Scheduling and Play

Below, you can find answers to questions you might have about how to go about scheduling and playing in the Dark Kingdoms..

Where will the game be played?

Most likely the game will be played at the home of the DUNGEON MASTER (DM). However alternative locations such as player homes or public spaces such as libraries may be used. I had envisioned all games being played in person at a common table, and that is still my preference. However, we may experiment with having some persons or groups enter the game using online avenues such as Discord, rollD20, or other video conferencing or call-in software.

Who will be playing?

The players will most likely all be friends and acquaintances of the DM. You probably already know most of them, and, if you don’t, I think you will find that they are a friendly bunch. I plan to make this setting one where multiple groups of people could play in it concurrently.

Typically, I don’t like to run games for more than 6 players at a time, and I plan to invite a lot more people than that to play! So, if there is high enough interest, I could be running for 2 (or even 3!) groups at the same time. Each group would probably be following a different adventure or story.

Each group would either play on a different day or possibly on alternate weeks. After you finish an adventure with one group it is entirely possible that you could take your character and then go adventure with another group for a while.

When will the game be played?

That depends on you and the other players. As a player, you (yes, you) are going to need to talk with the other players and come up with a plan. The things you need to determine are as follows:

1.) The day and time you want to play [subject to DM availability*];

2.) Who and how many will be playing in your group [a list of 1** to 6 specific people]; and

3.) The number of game sessions that you want to schedule [no more than 5 at a time]

My goal is to run a series of short/limited scope adventures*** within this common setting, and I specifically want to avoid an “open ended” campaign. That’s why I want players to schedule a specific number of play sessions so I can run adventures that should wrap up within the scheduled time frame.

Once you have a collective plan, you can message the DM and schedule a game.In order to facilitate player communication, a Facebook group has been set up. Ask the DM if you have not been given an invitation. The Facebook group is optional, because not everybody “Facebooks,” but some might find it useful for player to player communications.

* The DM (ZJ) is typically available to run on Saturday (morning or afternoon) and on Sunday afternoon. Some Mondays may also be available each month. Evenings are typically not available.

** Although my preference is to run for a group of 3-6 players, I am very willing to run games for as few as a single player. But this should be considered the exception, not the rule. We would probably do this via video chat. Setting this up may require some trial and error.

*** Each adventure will begin with what we call “session zero.” If it’s your first time playing in the setting, then the first play session will be spent making characters as a group and discussing where you all fit into the setting and deciding what story/adventure leads you want to follow. This “session zero” will probably take up the entire first day of play. For subsequent adventures “session zero” will probably only take up the first hour or two of the first scheduled play session, and will consist of you and the DM discussing what your character was doing between adventures.

How do I make a character?

For the character you actually use in the game, I want you to make it alongside the other players on the day when you first show up to play. We call this “session zero.” If you’re completely new to D&D, we will walk you through character creation at that time. Don’t worry, it’s easy!

That’s not to say there isn’t value trying to make characters on your own. If you want some practice before “session zero” I recommend you just jump in and do it! Print out a copy of the character sheet, take a look at Ch. 1 of the Basic Rules, and see what you can come up with.If you’re an experienced player and you want to make your character in advance, my answer to you is, please don’t. I personally think the game is greatly diminished when players (especially experienced players) all make their characters separately and in isolation, rather than together at the table during session zero.

Will there be “House-Rules?”

Probably. But those can be developed/disclosed at the table. I may also post these as blog articles. So they can be easily referenced.

OK, lets say you had a great time playing. What things should you pick up?

IF you plan to play regularly these are the things you will want/need:

1.) A copy of the rules. If it’s your first time playing … don’t even look at the rules, your friends will show you how to play! But if it’s your second or third time playing, I highly recommend that you skim through the rules so that you understand how the game works. You can view the basic rules for D&D on here, on the web. You can also download and print a copy of the Basic Rules for D&D from the Wizards of the Coast website. Later on you might want to purchase a copy of The Players Handbook (PHB) for 5th edition D&D. This is a more expanded version of the basic rules and its generally considered good game etiquette for regular players to have access to their own copy of the PHB at the table.

2.) A set of dice. You will almost certainly want your own set of polyhedral dice. These can be found at most every game store. You don’t need them on your first day because there will be plenty at the table for you to borrow.

3.) Optionally, you might also want a miniature. You certainly don’t need this, but many players enjoy this part of the hobby. My D&D games typically use miniatures for combat, but I also have plenty of minis to loan.

… again you don’t need any of these things to start playing, but if you’re going to to play more than 2-3 times, you’l probably want your own set of dice and a copy of the PHB.

SITE NAVIGATION
Blog Site / Campaign Home Page
Setting & Lore / Scheduling & Play / Other Adventures