The Greyhawk Gauntlet: Levels 1 to 20 in 16 weeks! 🏰✨️

Creating your character

Character Creation: From Zero to Legend We use a Digital-First, Theater of the Mind approach designed for speed, immersion, and high-octane progression. To keep our "Level Up After Every Dungeon Level Conquered" pace, please follow these steps: The Hub: All characters are managed via D&D Beyond. Upon joining, you will receive a link to our official Campaign Room. This allows me to sync with your digital dice rolls and provide real-time support during our sessions. The Specs: Start at Level 1 (You'll be Level 2 by the end of the first dungeon level!). Please take the time to create your character on D&D Beyond before the start of session 1. Ability Scores: Use Point Buy or Standard Array to ensure a balanced gauntlet. Race/Class (Back to Basic): Heroic Edition To maintain the breakneck pace of the Tower, we are sticking to the 5e Player's Handbook. This "Classic" approach ensures that we spend less time looking up complex rules and more time on legendary roleplay and high-stakes tactical combat. It's D&D in its purest, most powerful form! Equipment: Use the standard starting equipment provided by your class and background. The Submission: Once your sheet is ready, post the shareable link in our dedicated Discord #character-vault. The Workflow: We meet via Zoom for a high-energy, narrative-driven experience. No complex Virtual Tabletop (VTT) to learn - just your imagination, your digital dice, and the unfolding mystery of the tower. Note: Since we level up after every dungeon level conquered, "Leveling Homework" is required between games. I am available via Discord throughout the week to help you optimize your build as we descend further into the Tower!

Preparing for the session

Preparation: Your Gateway to the Tower To ensure we hit the ground running, please complete the following checklist at least 24 hours before our first session. This keeps our "Level Up After Every Dungeon Level Conquered" momentum high! 1. Enter the Discord Hub: After booking, you will receive a link to our private Discord server. This is where we handle loot tracking, session recaps, and "Leveling Homework." Please join and post a quick hello in the #introductions channel! 2. Join the D&D Beyond Campaign: I will provide a unique "Campaign Join Link" in the Discord #important-links channel. Clicking this link adds your character to my DM dashboard, allowing me to share my digital library of books with you for free and track your rolls in real-time. 3. Prepare Your Tech: - Zoom: Ensure you have the Zoom app installed on your device. I will post our specific "Meeting Link" in Discord 15 minutes before we start. - Audio: A headset or earbuds are highly recommended to prevent echo and ensure you can hear the "Tower's" ambient soundscapes clearly as well as my voice and those of your party members. 4. Character Submission: Create your Level 1 character in the D&D Beyond campaign and post the URL in the #character-vault channel on Discord. What to Bring: A sense of adventure, a stable internet connection, and your favorite digital (or physical) dice. I'll handle the rest!

What Jordan brings to the table

What I Provide: The Lead DM Experience When you join a session at my table, you aren't just getting a dungeon crawl—you are getting a fully-realized, immersive service. Here is what I bring to every game: Atmospheric Immersion: I utilize high-quality ambient soundscapes and thematic music streamed directly through our session. Whether it's the whimsical tunes of the "Candyland" floor or the dread-inducing echoes of the "Deadly Ascent," the audio will anchor you in the moment. Narrative First (Roleplay & "Rule of Cool"): While I am a veteran of the systems we use, I value storytelling and player creativity above all else. I embrace the "Rule of Cool"—if you have a brilliant, imaginative idea that pushes the story forward, I will work with you to make it happen, rather than letting rigid rules stand in the way of a legendary moment. Tactical Depth: Don't let the "Rule of Cool" fool you—the Tower is dangerous. I provide challenging, varied tactical combat that rewards clever thinking and teamwork. Constant Availability: My Discord is my office. I check it daily and am available throughout the week to answer questions, help with "Leveling Homework," or discuss your character’s arc. You have a dedicated DM both on and off the clock. Professional Logistics: I provide a streamlined, organized environment. From the D&D Beyond Campaign Hub to our Zoom meetings, I handle the technical "heavy lifting" so you can focus entirely on your character and the adventure.

Homebrew rules

Homebrew Rules: The Tower’s Toll (Life & Death) The Tower of Magic operates on a unique planar logic. Survival is not guaranteed, and the "Safety Net" of standard 5e is gone. We use the following custom rules for health and resurrection: The Final Stand (The -1 Rule): In this campaign, reaching 0 HP is a critical crisis. There are no "stabilizing" handouts. If you drop below 0 HP (even -1), you are on the brink of soul-dissolution. The Mechanics: Upon dropping below 0, you may immediately add your Character Level to your current HP. If this brings you back to 0 or higher, you stabilize and your party can assist you. If it does not, you die instantly. The Toll of Resurrection: Death is not the end, but it is expensive. There are two ways to return: - 1. Still Points (Way Stations): Found occasionally throughout the levels. The party can pay a specific "Soul Cost" (gold, items, or narrative sacrifices) to bring a fallen comrade back immediately. - 2. Automatic Ascent: If the party cannot or will not pay at a Still Point, the Tower will automatically reconstitute the fallen player at the start of the next dungeon level. The Penalty: If you rely on the Tower’s "Automatic Ascent," you return one level lower than you were when you died. In a game where power is everything, this is a significant setback. Why these rules? I value high-stakes tactical play. These rules ensure that every combat feels dangerous and that "cleric healing" is a strategic resource, not a guarantee.

How Jordan creates a safe table

Safety & Inclusion: A Hero’s Sanctuary While the Tower of Magic can be "Dark" and "Deadly," my top priority is that every player feels safe and respected at the table. To ensure a comfortable experience for everyone, I utilize the following industry-standard safety tools: Lines and Veils: Before our first session, all players will receive a digital document to establish "Lines" (topics that will never appear in the game) and "Veils" (topics that may occur but will always 'fade to black'). X, N, and O Cards: We use digital and physical signaling during play. - X-Card: Stop the scene immediately, no questions asked. - N-Card: This is getting close to a boundary; let’s dial it back or move on. - O-Card: I am good with what’s happening—keep going! Note: Since we are on Zoom, you can type these in the chat, use a digital icon, or hold up a physical card to your camera. Aftercare (Stars & Wishes): At the end of every session, I facilitate a brief "Aftercare" check-in. We discuss the session’s events and use Stars & Wishes: - Stars: What did you love about the session? (A great roleplay moment, a cool kill, etc.) - Wishes: What would you like to see more of in the future? Open Door Policy: My Discord DMs are always open. If something felt off during a session or if your boundaries change, you can message me privately at any time.