Dragonlance: Shadow of the Black Rose [D&D 5.5e]

Creating your character

Character creation happens at Session 0, together, not as homework beforehand. Bring your ideas, your questions, and an open mind, and we'll build your character as a group session: sorting party composition, backstory hooks, and a few setting-specific quirks that are easier to explain in conversation than in a listing. One of those quirks: healing magic is rare and tightly limited in this world, and character options around it will be discussed and assigned during that session. If that intrigues you more than it worries you, you're going to have a good time. Stats, species, class, and background are your choice within the 2024 rules, with a couple of setting-specific restrictions covered at Session 0.

Preparing for the session

Discord - Download Discord and create an account if you don't have one. I'll send you a personal invite link to the campaign server once you're booked. This is where we'll communicate, share session updates, and play. Owlbear Rodeo - No download needed, it runs in your browser. Just make sure you can access it at owlbear.rodeo before session one so there are no surprises on game night. A working microphone - Clear audio is essential. A headset is ideal but any mic will do as long as your fellow players can hear you without interference. A webcam - I ask that everyone has a webcam on during sessions. This is a roleplay-heavy adventure and being able to see each other genuinely elevates the experience for the whole table. If you have concerns about this, feel free to message me before booking and we can have a chat. That's it! No paid software, no complex setup. If you run into any technical issues before session one, reach out and we'll sort it out.

What Mal brings to the table

My goal at the table is simple: every session should feel like an episode of something you can't stop watching. I build games around story, character, and consequence where the world reacts to what you do and the NPCs have real motivations. I try to use distinct voices and personalities for every major NPC, from grizzled Solamnic knights to draconian commanders to villains like Lord Soth himself, the kind of antagonist you'll love to hate. Ambient music runs throughout every session. Battle themes, the eerie silence of ruined temples, tense negotiation underscore all designed to keep you locked in from the first minute to the last. Combat in this campaign is frequent, intense, and cinematic. Encounters are designed to challenge your tactics and your nerve, from desperate defences of burning villages to aerial dragonnel duels to things that go wrong in interesting ways. I embrace the Rule of Cool. If it's bold, creative, and dramatic, I want to find a way to make it work, while keeping Rules as Written in my back pocket where fairness and consistency matter. Players at this table can expect: A living world that responds to your choices, with consequences that carry across the whole campaign. Distinct, memorable NPCs with their own agendas. Allies, rivals, and everything in between. Cinematic combat built for tension and drama, not just damage output. Ambient music woven into every session. Support for newer players on rules and mechanics without slowing the table down. Moments of genuine surprise! This campaign earns its cliffhangers.

Homebrew rules

We will cover all of this in Session 0, make sure you have a way to keep notes!

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.