Lvl 1: Savage Tide – Pirates, Jungles, and Demons [5e 2014]

Creating your character

Characters will be created before or during the Session 0 using Roll20’s Charactermancer. Once you join, you’ll be added to the campaign and assigned a character sheet. Player characters start at Level 1 and use roll attribution option method to determine ability scores. We will use the 5e 2014 sourcebooks for the campaign: PHB(2014), DMG(2014), MM (2014), Xanathar’s Guide to Everything, Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything. Starting races available: Human and Variant Human, Elf, Half-Elf, Dwarf, Gnome, Halfling, Tiefling, Aasimar, Half-Orc, Dragonborn, and Tabaxi

Preparing for the session

Before the first session, players must have the following ready: • A computer with a reliable internet connection. This game uses Roll20 with Dynamic Lighting, which can be demanding on older machines. • A Roll20 account. Characters will be created and played using Roll20. • A Discord account. Voice communication will take place through a dedicated Discord server. • A microphone and speakers/headset for voice communication. • Headphones are strongly recommended to prevent audio echo. Players should join the session from a reasonably quiet environment where they can participate comfortably. Once you join the game, you will receive invitations to both the Roll20 campaign and the Discord server.

What Kieron brings to the table

Players can expect a well-prepared game with strong visuals, balanced encounters, and meaningful character development. I provide a well-prepared, structured game where players can explore the world, develop their characters, and work together as a party. My games balance roleplay, exploration, and tactical combat. I follow Rules as Written for consistency, making quick rulings during play and reviewing them after the session if needed. While not a professional voice actor, I give NPCs distinct personalities through tone, description, and interaction. I provide visual aids such as monsters, environments, and items to bring the world to life, including both published material and artwork I create myself. I work with players between sessions to develop character backgrounds, goals, and story hooks. I do not typically use ambient music, as it can interfere with voice communication. My table is respectful and cooperative. Disruptive or rude behavior will not be tolerated. I provide the Roll20 campaign (with sourcebooks) and maintain the Discord server for voice and discussion.

Homebrew rules

This campaign uses a few house rules to encourage tactical play and make adventuring feel a little more grounded while still remaining close to the core D&D 5e (2014) rules. Potion Use Characters may drink potions as a Bonus Action when drinking them themselves (if the potion is readily accessible). Administering a potion to another character still requires an Action. Modified Long Rest Healing Long rests do not automatically restore all hit points. Instead, characters heal by spending Hit Dice at the end of the rest, similar to a short rest. Afterward, characters regain half of their maximum Hit Dice. This encourages resource management and makes healing magic and potions more meaningful. Lingering Injuries Beginning at Level 3, characters may suffer lingering injuries in particularly dangerous situations (such as severe critical hits or being reduced to 0 hit points). These injuries can range from minor temporary setbacks to more serious wounds that require magical healing or downtime to recover. Lockpicking Lockpicking attempts take about one minute. Failing a check may allow another attempt, but repeated failures can jam the lock or create complications such as noise, broken tools, or attracting attention. These rules are intended to add tension and realism while keeping the game fair and consistent. Full details will be available in the campaign documentation.

How Kieron creates a safe table

Player comfort and respect at the table are important. Before the campaign begins we will review expectations during a brief Session 0 and ensure everyone understands the tone of the game. I maintain a Lines and Veils document on the campaign Discord server where players can anonymously add topics they would prefer to avoid or fade to black. This helps ensure that sensitive material is handled respectfully. During play, players may use the X, N, and O safety tools, which are available directly within the Roll20 game. Instructions for using these tools are also posted in the Discord server. Players are always welcome to contact me privately between sessions if something in the game made them uncomfortable or if they would like to discuss adjustments to the game moving forward. My goal is to create a respectful, cooperative environment where everyone at the table feels comfortable participating and enjoying the story together. Harassment, bullying, or disrespect toward other players will not be tolerated.