D&D 5e Mini Campaign | The Forgotten Summer of '96

Creating your character

Adventure Level: This mini campaign is designed for 3rd-level characters. Please have your character fully created before the session begins, including stats, abilities, spells, and equipment, so the adventure can start on time. Characters may be created in Roll20 or on another platform. If your character is not built in Roll20, please send the DM a link or PDF of your character sheet 1–2 hours before the game for review. Also, please provide a picture for your character token (or bring your own) so everything is ready before the session begins. Ability scores may be generated using Standard Array or by rolling 4d6 and dropping the lowest die, following the D&D 2024 Player's Handbook. Homebrew options are welcome but must be approved by the DM before the game. Kids, Not Heroes Although this adventure uses the D&D 5e rules, your character is an ordinary kid growing up in a small town during the summer of 1996. Your race, class, and abilities represent your child's imagination, favorite costumes, hobbies, and personality rather than their literal appearance. For example: A Dragonborn might be the neighborhood kid who never takes off their homemade dragon costume. An Elf could be the fantasy-loving kid who always wears pointed ears and carries a toy bow. A Harengon might be the energetic kid who wears bunny ears everywhere. A Fairy could be the imaginative child with fairy wings, a flower crown, and a toy wand. Feel free to get creative! Part of the fun is imagining how your chosen race would be represented through childhood costumes and make-believe. Flavoring Your Equipment Weapons, spells, and equipment should also be flavored to fit the setting whenever possible. While the mechanics remain exactly the same, describe your abilities through the eyes of a child's imagination. Examples include: A sword becoming a foam or plastic toy sword. A staff becoming a flashlight, baseball bat, or walking stick. A wand becoming a toy wand, slingshot, or glow stick. Fire Bolt appearing as a bottle rocket or shower of fireworks. Mage Hand becoming an imaginary friend lending a hand. Shield appearing as the courage of childhood made real. Healing magic represented by imagination, encouragement, or childhood determination. Mechanically, nothing changes—only the flavor. Have fun bringing your imagination to life! New to D&D? No problem! This adventure is beginner friendly. If you'd like help creating a character, please contact the DM before game day so everything is ready when the adventure begins.

Preparing for the session

Before the Game: Setup Checklist Accounts & Platforms Discord: A free account is required for voice chat, communication, and session coordination. Please ensure your microphone works and you are in a quiet environment. Roll20: A free account is required for your character sheet, maps, and game interactions. Character Sheet & Token Preparation Please have your character sheet fully completed before the session. If your character is not created in Roll20, send a link or PDF of your sheet to the DM in advance so it can be reviewed. Character Image: Send an image of your character via Discord when signing up. This will be used to create your token for maps. You may provide your own token if preferred. Equipment & Environment A working microphone is required. Play in a quiet space free of distractions to maintain immersion and smooth game flow. Optional but recommended: headphones for clearer audio and better focus. Other Recommendations Ensure a stable internet connection to avoid disruptions. If you’re new to Roll20 or Discord, log in a few minutes early to test your setup and familiarize yourself with the tools.

What Samantha B. brings to the table

I strive to create an immersive and engaging experience where the story comes alive through visuals, sound, and interactive storytelling. I use vivid images, maps, and digital handouts to help you visualize locations, clues, and important objects, allowing you to interact directly with the world. Ambient music and sound effects enhance mood, build tension, and make scenes feel alive, whether subtle background noise or dramatic cues. All NPCs have distinct personalities and voices, making interactions memorable and easy to follow. Combat and encounters use tokens on battle maps, and I embrace the “rule of cool”, encouraging creative solutions and rewarding clever ideas. My table style is laid-back and flexible, focused on keeping the game fun while maintaining engagement. I value clear communication and transparency, keeping players informed about rules, expectations, and story developments. I am punctual and reliable, so sessions start on time, and you can count on a smooth, organized experience. Players can expect a mix of strategic gameplay, immersive storytelling, and interactive problem-solving, all in an environment designed for enjoyment and collaboration. My goal is for everyone to feel included, have fun, and walk away with a memorable adventure.

Homebrew rules

Critical Hits: When you score a critical hit, deal maximum damage plus a regular damage roll. Weapons: Switching between weapons is a free action, allowing for smooth combat flow. Chases & Travel: I use streamlined, custom rules to make travel and chase sequences exciting without slowing the game down. Skill Challenges: Custom skill challenges are used to create dynamic, story-driven obstacles. Rules will be explained in-game as needed. Tone & Flexibility: Rules are tools for fun and story, not obstacles. I prioritize enjoyment and narrative, and will adapt or clarify mechanics on the fly to keep the game flowing.

How Samantha B. creates a safe table

I prioritize creating a safe and comfortable space for all players. Communication is always open—players are welcome to reach out to me before, during, or after the session to discuss any concerns. During the game, I include regular breaks of 10–15 minutes, and I’m happy to extend or add more if needed to ensure everyone stays comfortable and engaged. Before the session begins, I go over rules, expectations, and boundaries, including a Lines and Veils document to set limits for sensitive content. X, N, & O signals can be used digitally (messaged or shown on video) to communicate boundaries during play. After the session, there will be a debrief/check-in to see how everyone is feeling and to provide any needed aftercare, giving space to process intense scenes or discuss anything that came up during the game.My goal is to foster a trusting and open environment where everyone can enjoy the story, engage fully with the adventure, and feel safe exploring the game.