Learning & Experience (5e)

About the adventure

Despite almost 40 years as a DM, I am unfamiliar with the Fifth Edition. This 1-Shot game is an opportunity for you and I to have fun learning it together (or for you to teach me, if you already know it). The Alchemist's Barn is an unusual tavern and can be found on the outskirts of Yriaen (i-ree-ain), a smallish town of no fixed abode (at least right now). The Barn in unusual not so much because it truly is a converted barn as because it truly is run by an alchemist. The drinks here often have mild occult properties (such as healing a single HP or granting a temporary bonus to CON Saves) and Reskier, the proprietor, also sells actual potions to some of his clientele. It is from this tavern which each 1-Shot shall embark in search of gold, glory and some word meaning adventure but beginning with a G (Gallivantry?). The setting is a homebrew world which will be built gradually as each party of adventurers sets forth from The Barn.

Additional Details

How to prepare

You will need a reasonably quality microphone and a free Discord account. Preferably you will use a headset since open speakers can cause disruptive echoing or feedback which may annoy or inconvenience other players - in some cases this can even prevent a player from participating. You will also need a free/demo account with the Fantasy Grounds Virtual Tabletop (VTT) and to have installed and updated the client software. If you are unfamiliar with this software then we can run through installation and basic use during Session 0. You are welcome to create your character ahead of time if familiar with with D&D5e, or can do so during Session 0. You will not need dice, as Fantasy Grounds provides die-rolling features. If, however, you prefer to roll your own physical dice and report the result, I work on an honesty system and you are welcome to do so. No prior knowledge or experience of the game, or of tabletop roleplaying as a hobby, will be assumed before Session 0. I am happy to teach.

What I provide

I will be running the game using an Ultimate License on Fantasy Grounds, meaning that neither a purchase or subscription is required from you (you just need to install the free client software). Although running on a Virtual Tabletop, I will be using physical copies of the three core rulebooks. This is a learning game and so no other supplements or advanced rules will be in use. I do not use D&D Beyond but this does not preclude your using it for character creation or as a reference if you wish. I will use a combination of maps, images and narrative at different times so some encounters will take place purely as spoken interactions while others may use maps and tokens within Fantasy Grounds. I may or may not use ambient sounds, SFX and music in any given session (via a combination of SyrinScape and Discord). This can be discussed and determined in Session 0 or at the start of play.

Gameplay details

The Content Warnings list is extreme because I cannot predict the content of every scenario at the outset, however I will consider the needs and wants of the players when creating or interpreting each adventure. I use an anonymised X-card implementation called "Halt!" in Fantasy Grounds and my DMs will be open in Discord. If a player needs a private discussion then I am happy to pause the game while this is accommodated. Most of my safety tool implementation can be encapsulated by the phrase "Common Sense & Consideration" and I hope that it will suit. The aim is for everyone at the table to be able to have a good time. Session 0 can be group or individual, to be arranged ahead of play.

Content warnings

(none)

Safety tools used

Aftercare
Bleed
Breaks
Debriefing
Lines and Veils
Luxton Technique
Open Door
Session 0
X, N, and O Cards

How will character creation work

I will keep a stable of pre-generated characters for those who wish them, will accept characters created outside of the game if they are provided to me in advance, or we can run through character creation during your Session 0. Initial characters will be level 1 but returning characters will obviously have advanced to a higher level. The party may well be of mixed level at times but I will not allow any PC to be left too far behind the group so may artificially level new or returning characters if appropriate to the adventure being run.

Players can expect

• Find a game to join solo or search for a professional game master for you and your friends/coworkers/family.
• Book your session and wait for the Game Master to approve you.
• If you don't have a blast with your first game, your next game is on us.