Astarion's Family Feud | A Level 3 Gothic Adventure

Creating your character

Characters should be created before the session so we can jump straight into the adventure. If you need any help creating your character - whether you're brand new to Dungeons & Dragons or just want some advice - I'm more than happy to help. Simply join the Discord server after booking your seat, and we can work on your character together before the game. Character Creation Rules * Starting Level: 3 * Ruleset: Dungeons & Dragons 2025 Core Rules * Ability Scores: Standard Array or Point Buy * Hit Points: Follow the 2025 Core Rules for your class. * Equipment: Choose your class and background starting equipment. * Sources: Official Wizards of the Coast 2025 content is permitted. If you'd like to use material from another official source, please check with me before the session. You are welcome to build your character using D&D Beyond or another character sheet of your choice. If you'd like me to review your character before the game, feel free to send it to me on Discord. Characters don't need any prior connection to Baldur's Gate or Astarion, but they should have a reason to work as part of a team and accept dangerous work. Since this is a cooperative adventure, please create a character who is willing to adventure alongside the rest of the party. If you're unsure what to play, don't worry! I'm always happy to suggest classes, backgrounds, or character ideas that fit the adventure and your preferred playstyle.

Preparing for the session

Before the session, please complete the following: * Join the Discord server. You'll receive an invite after booking. This is where we'll communicate before the game, discuss your character, and answer any questions you may have. * Create a Level 3 character using the 2025 Dungeons & Dragons Core Rules. If you'd like help, just ask on Discord—I'm always happy to help build your character. * Join the Roll20 game before the session begins. I'll provide the game link once you've booked your seat. * Check your microphone and internet connection before the game starts. A webcam is optional but always welcome. * Log in a few minutes early so we can resolve any technical issues and begin the adventure on time. If you run into any problems before the session, don't hesitate to reach out on Discord. I'm happy to help!

What Drew brings to the table

When you join one of my games, my goal is simple: to create an adventure where every player feels involved, every decision matters, and everyone leaves the table with a story they'll want to tell again. I love bringing the world to life through descriptive storytelling, character voices, and memorable NPCs. Whether you're negotiating with a suspicious innkeeper, standing face-to-face with a vampire spawn, or desperately trying to escape an infernal ambush, I want the world to feel alive and reactive. I also use ambient music to help set the mood, whether that's the bustle of a tavern, the eerie silence of forgotten crypts, or the tension of an approaching battle. Combat in my games is tactical, dynamic, and story-driven. Enemies fight intelligently and use the environment to their advantage, but encounters are designed to be challenging rather than unfair. I enjoy creating cinematic moments, so if you come up with a clever strategy or an exciting idea that fits the situation, I'm always happy to reward creative thinking. While I have a solid understanding of the rules, I also believe that memorable moments often come from players trying something unexpected. If a cool idea makes sense and keeps the game fun, I'm happy to embrace the Rule of Cool. Roleplay is encouraged but never forced. If you love speaking in character and diving into conversations, you'll have plenty of opportunities to do so. If you prefer describing what your character says or focusing more on combat and exploration, that's absolutely welcome too. Every playstyle has a place at my table, and I want everyone to feel comfortable participating in the way that suits them best. I work hard to keep the game moving at a good pace. If an obscure rules question comes up during play, I'll make a quick ruling so we don't lose momentum, then check the official ruling after the session if necessary. My priority is keeping the game flowing while remaining fair and consistent for everyone. I also believe that D&D is at its best when it's collaborative. The adventure may have a beginning, but how it unfolds is entirely up to the players. Your choices, successes, failures, and unexpected plans will shape the story, and I love improvising when the party surprises me - which happens more often than you'd think! Above all, I want my table to be welcoming, respectful, and inclusive. Whether you're completely new to Dungeons & Dragons or have years of experience, you'll find a supportive environment where questions are encouraged, teamwork is celebrated, and everyone gets the chance to shine. My aim is for every session to feel like an epic fantasy story that you helped create, not one that you simply watched unfold.

How Drew creates a safe table

Player comfort is always my priority. While this adventure explores darker themes, I want everyone at the table to feel safe, respected, and able to enjoy the story. Before we begin, I’ll briefly outline the themes and content of the adventure so everyone knows what to expect. This adventure includes themes such as gothic horror, vampires, blood, violence, devils, betrayal, and fantasy crime. If there’s anything you’d rather avoid, you’re welcome to message me privately on Discord before the session begins. You never have to explain why something makes you uncomfortable just let me know, and I’ll adjust the adventure where needed. During the game, I use a simple X-Card system. If a scene becomes uncomfortable for any reason, you can simply type “X” in the Roll20 or Discord chat, send me a private message, or say it aloud. As soon as I see it, we’ll move away from the scene, change direction, or fade to black without drawing attention to the player who used it. No explanations are required, and there will never be any pressure to justify your decision. I also encourage open communication throughout the session. If you need to take a break, step away for a few minutes, or check in with me privately, that’s absolutely fine. I’d much rather pause the game for a moment than have someone feel uncomfortable. At the end of every session, I like to hold a short debrief with the group. This gives everyone the chance to talk about their favourite moments, ask questions, and raise any concerns after the game has finished. If there’s anything you’d like me to do differently in future sessions, I’m always happy to listen and improve. Safety tools are there to support the fun, not interrupt it. My aim is to create a table where everyone feels comfortable speaking up, knowing they’ll be listened to and respected. If something isn’t working for you before, during, or after the game, my inbox is always open, and we’ll find a solution together.