The Dark Eorath Chronicles #1: Guard Detail

Creating your character

Create your character before the first session using D&D Beyond. I’ll review characters before the game so we can resolve any questions and make sure everyone is comfortable with their character. Characters start at Level 1. Stats are generated by rolling 4d6, rerolling the lowest die, then assigning the three remaining dice to any ability score. The Dark Eorath Chronicles use a traditional fantasy setting. Standard 2024 Player’s Handbook species and classes are preferred. Older material, unusual options or additional books can be considered by arrangement, but anything outside the standard options should be discussed with me before creating the character. Homebrew and third-party material require prior agreement and must fit the setting. Starting equipment follows the normal 2024 rules, although reasonable alternatives can be discussed where they make sense for the character. Before creating your character, send me a basic concept. You don't need a detailed biography, but I want to know who your character is, what motivates them and why they would take a mercenary or protection job. Everyone should arrive with a finished character. We can use the beginning of the session for introductions and establishing the group rather than spending the adventure building characters.

Preparing for the session

Join the campaign Discord server. This will be used for communication, announcements and anything we need to discuss before or after the game. Create or have access to a D&D Beyond account and create your character there so I can review it before the session. Send me your character concept before completing the sheet if you are using an unusual species, class, background or other option outside the standard material. Install the AboveVTT browser extension/plugin and make sure you can access the game from a computer before the session. AboveVTT will be used for maps, tokens, combat and other game elements. A computer is required. You don't need previous experience with AboveVTT. I'll provide the campaign link and help with anything needed before we start. You don't need to know anything about Eorath before joining. The setting is intended to be discovered through play. Make sure you have a working microphone, headphones or speakers and a reasonably stable internet connection. A webcam is not required.

What Dead_One brings to the table

You’ll get a fully prepared Eorath adventure with maps, tokens, NPCs, encounters, handouts, music, ambience and other material needed to play through AboveVTT. This is a story-driven adventure, but it isn't a scripted performance. The world and its NPCs have their own motivations, while your decisions determine how you deal with them. The journey provides opportunities for roleplay, exploration, investigation and combat. Some situations have obvious dangers, while others may require you to work out what is actually happening before deciding what to do. I use descriptive narration, NPC personalities, music, ambience and sound effects rather than relying heavily on character voices. Roleplaying is encouraged but doesn't require acting or voices. You can speak in character, describe what your character does in third person, or simply explain your approach. A good plan or convincing description may give advantage, alter a difficulty or remove the need for a roll entirely. Combat can be dangerous, but it isn't the entire game. I prefer encounters where players have meaningful choices rather than simply reducing an enemy's hit points to zero. I also use the Rule of Cool where it makes sense. If you have an unusual idea, tell me what you're trying to accomplish and how you intend to do it. If it makes sense within the situation, we'll find a way to resolve it. The Dark Eorath Chronicles are connected to a wider living world. You may encounter things that become important later, but you won't need to know the wider story to enjoy this adventure.

Homebrew rules

I use a small number of house rules designed to keep the game moving, reward good descriptions and make actions feel grounded in the situation. A natural 1 on an attack automatically fails and ends your turn. On significant checks, a natural 1 represents a meaningful failure where appropriate. A natural 20 on a check is not an automatic success if something is genuinely impossible, but it produces an exceptional result. A failed check may become an almost-success, while a successful check may produce an especially good result. I don't use the standard flanking rule simply because two characters stand on opposite sides of a creature. Position matters when there is a genuine tactical reason, such as attacking from behind or catching a distracted opponent. The normal 2024 Rogue rules apply to Sneak Attack, but I expect players to create the circumstances for it. If you want to sneak, be sneaky. Describe how you're hiding, approaching unseen or exploiting a distracted target. Drinking a potion yourself is a Bonus Action and uses the normal healing roll. Using your full Action gives maximum healing. Feeding another character a potion takes an Action and uses the normal roll. Roleplaying is encouraged but doesn't require voices or acting. Describe what your character says or does, in character or otherwise. A convincing approach may give advantage, alter the difficulty or remove the need for a roll entirely. The character sheet tells me what your character can do; your description tells me how they do it.

How Dead_One creates a safe table

Player comfort and safety are important to me, particularly when bringing together players who may not know each other. Before the game, we’ll establish expectations, boundaries, campaign style and player behaviour. I’ll provide a Lines and Veils document so players can identify subjects they do not want included or would prefer to keep off-screen. This adventure contains fantasy violence, danger, death and potentially disturbing situations. The Dark Eorath Chronicles can explore darker themes than my lighter adventures, but individual player boundaries will always be respected. During play, players can privately message me if something makes them uncomfortable. You don't need to justify the request. X means stop or remove it, N means change direction or reduce the intensity, and O means you're comfortable continuing. There may occasionally be a short delay before I see a message during an intense scene, but I'll respond as soon as possible. Players can contact me privately at any time if they have a concern about the game or another player. After particularly intense scenes or sessions, I'll check in where appropriate and remain available privately if anyone wants to discuss something. Harassment, discrimination, bullying, sexual harassment or deliberately disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated.