Saturday Heist Series: Keys from the Golden Vault

Creating your character

Characters will be created before Session 1, with optional support from me to help you build a concept that fits the heist-focused nature of the campaign. I’m happy to hop on Discord or chat to workshop ideas, optimize builds, or tie your character into the Golden Vault. We’ll be using D&D 5.5e (2024 ruleset) with the following guidelines: Starting Level: 3 (with progression across the campaign) Ability Scores: Point Buy or Standard Array Allowed Content: Official published 5e material (PHB + most supplements) Restrictions: No homebrew or UA unless approved in advance Characters are assumed to be skilled operatives recruited (or tested) by the Golden Vault. Think in terms of roles within a heist crew—face, infiltrator, muscle, planner, arcane support, etc. You don’t need to min-max, but having a clear specialty will help the team succeed. This campaign supports persistent characters across all sessions, allowing you to grow and evolve your operative over time. However, because each heist is a self-contained mission, there is flexibility if you ever need to swap characters between sessions. Starting equipment will follow class and background defaults, with occasional mission-specific gear provided during briefings. Magic items may be introduced as the campaign progresses. Characters will be created using D&D Beyond or Roll20—whatever you’re most comfortable with. All finalized characters should be shared with me prior to Session 1 for review. If you’re newer to D&D, don’t worry—I’m more than happy to guide you through the process and help you create a character that’s both effective and fun to play.

Preparing for the session

To ensure a smooth and immersive experience, please complete the following steps before your first session: 1. Join the Game Discord All communication, session links, announcements, and resources will be hosted on Discord. You’ll receive an invite after joining the game. A working microphone is required for voice chat. 2. Set Up Your Roll20 Account We will be using Roll20 for maps, tokens, and gameplay. Please create a free account on Roll20 and make sure you can access the game link prior to session start. No paid features are required. 3. Character Sheet Ready Have your character completed and shared with me before Session You may use D&D Beyond or Roll20—just ensure it’s accessible during play. 4. Audio Setup Clear communication is key for a heist! Please test your microphone ahead of time and ensure you’re in a relatively quiet environment. Headphones are strongly recommended to reduce background noise and improve immersion. 5. Review Basic Rules & Tools You don’t need to be an expert, but a basic understanding of your character’s abilities will help keep the game flowing—especially during longer sessions. 6. Be Ready for a Long Session Sessions run 6–9 hours, with scheduled breaks included. Please plan accordingly—have water, snacks, and anything you need to stay comfortable and engaged throughout the session. 7. Optional (But Recommended): Come With a Plan Mindset. This is a heist-focused game! You don’t need to prepare anything specific, but being ready to think creatively, collaborate, and problem-solve will make the experience much more rewarding.

What Leoben brings to the table

I run a high-immersion, cinematic experience designed to make every session feel like a complete heist movie. From the initial briefing to the final escape, my goal is to keep pacing tight, tension high, and your choices meaningful. You can expect: 🎭 Fully Voiced NPCs – Distinct personalities, motives, and memorable interactions 🎵 Dynamic Music & Ambient Sound – Carefully curated audio to enhance mood, tension, and key moments 🗺️ Custom Maps & Tactical Encounters – Built to support both stealth and “things went loud” scenarios 🎬 Cinematic Storytelling – Each session follows a structured arc with twists, reveals, and high-stakes decisions My GM style leans heavily into player agency and creativity. Heists are rarely solved with brute force alone—clever plans, disguises, social engineering, and unexpected ideas are not just allowed, they’re encouraged. I reward players who think outside the box and take initiative. I balance Rule of Cool with meaningful consequences. If your idea is awesome and fits the moment, I’ll lean into it—but the world will react realistically, and your choices will always matter. When combat happens, it’s fast, tactical, and impactful, often serving as the result of decisions made earlier in the mission. Because these are long-form sessions (6–9 hours), I structure each game to maintain energy and engagement, with natural pacing, planned breaks, and a mix of roleplay, strategy, and action. Above all, I aim to create a table where players feel: Engaged in the story Empowered to make meaningful decisions Challenged in fun and rewarding ways If you enjoy immersive storytelling, strategic gameplay, and the thrill of pulling off (or barely surviving) the perfect heist—this is the experience I strive to deliver every session.

Homebrew rules

This game primarily uses the standard D&D 5e ruleset. Any homebrew rules or adjustments (if used) will be discussed and agreed upon during Session Zero to ensure everyone is on the same page. My approach is to keep rules clear, consistent, and fun—any changes are made to support pacing, balance, or the overall heist experience, not to complicate gameplay. Player input is always welcome, and nothing will be introduced without group awareness and agreement. The goal is a smooth, fair, and immersive game where everyone understands how things work at the table.

How Leoben creates a safe table

Creating a safe, respectful, and comfortable table is a top priority. Before the campaign begins, we’ll hold a Session Zero where we establish expectations, boundaries, and communication tools so everyone can enjoy the game with confidence. I maintain an open-door policy—you can step away at any time, no explanation required. Breaks are also built into our longer sessions to help prevent fatigue and maintain a positive experience. After sessions, I encourage light debriefs and check-ins, giving players space to share feedback, highlights, or concerns. If anything comes up, I’m always available to talk and make adjustments moving forward. The goal is simple: a table where everyone feels respected, heard, and able to fully enjoy the game.