier to catch up if someone forgets something important. Party Support Tools I provide a space for collaborative note-taking, so the party can track clues, NPCs, locations, quests, and those “wait… what did that guy say?” moments without relying on one person’s memory. Spotlight Chapters I build backstory-oriented chapters into the campaign so everyone gets their time in the sun—personal stakes, character growth, and story beats that prove your character is part of the world, not just passing through it. Bottom line: I’m here to give you an immersive world, a supportive table, and a story that feels like it was made for your characters—because it is.

Homebrew rules

Campaign Rules & Table Expectations (Discord Post) Core Rules 2014 rules with 2024 healing Milestone leveling (no XP) Optional class features Character Creation Stats: Roll 3 full sets, pick the set you like HP: Max at level 1, then rolled HP each level after getting a minimum of average ( one above half) Free feat at character creation ASI levels (4, 8, etc.): you get both the ASI and a feat Starting kit: Starting gear OR gold (your choice) If your background gives no starting money, you start with 10 GP Allowed / x - Not Allowed Homebrew: Only by discussion + approval on request. Otherwise no homebrew. Do NOT use content from: Drakkenheim- x Obijima -x (Other books may be added to this list later) Banned options: Plasmoids -x Artificers -x Eloquence Bards (EchoRain restriction) -x Crooked Moon optional features -x Custom backgrounds / custom races without speaking to me first -x Inventory & Scrolls No encumbrance, but be realistic with what you carry Any scroll can be used without a roll (Wizards: keep in mind what you can re-scribe.) Table Expectations Session Format Session 0 and Session 1 are combined into one session Vibe & Tone Stress-free environment: we’re here to have fun and make friends Casual safe space: not a “super serious” table, but serious moments may happen—be mindful Communication I can’t read minds (still no telepathy!) — words are required If something’s not fun or a problem is building, talk to me early SHINIES FOR ALL No main character behavior Everyone will get spotlight moments—be patient and share the stage Effort & Story This is a backstory-driven campaign Effort is required — I won’t drag the story alone Teamwork Work together, help each other, strategize together Tactical chat is welcome—TEAM WORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK Playstyle Limits No min-maxing No meta-gaming Builds & Character Swaps If you don’t like your class / build, talk to me and we’ll sort something out Please don’t change characters after level 5

How Emma creates a safe table

Safety, Consent & Table Comfort My table is built to be a safe, respectful, and stress-light space where we can explore big emotions and intense scenes without anyone feeling trapped or uncomfortable. Safety tools aren’t an afterthought here—they’re part of how we keep the game fun. Consent First (Individual + Group) Before we begin, I use consent forms in two ways: Individual forms you fill out privately (so you can be honest without pressure) A group consent form we fill out together (so we’re all clear on shared boundaries) Lines, Veils & Fade-to-Black As a group we’ll set Lines and Veils, meaning: Lines = things that do not appear in our game at all Veils = things that might exist but won’t be shown “on screen” If something needs handling gently, I’ll follow the preference you choose: Fade to black Mentioned but not described Off-screen entirely No images used for that topic Safeword: “VETO” If anyone says “VETO”, I will stop the scene immediately. I’ll ask what element needs changing (not why) Then I’ll adjust or remove it on the spot No debate. No judgement. No explanation required. Open Door Policy You can step away at any time, for any reason. If you need to talk privately, I do my best to be available. If I’m busy or can’t respond right away, I’ll arrange a time and get back to you as soon as I can. Debriefs & Check-Ins If possible, I’m happy to hang around after sessions for: Group debriefs (“how did that feel?” / “any concerns?”) One-to-one chats Or just general conversation—game related or not Breaks Built In I do my best to include a mid-session break so everyone can: Use the bathroom Grab food/drink Decompress after intense scenes Lightly plan next steps if you want Session 0: Setting Us Up for Success I use a Session 0 template to make sure we cover everything clearly, including: Player & character introductions What happens if someone can’t make it (and when we play without a full group) Date, time, location, and table logistics Player vs player rules and expectations What I count as meta-gaming and cheating Food, drink, bathroom breaks, and alcohol at the table Expectations of me as DM and expectations of players Spotlight sharing and table etiquette Language/terms everyone is comfortable with Campaign overview + balance of roleplay/combat/exploration Custom rules + how player choices impact the world Allowed books/content, starting level, alignment guidance, and character creation help Bottom line: I want everyone to feel safe, heard, and excited to play—and I’ll always choose player comfort over “sticking to the scene.”