How to prepare

We will be using Roll20 for the game, and Discord for the chat. You need to have a working mic to participate. I'll be using a webcam to help run the game, and you are welcome to turn on your webcam, but it is not required for play. I work well with newcomers to D&D. I am patient and happy to help coach people through any confusing rules. I would still recommend people read up about their character class and any special spells they plan to use, so they can be more comfortable using those abilities in game. Other than that, I'll help set up everything myself.

What I provide

I have the campaign all loaded and ready to go in roll20. If you don't have a particular rulebook, but want to access character options listed there, I can help enter them in for you.

Gameplay details

The PCs will be expected to want to work with a military force to achieve objectives, protect and escort civilians from danger, and make difficult decisions. If you plan on making a character that doesn't want to work with a team, you won't have fun in this game. This game features a primary threat, The Swarm. It is a hive mind legion of horrific bug monsters. You'll be fighting bug monsters consistently throughout the campaign. If you have a problem with bugs, you might not have fun in this game. This is a war story, and so there will be terrible loss. The party will be cool and powerful, but there is only so much a small group of heroes can accomplish. There will be times when PCs have to retreat, or watch helplessly as millions of monsters crawl over an innocent city. There is room for victory, or at least revenge. It may take a while to achieve, but that initial bleakness may be distasteful for some players. I am playtesting a number of rules and adaptations for things like mech battles, custom gadgets, chaotic explosives. Rules may change from time to time as I tweak or abandon rules.

Content warnings

(none)

Safety tools used

• Breaks

• Lines and Veils

• Open Door

How will character creation work

All official, printed WotC material is legal for characters in this game. This includes all Tasha's options and Critical Role content such as the Bloodhunter. Dark Matter is a Mage Hand Press game, and so all Mage Hand Press material is legal, such as the Gunslinger or Witch. Please check with the GM as you are putting together you build. I reserve the right to veto any build I deem unsuitable. I am happy to help anyone set up their character. I like to get things ready, with tokens and macros, before a session begins. If you don't make session zero, I will set up your character manually. Please be prepared to chat with me for fifteen to twenty minutes as we get your character straightened out. I don't want to spend too much active session time setting up characters if I can help it. We are starting at second level. We will be using standard array for stats. You can begin with basic starting gear, and will gain access to cool sci fi gear as the game starts. You can choose to keep your fantasy equipment, it's viable in this setting.