Adventures in Calimshan: Science, Sorcery, Sand.

Creating your character

Character creation will be handled individually in one on one conferences between me and each player. The characters will all be made before session 0, partially so that session can cover more ground rules, and player introductions, and partially so that (if enough time is given) we may be able to squeeze in some actual gameplay. As I am newer to DMing, I would prefer to keep player options more limited to that which I know quite well. Therefore, the books that will be used for character creation, and that I will provide for all players via DnD Beyond are the following: PHB 2024, DMG (player options) 2024, Forge of the Artificer (for various things including Flying Wonders and the Artificer class), Heroes of Faerun, Tasha's Cauldron of Everything, Xanathar's Guide to Everything, and the PHB 2014. All 2014 content that has been updated for 2024 rules will be unavailable. Any remaining content that may need updates to function better in 2024 will be upgraded by me and the players during character creation. I will go over racial nuances during character creation as well (such as genasi generally being hated kingdom-wide). Once your character sheet has been made in DnD Beyond, I will transfer it over to Foundry and set up a token for the character. And just like that, you'll be ready to jump right in.

Preparing for the session

There are a few step need to be taken by joining players. They are as follows: 1( Join the Discord server. You will need to make a free account if you do not have one. Make sure to read the server rules. 2( A Google DOCX will be sent to you to fill out. This contains the various Lines and Veils that could exist for you, and your answers to the questions within will shape how I run the game; allowing me to ensure that all players feel comfortable and safe at my table. 3( I link to FLC (Foundry Lightweight Client) will be present. You may wish to download FLC as it helps the system run smoother. This is optional. 4( Use the link in the Discord (I will point you in the right direction once you join) to join the campaign via DnD Beyond. This allows me to share all my books with you. You will need to make a free account if you do not have one. 5( Create your character! Afterwords, I will transfer the character to Foundry, and set it up so it's ready to by played. (Note that you may have to create a free account with Foundry to use it) 6( Be present for session 0. I will cover the Google DOCX mentioned above, as well as a few other things before we truly start the campaign. This is also optional, but it would be wise not to miss it. If you are joining mid-campaign, then feel free to ignore this.

What Dante brings to the table

As a host I bring: DnD Beyond (or character creation) and Foundry VTT A fun and exciting story in a harsh desert environment Patient teaching and clear expectations (explained before and during session 0) Open arms for players both new and well learned. This will use some aspects of modules and one-shots, but it is ultimately a sandbox game. Don't feel scared to try to explore something new.

Homebrew rules

Some homebrew rules worth noting: 1( Potions on the belt can be consumed as a bonus action. 2( Items on the belt can be destroyed if dealt sufficient damage (this goes both ways, and is mostly done as a downside for the rule above). 3( Crit fails (Nat 1's) will have devastating effects... 4( Crit successes will be enhanced like so: the maximum damage of all the dice rolled is added to damage modifier, then all damage dice are rolled. Add rolled dice and modifier like normal (except this time the modifier is huge). 5( Unless its disagreed upon, I will generally see all Nat 1's as auto fails, and all Nat 20's as auto successes. 6( Calimshan is a VERY hot place, especially in the desert. Therefore, we will use special rules related to heat: In normal places; Heavy armor gives the effects of 2 points of exhaustion, medium armor gives the effect of 1 point of exhaustion, water will be kept track of as a resource, and dehydration is possible. In desert regions; Heavy armor gives the effect of 3 points of exhaustion, traveling a day wearing heavy armor gives an actual point of exhaustion, medium armor gives the effect of 2 points of exhaustion, Water will still be kept track of, and dehydration is very possible if water isn't consumed in large quatities.

How Dante creates a safe table

I have a few things that will be used. First, before starting session 0, all players will be required to fill out a Google DOCX that will list all the various problems that can arise, including but not limited to: present phobias, hard limits that are not to be crossed, and scenes they would prefer to gloss over instead of playing out. Second, we will start the game with a session 0. This is partially so I can explain to all players via voice on discord exactly what the party has collectively chosen to avoid in and out of game. It is also to allow the players in the party can get to know each other better, before they begin to play the game in earnest. Third, each session will begin with a debriefing to alleviate players having to remember all the information. Furthermore, each session will be recapped in the discord channel for all players to read at their leisure. Fourth, each session will feature a break halfway through. This is so the players can rest, eat, drink, and process all that they encounter. Finally, X, N, and O's will be implemented. Each player's opinion for X, N, O's will be writable in the Google DOCX. X, N, O's will be discussed on session 0 n detail.