Out of the Abyss - Level 12

Game Description
Deep beneath the surface of the world lies the Underdark, a realm of endless labyrinthine tunnels and caverns where the sun never shines. The Underdark is filled with races and creatures too numerous to count or list, and foremost among these are the dark elves—the drow. Hated and feared even by their fellow dwellers in darkness, the drow raid other settlements in the Underdark as well as the surface world, taking prisoners back with them. Rendered unconscious with drow poison, then collared and shackled, these prisoners are eventually sold as slaves or entertainment in the dark elves’ subterranean cities.

Out of the Abyss is a challenging and epic (levels 1-15) adventure with an early survival/horror element. This campaign is more than half way through, so if you are looking for the full OotA experience, I'm afraid this ship has sailed without you. PM me however, as I may have other games kicking off. If you're looking to hop in to some mid to high level Underdark exploration, then read on.

Your character will begin at level 9. I still expect many months of adventure at the least ahead of us, however, and the party (and the many factions supporting them) has a very good reason to rally new companions at the moment. The current composition is Spores Druid, Battlemaster, Kensei Bladesinger, Echo Knight/Fiend Warlock, Twilight Cleric, and Draconic Sorcerer.

About Me

My name is Nico, or Zen, and I've been playing DnD for over ten years, DMing for much of that. When I made the transition to 5e, I picked up OotA and began to get to know it well. Unfortunately my regular group had a long term campaign we were keen to take care of, and so the book fell to the back of my mind, often seeming too difficult for other groups I'd introduce to DnD.

A few years ago I began delving into roll20 deeper after playing with a group online and seeing what the VTT had to offer. It was not long before I started running a West March campaign with some other DMs in order to gather experience at an accelerated rate. That, combined with many Youtube videos and tutorials on various functions, macros, and APIs in the VTT have made me a competent and confident DM on Roll20.

I do voices/accents now and then, some are pretty damn good! My primary focus lies in descriptive language, consequential narrative, and making the PCs feel important - yet endangered.

Read more about me, my playstyle, and what some other players have to say about my sessions here:
https://startplaying.games/gm/resolutezen/review

Features

You'll have complete compendium access. In addition to what the module supplies, you can expect me to have my own material added, as well as any and all of the supplemental material from DMs Guild pertaining to OotA.

Set in the depths underfoot, you can expect to see tons of dynamic lighting in this game. I am using a number of API scripts for this campaign, aimed to simplify encounters and provide as much visual information as makes sense for the players. This should simplify and speed up the experience for new and old players alike.

I do have a number of house rules, as well as an alternative character creation method based on drawing cards that will make for characters that are above average in terms of ability scores, as well as bonus feats, ASIs, and proficiencies that will allow you to try Build's requiring many more levels typically. I intend to have this be an above average difficulty campaign regardless.

Current PCs include a Theurgy Wizard (Twilight), a Druid of the Spores, a Valour Bard, a Celestial Warlock/Fighter, and a Bladesinger/Kensei. I ask that you try to tailor your character suggestions to fill a complimentary role, though sometimes you may have sidekicks to do that for you.

Houserules:
Extra feats, proficiencies/expertises, and ASI throughout progression.
Extensive use of UA sidekicks rules.
Variant Encumbrance (made easier with houserule on worn equipment and backpacks)
Potions on bonus action, or action to auto max half the dice.
Increasing modifier for when flanking with additional people.
Auto-initative re-roll.

Expectations for all
1. Be respectful
2. Be engaged
3. Be prepared
4. Be ready to learn
5. Communicate

Logistics
Sundays at 5 Eastern for the next several months
3-4 hour sessions
Maximum of six players. 7 only if all current players agree.
Voice chat and regular communication will happen over Discord.
If you can not make a session, let me know at least 24 hours in advance.
Sessions may be postponed if multiple players let me know in advance they will be missing, or we lack a quorum of half the party.

Applications
PM me to apply with the following information.

Name:
Age:
Pronouns:
Discord Name and #:
DnD Experience:
Preferred Class/Role:
Which pillar of DnD is your favourite and why: (Combat, Social, or Exploration)
What you expect of a paid gaming experience:

Feel free to include any other information about yourself that you feel is relevant, and ask any questions you'd like.