The Dragon Queen’s War | Cinematic Epic

Creating your character

Character creation begins during a dedicated Session 0 before play starts. We will build characters together to ensure tone alignment, party cohesion, and shared motivations within the world. Characters begin at Level 1. Ability Scores Ability scores are determined using Standard Array or Point Buy. Rolling for stats is not used in this campaign in order to preserve long-term balance and ensure consistent character progression throughout the story. Allowed Sources This campaign uses the 2024 core rules: Player’s Handbook 2024 Dungeon Master’s Guide 2024 Monster Manual 2024 All 2024 subclasses are allowed. Multiclassing Multiclassing is allowed, but new class levels must make narrative sense within the story. Feats Level 1 feats are allowed. Custom Lineage / Origin Custom lineage or origin rules are allowed if narratively appropriate and consistent with the tone of the campaign. Unearthed Arcana May be considered if play-tested and approved in advance. Homebrew & Third-Party Content Homebrew player options are not permitted in order to preserve balance in this long-form campaign. Third-party content is generally not allowed unless specifically approved for tone and balance. Alignment & Party Cohesion Characters must be willing to oppose tyranny and work as part of a team. No evil-aligned or lone-wolf characters. Starting Equipment Characters begin with standard starting equipment. Magic items are earned through narrative progression, not purchased at character creation.

Preparing for the session

Preparation Before Session 0, players should: • Create or have active accounts for: Discord (voice communication) D&D Beyond (character sheets) Roll20 (Virtual Tabletop) • Install the Beyond20 browser extension (this allows rolls from D&D Beyond to display directly in Roll20). • Ensure your microphone is working properly and that your environment is quiet and distraction-free. • Review the basic rules of D&D 2024. Beginners are absolutely welcome — you are not expected to know everything. I will help bridge any knowledge gaps so you feel comfortable and confident at the table.

What Zeraphicx brings to the table

What I Bring to the Table I run cinematic, long-form campaigns where the world feels alive and responsive to your choices. You can expect: • Immersive session pacing designed around narrative escalation and meaningful cliffhangers • Intelligent villains who act with strategy and purpose • Tactical combat that rewards teamwork and positioning • Character backstories actively woven into the larger war narrative • Ambient music and atmosphere to enhance immersion • Clear, consistent rulings grounded in the 2024 ruleset I embrace cinematic storytelling while maintaining mechanical integrity. The Rules as Written form the foundation, but dramatic moments are allowed to breathe when they enhance the story without breaking balance. Magic items are earned through narrative progression. Political decisions matter. Factions respond to your actions. Consequences exist beyond hit points. Each session is crafted intentionally — not improvised chaos, not page-by-page module reading. My goal is for every session to feel like an episode in an epic fantasy series, building momentum toward something larger. If you enjoy story-driven escalation, meaningful character arcs, and combat that feels earned rather than automatic, this table is designed for you.

Homebrew rules

Homebrew & Table Rules This campaign primarily follows the 2024 Rules as Written, with a few structured table adjustments to enhance tension and cinematic impact: Crunchy Critical Hits On a critical hit, you deal maximum damage on one damage die plus roll the additional damage dice normally. This ensures critical hits feel impactful and memorable. Natural 1s in Combat A natural 1 may trigger a battlefield consequence such as an enemy opportunity, environmental shift, or situational complication. These moments are used to increase tension — not to punish arbitrarily. Potions Drinking a potion is a Bonus Action. If you use your Action to drink it, you receive the maximum possible healing from the potion. Death Saves When a character is making death saving throws, results are whispered to the DM. The party must decide whether to intervene without full certainty, increasing battlefield tension. Leveling The campaign uses milestone leveling tied to narrative progression. Magic items are earned through story progression rather than purchased freely from shops.

How Zeraphicx creates a safe table

Safety & Comfort at the Table Player safety and comfort are taken seriously at my table. Before play begins, we conduct a dedicated Session 0 where we review tone, expectations, and establish Lines and Veils. Players may share boundaries openly during the session or privately via direct message on Discord. I use the following safety tools: • Lines and Veils (documented during Session 0) • Open Door Policy (players may step away at any time) • X, N, & O System (communicated digitally or verbally during play) • Post-session Debrief & Check-In If a player becomes uncomfortable during play, they may: • Send a direct message • Use X/N/O in chat • Verbally pause the scene Adjustments will be made immediately and without requiring justification. After intense sessions, we take time to decompress and check in before ending for the night. My goal is to maintain immersion while ensuring every player feels respected and safe. This is a collaborative storytelling space built on mutual respect. Harassment, bullying, or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.