The Desert of Desolation

Creating your character

Characters will be created before Session 1 using D&D 5e (2024 Rules). We'll begin at Level 5. You can use any official Wizards of the Coast sourcebook, provided it fits the Forgotten Realms setting and is approved by me. Character stats will use Point Buy (27 points). During Session 0, we'll work together to tie your character into the world and ensure everyone has a reason to travel together. New and experienced players are equally welcome, and I'm happy to help with character creation if needed.

Preparing for the session

Before your first session, you'll need to: Join our Discord server for announcements, scheduling, and communication. Have a working browser. Have a working microphone (webcam is completely optional). Create your character before Session 1 on either Foundry or DnDBeyond (I'm happy to help if you're new to D&D or want to workshop ideas). Everything else, including maps, music and the VTT will be provided. No prior experience with Foundry or D&D is required, I enjoy teaching new players just as much as running for veterans.

What Tom brings to the table

I focus on immersive, cinematic storytelling where your character's choices genuinely shape the world around them. Expect rich descriptions, NPCs with distinct personalities and voices, ambient music, hand-crafted maps, journals, handouts, and plenty of opportunities for roleplay alongside meaningful combat. Combat is tactical and rewarding, but never feels like a series of disconnected encounters. Enemies have motivations, environments matter, and boss fights are designed to feel memorable rather than simply having larger health pools. I enjoy rewarding creative thinking and clever plans, and I'm always happy to embrace the Rule of Cool when it creates exciting moments, while keeping the game grounded in the rules. I run my games using Foundry VTT, making full use of animated maps, dynamic lighting to bring the world to life. Whether you're exploring ancient ruins, bargaining with mysterious NPCs, or standing against legendary monsters, my goal is for every session to feel like you're part of an epic fantasy adventure rather than just moving miniatures across a map. Above all else, I want everyone at the table to have fun. I welcome both new and experienced players, encourage teamwork, and aim to create a friendly, respectful environment where everyone gets their chance to shine.

Homebrew rules

A few homebrew rules I use: 🧪 Drinking a potion yourself is a Bonus Action. Administering one to another creature is an Action. 🪙 Flanking is +2 rather than advantage. 🧠 Rule of Cool: Creative ideas are encouraged. If it's awesome, makes sense, and doesn't overshadow other players, I'll usually find a way to let you try. 📖 Clever roleplay, solving problems creatively, and engaging with the world may earn inspiration or other narrative rewards.

How Tom creates a safe table

My goal is to create a welcoming, respectful table where everyone feels comfortable contributing. Before the campaign begins, we'll have a Session 0 to discuss expectations, character concepts, boundaries, and the tone of the game. I use Lines & Veils to establish content everyone is comfortable with, and players are always welcome to message me privately if they'd rather discuss boundaries one-on-one. During sessions, anyone can pause the game or message me privately if something makes them uncomfortable, no explanation required. I'll regularly check in with the group after sessions, especially following emotionally intense moments, and I'm always happy to adjust content if needed. My priority is making sure everyone has a fun, inclusive, and respectful experience where every player feels heard and valued.