Waterdeep: Dragonheist | Play-by-Post | First Week Free

Creating your character

Characters are to be created on D&D Beyond ahead of campaign start. All content available on D&D Beyond is welcome, and players can choose to utilise 5e or 5.5e character options. Characters will begin at 2nd level, using either Standard Array or Point Buy, and milestone levelling. I am also happy to create and provide pre-generated characters should any player wish.

Preparing for the session

💬 DISCORD 💬 Please join the Discord Campaign sever, which is where the campaign will be hosted. This is also the best way to get in touch with the DM on an individual basis. You will need an account on Discord, so please sign up (for free) if you do not have one. 🎲 D&D BEYOND 🎲 Please join the D&D Beyond Campaign, which will allow me to view your character sheets and backstories, as well as allocate items to you if required. You'll also find the pre-generated characters here. You'll need to sign up to D&D Beyond (its free) in order to use. 🎤 HARDWARE 🎤 As this is a PLAY-BY-POST campaign, you simply need a device that can access Discord and the internet. The Discord Server will utilise bots that can integrate with D&D Beyond for Dice Rolls etc too so everything can be centralised through the server.

What Aaron H brings to the table

You’ll have everything you need to dive into Waterdeep at your own pace, with a fully supported Play‑by‑Post experience designed for rich storytelling and smooth gameplay. 🏛️ A Dedicated, Fully‑Organised Discord Server A custom server built specifically for this campaign, featuring: - Clearly structured channels for in‑character posts, downtime actions, dice rolls, and OOC chat - Private character threads for personal arcs, secrets, and DM communication - Automated dice‑rolling and utility bots to keep mechanics fast and transparent 📚 D&D Beyond Campaign Access You’ll be added to a shared D&D Beyond campaign, giving you: - Digital character sheets with live updates - Access to relevant 5e and 5.5e content and tools - Integrated dice rolling and quick rules lookup - A central hub for character management and levelling 🗺️ High‑Quality Maps, Handouts & Visuals To bring Waterdeep to life, I provide: - Custom and curated maps for key locations, chases, and encounters - NPC portraits, scene art, and atmospheric images - Clear, easy‑to‑read tactical layouts when combat occurs 🕯️ Immersive Play‑by‑Post Storytelling PbP shines when the narrative does, so you can expect: - Frequent DM posts that keep the story moving - Rich descriptions, prompts, and character‑focused moments - Space for deeper roleplay, internal monologue, and creative problem‑solving - A pace that respects real‑life schedules while maintaining momentum 🎭 Character‑Driven Support Your character matters. I offer: - Personalised hooks that tie your backstory into the unfolding mystery - Ongoing attention to your goals, relationships, and spotlight moments ⚔️ Professional GM Experience As a full‑time Game Master, I ensure: - Clear rules guidance and fair adjudication - Engaging encounters tailored to PbP pacing - A welcoming, inclusive environment with established safety tools - Reliable posting cadence and consistent campaign management

Homebrew rules

SIDE BASED INITIATIVE - For the purpose of smooth PbP play, initiative will be rolled as a group. - Players will combine initiative rolls against that of the enemy, and all players take their turns at the same time, in any order. - This allows for the asynchronous nature of PbP -------------- DECLARE & ROLL ACTIONS - Players include their intended action and the relevant roll in the same post. - This avoids back‑and‑forth delays like “Make a Perception check” → “Rolls Perception” → “DM responds.” - Players roll proactively when the intent is clear. - If a different skill applies, the DM simply interprets the roll accordingly. -------------- MAJORITY CONCENSUS If the majority of players agree to a path, plan, direction etc, play will continue. This means that the group is not left waiting for a single player to respond before progressing. -------------- ASSUMED MOVEMENT To avoid micro‑positioning delays, players describe intent (“I rush the nearest thug,” “I take cover behind the crates”). - DM interprets exact placement on the map. - This keeps tactical clarity without slowing the pace. -------------- REACTION WINDOWS - DM pauses briefly and tags the player. - If no response within a set window (e.g., 12 hours), the reaction is considered unused. - This keeps combat moving without punishing players unfairly.

How Aaron H creates a safe table

A great story only works when everyone at the table feels safe, respected, and supported. This campaign uses clear, reliable safety tools to ensure every player can enjoy the adventure at their own pace and comfort level. LINES & VEILS We use Lines & Veils to define what content is off‑limits and what should be handled with care. These are recorded on the Discord Server "Safety" channel for reference at any time. - Lines are hard boundaries that will not appear in the game. - Veils are topics that may exist in the world but fade to black or remain off‑screen. These tools help shape the story around the group’s comfort without sacrificing immersion. RESPECTFUL AND INCLUSIVE This campaign welcomes players of all backgrounds and experience levels. Harassment, discrimination, or disruptive behaviour is not tolerated. We prioritise kindness, communication, and collaborative storytelling. I operate on a "1-warning" rule. If you are deemed to have broken any boundaries, or crossed any lines that makes another player uncomfortable, you will be warned privately by the GM. Sometimes mistakes happen - we're all human after all. However safety always comes first and any repeated offense will result in your removal from the campaign. PbP FRIENDLY SUPPOR Because this is a Play‑by‑Post game, safety also includes pacing and clarity: - Players are encouraged to post at least once daily, however no penalties are applied to players if this can't be achieved. Everyone has real-lives to live too. - Summaries and recaps keep everyone aligned - "Slow Mode" will be applied to the gameplay channel, forcing a break between messages from players, allowing all players a window of opportunity to contribute before the scene moves too far ahead. - Missed moments can be handled with flashbacks or gentle retcons. - Private channels are available for sensitive conversations or concerns. CONFIDENTIALITY & PLAYER AGENCY Your character’s secrets, backstory elements, and personal arcs are handled with care. Anything shared privately stays private unless you choose to reveal it in‑game. You always have control over your character’s boundaries and direction.