Wrath of the Giants

Creating your character

Character creation is an exciting part of the game, and I want to make sure everyone has a character they’re excited to play. You’re welcome to come with ideas in mind, and I’ll be happy to shape the world around them, but we’ll also dedicate part of Session Zero to building characters together and grounding them in Theros. This is a setting where the gods play an active role in the lives of mortals, and every hero has a place in the grand tapestry of fate - whether they embrace it or fight against it. We’ll be starting at level one, but don’t worry, you won’t stay there long. The early levels tend to move quickly so you can get to the fun stuff - unlocking powerful abilities, clashing with legendary foes, and leaving your mark on history. I generally prefer rolling for stats, but I’m happy to discuss it as a group and settle on something that works for everyone. For character creation, we’ll use D&D Beyond since it makes everything easier to track. Any official class is fine as long as it fits the setting, but for races, we’ll be sticking to those found in Mythic Odysseys of Theros. That book also provides special godly influences for characters, so you’ll have the chance to choose a patron deity who may help - or meddle in - your journey. One last thing: while characters can be flawed, conflicted, or even morally grey, this isn’t a game for outright villainy. No party-killers or mustache-twirling evil for evil’s sake - I want to make sure everyone has a good time at the table. By the end of Session Zero, you’ll have a hero ready to carve their name into legend. Let’s make something great together!

Preparing for the session

Joining the game is easy, and I’ll make sure you have everything you need to dive into the adventure. You won’t need a webcam, but a working microphone is essential for clear communication during roleplay and combat. We’ll be using Discord for voice chat, D&D Beyond for character sheets, and Roll20 as our virtual tabletop. If you’re new to any of these, don’t worry—I’ll help you get set up. You don’t need to study the rules in advance, though having a basic grasp of D&D 5e helps. If you’re new to the game, I’m happy to teach! Character creation will happen in Session Zero, so you don’t need to have one prepared beforehand—just bring your ideas, and we’ll shape them together. A stable internet connection will help keep things running smoothly, especially during battles. You can roll dice however you like—physical dice, D&D Beyond, or Roll20—but honesty and fairness at the table are key. Most importantly, bring a sense of adventure and a willingness to tell an unforgettable story. The gods are watching, and fate is waiting to be written!

What Joe brings to the table

When you sit at my virtual table, you’re stepping into a world of epic storytelling, cinematic combat, and immersive roleplay. My goal is to bring Theros to life, making every session feel like a legendary tale in the making. I love creating vibrant, memorable NPCs, each with their own distinct voice and personality, and weaving player choices into the fabric of the story. Your decisions won’t just shape the world - you’ll leave a mark on history itself. I run my games online using Roll20 for maps and battles, D&D Beyond for character management, and Discord for voice and roleplay. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned adventurer, I offer a free Session Zero to help set expectations, discuss character ideas, and ensure everyone is comfortable with the themes of the game. Combat is tactical and engaging, with dynamic battle maps and cinematic encounters that make every fight feel like a moment from a mythic saga. I generally stick to the rules, but I believe in the Rule of Cool - if something makes for an incredible moment and doesn’t break the game, I’ll lean into it. Expect a balance of combat, roleplay, and exploration, tailored to the group’s style. I also love setting the scene with atmospheric music and sound effects, drawing players deeper into the world. Whether you’re storming a titan’s lair or pleading your case before a god, you’ll feel the weight of the moment. And since this is Theros, the gods are always watching - your actions may earn their favor, or their fury. If you’re looking for a game where your choices matter, where battles feel larger than life, and where every session feels like a step toward becoming a legend, then let’s roll some dice and tell an unforgettable story together.

Homebrew rules

The adventure is Storm King's Thunder, homebrewed into the Theros setting of Magic the Gathering.

How Joe creates a safe table

Creating a safe and enjoyable atmosphere at the table is a priority for me. D&D is about having fun, telling great stories, and making sure everyone feels comfortable as they do it. That’s why I use a few simple but effective safety tools to keep the game a positive experience for all. Session Zero is where we’ll lay the groundwork, discussing expectations, themes, and any content players would prefer to avoid. This is a collaborative game, and I want to make sure everyone is on board with the story we’re telling together. During play, I use X/N/O cards - you can send me an X if something is making you uncomfortable, an N if you’re unsure but want to keep an eye on a topic, and an O if you’re all good to proceed. This can be done privately through Discord or mentioned in chat if you prefer. No explanations are necessary, and these tools exist to ensure a smooth and respectful experience. We’ll also take breaks during longer sessions - stepping away for a few minutes helps keep the game enjoyable and prevents burnout. If you ever need a break outside of the planned ones, just say so - no need to wait for permission. Finally, after each session, I offer a quick debrief where you can share any feedback or concerns. If there’s something that didn’t sit right with you, I want to hear about it so we can adjust accordingly. The goal is for everyone to feel welcome, engaged, and excited to return for the next session. At the end of the day, this is a game about adventure and storytelling, and I want to make sure that everyone can enjoy the journey. Let’s roll some dice and have a great time!