The Gladiatorium: Drop-In D&D Arena | YOUR FIRST SESSION IS FREE

Creating your character

Because The Gladiatorium is a flexible, drop-in/drop-out combat league, you don't need to wait for a mandatory Session Zero. You can build and manage your gladiator directly in Foundry VTT on your own time and jump into the Monday queue whenever you're ready to rumble! Starting Level: Level 1 (Claw your way up from the under-mountain muck of Skullport to the grand stages of Waterdeep!). Stats & Generation: Point Buy to ensure a balanced, competitive playing field across the arena. Allowed Materials: We use the official D&D 5.5e (2024 Player's Handbook) ruleset, leveraging the updated 2024 weapon masteries, classes, and mechanics. Gladiator Concepts & Build Guidelines The arena welcomes all combatants, whether you're a disciplined martial artist, a brutal pit-fighter, a tactical rogue, or a destructive war-mage. Lean into builds that excel at fast-paced combat, positioning, and survival. Motives & Backstory (Keep It Simple!) Unlike a sprawling narrative campaign, your backstory doesn't need a tragedy or a complex dark bargain. Your motivation can be as straightforward as the arena demands: The Debt-Rider: Fighting in Skullport's pits to pay off a massive underworld debt. The Glory Seeker: Chasing fame, fan adoration, and a spot on the global leaderboard. The Combat Tactician: A mercenary or veteran looking to test new 2024 weapon combinations and sharpen their skills against elite monsters. Build your hero, equip your starting gear, and step into the sand!

Preparing for the session

What you will need to prepare: ✅ A Mic ✅ Discord ✅ Foundry Account will be created ✅ Fill in the Supplied Google Forms ✅ Create your character within Foundry ✅ A basic knowledge of the rules and how your character/class works. (if you are a beginner, don't worry, you will get the hang of it!)

What Calvin brings to the table

Tools & Resources: FOUNDRY VTT: Immerse yourselves in the adventure with dynamic maps on the Foundry VTT or App, complete with fog of war, line of sight and interactive elements & initiative tracker all within one platform. Discord: We'll connect and communicate on Discord, sharing voice and text chat to keep the game flowing smoothly. Custom Content: I'll be creating plenty of my own content to bring the world to life, from unique NPCs and monsters to immersive descriptions and intriguing plot hooks & creative hand outs. My GM Style: Immersive Storytelling: I love to create a vivid and engaging narrative, using descriptive language, character voices, and ambient music to set the scene and draw you into the world. Tactical Combat: Expect exciting and challenging combat encounters, where strategy and teamwork are key to victory. Rule of Cool: While I respect the rules, I also believe in the power of the Rule of Cool. If you come up with a creative and awesome idea, I'll do my best to make it work within the game's framework. Collaborative Storytelling & Passion: As one of my players mentioned, I'm passionate about collaborative storytelling. My primary concern is for everyone to contribute to and enjoy an awesome story together. Lore Focused: I delve deep into the lore, crafting a world rich in history, secrets, and interconnected narratives. Overall, my games are a blend of: Immersion: I aim to create a world that feels real and alive, with rich details and memorable characters. Challenge: Expect to face tough choices, overcome obstacles, and test your skills in combat and roleplaying. Fun: Above all, I want everyone to have fun and enjoy the collaborative storytelling experience. What to Bring: Your Character: A fully created character on D&D Beyond, ready for adventure! Enthusiasm: Come ready to explore, roleplay, and have a great time! Open Mind: Be prepared for the unexpected and embrace the collaborative storytelling experience. I'm excited to embark on this journey with you!

How Calvin creates a safe table

Safety Tools & Session 0: Lines and Veils: I'll share a link to a Lines and Veils document where you can anonymously list any topics or themes you'd prefer to avoid or approach with caution. Session 0: We'll dedicate time to discuss everyone's expectations, comfort levels, and playstyles. We'll also establish shared boundaries, review the Lines and Veils, and address any questions or concerns. Aftercare: If a session touches on sensitive topics or triggers any discomfort, I'll check in with everyone afterward to ensure they're okay. I'm also open to debriefing or discussing any issues outside of the game. X, N, & O's: We'll use a combination of digital and verbal cues for X, N, & O's, depending on what's most comfortable for the group. Gameplay Details: Character-Driven: I love to see characters grow and evolve, so expect plenty of opportunities for roleplaying and personal development. Player Agency: Your choices matter! The story will adapt and change based on your decisions, creating a unique and collaborative experience. Worldbuilding: I'll provide a rich and detailed setting to explore, filled with intriguing lore and hidden secrets. Getting to Know You: Before we begin our adventure, I'd like to get to know you a little better. Please take a few minutes to fill out a Google Form before our session. I'm curious about what you enjoy in games, what inspires you, and any specific boundaries or preferences you have. This helps me create a safe and enjoyable experience tailored to your interests. For example, I'm personally terrified of spiders, so I won't be including them in the game unless everyone is comfortable with it.