Most D&D campaigns follow a small group of four or five player characters drawn into an adventure together—an adventure that unfolds over dozens of individual 3- or 4-hour game sessions that can often take years for the players to work through. Each session typically picks up right where the other left off, and the small number of players makes each person's contributions critical to each game's outcome, so there is a great deal of pressure to attend and pay attention to each session and to make a long-term commitment to finish the campaign together. It's a lot to ask of anyone, especially when so many of us are so busy.
A "West Marches" campaign is different. The primary setting in this type of campaign was originally a small and unremarkable town at the edge of civilization where all sorts of rough-and-tumble characters gathered to plan and resupply before 'marching west' into the uncharted wilderness beyond. The campaign I have in mind offers some novel twists to this simple setup, but the impact it has on the way we play is the same.
Each session is a (mostly) stand-alone adventure rather than part of a series;
Literally dozens of players can cycle in and out instead of a core four or five; and
There's no dread-inducing bi-weekly long-term commitment for players.
D&D can be super fun, but many people find getting into it a challenge. Beyond the difficulty of finding a good group, the idea of role-playing a character in front of other people—sometimes strangers—and wrapping your mind around complex rules with dice and character sheets can all seem rather intimidating. Do not fear. West Marches is here.
Play as often or infrequently as you like (subject to interest and availability);
Play with close friends or make new connections; (Everyone has been vetted as a quality human being.)
Choose adventures that appeal to you or push your boundaries with new settings and playstyles; (Everyone takes a survey that helps me tailor content to each player and group.)
Play as any character you like—including those from your favorite stories—or switch between characters session to session. (You can play as a familiar literary hero or experiment with something new!)
While each session stands alone, there is something bigger going on in this campaign.
Each session, you will venture past the walls of Gate's only colony and into the uncharted wilderness beyond, where you'll encounter exotic monsters, strange magic, alien societies, weird geology, and ancient ruins. Sometimes you'll be on a mission, sent to fight or find something by one of Gate's many factions or residents. Other times you'll be striking out on your own, following up on clues and rumors from previous sessions or just exploring hidden spaces on (and beyond) the map.
Between sessions, players who drop in often and trade notes with each other can piece together a compelling story of growth and change—one that may challenge your understanding of the world, your characters, and what you're all doing there.
Click here to learn more about the world of the campaign and how to start developing your first character!
Complete this survey, which helps me understand what kinds of stories and adventurers you might enjoy most and play match-maker and assemble groups with good chemistry and complementary playstyles.
Contact me to share your character or to discuss your ideas.
Let's get started! I'm so excited to play with you all soon.