Rules & Etiquette

Game Rules

Generally, we will follow the 2024 ruleset, but I also have house rules that I include. If you see something you would like run differently I am open to suggestions. In general, I want to be able to say yes to player’s ideas, within reason: You can’t swim up a waterfall by Athletics skill alone, even if you roll a Natural 20.

House Rules

  • You can reflavor anything thematically as long as it is functionally the same. You want your character to wield 2 greatswords at once? We’ll have you use the stats for shortswords, but you can narrate your actions as if you have greatswords.

    If you want your character to cast Poisonball instead of Fireball, I’d let you use that damage type instead, but it has to be within the same tier of damage type (so you can’t switch to Necroticball) and it would be permantly changed. You couldn’t switch it back to a Fireball spell later.

    You can also rename spells if you want, as long as we all know what spell it is functionally.

  • At some tables you can just say “I’m going to use my Persuasion Skill on that guard.” but here I will expect you to explain to me how your character would persuade the guard. Would they try to bribe them, compliment their shiny armor, convince them argumentatively? If your explanation is good enough, I’ll lower the difficulty of that roll’s DC.

  • If you take a full action to drink a potion, you gain its full possible benefit like the maximum number of hit points from a healing potion, instead of rolling for the number.

    If you use your bonus action to do so, you roll for the number as you usually would.

    You can also throw potions at creatures, dealing a small amount of damage to them in addition to their effect. Could be helpful for a downed ally if you don’t mind that they’ll take a saving throw before healing.

    • Players can use their reaction to take a hit for a friend within 5 ft.

    • This must be chosen before they know the result of the enemy’s attack roll.

    • This attack then has advantage, as your character is focusing on protecting their friend and not themselves.

  • Death Saving Rolls happen between a player and the DM in secret to avoid metagaming.

Open Table / Open Play

While there will be a central “hub,” characters, and theme, this will not be like a traditional Dungeons and Dragons campaign; You will not often travel with a consistent party, and sessions will not pickup where the last one left off. Each session will be run as a One-Shot. I have a few books of one-shots to pull from as well as content found online, and content I’m making myself. If you have ideas for what kind of sessions you’d like to see, please let me know.

Player Etiquette

  • Respect the DM and Rules: The DM has the final say on rules for that session to keep the game flowing. Trust my decisions, even if you disagree, and voice concerns later, rather than arguing during play. 

  • Stay Engaged: Put your phone away, stay attentive to the story, and have a plan for your turn during combat to avoid slowing down the game.  

  • Don't Meta-game: Avoid using real-world knowledge your character wouldn't possess, like knowing an enemy's weakness just because you, the player, do. 

  • Prepare Your Character: Review your character's abilities and spells so you know what you can do, rather than searching for rules during your turn.

  • Notify Cancellations: If you can't make it, let the group know in advance.