Campaign Preface

Hi everyone, my name is Mica and I will be your Dungeon Master for this campaign. I'd like to get started by setting some of the expectations of the game so you know what you're signing up for.

Availability and Absences

Please come to games on time and ready. Have your dice out, your character sheet open, and make sure your audio and microphone settings are working before the session begins. While I understand it's impossible to know what the future might hold, I want to ask that everyone attempt to make it to every session on time and ready to play. Under 5 minutes late does not need a warning, but if you know you cannot make it, please reach out to me and let me know so I can plan around your absence.

We will play when missing players as long as at least half the table is able and willing to play -- unless we need everyone present at the table due to something happening in game. This might mean we have more in-between or behind the scene adventures rather than focus on main storylines to give people a chance to catch up and allow for playtime.

Collaborative Storytelling

My main goal when playing D&D is to tell a story with everyone at the table. Always remember that everyone at the table is there to have fun and that your actions can affect the whole group. My hope is that we all care enough about the story and each other to pay attention to each other’s stories, even if the session doesn’t explicitly involve your PC or you. I also expect the table to check-in with each other before making brash decisions. For example, if a player is talking to an NPC - don't decide to kill the NPC because you're bored. Instead, support other's stories and discuss your intentions with other players.

I think sometimes players may feel like the DM is the enemy whose sole purpose put obstacles in your path or kill you -- but this couldn't be farther from the truth! I am here to see you tell your character's story. I might sometimes give your character a hard time, but I want to see you tell your story. Please tell me your goals, as frequently as you can, so we can work together to meet them.

Drama

I encourage you to treat this game as your show! There's a set of rules I've stolen from Monsterhearts2: make each main character's story not boring, keep the story feral, say what the rules demand, and say what honesty demands. Focus on reacting to other players and be prepared to "yes, and" each other. Allow others help or hinder your plans and let yourself be surprised. Remember that you will not always succeed on dice rolls, and that's the fun of the game.

It's also fine to borrow narrative techniques from other mediums, for example describing the camera panning across the scene like in a movie, or describing a character's internal monologue as if they were in a book. Play will be divided into "scenes" just like in a movie or tv show, and just like in a movie or tv show not every moment has to happen on screen. We'll decide at the table when a scene should end

Story Heavy

My games are very roleplay heavy, I tend to focus on telling a story and sometimes mess up a rule or two. Please be patient with me but do not hesitate to pause the game to make a correction or clarification. I very much encourage roleplay at a table, in and out of combat. Feel free to take time to describe your actions during battle -- down to the very components you use! The narrative will also be strongly influenced by you and your character's wants and needs.