The Tragic Kingdom: Survivors of a Broken World

Creating your character

CHARACTER BACKGROUND We will have a free session 0 to build characters together. Come with 2-4 archetypal high fantasy concepts that interest you. As a group we will find the right balance of storytelling fun for the whole table. You do not need character sheets for session 0. We will make them as part of the session. I will also work with each player to ensure their characters have close ties to the setting and NPC's. I want you to feel connected to the setting right from the beginning. CHARACTER MECHANICS 1. 2024 Players Handbook (PHB) only. 2. Characters will start at level 1. 3. Attributes will be determined via point-buy. 4. Custom Origins are allowed. 5. Multiclassing is not allowed. 6. Characters will use the standard starting equipment for their class (with substitutions allowable based on story need).

Preparing for the session

Sessions will be conducted via Discord video chat. Characters sheets will be created on D&D Beyond. Both require free accounts. We will use Owlbear Rodeo for digital maps. You do not need to make a free account to be a player, but it is encouraged. I am fine with players using digital or physical dice, whatever your preference is.

What Geo brings to the table

I am a sandbox DM. I have this setting with many areas to explore and people to meet. It is up to the players to choose what you will focus on and how you will do it. We will role play out the consequences of your choices, for good or ill. And making the "wrong" choice can be just as fun as making the "right" one in certain circumstances. There may at times feel as though there are too many threats looming, and that is on purpose. You will not be able to defeat every threat in a timely manner and will have to decide how to manage threats left to grow while you deal with more immediate concerns. That being said, I do not present conflicts that are unsolvable. Combats will be tactical and will largely be Rules as Written. I enjoy the constrictions of the system as a means to encourage creativity. Exploration, social interactions, investigations, politics and more will also be viable means to solve problems as well. But it's Dungeons and Dragons, so we will absolutely be fighting monsters too. Resources Provided: 1. I use Kenku FM to provide music and sometimes other sound effects. 2. A Google folder with supporting documents (safety mechanics, setting background docs, maps and known NPC's, etc.) 3. Access to the campaign on D&D Beyond with free access to the 2024 PHB. 4. Discord server to communicate during and between game sessions.

Homebrew rules

With the sole exception of the Horde, all antagonists will come from the MM or DMG. Dragons are the enforcers of the gods in this setting. They do not interact with mortals unless directed to punish them. Therefore, players cannot have connections to dragons in their background. Dragonborn are not playable as a species. Any class, subclass, spell, or other feature that refers to dragons will be flavored to remove references to dragons, but will mechanically function exactly the same. This will be managed on a case by case basis. Magic and magic items are rare. You can absolutely choose to play a spell caster, just be aware that it can make you stand out (for good or ill). Even minor magical items are significant in this world. While I do plan on distributing some, expect less of them than in other campaigns.

How Geo creates a safe table

1. Players will fill out a google form of my lines and veils document. 2. We will discuss this during session 0 and review it. Information will be presented anonymously. 3. X, N, O will be used (digital, messaged, or held up on video all work). 4. We will schedule breaks as needed. I expect at least 2 5 minutes breaks, but I am flexible based on group need.