Candlekeep Mysteries: Thursday Night Open-Table Campaign

Creating your character

Character creation is handled as part of a free onboarding step before your first session. This gives new players a chance to get set up, ask questions, and make sure their character fits the campaign’s tone, setting, and rotating-table format. Starting level depends on the current Candlekeep arc. New characters join at the party’s current level. Stats are determined using Point Buy. Characters begin with standard starting equipment, with adjustments as needed based on the party’s current progression. Characters should be created on D&D Beyond. Allowed content is official Wizards of the Coast material, subject to review for tone and setting fit. Final character approval is required before your first session. Onboarding covers character creation support, campaign expectations and tone, safety tools and table norms, Foundry and Discord setup, and how your character connects to Candlekeep and the rotating-table format. Characters should feel grounded in the setting, able to work cooperatively with others, and flexible enough to enter or leave the story naturally as the campaign unfolds. Because this is a rotating-table campaign, onboarding functions as a light Session 0 for each player rather than a single one-time Session 0 for the whole group.

Preparing for the session

Before your first session, please join the Discord server, create or log into your D&D Beyond account, and complete the free onboarding step. You should also make sure you have a working microphone, a stable internet connection, and access to Foundry through your web browser. Please review any posted game notes, table rules, and safety information before play, and make sure your character is approved before your first session. New players are welcome, and onboarding is there to help you get fully set up before the game begins.

What Bauric brings to the table

As a GM, I aim to provide a welcoming, well-paced, and immersive game where players feel comfortable jumping in, asking questions, and making meaningful choices. My table is beginner-friendly, inclusive, and built around cooperative storytelling, with support for both new and experienced players alike. You can expect a story-forward experience that blends mystery, exploration, roleplay, problem-solving, and combat. I focus on strong pacing, clear session structure, and making sure each player has room to contribute. I use memorable NPCs, character voices, and ambient music to help build atmosphere without overwhelming play. My combat style is engaging and meaningful rather than overly grindy, with room for creative solutions and player ingenuity. I generally balance Rules as Written with Rule of Cool, using rulings to keep the game moving while still maintaining fairness and consistency. Because this is a rotating-table campaign, I also put emphasis on smooth onboarding, clear communication, and helping players join, return, and stay connected to the story with minimal friction. I like games where characters matter, choices have weight, and everyone gets a chance to shine. My goal is to create a respectful, immersive, and reliable table experience that players look forward to each week.

Homebrew rules

This campaign uses a light-touch approach to homebrew and optional rules. The main optional rule I use is Healing Surges, which helps support a rotating table where party composition may change from session to session and a dedicated healer may not always be present. Other rulings and optional rules are kept minimal, clearly explained, and used to support pacing, fairness, and fun rather than to complicate play.

How Bauric creates a safe table

Because this is a rotating campaign, safety is handled during each player’s onboarding rather than in a single one-time Session 0. Before play begins, we review table expectations, tone, boundaries, and the safety tools used at the table so each player knows what to expect and how to communicate concerns. I use Lines and Veils, an Open Door policy, X, N, and O check-ins during play, private Discord communication for concerns, scheduled breaks during sessions, and brief after-session check-ins when needed. Players are always welcome to step away, message privately, ask for a pause, or request that content shift or fade to black. My goal is to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming table where players feel comfortable speaking up, asking questions, and enjoying the game without pressure. Because new players may join over time, I treat safety as an ongoing part of the campaign rather than a one-time conversation.