PLAYTEST: Under the desert sun - Sand, sun, and sinister fun!

How to prepare

No webcams unless everyone is okay with that :) But definitely be in a quiet space with a microphone. I will send out a Discord link beforehand so everyone can join the chat and voice channel - and the Roll20 link is provided via Discord. But *please* read the Play Guide! It really is a one-stop shop for any special mechanics, the plot, the who's who, and who *you* can be! This is a playtest - So I **really** value your feedback!

What I provide

Everything is provided in Discord - In your own dedicated channel! -Play Guide: What you need to know to Play, including the JAY System Quickstart guide. The Play Guide includes maps powered by Inkarnate and NPC artwork by a fabulous artist (and an excellent GM). -Editable Play Books: Google Docs for digital editing (and creativity in backstory development if desired) -Acceptable Activities (lines/veils): DMed individually to each Player (accessible up through the end of session), but the Master File lives in the Discord channel up through the end of session. -Me: Hi! I'm always open to breaking the rules of the game - So be creative, chaotic if you want, and be prepared to have a good time! I do my best with NPC voices - some very poorly - and don't really like to use music. One day I will... maybe. The one hard and fast rule of the Play experience is to adhere to the topics and activities that everyone has agreed to before Play - anyone who doesn't will be asked to leave session.

Gameplay details

-Lines/Veils: Players receive an "Acceptable Activities" form electronically (Google Sheets) before session that allows them to self-select which topics are okay or are never okay. All files link to a Master File that everyone has access to to understand the acceptable topics for the Play experience. -Session 0: Players and the Meddah - the GM, me! - review what is not permitted in session, safety rules, and briefly get to know each other before diving into the story. -Gameplay: Players can update their "Acceptable Activities" file during session - and it will automatically update the Master File for everyone. Players can also DM the me about anything happening that must "fade to black" or be skipped entirely (if a Player thinks something might happen). -Debrief: Following session, Players and the Meddah (the GM, me!!) discuss gameplay, compliment each other's gameplay, and transition from the Play experience back to the real world. Players are asked to find 1 thing another Player did that was awesome - and to let them know! -- What is the Meddah? The Meddah is the GM in JAY Games - a meddah is a traditional Turkish storyteller known for their ability to play multiple roles and convey a story in an engaging manner to audiences (traditionally in coffeehouse-type settings). Just like the name suggests, the Meddah will aim to run an engaging story - this will include high levels of roleplay (with attempts at NPC voice acting) and a two-part combat skirmish in the second half of the Play experience. There are two different paths that can be followed (though not on rails, that's never fun) - Players will get to choose this in the middle of the Play experience. To maintain a safe environment, skirmishes only occur in accordance with the acceptable activites in the Master File - even if it forces the Meddah to adjust things mid-game.

Content warnings

Safety tools used

How will character creation work

4 Playbook Archetypes - Choose one and get started! -Sandsailor: Fighter, melee combat and mobility -Priest: Healer, spellcasting and healing -Stowaway: Blackguard (rogue), covert ops and possible spellcasting -Merchant: Bard, mixed combat and spellcasting All you have to do is tell me what your PC looks like, answer the 4 background questions, and choose your weapon/tool! Please make sure this is provided to me at least 3 days before session to aid in gameplay (I want to weave in your backstory!). Players should review the full Play Guide prior to character creation to understand the world and the different people groups they will encounter.

Combat / Tactics

Medium

Roleplay

High

Puzzles

Low

Experience level

Open to all