Abomination Vaults (DND 5E - 2024)

Creating your character

Characters should be created before the first full session where possible, but do not worry if you need help. I am happy to guide new D&D players through the process. Characters can be created using either: D&D Beyond Foundry VTT A standard character sheet, with the details sent to me before the game If you are new to D&D 5e, I recommend using D&D Beyond first, as it makes the character creation process much easier to follow. Your character can then be recreated or imported into Foundry VTT for play. Premade characters are also available, so you do not need to build from scratch if you are new, short on time, or would rather learn the game through play. Character creation guidelines: Starting Level: Level 1 System: D&D 5e using the 2024 rules Stats: Standard Array or Point Buy Character Tools: D&D Beyond, Foundry VTT, or a standard character sheet Premades: Available on request Rules Sources: Please use official D&D 5e player options unless discussed with me first For unusual options, older 2014 material, third-party content, homebrew, or heavily optimised builds, please check with me before finalising the character. I am open to interesting characters, but I want to make sure everything fits the tone of Abomination Vaults and works smoothly for the group. This adventure works best with characters who have a reason to investigate danger, explore ruins, work with a party, and take threats seriously. You do not need a huge backstory, but it helps if your character is willing to get involved when trouble rises near Otari. I will check characters before play begins, make sure sheets are working properly in Foundry VTT, and answer any build or rules questions before the adventure gets underway.

Preparing for the session

Players should complete the following before the game: Join the Discord server Discord will be used for voice, table communication, updates, questions, and session links. Have a working microphone Please make sure your microphone works clearly before the session. A headset is strongly recommended to avoid echo and make the game easier for everyone to hear. Character creation Characters can be created using either: D&D Beyond Foundry VTT character sheet A standard character sheet, with the details sent to me before the game This game uses D&D 5e with the 2024 rules. If you are new to D&D, D&D Beyond is usually the easiest way to build and understand your character. I can help check your build before the session. Premade characters are available If you are new to D&D, short on time, or just want to jump straight in, premade characters can be provided. Foundry VTT The game will be played in Foundry VTT. You do not need to buy or install Foundry. You only need a modern web browser. Google Chrome is strongly recommended. Please avoid Safari, as it can be unreliable with Foundry. The Foundry game link will be posted in Discord around the time of the session. Device and connection requirements Please play on a reasonably modern PC or laptop with a fast, stable internet connection. Foundry works best with a proper mouse, including a scroll wheel. Do not try to play from a mobile phone, tablet, or touchpad-only setup. Abomination Vaults uses detailed maps, lighting, walls, automation, visual effects, sound, and tactical combat, so screen space, reliable controls, and solid performance matter. This is a UK/Europe-hosted Foundry game. If you are outside Europe, especially in the US or further away, your connection needs to be extremely fast and stable because you are connecting into Europe/UK. I do have players outside Europe who connect successfully, but if you have a low-spec laptop, weak Wi-Fi, or only an average connection, you may experience slow loading, freezing, missing rolls, or need to refresh the session regularly. New players are welcome You do not need to be a D&D expert. I am happy to help with character creation, Foundry basics, and the core rules before or during the game. Please arrive a little early for your first session so we can check your character, make sure Foundry loads correctly, and get everyone comfortable before play begins.

What QuestKernel brings to the table

I provide a fully prepared Foundry VTT game with maps, lighting, music, tokens, journals, automation, and a structured table experience designed to make 5e smooth, clear, and immersive to play. You can expect: A welcoming table for new and experienced players Help with 5e rules, character creation, and Foundry VTT Prepared maps, encounters, tokens, journals, and visual handouts Atmospheric music and sound where appropriate Tactical combat with clear explanations Roleplay opportunities, NPC interaction, exploration, and dungeon mystery A reliable Discord space for voice, links, questions, and between-session chat Premade characters if you want to jump straight in Foundry automation to help with rolls, conditions, effects, combat flow, and character abilities My GM style is friendly, structured, and player-focused. I like the game to feel cinematic and immersive, but I also keep things clear at the table so players know what is happening, what their options are, and how to get involved. For 5e 2024, I generally follow the rules, but I am not here to catch people out or turn the session into a rules argument. I am not a rules encyclopedia, and I do not expect players to be either. If something is unclear, I will make a fair ruling, explain it briefly, and keep the game moving. We can always check exact wording later if needed. Combat in Abomination Vaults can be dangerous and tactical. Positioning, teamwork, scouting, healing, resource management, and smart choices matter. This is not a story where every fight is automatically safe, but I will make sure players have enough information to make meaningful decisions. I use character voices, narration, music, ambience, and NPC mannerisms where they help the scene, but I do not expect players to perform. You are welcome to speak fully in character, describe what your character does, or use a mix of both. Overall, expect a polished virtual tabletop experience, a supportive GM, a creepy dungeon-crawl atmosphere, and a game where your choices matter.

Homebrew rules

I run D&D 5e 2024 mostly Rules as Written, with light table rulings where needed to keep the game moving. 5e works best when the rules provide structure, but the table still has room for creativity, heroic moments, and quick decisions. I do not use heavy homebrew rules or major mechanical changes, especially in a dungeon-focused campaign like Abomination Vaults where tactics, resources, positioning, and teamwork matter. The main table expectations are: Rules will be followed as closely as practical. New players will be helped through the rules rather than expected to know everything immediately. If a rule is unclear during play, I may make a quick table ruling to keep the game moving, then check it properly after the session. I aim for fair, consistent rulings rather than “gotcha” rules. Creative ideas are welcome, but they still need to make sense in the fiction and work fairly within the 5e rules framework. Foundry VTT automation will handle many rolls, effects, conditions, and combat features, but we will check anything that looks wrong. My main light table rule is that drinking a healing potion yourself can usually be done as a Bonus Action. Giving a potion to another character still takes an Action. Any optional rules, variant rules, or campaign-specific changes will be clearly explained before they are used. In short: expect a polished, rules-supported 5e 2024 game with room for creativity, but not a heavily homebrewed version of the system.

How QuestKernel creates a safe table

Player comfort and trust are important at my table. Before play begins, we will cover table expectations, tone, safety tools, and any boundaries players want noted. Abomination Vaults is a dungeon-focused adventure with horror elements, danger, undead, monsters, darkness, isolation, and creepy locations, so I want everyone to know what kind of game they are joining while also making sure the table stays respectful and comfortable. I use the following safety approach: Session 0 check-in: We will confirm the tone of the game, character expectations, table etiquette, and any content boundaries before play begins. Lines and Veils: Players can tell me privately or openly about anything they do not want included in the game, or anything they prefer to fade to black. Open-door policy: Players can step away from the table at any time if they need a break. Pause / Rewind / Fast-forward: If something feels uncomfortable, confusing, or too much, players can ask to pause, rewind the scene, or move past the content. Private messaging is always available: Players can message me privately on Discord during or after the session if they are uncomfortable raising something in voice chat. No pressure to perform: Roleplay is welcome, but players do not need to do voices or speak in character if they are not comfortable. Respectful table culture: No harassment, bullying, bigotry, sexual content, or deliberately disruptive behaviour. Everyone deserves to feel welcome at the table. For safety signals, players can simply say or message: “Pause” — stop the scene for a moment. “Rewind” — adjust or retcon something that just happened. “Fade” — move past the scene without detail. “Can I message you?” — take it private. I will also check in after difficult scenes where needed, especially if the session has involved horror, intense combat, character death, or heavy themes. The aim is a tense, atmospheric, exciting dungeon adventure, not a game where players feel trapped, targeted, or uncomfortable. D&D 5e can still be tactical, dangerous, and full of consequences, but the table itself should feel safe, fair, and welcoming.