Sorrows of Telvar

Creating your character

2024 Rules with Tashas and XGtE subclasses allowed We will roll for stats during session 0. Backstory means everything to me, the more you give me the more i can give you. During session 0 we will sit down and discuss the world and the mythos. Standard DnD gods are available for deity purposes

Preparing for the session

Create a D&D Beyond Account We’ll use D&D Beyond to build and manage your character sheets, spells, and equipment. If you don’t have an account yet, please sign up at dndbeyond.com. Submit Up to 3 Character Backstories or Concepts Send me up to three character ideas or backstories you’d be excited to play. This helps me understand your preferences and tailor the game to your style and story. Set Up a Discord Account and Join Our Server We’ll use Discord for out-of-game chat, session scheduling, sharing documents, and in-game communication. If you don’t have Discord, download the app or use the web version and join our dedicated server (invite link will be provided).

What Stephan LeDnDesma brings to the table

I run games with a strong focus on storytelling, player creativity, and immersion. My style balances flavorful roleplay with engaging, tactical combat, leaning into the moments that make your character shine. I prioritize player flavor and creativity, if your concept fits the story and feels cool, I’ll find ways to naturally empower it. Expect a mix of dark, atmospheric storytelling with moments of tension, mystery, and horror balanced by character-driven drama. I use ambient music and sound effects to deepen immersion and set the tone, whether it’s eerie forest sounds or tense combat music. For combat, I embrace a tactical approach with meaningful choices, but I’m also a big fan of the Rule of Cool, creative, cinematic actions that make the story better get rewarded. I use character voices and distinct NPC personalities to bring the world to life, but never at the expense of clear communication. Safety tools like Consent Forms, X/N/O cards, and open check-ins are part of every game to keep the space comfortable for all. I’m flexible and collaborative, your input shapes the adventure as much as mine. I’m here to make sure everyone at the table has fun, feels heard, and gets to tell an epic story together.

Homebrew rules

Death Saves: I roll all death saves behind the screen to keep the tension high and the drama real. You won’t know if you're stable or teetering on the edge until it matters. Potions: Drinking a potion on yourself is a bonus action. Feeding one to someone else still takes an action. Flanking: If you're flanking an enemy with an ally (opposite sides, melee), you both gain advantage on your attacks. Use positioning wisely! Meta Tokens: Metagaming on either side of the screen adds tokens to a 'Meta Jar'. These tokens can later be spent to influence in-game moments: rerolling a die, gaining insight, or nudging fate just a little. Embrace the chaos. Critical Hits: Crits do max damage on all dice plus a full roll. (Ex: A crit on a 1d8 + 2 attack = 8 + roll + 2.) Yes, this stacks with things like Sneak Attack and Smite. Elemental Physics: Environmental conditions affect damage types. For example: Wet targets take double lightning and cold damage, but half fire damage. Frozen objects are more brittle and easier to shatter. Metal armor conducts lightning. Oil-soaked targets take double fire damage. Wind can disperse gas or fog effects. If it makes logical sense and fits the moment, it probably works. Smart thinking = strong results.

How Stephan LeDnDesma creates a safe table

As your DM, ensuring everyone at the table feels safe, respected, and comfortable is my highest priority. Roleplaying should be fun and engaging for all, and that means honoring boundaries and fostering open communication from the very start. Consent Form & Session 0 Before we begin our adventure, I’ll provide a Consent Form for each player to fill out privately. This form covers important topics like Lines & Veils, what content you don’t want in the game (lines), and what you prefer to keep off-screen or minimized (veils). It also asks about your comfort levels with various themes, such as violence, horror, or sensitive subjects, so I can tailor the game accordingly. In our Session 0, we’ll review these forms together to clarify boundaries and expectations. We’ll also discuss the tone and style of the campaign, safety tools, and answer any questions you have. This session sets the foundation for trust and respect throughout our game. X, N, & O Cards via Private Message To help maintain comfort during play, I use a digital version of the X, N, and O system, communicated privately through direct messages: X means “Stop immediately” - something is making you uncomfortable and the game moment should end or change. N means “I’m not okay with this, but keep playing” - signaling discomfort without halting the game. O means “I’m okay, carry on” - reassurance that everything is fine. This system allows you to communicate your feelings discreetly, without breaking immersion or putting anyone on the spot. Star & Wish Feedback After each session, I encourage everyone to share a Star & Wish, a simple feedback tool where you highlight one thing you enjoyed (star) and one thing you’d like improved or changed (wish). This helps me fine-tune the game to better suit everyone’s comfort and enjoyment. Open Communication and Check-Ins Throughout our sessions, I’ll do brief check-ins to make sure everyone is feeling good about the game’s content and direction. If something comes up that bothers you, you’re encouraged to tell me anytime. Your safety and enjoyment are paramount. Aftercare After especially intense or emotional scenes, I provide space for aftercare, a time to decompress, discuss feelings, and ensure everyone leaves the session feeling okay. This can be a group conversation or individual chats, whatever you prefer. Summary of Tools I Use Consent Form & Lines and Veils: Set boundaries before we start. X, N, & O cards via private message: Discreet, in-the-moment comfort signals. Star & Wish: Constructive session feedback for continuous improvement. Regular check-ins & aftercare: Ongoing support to maintain a positive, respectful atmosphere. By integrating these tools and practices, I aim to create a welcoming and enjoyable experience where you can fully immerse in the story without worry. Your comfort and safety come first, always.