The Witherwild: Zelda/Ghibli Inspired Daggerheart Learn to Play!

Creating your character

We will create our heroes together during a free Session 0! Starting Level: Level 1. Ancestries & Classes: All official Daggerheart playtest/core rules options are available (e.g., Clank, Fungril, Katari, Ribbet, Wildborne, etc.). Setting Ties: We will use Session 0 prompts to connect your character's backstory directly to Fanewick or Haven. Platform: Characters to be hosted inside my shared Alchemy VTT / Demiplane campaign link.

Preparing for the session

Create a free account on Discord and Alchemy VTT (no subscription or download required for either). Think about what kind of hero you'd like to play in a world dominated by rampant nature and corrupted gods! You will receive a link to join a Discord!

What Bruce brings to the table

Immersive, dynamically curated ambient playlists, SFX, and soundscapes thanks to the Pocket Bard software. Dedicated Discord server with organized channels. A structured Session 0 with safety tools (Lines & Veils, X-Card) integrated into the game so everyone can explore this fantasy and urban mystery in a safe, comfortable environment. My DM Style & Expectations: I bring the NPCs of this campaign to life with distinct voices, personalities, and motivations. I love leaning into character-driven scenes, giving everyone their moment in the spotlight, and letting your backstories directly impact the main narrative. I believe the rules exist to support fun storytelling, not stifle it. I maintain a solid foundation of Rules as Written (RAW) so the game feels fair and predictable, but if you come up with a clever, cinematic, or creative solution during a heist or investigation, I will always work with you to make it happen. Tactical yet Story-Driven Combat: Combat in my games is fast-paced, highly dynamic, and contextual to the environment, not just a battle of attrition in a blank square room. Expect terrain hazards, clear objectives beyond "kill all enemies," and foes that fight intelligently according to their lore. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or brand new to TTRPGs, my table is an inclusive, non-judgmental space where open communication, teamwork, and having a blast together always come first.

How Bruce creates a safe table

Creating a welcoming, comfortable, and safe environment is my top priority. Daggerheart is at its best when players feel empowered to take risks and explore dark fantasy topics without crossing real-world comfort boundaries. Before we roll our first dice, we hold a dedicated Session 0. During this session, we will: Complete & Review Lines & Veils: I provide a link to a digital Lines and Veils form (via Google Docs/Forms) for every player to fill out anonymously or openly. We will compile and review the shared boundaries as a group so everyone is on the same page regarding hard limits (Lines) and off-screen topics (Veils). Discuss Campaign Themes: We will go over the specific tone of Waterdeep: Dragon Heist, including themes of urban crime, gang violence, corruption, and law enforcement, ensuring everyone is comfortable with the narrative scope. Establish Expectations: We’ll establish table etiquette, cross-player communication, and character connections. In-Game Safety Tools (X, N, & O Cards) During gameplay, we use an integrated digital X, N, & O system: Digital Buttons / Direct Message: Built right into our Virtual Tabletop (and accessible via private Discord DM), you can signal an X (stop/pause scene and skip content), N (fade to black / tone down intensity), or O (checking in / everything is good) at any time. No Explanation Needed: If a player uses a safety tool, we immediately pivot without requiring explanation, debate, or judgment. Post-Session Aftercare & Open Communication: Stars & Wishes: At the end of every session, we spend 5 minutes doing "Stars & Wishes"—sharing favorite moments (Stars) and things you'd love to see or explore in future sessions (Wishes). Decompression & Open DMs: My Discord DMs are always open after sessions for private debriefing, feedback, or anything else if an intense or emotional scene occurred during play.