The Wild Beyond the Witchlight

Creating your character

Character creation for this campaign is collaborative and story-first. We'll run a Session Zero together to build characters as a group rather than in isolation. This is where we figure out how your characters know each other, and how each of you ended up drawn to the carnival's doorstep in the first place. Characters begin at level 1, giving everyone room to grow together as things get stranger and more dangerous. We'll use the 2024 Dungeons & Dragons 5e rules. All official sourcebooks and supplements are welcome; stats can be rolled or point-buy depending on group preference. During Session Zero we'll cover species, class, background, and starting equipment, but just as much focus goes on personality, ideals, flaws, and bonds and specifically, what your character wants! Wishes and desires are the emotional engine of this campaign, so knowing what your character is chasing will pay off in a big way. I love parties that feel connected from the start, so we'll weave in shared history, rivalries, or found-family dynamics wherever it fits. Session Zero also covers table expectations: pacing, tone, safety tools, and comfort at the table, so everyone starts on the same page.

Preparing for the session

To make sure everyone can jump in and have fun from the first session, there are a few simple steps to prepare before the game starts. Discord Access: We’ll be using Discord as our main hub for voice, video, and chat. Please make sure you have an account set up and a functioning microphone. Clear audio is important so we can communicate smoothly during roleplay and combat. Video is not optional, it is essential for Roleplaying online, that we can all see you! Dice rolls can be done here too. Virtual Tabletop: We’ll use Owlbear Rodeo for mapping and visuals. You don’t need to purchase anything; a free account is sufficient. Dice rolling is built in, but if you’d rather use physical dice, that’s completely fine! The game runs on trust, and I encourage whatever method feels best for you. Character Prep: Please have your character ready by the end of Session Zero. I’ll guide you through creation together, but having ideas about your character’s species, class, and concept beforehand helps us move faster. Familiarity with Materials: It’s helpful to have access to the relevant D&D 5e sourcebooks or PDFs if you plan to reference rules yourself, but it’s not required. I’ll manage most rules and ensure the session flows. Optional Tools: If you like, you can have a notebook or digital note-taking tool to keep track of your character’s actions, spells, and items. This is optional but can make gameplay smoother, especially during combat. In short, all you need is a good mic and camera, Discord access, and a willingness to dive in. Beyond that, you’re free to use digital or physical dice, take notes as you like, and focus on enjoying the story and interactions at the table. My goal is to make it as easy as possible to jump in and start adventuring!

What Mal brings to the table

As your GM, my goal is to create an immersive, cinematic, and engaging experience where story, character, and player choice come first. I provide a rich, living world full of lore, intrigue, and adventure, with meaningful consequences and opportunities for characters to grow. My style blends narrative, tactical combat, and interactive storytelling, so every session feels dynamic and memorable. I use distinct character voices (where I can!) and personalities for NPCs to make every interaction feel alive. I also incorporate ambient music and sound effects to heighten tension, underscore dramatic moments. Music helps set tone, signal suspense, and make memorable moments feel cinematic. Combat in my games is intense, tactical, and cinematic. Encounters are designed to challenge your decisions and strategy while keeping the story moving. I embrace the Rule of Cool, rewarding creativity and bold solutions, but I also respect the Rules as Written where needed to maintain fairness and consistency. Players can expect: A world that reacts to your choices. Story-driven gameplay, with opportunities for roleplay, exploration, clever puzzles, and moral dilemmas. Dynamic encounters, including whimsical set-pieces, tense confrontations, and emotionally charged challenges. Support and guidance, especially for new players or complex rules interactions. Cinematic moments, rich with detail, atmosphere, and immersive storytelling — playful one second, unsettling the next. I aim to make each session memorable, interactive, and fun, providing a space where creativity, strategy, and character development are all rewarded. Whether your character is charming their way past a carnival barker, untangling a bargain gone wrong, or following a trail that leads somewhere no map can chart, I'll provide the tools, setting, and guidance to make every adventure feel alive.

Homebrew rules

Any homebrew can be discussed in Session Zero.

How Mal creates a safe table

Player safety and comfort are a top priority at my table. I want everyone to feel secure, respected, and free to explore the story without fear of discomfort or judgment. To achieve this, I use multiple tools and practices both before and during sessions. Before the first game, I provide access to the Monte Cooke consent form, which lets players identify topics, themes, or content they are uncomfortable with, as well as their preferences for in-game content. This allows me to tailor scenes and encounters to ensure everyone can enjoy the story without encountering unwanted material. During Session Zero, we discuss boundaries, table expectations, and any “No-Go” topics openly. If there’s something a player would like to communicate privately, that’s always welcome. I’ll never shame or pressure anyone. Session Zero is also the place to clarify tone, pacing, and expectations for roleplay and combat, making sure everyone is on the same page. I also incorporate Lines and Veils where appropriate, either via the consent form or discussion, so players can set limits on what happens on-screen or what is only implied. This ensures sensitive or potentially triggering content is handled safely and respectfully. After sessions, I'm happy to host aftercare check-ins for any players who want to discuss content or decompress. This can be done via chat, voice, or a quick private message. Whatever feels most comfortable for the player. In short, my table is a judgment-free zone where fun, immersion, and safety go hand in hand. My goal is to create a space where players feel free to explore their characters, engage with the story, and enjoy the game without fear or discomfort. Respect, communication, and consent are always at the forefront.