Secrets of Strixhaven: Mysteries & Mayhem

Creating your character

You do not need to create a character before the game, unless you are joining after we have already started. During our first session, aka “Session Zero” I’ll work with each player to create character sheets and help everyone come up with ideas for backstories. If everyone knows how to make a sheet and isn’t new to D&D, I’ll skip the basic introductions and we may have time to begin our Orientation roleplay section at the end of Session Zero. If you want to jump ahead and look into your options, these are the general rules I have for character creation in my games. To keep things simple, we’ll be using species from the 2024 Players Handbook, with the additional Owlin species from Strixhaven. However, if you really want to play something more specific, we can discuss it as a group. We will be using D&D Beyond to create character sheets, starting at level 3, and we'll be using 2024 D&D rules. For ability scores, each player manually roll 3 separate groups of numbers to choose from, and after selecting the best group, assigning each number to a different ability score. For HP, we'll be doing Fixed/Average HP. However, if you wish to roll, you may. But if you roll horribly you can opt for Fixed HP instead. All character sheets must be created on D&D Beyond for me, but if you prefer to use Roll20 I can generate a blank sheet for you to use on the VTT. However, you’ll still need to make a sheet on D&D Beyond for the campaign, so I can approve your final scores and inventory. The game will also include homebrew items that I create in D&D Beyond, and you’ll get access to additional class features and options on D&D Beyond, so it’s easier to just manage your character sheet via that website.

Preparing for the session

At the start of our first session, please make sure you've read the information document and bring any ideas for your character backstory. Session Zero will include a vibe check between players, character building and backstory connecting. If you are confused or need help, reach out to me before the game and I'd be happy to assist! We will be using D&D Beyond, Roll20, and Discord. If you need help making these accounts or have trouble finding the links, you can always message me on SPG or in Discord.

What Caralight brings to the table

I will be bringing detailed VTT maps for both battles and general roleplay exploration. I like to give my players a good idea of what they’re able to interact with through visualization on the maps. I will also have rounded NPCs for your characters to interact with, including fellow students, professors, monsters, and staff members!

Homebrew rules

★ We will be doing Flanking rules for advantage. ★ Critical hits become "crunchy" and will roll once and deal max damage with the second set of dice. ★ All Natural 1's give players Heroic Inspiration to use during the game.

How Caralight creates a safe table

During Session Zero we will discuss what everyone at the table is comfortable with anonymously. Below is a list of content warnings in the game itself, but everything is adjustable and able to be reworked for player safety and comfortability. My job is to make the game a safe space for everyone, so that we all have fun. Tools we will use include a Luxton Technique Discussion about Lines & Veils and triggers. Every game will include at least one 10 minute break, and players are allowed to request a break or step away from the table whenever they need to. Content Warnings: This game involves exam stress, peer competition, some animal mind control and manipulation (which could include pet death depending on the NPC or player), mind control of NPCs and possibly players, kidnapping or missing students, blood magic, murder, death, university-level bullying/manipulation, alcohol use/drinking, and partying. I personally do not enjoy bullying, so it will not be as extreme as it could be. And, these warnings are from the base module of Strixhaven, but anything can be changed or adjusted based on the comfort of players.