Zhemna Reborn (Homebrew, Sci-Fi, Beginners Welcome!)

Creating your character

I prefer coming into the first session with everyone's characters made. Not only does this let us get straight into the story, but players have the option to reveal their characters as they see fit in-game. With that said, we'll come into the first session with characters already made. For this game I'm offering a free session zero where we can make characters, go over any questions, and get set up for a great first session. After signing up, I will send you a doc full of lore and character creation info. While we're operating within the 5e structure, the classes and backgrounds are a bit different, hence me making a separate doc for it.

Preparing for the session

I've set up a Discord server with channels made for both running sessions, making characters, and more. So you'll need a Discord to join up there! Also, we'll host our encounters on D&D Beyond so players should make an account on there even if you plan on using physical sheets and dice.

What Nik brings to the table

I try to create immersion through ambient music, character voices, detailed descriptions of our surroundings, and more. Mechanically, I embrace the Rule of Cool. I like to operate within reason but without the pressure of every single moment being dictated by rules. I like to encourage and reward players' creativity so if you have ideas on how to approach something, even if you're not sure that it'd be possible, go for it! We can talk it out and find a middle ground to keep things fun, light, but not so chaotic that we're having trouble following what the heck is going on.

Homebrew rules

Here are a few things that may be a bit different at my table than a by-the-book game: - Drinking potions (or using stims in this game) are a Bonus Action - Critical hits max out the weapon's die, then you roll another. So if you get a crit with a rapier, you start at 8 damage and roll another d8. - To add more stakes to encounters, I ask players to keep the result of their Death Saving Throws to themselves, adding pressure on the rest of the party to address their fallen companion.

How Nik creates a safe table

As well as an optional form for players where they can list out their interests and limits, I'll also send over a Lines and Veils document for us to write out what type of content we aren't comfortable with. As the campaign progresses, I'll resend the document with the reminder that we can add/change the doc over time. In our character creation/session zero phase, we can discuss limits further, and I'll answer any questions about content, tone, etc. that players have. For X, N, and O's, players can make these signals on video, send via chat to the whole group, or in a private message to myself, whatever is most comfortable for them. This gives us the opportunity to pivot away from that content, take a break, or whatever else is needed. I also make an effort to check in with players over the course of the game! Not just with comfort but also how they're enjoying the game so that we can make adjustments as needed, ensuring everyone is getting the most out of the experience.