Waterdeep: Dragon Heist

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. Waterdeep is a city campaign, so characters with goals, ambitions, connections, secrets, professions, or reasons to care about the city tend to thrive. Whether you're a noble seeking influence, a rogue chasing opportunity, a scholar hunting knowledge, or an adventurer looking to make your fortune, there is a place for you in the City of Splendors. 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. Waterdeep rewards curiosity, clever thinking, social interaction, investigation, and ambitious characters willing to seize opportunities when they appear.

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's place in Waterdeep. What do they want? Wealth? Power? Knowledge? Revenge? A fresh start? Characters with goals, connections, and ambitions tend to thrive in the City of Splendors. Come ready to investigate mysteries, navigate intrigue, make allies, outwit rivals, and occasionally find yourself in way over your head. After all, half a million gold dragons are on the line.

What Mike Siscoe brings to the table

🏙️ A Living, Breathing City Waterdeep isn't just a backdrop—it's a character. I bring the City of Splendors to life with memorable NPCs, faction intrigue, bustling taverns, hidden conspiracies, and opportunities around every corner. Your choices will shape how the city responds to you. 🎭 Roleplay, Voices, and Memorable Characters Expect colorful NPCs, character voices, political maneuvering, criminal scheming, and plenty of opportunities to build alliances—or create rivals. I enjoy creating personalities that players remember long after the campaign ends. 🗺️ Maps, Handouts, and Visual Aids I provide maps, handouts, character art, reference materials, and visual resources designed to make Waterdeep feel immersive and easy to navigate for both new and experienced players. ✨ Rule of Cool Meets Rules Knowledge I know the rules and apply them consistently, but I also believe D&D is at its best when players get creative. Clever plans, bold schemes, brilliant ideas, and spectacular failures often become the most memorable moments of the campaign. 🧙 Beginner-Friendly, Veteran Approved New players are always welcome. I'll happily teach the rules, assist with character creation, and help you learn the game. Experienced players will find plenty of opportunities for investigation, diplomacy, strategy, and roleplay. 🎲 Choices Matter This isn't a railroad. Waterdeep is full of competing factions, hidden agendas, and difficult decisions. The allies you make, the enemies you create, and the opportunities you pursue can have lasting consequences throughout the campaign. 💰 Mystery, Intrigue, and Adventure Expect investigations, daring capers, faction politics, thrilling chases, occasional combat, unexpected twists, and plenty of opportunities to get in over your head while chasing a fortune everyone wants. Most importantly, I provide a welcoming, respectful table where every player has a chance to contribute, shine, and become part of an unforgettable story.

Homebrew rules

1. Cool is the Rule 2. Start with 1 common (Green Label) magic item 3. Sense of Humor a must 4. Roleplay is better than magic 5. Creativity is better than Roleplay

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 the campaign begins, we'll have a Session 0 to discuss expectations, character concepts, table etiquette, and any topics players would prefer to avoid. I use Lines & Veils to establish boundaries and make sure everyone is on the same page. During play, I use X, N, and O Cards, which can be communicated verbally, through Discord chat, or by private message. If a player is uncomfortable, we pause, adjust, and move forward—no explanation required. I also maintain an Open Door policy. Players are always free to step away from the game for any reason. Real life comes first. While Dragon Heist is generally an adventure of mystery, intrigue, and treasure hunting, it can include themes such as crime, violence, corruption, betrayal, and political conflict. My focus is on creating exciting stories, not making players uncomfortable. If a scene crosses a line, we'll fade to black, redirect, or move on. At the end of sessions, I encourage feedback, questions, and discussion. If something isn't working, I want to know so I can make adjustments and ensure everyone is having a great time. Most importantly, this is a collaborative game. We are here to tell an amazing story together, support one another, laugh often, and make sure every player has a chance to shine.