The Wild Beyond the Witchlight

Creating your character

Characters will be created before Session 1, though I'm happy to help new players through the process. Characters begin at Level 1 using the 2024 D&D 5e rules. Ability scores may be generated using Standard Array or Point Buy. The adventure works best when characters have a reason to care about wonder, mystery, lost things, or the strange magic of the Feywild. Consider creating a character who has lost something important—a cherished memory, an emotion, an object, a dream, or even a piece of themselves. This isn't required, but it ties beautifully into the story. Character sheets can be created on D&D Beyond and shared with me before the first session. New players are absolutely welcome. If you've never built a D&D character before, I'll gladly walk you through the process and help create a character you'll enjoy playing. Above all, create a character you're excited to roleplay. Witchlight rewards curiosity, creativity, kindness, cleverness, and occasionally making terrible decisions in the presence of fey creatures. Just remember: in the Feywild, words matter—and promises matter even more.

Preparing for the session

Before Session 1, please complete the following: 🎭 Create your character and share your character sheet with me before the game begins. If you're new to D&D, don't worry—I'm happy to help with character creation. 🎪 Join our Discord server, where we'll handle announcements, scheduling, handouts, session summaries, and between-session questions. 🧚 Have access to D&D Beyond for your character sheet. If you prefer another format, just let me know. 🎤 Make sure you have a reliable microphone, stable internet connection, and a quiet place to play. A webcam is welcome but not required. 📖 You do not need to read the adventure or purchase any books. I'll teach the rules as we play, and new players are encouraged to ask questions. ✨ The most important preparation is thinking about your character. What have they lost? What dream, memory, emotion, possession, or piece of themselves might draw them to the Witchlight Carnival? This isn't required, but it can create wonderful story opportunities. Come ready to explore, roleplay, laugh, make questionable decisions, and discover what waits beyond the carnival gates.

What Mike Siscoe brings to the table

🎪 A Fully Prepared, Story-Driven Adventure I provide a complete online experience with custom maps, handouts, character art, ambient music, and visual aids designed to bring the Witchlight Carnival and the Feywild to life. My goal is to create a game that feels immersive, memorable, and easy to follow for both new and experienced players. 🎭 Roleplay, Voices, and Memorable NPCs Expect colorful NPCs, character voices, fey mischief, and plenty of opportunities for roleplay. I enjoy bringing personalities to life and creating moments that players talk about long after the session ends. ✨ Rule of Cool Meets Rules Knowledge I know the rules and use them consistently, but I also believe the best moments often come from creative ideas. Clever thinking, imaginative solutions, and great roleplay are rewarded. If you have a wild plan, I want to hear it. 🧚 A Beginner-Friendly Table New to D&D? No problem. I enjoy teaching the game and helping new players feel comfortable. Questions are always welcome, and nobody is expected to know every rule. ⚔️ Meaningful Choices, Not Railroad Tracks Player decisions matter. Your choices, successes, mistakes, bargains, friendships, and occasional catastrophes help shape the story. I provide the world; together we discover what happens. 🎲 A Balance of Wonder, Humor, and Adventure Expect fairy-tale magic, mystery, exploration, strange creatures, occasional danger, and plenty of laughs. Witchlight is at its best when players embrace curiosity, creativity, and a little bit of chaos. Most importantly, I provide a welcoming, respectful table where everyone gets a chance to shine and contribute to the story.

Homebrew rules

1. Start with appropriate (green labeled) magic item. 2. Cool is the rule! 3. Bonus points for non-leathal solutions 4. Bonus points for role play 5. Laughter and a great sense of humor is better than a Wish spell.

How Mike Siscoe creates a safe table

🛡️ Safety and Comfort Come First My goal is simple: everyone should feel welcome, respected, and comfortable at the table. Before we begin, we'll have a Session 0 where we'll discuss expectations, table etiquette, preferred play styles, and any topics players would like to avoid. I use Lines & Veils to establish boundaries and ensure everyone understands where those boundaries are. During play, I use X, N, and O Cards (digitally through chat, private message, or voice) so players can communicate discomfort without needing to explain themselves. If something isn't working, we'll adjust and move forward. No questions asked. I also maintain an Open Door policy. Players are free to step away from the table at any time for any reason. Real life always comes first. Witchlight is a whimsical fairy-tale adventure, but it can occasionally touch on themes of loss, regret, fear, manipulation, and emotional conflict. My focus is never on shocking players or pushing boundaries. If a scene becomes uncomfortable, we'll fade to black, redirect, or move on. After sessions, I encourage feedback and check-ins. If something was particularly impactful, confusing, or uncomfortable, I want to hear about it so I can continue creating the best possible experience for everyone. Most importantly, this is a collaborative game. We are here to tell an amazing story together, laugh together, support one another, and make sure every player has a chance to shine.