[Online] [Owlbear Rodeo] [Stoat] [Flexible Schedule / Sandbox] - Mafia/Liminal Space Inspired Homebrew

Game: D&D 5e
Group type: Online
Experience: New / a few years / casual veteran
Location/Timezone: NE USA, Eastern Time
Schedule: Highly flexible because that is a main reason I am presenting this. Please let me know your availability. If you want to play alone to learn or check out the world, we can talk about that.
Roles sought: Players: 1-3 (per group)
Game style: Casual, Sandbox, Choices Matter

Overview Beginner DM looking for new players and adventurous veterans to playtest a homebrew sandbox world. The game is episodic, allowing players to drop in and out for one-shots as their real-life schedules allow. Groups are capped at a maximum of four players per session. I am a professional writer, long-time RPG player, and of obsessive nature about my projects, so this is something that means a lot to me.

The Setting & Themes The campaign takes place in the Dreamview Inn, an interdimensional hotel existing in a dream universe between worlds. The setting is heavily inspired by my experience with real-world organized crime, overnight hotel management shifts, and liminal spaces.

• Core Mechanics: Minimal travel, high focus on environmental and character narrative, and tactical/creative problem-solving in an unfamiliar setting.
• Continuity: The world has permanence. Actions taken by your group will alter the environment and unlock features or NPCs for other groups in future sessions.
• Themes: Liminal spaces (the Backrooms), Illusions, honesty vs. appearance, the use/misuse of power, and out-of-the-box thinking.

Who This Is For

• Beginners looking for a safe, low-level space to learn TTRPGs. I am also learning - if you aren't mean to me, I definitely won't be mean to you.
• Busy adults who cannot commit to a rigid, weekly campaign schedule. It is okay if you want to come back, this isn't strictly a "one shot" situation unless you want it to be.
• Neurodivergent players and anyone looking for a respectful, casual, and unique dreamlike experience. I have severe ADHD and my best friend is (deeply) on the autism spectrum. You are welcome here.
• Who it is NOT for: Rules lawyers, hyper-serious players, or anyone who disrespects fellow players. Mutual respect is mandatory. For safety, I can't allow minors in this game.

Tech Stack & Privacy As a tech professional, data privacy is a priority for this game.

• Communication: Stoat (a free, privacy-focused alternative to Discord that requires no phone number or ID to sign up). I am also new to Stoat so we can figure it out together - the server is already set up.
• VTT: Owlbear Rodeo (lightweight, browser-based, no accounts required for players). Maps are custom and I'm proud of them.
• Character Sheets: D&D Beyond (though the world is flexible enough to adapt to other systems if the group prefers).

How to Join:

If you are interested in a casual table where your choices actively shape the world for other players as well as your own group, reply below or send a direct message. I will provide the link to the Stoat server to get you set up if we are a good fit. This is the first post I've made to play online, so please be as patient with me as I will be with you. :)

Please include:

1) Years of experience, if any, and what makes DnD interesting to you

2) Any ideas for a character you'd like to play so I can modify the world to make it more relevant to you.

3) Something unique about yourself.

I look forward to hearing from you and getting to know each other.

Safe travels, wanderers.

Tritone Jack

Hi Tritone Jack,

Your Dreamview Inn concept sounds incredible! The hotel management and crime-noir vibe is so unique. I’m a beginner player looking for a welcoming table, and I’d love to help you playtest.

1) Experience & What Makes D&D Interesting: I’m a beginner, so I'm still learning the ropes! I’m drawn to D&D for the creative storytelling and seeing how characters react to weird, unexpected situations. I definitely favor fun narrative over strict rules-lawyering.

2) Character Idea: Nyxara, the "Ebony Seraph" I have a Level 6 Fallen Aasimar (fallen angel) named Nyxara. She was exiled from the heavens for manipulating mortal rulers using her beauty and charm. Now, her holy light has turned into a dark, seductive glamour. She is aristocratic, calculating, and wants to build a criminal empire from the ground up. An interdimensional hotel feels like the perfect place for a high-society, exiled manipulator to start pulling strings and turning NPCs into her personal thralls.

3) Something Unique About Me: I'm a big movie enthusiast.

I’m excited to try out Stoat and see your custom maps on Owlbear Rodeo. Let me know if you have room for me!

Best,

Deefiesta

Dee