Character Creation Rules and Concept Ideas

At Rolldark Fest, we're all about fostering creativity and embracing unique character concepts. While we encourage players to explore a wide range of options for their characters, including homebrew races and classes, we do have some guidelines in place to ensure a balanced and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Character Customisation Rules and Restrictions: While we're unleashing creative freedom for character creation at Rolldark Fest, we do have some guidelines in place to maintain game balance and ensure a level playing field for all participants. When designing your character, you have the flexibility to choose any level character up to a maximum of level 8, utilising both official and non-official sourcebooks. Additionally, you're welcome to create your own race and class, providing unprecedented freedom for character creation.

However, to ensure balance and fairness, we've implemented some restrictions:

• Abilities and Magic Items: Players can assign themselves 2 x uncommon magic items or 1 x rare magic item at the start of the game.

• Power Level: Characters should not exceed level 8 to maintain balance within the party and the campaign setting.

While we encourage creativity, we ask players to consider the following:

• Backstory: Prepare an optional backstory of at least 200 words for your character, which will be shared with the group and potentially featured as part of our Backstory Competition.

• Roleplaying: Think about how your character fits into the world of Arkania and interacts with other characters and factions.

Guidelines for Creating Races/Classes: As for creating Races and Classes, we understand the desire for guidance and structure in this process. While there isn't a strict set of rules in place, we encourage players to consider the following when crafting their own content:

• Balance: Ensure that any homebrew races or classes are balanced and don't provide unfair advantages over existing options.

• Theme and Flavor: Stay true to the theme and flavour of the Dungeons & Dragons universe while adding your own unique twist.

• Consultation: Feel free to consult with your Dungeon Master or fellow players for feedback and suggestions during the creation process.

Regarding Monster Statblocks: We understand the allure of playing as some of D&D's iconic creatures. In the spirit of creativity, we're open to the idea of using monster stat blocks for player characters. However, we do have a few considerations to keep in mind:

• Balance: We want to maintain game balance and ensure that all characters have a chance to shine. With that in mind, we recommend limiting the CR (Challenge Rating) of monster stat blocks used for player characters to a maximum of CR 8. This ensures that characters remain powerful without overshadowing others or disrupting the game's flow.

• Roleplaying Opportunities: Playing as a monster can offer unique opportunities, but it's essential to consider how the character fits into the party dynamic and the campaign setting. We encourage players to think about their character's backstory, motivations, and how they interact with other characters and the world around them.

• DM Approval: As always, it's essential to communicate with your Dungeon Master and get their approval before incorporating monster stat blocks into your character. Your DM may have additional guidelines or considerations based on the specific campaign setting and story.

Overall, we're excited to see the creative characters that players bring to Rolldark Fest, whether they're traditional races and classes or something a bit more unconventional. If you have any further questions or need clarification, feel free to reach out.

Backstory Competition

Please also prepare an optional backstory for your character of at least 200 words with a max of 300 words. This backstory will be rad to the rest of your group on the day, with your DM choosing their favourite. Then, from the favourites in the room, a final winner will be announced, with their backstory published on the Rolldark Discord and sent out to our 700-plus mailing list.

Backstory Creative Fuel…

The Setting

The Ancient lands of Arkania teeter on the brink of annihilation. A Lich, long thought dead, has brought forth corruptive forces of chaos that now threaten to plunge the realm into darkness. In this hour of dire need, an enigmatic seer known only as Orion summons brave adventurers from every corner of the land to a mystical parlour.

Gathered in groups around tables adorned with arcane symbols, the adventurers listen as Orion lays out the task before them: Into chaos' very heart they go to weave the threads of balance aglow. Yet in this daunting task unknown, fate's gentle hand shall guide their own.

Orion reveals a selection of mystical, mighty card decks, some containing power imbued with unique abilities and, in others, the corrupted magic of the Lich. However, it is not the adventurers who will choose their decks but rather the capricious whims of fate.

The Gods of Arkania

• Eldoria, Goddess of Light and Life: Worshiped by healers and those who seek to protect the innocent. Her temples are beacons of hope and sanctuary.

• Vorath, God of War and Valor: Patron of warriors and those who fight for justice. His followers are known for their bravery and honour in battle.

• Myriana, Goddess of Magic and Wisdom: Revered by mages and scholars. Her guidance is sought in matters of arcane knowledge and ancient secrets.

• Nereus, God of the Sea and Storms: Feared and respected by sailors and those who dwell by the coast. He controls the seas and the weather and is often seen as both protector and destroyer.

• Sylara, Goddess of Nature and Beasts: Loved by druids and rangers. She embodies the wild and untamed aspects of the natural world, encouraging harmony with nature.

The Kingdom of Arkania

• King Eldric the Just: The wise and noble ruler of Arkania, beloved by his people for his fairness and compassion. He struggles to maintain order as chaos encroaches.

• Queen Lysandra the Brave: Known for her courage and tactical brilliance. She leads the kingdom’s armies against the dark forces threatening their land.

• Council of Elders: A group of advisors and powerful figures from various factions within the kingdom, each bringing their unique perspective and skills to aid in the kingdom’s defence.

Backstory Prompts

1. Connection to the Lich:

   • Did your character lose a loved one to the Lich’s initial rise to power?

   • Were they part of the original group that supposedly defeated the Lich long ago?

   • Is there a personal vendetta or curse that ties them to the Lich’s fate?

2. Divine Guidance:

   • Which deity does your character revere, and how has their guidance shaped your character’s journey?

   • Has your character received visions or prophecies from their god about the coming chaos?

   • Does your character possess a divine artefact or blessing meant to aid in this battle?

3. Mystical Parlor and Orion:

   • How did your character first hear of Orion and his summoning?

   • What past experiences or skills make your character believe they were chosen for this mission?

   • Has Orion appeared in your character’s life before, perhaps guiding them in unseen ways?

4. Life in Arkania:

   • What is your character’s role within the kingdom (knight, mage, healer, scout)?

   • How has the encroaching darkness affected their home and loved ones?

   • What personal sacrifices have they made in preparation for this quest?

5. Skills and Powers:

   • What unique abilities or spells has your character mastered that will be crucial in the fight against chaos?

   • How did they acquire their skills (mentor, ancient tome, divine inspiration)?

   • Is there a particular weapon or tool they are known for wielding with exceptional prowess?

6. Allies and Enemies:

   • Who are your character’s closest allies, and how have they supported each other through past trials?

   • Does your character have any notable enemies within the kingdom or beyond?

   • How do they intend to protect their allies and confront their foes during this quest?

Standard Ticket

What You Get:

• Before the day, you’ll be included in a 4hr or 2x 2hr mini session zero online campaign with your assigned DM and fellow players. Get to meet and fine-tune your character while building a backstory and a history for your alliance.

• Full updates shared in a multichannel room on the Rolldark Discord, offering you a chance to band together with other player-characters as the seeds of the story are planted in the build-up.

• 8 hours of D&D - plenty of breaks and time to reflect/plan your strategies with other groups… guided by the Rolldark Strategy Team - made up of Rolldark DMs and organisers.

• Lunch and dinner provided

• Drinks and refreshments provided

• Table service for lunch, dinner and refreshments

Head Table Ticket

What You Get:

• All the above

• a free raffle ticket

• a free set of Rolldark Randoms

• a free set of handmade Rolldark Dice

• A larger table for your game time

Prize categories:

Best Dressed

most Nat 1s

Most Nat 20s

And the Best Backstory.

If you are new to the concept of Rolldark Fest check out our trailer here: