Grim Hollow: Realms of Etharis | Character-Driven Dark Fantasy

Creating your character

We will create characters at level 1 using the 2024 rules, with approved legacy options where appropriate. Before the campaign begins, each player will have free a one-on-one Session 0 with me to develop their character, connect their backstory to Etharis, and discuss any questions about the world. Ability scores will be rolled together during Session 0 and the results recorded. You do not need to arrive with a completed character—I am happy to help turn your ideas into someone who feels naturally connected to the setting. Characters should primarily use the traditional species presented in the Grim Hollow Player’s Guide: humans, elves, dwarves, half-elves, half-orcs, dragonborn, gnomes, and halflings. Other published species may be allowed, but they are uncommon in Etharis and may face additional narrative or social challenges. Please speak with me before choosing one so we can make the concept fit naturally into the world. Most campaign communication will take place through Discord. You will receive an invitation to the campaign server after signing up.

Preparing for the session

- Create free accounts for D&D Beyond and Discord. - Join the campaign’s Discord server using the invitation sent after signup. - Bring a level 1 character concept, but do not worry about completing the character beforehand. We will finalize it together during your one-on-one Session 0 using the 2024 rules. - Ability scores will be rolled together for transparency. - If you want to play an uncommon or legacy species, message me beforehand so we can ensure the character fits naturally into Etharis.

What MightyDM brings to the table

II run character-driven stories in which your backstory becomes part of the campaign rather than remaining on the edge of it. Etharis has its own conflicts and dangers, but your choices determine which stories we pursue, which factions rise or fall, and how the world remembers your party. Expect immersive NPC voices, atmospheric music, memorable recurring characters, and personal story arcs created around your character. I embrace the Rule of Cool when an idea fits the fiction, but choices still carry consequences. Both roleplay and combat matter at my table. Conversations can change alliances, save lives, or create new enemies, while challenging tactical encounters reward preparation, teamwork, and knowing when to retreat. Character injury and death are real possibilities, but danger will have context and victories will feel earned. This table is best suited for players who enjoy serious character investment, collaborative storytelling, tactical decision-making, and a dark world that responds meaningfully to their actions.

Homebrew rules

HOMWBREW RULES These rules reinforce the campaign’s gritty atmosphere, reward preparation, and make dangerous choices carry meaningful consequences. RESTING - A Quick Rest lasts 1 hour. During it, a character may spend up to half their maximum Hit Dice, rounded up, to recover hit points. A Quick Rest does not restore abilities or resources that normally recharge during a Short Rest. - A Short Rest requires 8 hours. - A Long Rest requires 72 hours in a reasonably safe location. - Characters must eat at least once each day to receive the full benefits of a Long Rest. - Sleeping in light armor or without armor imposes no penalties. - Sleeping in medium armor reduces the hit points recovered from resting by half. - Sleeping in heavy armor restores no hit points and causes one level of Exhaustion. COMBAT - Flanking grants a +2 bonus to attack rolls. - Each additional ally surrounding and threatening the same creature increases this bonus by +1. Example: two allies flanking each would gain +2 to hit, while a third participating ally increases the bonus to +3 to hit. - Death saving throws are rolled secretly by player and sent only to the DM. - When a character falls unconscious after being reduced to 0 hit points, they gain one level of Exhaustion. - On a critical hit with any melee attack, maximize the attack’s normal damage dice, roll those dice one additional time, and then add the appropriate modifiers. INJURIES AND EQUIPMENT - Combat can result in grievous injuries, including damaged organs, lost eyes, or severed limbs. These injuries may carry mechanical consequences until properly treated but are rare. - Weapons and equipment experience wear and may require maintenance, repair, or replacement. - Character death is possible. Preparation, teamwork, and knowing when to retreat are important parts of surviving Etharis. CURSES and TRANSFORMATIONS Curses are powerful forces in Etharis and are rarely removed with a single spell. Supernatural transformations can also occur and may become a lasting part of your character’s story.

How MightyDM creates a safe table

For safety, on our 1 on 1 we will communicate our lines and veils along with our X's. Along with the open-door policy where you may leave at any time as needed with breaks included. Remember you can always talk to me if you need to or feel like you need to.