The Keeper's Quest | D&D 5.5e Episodic Escape Room Adventures

Creating your character

In Discord there is a more extensive Character Creation Guide with step-by-step character build guidelines that may be especially helpful for those new to the game. If you're having any trouble with creating your character, or for any questions, contact me directly. We'll figure it out together! (And expect these instructions to evolve as we establish our ongoing quest!) Essentials character creation considerations are: 1. Use D&D Beyond to Create a Character See "What to expect / Preparing for the session" below. 2. Character Creation Guidelines Everyone has a backstory; your character will start at Level 2. You may create a Character within the D&D Beyond Campaign or Join with your own Level 2 Character. • Ruleset: We use D&D 5.5e (2024) rules. • Content Restrictions: Most content is allowed and you can access my extensive D&D library when you join the campaign. • Virtue over Vanity: Characters are any non-evil alignment. • Use Standard Array or Point Buy for Abilities. • Build for a Variety of Challenges: Characters will face challenges of all manner. Though there will be combat elements, those optimizing for combat (or expecting a combat-heavy game) may not be the most well-prepared for the social, mystery, and puzzle-themed challenges that await them in the Scriptorium! • Theme, Vibe, Character Motivations: Mystery, Dark, Humor, Intrigue. Your character is going to join an ongoing adventure with their own motivations that may shape the game. Be ready to do more than just swing your sword or blast baddies with your spells. Consider why your character has come to the Scriptorium seeking the Keeper. 3. Create a Character Portrait & Token Create or choose an image for your character. • Upload your Character Portrait on your D&D Beyond character sheet. • On sheet, click Anvil "Go to Builder" button • Click "+" on Portrait to add your image • Use this free Token Stamp creator: https://rolladvantage.com/tokenstamp/ • Use the same image to create a Token; save it 4. Share Your Character Sheet & Token In Discord you will find instructions on where to link your Character Sheet and share your Token image.

Preparing for the session

The Scriptorium doors only open for those who are purposeful in their intent. Make sure to be ready with each of the following before joining your first session! 1. D&D Beyond • Log in to D&D Beyond and create a free account, if needed: https://www.dndbeyond.com/ • The campaign link will be sent to you once you sign up for your first session. • Create your own character (see Character Creation above) or select an Unassigned Character by clicking "Claim" (they are pre-generated for any players who would like to use them - first come, first served!). 2. Join Us on Discord You'll receive a link once you register for a session. • Start diving into the world of The Mad Pen & Quill! • Meet other Petitioners and make some new friends! 3. Set up Your Forge/Foundry VTT Profile We'll log in via The Forge to use the Foundry VTT during sessions. • Create a profile in The Forge (https://forge-vtt.com) • You'll receive an invite to our instance once you sign up for a session. 4. The Logistics Make sure your setup is ready for game day. • Good internet connection! • Mic and headphones locked in? • Multiple monitors not required but strongly recommended! • Character sheet up and ready to reference • Screen space for the VTT • Optional, additional screen space for viewing in-game images & handouts in full screen, taking notes, researching clues, having Discord open on the side, etc. • Cameras-on if you're comfortable. Encouraged for connection but not at all required! • We'll use Zoom for the best possible connection, immersion, and communication during play. 5. Maybe Most Important - Character Backstory! Why are you here? (Hopefully for more than just "to roll dice"!) As the DM, I will endeavor to weave your character's background and goals into the fabric of our story. You are an important part of a living, evolving world! • What's your character's origin story? • What are their motivations? • Why are they seeking out the Scriptorium and the Keeper? The more you put into THIS part, the more you'll get out of our sessions!

What Dwight brings to the table

I am here for more than just a game—I'm here for an EXPERIENCE! To help facilitate that experience, here's what you can expect when you come to my virtual table: • Visual Immersion A robust VTT with kick-ass maps, dynamic lighting and cool environments. • Theme & Vibes A great narrative, cinematic descriptions, meaningful encounters & interaction, emotions that span the spectrum from slapstick humor to heavy and even horror-based themes (descriptions always mindfully adjusted to the tastes of those at the table!), and even ambient sound to deepen the immersion! • The Rule of Cool If you take an in-character action that improves the story, we'll take that over the limits of the game system every time! Rockstar legends over Rules Lawyers! • Resources, Systems, and Tools to Enhance the Experience From an extensive library of shared D&D resources (via D&D Beyond) to in-game handouts and visuals, to great tools and subscriptions (that I pay for—not you!), to a well-developed, homebrewed D&D world setting, you can expect a lot of resources put into creating not just a game, but an EXPERIENCE.

Homebrew rules

I'll flesh out more basic expectations here as the campaign evolves, but the full details of Homebrew Rules and mechanics will live on "The Scriptorium" Discord server. HOMEBREWED WORLD—The World of Khaldra Khaldra is a unique world in the multiverse with its own cosmology and hierarchy of Celestial overseers. You'll learn more about Khaldra as we play. HOMEBREWED SETTING—The Realms of Light The region where the adventure starts is known as The Realms of Light. You'll learn more about the peoples, nations, and history of The Realms of Light and neighboring realms as we play. HOMEBREW RULES More to come here as we play.

How Dwight creates a safe table

We're all here for a good experience, and that always comes first. • A Safe Space for All Anything that jeopardizes player safety or well-being is not tolerated. Focus on killing monsters, not vibes! • Breaks Take a break whenever you need, no permission needed and no questions asked. We'll also find as natural a time for a short bio break during each session. • Open Door to the DM You can DM me any time with any question or concern. I will make time and space to address it and will honor requests for a private word. • X, N, and O Cards This is a tool that can be used to indicate: • X—I am uncomfortable with the current theme/experience • N—I am worried this theme/experience is approaching "X" and I may need a check-in • O—I am checking in with the group to confirm we are comfortable moving forward with the current theme/experience X, N, and O cards can be sent directly to me, or I may send (especially O cards to check in with individuals/the group) via DM at any time. • Mature Content This game is rated 18+ for a reason. Humor, language, violence, and dark themes will be present. Express your level of tolerance for those things and I will accommodate, but do be aware that we will not remove those elements completely from the game. They are essential to the intended experience. All perspectives are respected and I am happy to recommend other games that are more suited to anyone's particular interest if the themes of this game don't ultimately match the vibe you are seeking!