Dungeons of Drakkenheim | D&D 2014

Creating your character

Characters will begin at level 1 and be created before our first adventure session. During Session Zero, we'll discuss character concepts, establish connections between party members, review campaign expectations, and explore how each character fits into the dangerous world of Drakkenheim. We'll use the 2014 Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition rules for character creation. Ability scores will be determined using either the Standard Array (15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8) or 27-point buy. This ensures everyone begins on relatively equal footing. Characters should be created using D&D Beyond, with the 2014 versions of character options selected wherever applicable. The 2014 Player's Handbook, Xanathar's Guide to Everything, and Tasha's Cauldron of Everything are approved sources. Additional official material may be permitted with GM approval. Content from the 2024 rules, Unearthed Arcana, and third-party supplements requires prior approval. Players will also have access to the Dungeons of Drakkenheim Player's Guide, which provides campaign-specific backgrounds, character motivations, and setting information. Every character should have a personal reason for entering Drakkenheim, whether seeking lost knowledge, pursuing vengeance, recovering a family heirloom, or uncovering the truth behind the city's destruction. Personal quests are an important part of this campaign. We'll work together to develop meaningful character goals that connect your backstory to the factions, mysteries, and dangers awaiting you. All characters should be willing to cooperate with the party, even when their personal ambitions differ. Come prepared with a character concept, an open mind, and a willingness to make difficult choices in a city where nothing comes without a price.

Preparing for the session

Before entering the cursed city of Drakkenheim, please complete the following steps to prepare for our adventure! 1. Join Our Discord Server After signing up, you'll receive an invitation to our private Discord server. This is where we'll communicate, share announcements, discuss characters, access campaign resources, and coordinate sessions. Please introduce yourself when you arrive! 2. Get Familiar with Foundry VTT We'll use Foundry Virtual Tabletop for character sheets, tactical combat, dice rolling, maps, and exploration. Foundry runs directly in your web browser, so no purchase or installation is required. I'll provide a link to our game before our first session. A computer with an updated version of Chrome or Firefox is recommended. 3. Prepare Your Character We'll use the 2014 Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition rules, beginning at level 1. Ability scores will be determined using Standard Array or 27-point buy. Think about your character's race, class, background, personality, and motivations. We'll finalize character creation directly in Foundry VTT during Session Zero. 4. Review the Drakkenheim Player's Guide I'll provide the Dungeons of Drakkenheim Player's Guide, which introduces the setting, character backgrounds, and personal quests. Every adventurer needs a reason to risk entering Drakkenheim. Consider what drives your character: wealth, revenge, redemption, forbidden knowledge, or something more personal. Your character's goals will become an important part of our story. 5. Prepare Your Equipment You'll need a reliable internet connection, a working microphone, and a computer capable of running Foundry VTT. Headphones are strongly recommended to minimize background noise. A webcam is optional. We'll use Discord for voice communication and Foundry for gameplay. 6. Review Our Safety Guidelines Dungeons of Drakkenheim features gothic horror, supernatural corruption, disturbing creatures, violence, and morally complex situations. Please review our content warnings, table rules, and Lines and Veils document before playing. We'll establish boundaries and discuss safety tools during Session Zero. 7. Attend Session Zero During Session Zero, we'll introduce ourselves, discuss expectations, establish character connections, review safety tools, and get comfortable using Foundry VTT. We'll also discuss personal quests and how your choices can influence Drakkenheim's future. 8. Come Ready for Adventure Drakkenheim rewards teamwork, exploration, creative problem-solving, and meaningful roleplaying. Players of all experience levels are welcome! Whether you're new to D&D or a seasoned adventurer, I'll help you learn the rules and navigate our virtual tabletop. The road to Drakkenheim is open. Whether you return is another matter.

What William brings to the table

My goal is to bring the ruined city of Drakkenheim to life through immersive storytelling, atmospheric exploration, tactical combat, and choices that shape the campaign. Expect a dark fantasy adventure where your actions have consequences and your character's personal goals matter. Immersive Storytelling I'll use descriptive narration, distinct NPC personalities and voices, and atmospheric music to capture Drakkenheim's gothic horror. From tense negotiations with rival factions to expeditions through monster-haunted streets, I'll make space for dramatic roleplay, discovery, and moments of levity. A Foundry VTT Experience We'll play in Foundry Virtual Tabletop with detailed maps, dynamic lighting, integrated character sheets, and tools that keep combat moving. Discord will be our home for voice chat, announcements, and between-session discussion. No Foundry purchase is required. Tactical, Consequential Combat Expect challenging encounters that reward teamwork, positioning, resource management, and creative tactics. Enemies will act according to their abilities and motivations. Not every threat should be fought head-on; scouting, negotiation, and retreat are sometimes the smartest options. Your Choices Drive the Story Drakkenheim is an open-ended campaign with five competing factions and no single correct path. The alliances you make, secrets you uncover, and risks you take will change how the city responds to your party. I won't steer you toward a predetermined outcome. Character-Driven Adventures We'll develop personal quests that connect each adventurer to the setting. I want your backstory, relationships, and ambitions to create real opportunities for discovery, conflict, and growth without overshadowing the rest of the party. Rules and Creativity We'll use the 2014 D&D 5e rules as our foundation, with consistent rulings and an emphasis on fairness. I welcome inventive plans and cinematic moments when they fit the fiction and don't erase meaningful challenges. The Rule of Cool adds excitement; it doesn't replace consequences. A Respectful, Collaborative Table Players of all experience levels are welcome. I'll explain rules when needed, share the spotlight, and use Session Zero and safety tools to establish boundaries and expectations. Above all, you can expect a prepared GM who listens to your ideas, embraces the unexpected, and works with the group to create a story worth remembering. Drakkenheim is dangerous, but its future is yours to shape.

Homebrew rules

We'll primarily follow the 2014 Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition rules, with a few adjustments to support cinematic storytelling, tactical combat, and the dangerous atmosphere of Drakkenheim. Rule of Cool Creative solutions and memorable cinematic moments are encouraged! I may allow reasonable exceptions to the rules when an idea enhances the story, rewards ingenuity, and doesn't undermine game balance. These decisions are made case by case and won't automatically establish permanent rules. Drakkenheim-Specific Mechanics We'll use the unique mechanics introduced in Dungeons of Drakkenheim, including the Haze, contamination, delerium, and mutations. These systems are essential to the campaign's atmosphere and introduce additional risks, rewards, and strategic decisions. Potions and Consumables We'll follow the 2014 rules for potions and consumables unless we agree on an alternative during Session Zero. Character Creation Characters begin at level 1 using Standard Array or 27-point buy. Official 2014-compatible character options are welcome, while third-party content, Unearthed Arcana, and additional homebrew require GM approval. Death and Consequences Drakkenheim is dangerous, and character death is possible. We'll use the standard death saving throw rules. Resurrection magic, lingering contamination, and other supernatural consequences will follow the appropriate campaign mechanics. Fairness and Consistency Any additional house rules will be discussed with the group before implementation. My priority is maintaining consistent rulings while encouraging creativity, teamwork, and meaningful choices. The goal is simple: preserve the tactical depth of D&D while allowing the story to unfold in exciting and unexpected ways.

How William creates a safe table

Player safety, comfort, and mutual respect are essential to every game I run. Dungeons of Drakkenheim explores gothic horror, supernatural corruption, body horror, and morally complex situations. My goal is to create an immersive, suspenseful experience where everyone feels comfortable participating and confident that their boundaries will be respected. Session Zero and Safety Expectations Before our adventure begins, we'll hold a Session Zero to discuss the campaign's themes, content warnings, character expectations, and table etiquette. Everyone will have an opportunity to establish boundaries, ask questions, and discuss what they want from the experience. Lines and Veils I'll provide a Lines and Veils document through our Discord server before Session Zero. Lines represent content that will not appear in our game, while Veils identify subjects that may exist in the story but will occur offscreen or fade to black. Players may communicate their boundaries privately, without explanation or justification. These boundaries can be updated at any point during the campaign. X, N, and O Safety Tools We'll use digital X, N, and O safety tools throughout the campaign. X (Stop): Immediately stops or redirects content that makes someone uncomfortable. N (Caution): Indicates that a scene is approaching a personal boundary and should be adjusted. O (Okay): Communicates that everyone is comfortable continuing with the current scene. Players can communicate these signals verbally, through Discord messages, or privately to me. No one will ever be required to explain why they invoked a safety tool. Open-Door Policy and Breaks Players are welcome to step away whenever necessary, whether for personal reasons, emotional comfort, or simply needing a break. I'll provide opportunities for breaks during sessions, and anyone may request an additional pause. If something makes you uncomfortable, you're encouraged to contact me privately. We'll address concerns respectfully and without judgment. Aftercare and Check-Ins Following particularly intense scenes or sessions, I'll provide opportunities to decompress, discuss the experience, and check in with the group. Players can share feedback publicly or privately through Discord. I'll also encourage Stars and Wishes feedback, allowing players to highlight moments they enjoyed and suggest elements they'd like to see in future sessions. Respectful and Inclusive Play Harassment, discrimination, bullying, and deliberately crossing established boundaries will not be tolerated. Everyone deserves an opportunity to participate, contribute to the story, and enjoy the game. Above all, horror should come from the fictional dangers of Drakkenheim, never from discomfort with fellow players. We'll explore the darkness together while ensuring that everyone at the table feels respected, supported, and welcome.