A Scream in the Night | Investigation & Combat One-Shot

Creating your character

A list of pre-generated characters is available for this one-shot. If you chose to create a character, it should be created before the game begins so the session can start right away. This is a one-shot adventure, so come prepared with a completed character. I will be available before the game to answer questions or help finalize builds if needed. All characters start at Level 3, which matches the intended difficulty of the adventure and ensures every character has their subclass features and enough abilities to contribute during investigation, roleplay, and combat. Use the following ability score array for all characters: 17, 15, 13, 12, 10, 8 Assign these scores as you wish before applying background bonuses. Per the 2024 Player’s Handbook (PHB) rules, ability score increases come from your Background, not your species. Choose a background from the 2024 PHB and apply its listed ability score bonuses. Only use options from the 2024 Player’s Handbook (PHB) for character creation: Species: PHB 2024 only Classes: PHB 2024 only Subclasses: PHB 2024 only Backgrounds: PHB 2024 only (ability score bonuses come from here) Feats: PHB 2024 only No Unearthed Arcana, third-party material, or additional books for this game. Starting Equipment and Gold Instead of standard starting equipment, characters begin with 200 gp to purchase gear using the equipment tables in the Player’s Handbook. Player characters also start with one potion of healing each. This represents experienced adventurers arriving prepared for dangerous work and fits the expected difficulty of the adventure. Equipment rules: You may buy any non-magical equipment from the PHB Armor, weapons, tools, focuses, and adventuring gear are allowed No magic items at character creation Any remaining gold may be kept Character Guidelines This adventure uses a dark fantasy, urban mystery, noir tone. Characters who fit well are investigators, mercenaries, guards, scholars, clergy, scouts, or adventurers looking for work. Your character should have a reason to: Take paid jobs Investigate strange or violent events Work with people they just met Face danger, horror, and moral gray areas Characters do not need to know each other beforehand, but they should be willing to cooperate. Summary - Level 3 - Ability scores: 17, 15, 13, 12, 10, 8 - Ability bonuses from Background (PHB 2024 rule) - PHB 2024 only - 200 gp starting gold plus 1 potion of healing - No magic items - Character ready before session - Tone: dark fantasy investigation one-shot

Preparing for the session

Before the game begins, players should make sure they have the required accounts, equipment, and access to the game servers. This game uses Discord for voice/video and out-of-game communication and Roll20 as the Virtual Tabletop (VTT), so setup must be completed before the session start time. Players should complete the following steps before the game: Create a free Roll20 account at roll20.net if you do not already have one. You will receive a link to join the game table before the session. Please log in ahead of time to make sure everything loads correctly. Create a Discord account at discord.com if you do not already have one. You will be given an invite link to the game server. Join the server before the session and confirm that you can access the voice channel. Make sure you have a stable internet connection capable of running Roll20 and Discord at the same time. A wired connection or strong Wi-Fi signal is recommended. Have a working microphone. Voice communication is required for the game. Please test your audio settings in Discord before the session begins. Have a webcam available. Video is strongly encouraged for a better table experience, though it is not strictly required unless otherwise stated in the game listing. Use a computer or laptop if possible. Roll20 works best on desktop browsers such as Chrome or Firefox. Tablets may work, but phones are not recommended. Join the Discord server and Roll20 game at least a few minutes before the scheduled start time so we can confirm audio, video, and character sheets are working. Completing these steps ahead of time helps the game start smoothly and ensures everyone can focus on playing instead of troubleshooting.

What Cobalt Robot brings to the table

As your DM, I focus on delivering a cinematic, immersive, and well-structured Dungeons & Dragons experience that keeps the game moving while still giving players room to roleplay, explore, and make meaningful choices. My goal for a one-shot is to maintain strong momentum so the story reaches a satisfying conclusion within the session. You can expect a mix of theatre of the mind and digital battle maps. I use Roll20 maps for combat and complex scenes, while simpler moments, travel, and investigations are handled through narration to keep the pace fast. This helps the game feel dynamic without getting slowed down by constant map changes. I use ambient music and combat soundtracks to set the tone, especially during tense scenes, fights, and dramatic reveals. I also give NPCs their own personalities and will use some character voices, but I am not a voice actor. The goal is to make characters feel distinct without turning the game into a performance. My style balances Rule of Cool with the 2024 rules as written. Creative ideas are encouraged, and I want players to try bold or cinematic actions, but I also keep rulings consistent so the game stays fair for everyone. If a rule question comes up, I may make a quick call to keep the session moving. Combat is tactical but fast. Enemies will act intelligently, and teamwork matters, but I keep encounters focused so the one-shot can progress and reach a proper ending. Roleplay is always welcome, but never required. You can speak in character, describe what your character says, or keep things simple—whatever makes you comfortable. I run inclusive, respectful tables where everyone gets spotlight time. New and experienced players are both welcome. My priority is that everyone feels comfortable, the story keeps moving, and the group finishes the adventure feeling like they were part of a complete and memorable tale.

Homebrew rules

Utilize Action - Potion of Healing As an action, you drink a potion of healing which restores the maximum number of hit points for the potion (10 hit points). Bonus action to drink a potion of healing and roll per normal (2d4+2)

How Cobalt Robot creates a safe table

Safety Tools & Player Comfort Player safety and comfort are a priority at my table. Because this is a one-shot, we will not run a full Session 0, but we will start the game with a short housekeeping discussion to review expectations, tone, and safety tools before play begins. X / N / O Cards (Digital & Roll20 Macros) We will use the X, N, and O card safety system through Roll20 macros that appear on the macro bar at all times. Clicking a macro sends a message in chat so the table can respond immediately without interrupting the game flow. X-Card — Stop or skip the current content immediately N-Card — Change or soften the scene before it becomes uncomfortable O-Card — Content is okay, continue O?-Card — Quick comfort check for the table These macros are visible to all players and can be used at any time. They may also be used anonymously if needed. When a card is played, the scene will be adjusted with no questions required. Players may also message me privately on Discord instead of using a macro if they prefer. Pre-Game Housekeeping (Start of Session) At the start of the one-shot we will briefly go over: Tone of the adventure (noir mystery, urban fantasy, light horror elements) Respectful table behavior and inclusive play How the X / N / O cards work How to pause the game if needed Expectations for a one-shot pace so the story can finish successfully This quick check-in replaces a full Session 0 and keeps the game moving while still making sure everyone is comfortable. During Play My goal as GM is to keep the game fun, welcoming, and moving at a good pace, adjusting scenes when needed to maintain a positive experience for everyone at the table. The focus is always on player enjoyment and group comfort. Players can request at any time: Pause Fade to black Scene change Break Private check-in Aftercare / Post-Game Check-In At the end of the session, I do a quick check-in to make sure everyone is okay and had a good time. Players are also welcome to send feedback privately on Discord after the game. The goal is simple: everyone should feel safe, respected, and comfortable so the one-shot stays fun for the whole table.