Level UP!

Creating your character

Players will start by either rolling for their STATs, using Point Buy, or taking the Standard Array. For those who choose the first option, roll until at least two of your scores are at or above 14. Sucky rolls will be allowed to re-roll, and ultimately scores can be negotiated for (especially if you sacrifice something or gain a bane as payment~) Next your character's species will be chosen or created. Already existing species can be tweaked by swapping out features for others, or you can work to make an entirely unique one. Your size must be medium or smaller, your movement speed can't go beyond 35 ft., and permanent alternative speeds (flying, swimming, digging, etc.) cannot exceed 15 ft. (at start). Your species gains three core traits that make them unique, and they must be approved by the DM before the character is finalized. Backgrounds have been changed so that you can choose what your STAT increases go into, and whether to gain [+2, +1], [+3], or [+1, +1, +1]. Then choose two skill proficiencies, a tool proficiency, a vehicle proficiency, and 50 GP. Finally, choose a class to act as your 'core class'. Then, if you wish to pull content from another class, choose them as your 'secondary class'. You may have more than one secondary class. Between your core and secondary classes choose the preferred Hit Die, Saving Throw Proficiencies, skills proficiencies from among those classes, and tool, weapon, and armor proficiencies. You choose a number of skill proficiencies according to your core class (so if you choose fighter, you get 2 skill profs from among your list). The amount of gold you gain for character creation comes from your core class. When you get a feature from your core class, you may choose to replace it with a feature from one of your secondary classes. If you choose the Spellcasting feature or the Pact Magic feature, you must follow the feature's rules as though you were that spellcasting class, and must choose spells from that feature's spell list (so you can't gain a Wizard's spell list as a Warlock). You may also request to create your own class feature and talk with the DM to work out balancing.

Preparing for the session

Players need to have a Discord account and join the Level UP Discord server (https://discord.gg/VtaFS8YUEW). This Discord has the bots Avrae for rolling dice and keeping track of character sheets, and Tupperbox so that we can roleplay as our characters. Knowledge of these two bots is appreciated but not necessary, as I know enough of the commands to use them effectively. Character sheets will be made using a copy of the 5th edition GSheet (ignore the bugged-out picture in the Inventory tab). I will be more than happy to work with you through character creation, and have used it so many times that I can offer to make your sheet for you in less than 10 minutes.

What lXlGamemaster brings to the table

I have created an entire Discord server for this game, which I plan to add custom emotes and stickers as we play. You may be wondering how combat will go in a play-by-post game? Well, I have access to a map-creation software that allows me to create and edit maps and save them with grid coordinates. Your character's tokens will be the same as their portraits, and I have custom battle markers to show when a token has conditions like half health, stunned, poisoned, etc.

Homebrew rules

Aside from using XP as a currency, here are the rules that I play with for all of my games: - Drinking a potion is a bonus action. Feeding a potion, or throwing a potion at someone is a standard action. - Critical hits are on natural 20 rolls, but I do not punish players for rolling a natural 1. On skill challenges the total of the roll is all that matters, regardless of if it's a 1 or a 20. - Any character can craft so long as they have the materials and tools necessary to create what you want. Materials can be scavenged for or bought and will be simplified for both your sake and mine. (IE, if you collect 'Alchemy Ingredients', you can use it to create both potions or poisons, without getting into specifics). - Carry weight is generally hand-waved, so long as your character has a logical way to carry what you have on your person. If you have 16 javelins I expect you to have an answer for how you're carrying them all. - If a character wishes to have an NPC companion like a hired goon or a pet you may do so. They will not be participants in combat and cannot be targeted by attacks. Instead of getting a turn they will be given features that you can spend standard or bonus actions performing, calling them in to aid you like fighting game assist characters. - I have an entire Google document full of firearms, grenades, and shields (based on the Borderlands games). If you wish to use firearms in a balanced way, with customization and upgrade options, you are only allowed to use the ones I grant you. - Expect me to create items on the spot. I apologize in advance, and you have permission to speak up if you feel like something could be broken.

How lXlGamemaster creates a safe table

There is a voting channel within the Discord server where anyone can ask questions for the group. If you feel uncomfortable with something or someone DO NOT hesitate to DM me for help. I have dealt with problematic players before and I keep all concerns anonymous. If warnings fall upon deaf ears and I feel that removing a problem player will make the game a safer environment, I won't hesitate to remove them.