Enter the world of Gaspia! (JRPG Inspired Homebrew 5e Campaign)

Creating your character

Character Creation will happen during a session 0 held before the official start of the game. Feel free to design your character beforehand, just know certain backstory elements might need a bit of tweaking. We'll be rolling for stats and the starting level is 3. Your character may include any mix of 2014 and 2024 content. Creativity is encouraged as I enjoy implementing your backstory into the world of the game. Know that your choices (even prior to game start) will have a profound effect on the course of the campaign.

Preparing for the session

Please be sure to create a D&D Beyond Account. There will also be a discord server link sent out once the game closes.

What Chris Lawson brings to the table

I offer a lively world in which your choices shape the narrative. I use a mixture of tactical map-based combat and theater of the mind when either is appropriate to enhance the experience. I also incorporate a few homebrew rules intended to keep combat feeling lively and cinematic. (Nothing mean spirited or that works against the players tbc) That said, don't let that make you think I don't care about roleplay. You'll get lots of voices and dramatic readings from me as well. I like to think that I know the rules pretty well, but I'm not beyond referring to the Rule of Cool every now and then. Overall, I seek to offer a high quality, tense, but friendly experience.

Homebrew rules

1. Critical Hits simple double whatever the original damage total would have been. 2. Adventurer's are never 'downed'. If you are reduced to 0 hit points in combat, you still get to take your turn as usual! That said, death saves still happen and taking damage still results in receiving an additional failed save. In other words, being reduced to 0 hp is still pretty bad, but not the nearly as boring. 3. Long Rests may only be taken in designated safe spots such as an inn. Think of it like a JRPG. 4. Counter Spell is a roll off between the Arcana stat of the two spellcasters. 5. Skill Challenges will occasionally be used in dramatic moments. Skill challenges are an old rule from 4th edition and can typically be ran in a few different ways. I'll more clearly and comprehensively explain it in game, but the short explanation is: The party will be told they need to achieve a certain number of success before failures. A DC will be given, and the party will roll skill checks to to beat that DC. The skill check must make sense in the context of the narrative, and a skill can be used no more than once.

How Chris Lawson creates a safe table

During our session 0, I'll be sending out a form in which players can let me know any topics they'd prefer avoided. Players are welcome to message me privately if at any point they feel uncomfortable. Everyone feeling safe at the table is a bare minimum. Let's approach the experience with a spirit of collaboration and maximizing each others fun.