The Great Festive Heist: Stealing Winter's Magic

Creating your character

### CHARACTER CREATION **🎃 Level 5 Characters** Create a **Level 5 character using the 5.5e rules**. This is a high-freedom character creation table, so bring the character concept you actually want to play! **Ability Scores — 6×6 Grid Method** Instead of using standard array or point buy, I use my **6×6 Ability Score Grid**. Roll **4d6, drop the lowest die, and record the result**. Do this 36 times to create a 6×6 grid. You may then select your six ability scores from **one complete row, one complete column, or one of the two major diagonals**. This gives everyone the opportunity to build unusual and powerful characters while keeping character creation fun and unpredictable. **Character Options** • All official 5.5e character options are welcome. • **All 3rd-party content is approved**, provided it is compatible with the game system. • **D&D Beyond content/extensions for Roll20 are approved.** • Multiclassing is allowed. • Feats and other optional character-building rules are allowed. • Please bring a completed character sheet with your spells, abilities, equipment, and features ready to play. If you're unsure whether a particular 3rd-party option works, **ask me!** I'm happy to help make a character concept work rather than simply saying no. ### CHARACTER CONCEPT You can create almost any character concept that fits the adventure's whimsical gothic-fantasy tone. Your character could be: 🎃 A resident of Gloamhollow ⚔️ An adventurer passing through town 🔮 A monster hunter investigating the Seasonal Veil ✨ A traveler from another realm 🧙 A spellcaster fascinated by seasonal magic 🪓 A mercenary who was promised good pay 🎭 Or something completely unexpected! You don't need an elaborate backstory. A few sentences giving me something to work with is plenty. **Most importantly: bring a character you are excited to play.** If you are new to 5.5e or need help with character creation, let me know. I'm happy to help you get ready before the session.

Preparing for the session

Before the Game Please complete the following before the session: • Create a free **Roll20 account** — this is where we will play the adventure, manage character sheets, maps, tokens, and dice rolls. • Create or have access to a **Discord account** — Discord will be used for voice communication and table announcements. • Join the **Discord server** provided after booking and make sure you can access the game’s voice channel. • Join the **Roll20 game** using the invitation/link provided after booking. • Make sure your microphone works and that Discord has permission to access it. • Have your character ready before the session begins. Please complete your character sheet, spells, abilities, equipment, and other choices ahead of time so we can spend our session adventuring rather than troubleshooting. No additional software, VTT programs, or paid subscriptions are required. **Roll20 and Discord accounts are all you need to play.**

What LordTank (Sebastian) brings to the table

What I’ll Provide You can expect a cinematic, character-focused 5.5e adventure built around **roleplay, creative problem-solving, and a little Halloween mischief.** 🎭 **Heavy Roleplay & Character Voices** I enjoy bringing NPCs to life with distinct personalities, voices, and mannerisms. Your choices matter, and I’ll give you plenty of opportunities to interact with the strange residents, mischievous goblins, and magical creatures you encounter. 🎲 **Rule of Cool** Rules are important, but they shouldn’t get in the way of a great story. I generally follow the Rules as Written while allowing creative, well-explained ideas to bend the rules when it makes sense. If you can explain what you want to attempt, we can figure out how to roll for it! ⚔️ **Cinematic Combat** Expect a mix of exciting combat, exploration, puzzles, social encounters, and roleplay. Encounters are designed to feel like part of the story rather than a series of disconnected fights. 🗺️ **Roll20 VTT** The game is hosted on Roll20 with maps, tokens, dynamic lighting, character sheets, handouts, and other digital assets prepared ahead of time. 🎵 **Atmosphere & Immersion** I use descriptions, music, sound effects, and visual elements when appropriate to help create the spooky, whimsical, and magical atmosphere of the adventure. 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 **New & Experienced Players Welcome** You don't need to be a 5.5e expert. I’m happy to explain rules, help with your character, and keep the game moving. Experienced players are welcome too—especially those who enjoy helping newer players without taking over their characters. 🛡️ **A Safe, Inclusive Table** We’ll establish expectations during Session 0, including Lines & Veils and my Open Door Policy. Everyone should feel comfortable participating, stepping away, asking questions, or speaking up if something isn't working for them. Most importantly, I want everyone to have a great time. **Come ready to tell a story, make some questionable decisions, roll some dice, and see what happens.**

Homebrew rules

Homebrew Rules I keep homebrew rules to a minimum so players can focus on the adventure rather than learning a completely different ruleset. 🎲 **Rule of Cool** Creative ideas are encouraged! If you can explain what your character is trying to accomplish, I’ll determine an appropriate check, save, attack, or other mechanic. Particularly cinematic ideas may receive a situational advantage or other appropriate benefit. ⚔️ **Cinematic Critical Hits** Critical hits should feel exciting. When you score a critical hit, you’ll roll the additional damage dice as normal, with the possibility of adding cinematic effects when the situation allows. 🧪 **Potions** Drinking a potion yourself can be done as a **Bonus Action**. Administering a potion to another character remains an **Action**. 💀 **Death & Dying** Death saves follow the standard 5.5e rules. I don't use escalating death-save penalties or hidden death-save mechanics. 🧙 **Rule Clarifications** If an unusual situation comes up, I’ll make a quick ruling to keep the game moving. We can discuss the Rules as Written afterward rather than stopping the adventure for an extended rules debate. ✨ **The Golden Rule** If a ruling makes the game more fun without unfairly taking away from another player's experience, I'm generally willing to give it a shot. Any temporary or adventure-specific rules will be explained before they become relevant. You won't be expected to memorize anything beforehand.

How LordTank (Sebastian) creates a safe table

Safety & Player Comfort Creating a fun table also means creating a table where everyone feels comfortable speaking up. I use several safety tools throughout the game so players can enjoy the adventure without feeling pressured. 🚪 **Open Door Policy** You are always welcome to step away from the game for any reason, without needing to explain yourself. If you need a break, take one. 🛑 **Lines & Veils** Before we begin, we'll establish Lines & Veils so everyone has a clear understanding of topics that should not appear at the table or should remain off-screen. 🃏 **In-Game Safety Cards** Safety cards are available during the session so you can communicate your comfort level quickly and discreetly. You never have to justify using a safety tool. 💬 **Speak Up Anytime** If something makes you uncomfortable, isn't working for you, or simply isn't fun, you can let me know at any time—privately or at the table. I will take concerns seriously and adjust accordingly. 🎭 **Session 0 / Pre-Game Check-In** We'll briefly review table expectations, Lines & Veils, safety tools, communication, and the general tone of the adventure before play begins. For a one-shot, this is kept short so we can get into the story. ❤️ **Aftercare & Check-In** At the end of the adventure, I'll provide a brief opportunity to decompress, discuss the session, and share any feedback you'd like to give. My goal is simple: **everyone should feel safe, respected, and comfortable enough to have fun.**