Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: [STEEL BALL RUN] x D&D

Creating your character

Once you sign up for this game you will have access to the discord where we can discuss the game directly. Once you join, I will reach out to you and we will discuss character creation and everything to expect. For convenience, we will use D&D Beyond for Character Sheets if possible. If you have a different preference, or home brew is being utilized, we can work together to integrate it. Players may use the 5e 2014 or 2024 rule set to create their characters. Any official 5e content is okay to pull from. As far as creating a stand, players have two choices. The first is a reimagining of your D&D classes and abilities as your Stand. Once you create your D&D character, it can be flavored in a way that your Stand allows for your abilities. Example: You are playing a wizard. Your stand 「KICKSTART MY HEART」, is a stand physically bound to a spell book that allows the user to cast incredible spells. Or perhaps it’s a humanoid stand that adapts its range and ability to the spells inscribe onto its body each morning, and will complete these spells personally by doing things like administering a fiery explosive punch as if casting. If you wish to flavor your D&D abilities as something else (a Fighter using Steel Balls/Spin, a Monk using Hamon, or a Barbarian Vampire) this can be accomplished while still keeping the game balanced. The other option is a way of designing your own stand or Jojo-like ability through the ruleset of 'Jojo’s Bizarre Tabletop Game' designed by Maggy Bledsoe. Players will have access to all of these rules in full detail once signed up. This format allows you to create a stand or character that may not fall within the boundaries of D&D's class system. I'll also be using this ruleset to help create balanced and fresh Jojo-style enemies. If you are interested in playing anything else homebrew or unofficial, please message me directly. All players will be sent a Google form where they can share this information with the DM. Players will also be asked to share their character sheet with the DM. The first session will be a session zero where we will complete character creation, discuss the setting, expectations, safety tools, and your stand. If session zero does not take up the full time slot, we will begin playing the game.

Preparing for the session

Players will receive a link to join the Discord where they can introduce themselves, share information about their character, and ask questions about the campaign. This is where the game will be played. Please make sure you have a discord account, stable internet connection and working microphone. Players will also receive a link to the D&D Beyond campaign so they can create their digital charcter sheet. D&D Beyond does require an account, and can be linked to a Google account to make things easy. Players will also be sent a link to a Google form where they will fill out the Lines and Veils checklist. Players may use physical dice if you own them or you can use the digital dice through D&D Beyond.

What Matthew J Walsh brings to the table

Players will have access to the D&D Beyond campaign and its collection of races, classes, and extended spells. I also utilize Owlbear Rodeo, a Virtual Tabletop website, and digital maps for combat/exploration. This website does not require an account. I use ambient music as well (through Kenku.fm), and use a variety of voices so that the places and people of the world feel unique. I also ask world building questions of my players, allowing them to improvise and add to the world's people and history. I will have my camera on, but cameras are not mandatory.

Homebrew rules

As you can imagine from this unique game set up, homebrew will be present, but I will try to keep to the mechanics of D&D while sticking to the spirit of Jojo to the best of my ability. This game will be inspired by 'Jojo’s Bizarre Tabletop Game' designed by MD Bledsoe, with its rules and character creation being an option for players. You can expect to face classic D&d monsters as well as Jojo villains and new stands with strange abilities. The goal is to flow with the strange nature of the world and ‘flavor’ the mechanics in a way that it fits for the exact feel we’re looking for. Other minor homebrew rules may include things like Stand Transference damage, Lingering Injuries at higher levels (like the loss of a hand or foot), or unique checks to do unique things with your stand. Of course player creativity and ingenuity may often reward advantage, inspiration, or lower DCs to complete a task. In the nature of Jojo, feel free to stretch what is possible. Utilize the environment, solve the mechanics of how an enemy’s stand functions to uncover its weakness, and be rewarded for thinking of bizarre solutions to problems.

How Matthew J Walsh creates a safe table

Every player will be sent a link to complete information about their character and to complete a Lines & Veils checklist. This helps me know what all players are comfortable with moving forward. At any point during the session, players may feel free to utilize the Open Door method and request a break. Players may message me directly about anything at anytime. We will take a break half way through and check in on the players. This game is designed to keep the same atmosphere as JJBA, which includes its gore, body horror, and mature themes. However, players must still help facilitate a friendly environment and play appropriately. If they fail to meet this criteria, or create an unsafe environment for any player, they will be spoken to, and if change is not seen, they will be removed from the game. All content warnings are flexible, and may be subject to change based on the needs of the players.