A Final Stand to Defend the Caterling Bridge

Creating your character

When you join the game here, you will receive an invite to the campaign on D&D Beyond. Please build your sheets there. I encourage players to discuss builds with one another, but it is not required. After reviewing Lines & Veils, we will spend about 15 minutes going over sheets during the session and make any last minute adjustments that are necessary. At the same time we will also establish character connections to one another and to the setting. I have a list of NPC's, please pick one of them to have a close tie with in order to jump right into the story. You are also free to come up with any other NPC's that are relevant to your character. MECHANICS USED 1. 2024/5.5E Player's Handbook (PHB), Dungeon Masters Guide (DMG), and Monster Manual (MM) only. 2. Characters will be level 12. 3. Use point-buy for Attributes. 4. Custom Origins are allowed. 5. Multiclassing is allowed, but no more than 2 classes per character. 6. Encumbrance rules are in play. 7. Characters can have any necessary mundane equipment for them to function. For example, weapons, armor, arcane/divine focus, Tools you are proficient in, or expensive material components that are not consumed. For expensive material components that are consumed, character will have the materials to cast each spell that requires them twice. 8. Characters can have any additional mundane equipment worth 50 gold or less. 9. Characters have one Common, one Uncommon, and one Rare magical item. 10. Characters start with any 2 Common or Uncommon potions of your choice.

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. I 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

This is a tragic story that you all may not survive. My aim is to have each player become connected to the setting quickly so that the stakes are both immediate and real. Tension and tough choices will be what defines this story. The story will take place over the course of a single day. You may get one to two short rests, depending on how the story goes. I do not plan on there being a long rest. Combats will be tactical and will largely be Rules as Written. I enjoy the constrictions of the system as a means to encourage creativity. And even the "weaker" classes (mechanically speaking) will have large value in and out of combat. Resources Provided: 1. 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, MM, and DMG. 4. Discord server to communicate before and during the game session.

Homebrew rules

With the exception of the Horde, all antagonists will come from the MM or DMG. Players will start the session with Heroic Inspiration. 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. I am using a custom mechanic to represent the quick choices characters must take. There will be various skill checks that provide bonuses or penalties that will affect your ability to defend the Caterling Bridge. This will be explained as it comes up during the session.

How Geo creates a safe table

1. Players will fill out a google form of my lines and veils document. 2. We will discuss any red or yellow flags before starting the session. 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 two 5 minutes breaks, but I am flexible based on group need.