Dark Fantasy on the Frontier; Open World Adventures Await! 🌈

Creating your character

Character creation begins with a required (and free) Session Zero, where we build your character together and make sure they fit smoothly into the living world of Muldan. You’re welcome to arrive with a full concept, a rough spark of an idea, or a completely blank slate... Session Zero is where we connect the party, set expectations, and ensure everyone has a place in the story. We start at Level 3, when classes truly come into their own. Ability scores use Point Buy, which keeps the party balanced while still giving you freedom to customise your character’s strengths and weaknesses. Most officially published 5e content is allowed. The only caveat is that some species and classes interact with Muldan’s lore in significant ways - elves and dragonborn in particular should reach out ahead of time so we can discuss how they fit into the world’s history and current tensions. Nothing is banned, but certain choices will draw attention, suspicion, or consequences from the world around you. That’s part of the fun. Muldan (Echoes of the Deepshade) is a lore-rich setting, and your character will have meaningful impact on it. During Session Zero, we’ll weave your backstory into the cultures, myths, factions, and mysteries already at play, ensuring your choices matter from the very first session onward. Whether you’re brand new to D&D or a long-time veteran, the goal is the same: create a character you’re excited to play and a story the world is ready to respond to. By the time Session One begins, you’ll have a fully realised character, grounded in the world and connected to the group... ready to carve your place in the world.

Preparing for the session

Before Session Zero, players should create accounts on Roll20 and Discord, as these will be our primary platforms for play and communication. I’ll provide a short Quick Start Guide to Echoes of the Deepshade so you can get a feel for the setting, and you’ll be asked to bring a backstory or character concept... anything from a fully developed idea to a rough sketch is perfectly fine. Session Zero is where we’ll build your character, connect your story to the world, and make sure you understand how the game works. New players are absolutely welcome; if you’ve never used Roll20 or played D&D before, I’ll guide you through everything step-by-step so you’re comfortable and ready for our first adventure.

What Terry brings to the table

You can expect a rich, responsive, and character-focused campaign set in a fully realised world. The world (Muldan) is alive... its factions shift, its mysteries unfold, and its people react meaningfully to the choices you make. Player agency is front and centre here: your decisions shape the story, the setting, and the future of the campaign. I use character voices regularly to help distinguish NPCs, though I’m not a professional performer! I aim for clarity and immersion, not theatrics. I incorporate music and ambience when I can to deepen the atmosphere, though it won’t be constant or overwhelming. Combat is typically run on gridded maps with dynamic environments and tactical choices, but smaller skirmishes may be theatre-of-the-mind when appropriate. Either way, combat descriptions lean cinematic so fights feel exciting rather than mechanical. The game world features custom monsters, bespoke encounters, and detailed lore, all designed to give you unique adventures you won’t find in a published module. Your backstory isn’t a footnote... it’s a living part of the campaign, something the world will acknowledge, challenge, and build upon. Above all, I aim to create an energetic, inviting environment where storytelling, exploration, and character moments all shine. You bring the hero; I’ll bring the world that responds to them.

Homebrew rules

Homebrew rules will be finalised collaboratively during Session Zero, based on the playstyle and preferences of the group. I use a light touch with house rules and aim for changes that enhance clarity, pacing, or fun without disrupting the core of 5e. Any adjustments (such as potion rules, crit variants, or other tweaks) will be discussed and agreed upon before play begins so everyone knows exactly what to expect.

How Terry creates a safe table

Player safety and comfort are essential at my table. Before the campaign begins, Session Zero includes a clear review of expectations, tone, and boundaries, along with a Lines and Veils document that all players can read and contribute to. This helps ensure we understand not only what themes are exciting, but what topics should be avoided or handled with care. We use digital X, N, and O cards, available through chat or private message at any time. These tools allow players to signal discomfort, request pauses, or indicate enthusiastic consent to escalate intensity. You never need to justify the use of a safety tool... your comfort is enough. After particularly emotional or intense sessions, I provide space for aftercare and debriefing, either as a group discussion or privately if preferred. I check in regularly with players throughout the campaign to make sure everyone feels safe, heard, and supported. The goal is simple: create a table where players feel free to explore character, story, and emotion without ever feeling unsafe out of character. Your well-being matters just as much as your fun, and I commit to maintaining a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative play environment.