Ravenkeep Academy of Arcane Mysteries

How to prepare

To ensure that everyone is ready for our adventure at Ravenkeep Academy, here's a simple list of what you’ll need to prepare before joining the game. Don’t worry if you’re new to tabletop RPGs or haven’t used this system before, everything will be explained, and no prior experience is required! What You’ll Need: A Working Microphone Essential: Since this is an online, voice-based game, you’ll need a microphone to communicate with the rest of the group. It doesn’t have to be professional; ensure it works well enough for clear communication. A Computer or Laptop You’ll need access to a computer to participate in the game. We’ll use a virtual tabletop and possibly other platforms for voice chat and character sheets. Ensure your computer can run both the virtual tabletop and Discord (or similar), as these will be our primary platforms for gameplay and communication. Discord Account Discord will be used for voice communication during the game. If you don’t already have an account, please create one before our first session. Please make sure you’ve downloaded the Discord app or have it set up in your browser and join the campaign's Discord server (a link will be provided). Tip: Join the voice chat 10-15 minutes before the session begins to ensure everything works properly. No Systems Knowledge Required! You do not need to read or study the Kids on Brooms rules before the game. I’ll guide you through everything during Session Zero and throughout the campaign. If you want to familiarize yourself with the system, you can glance through the Kids on Brooms rulebook, but this is entirely optional. No Character Creation Needed Beforehand Character creation will happen collaboratively during Session Zero, so you don’t need to have a fully fleshed-out character ready before the game. Feel free to brainstorm character ideas (e.g., personality, background, magic-born or mundane, etc.), but don’t worry about stats or mechanics until we go through the process together. Optional but Helpful: Webcam: While a webcam is not required, you can use one. Some players enjoy seeing their fellow participants, but it’s completely up to you! Notebook or Digital Notes: It’s always helpful to have a notebook or digital note-taking app handy during the game to jot down critical information, clues, or thoughts about your character.

What I provide

Game on FoundryVTT or Roll20, whichever is preferred Licensed Maps and sounds I am very open to the Rule of Cool, as Kids on Brooms is a more narrative-focused system. I utilise ambient sounds and music.

Gameplay details

We will have a Session 0 for shared Character Creation. Players will also shape the school during this, allowing them to influence themes that will be discussed directly. I have an X, N and O card in all my rooms, but I also have PMs during games, which I monitor. An X-Card will lead to an immediate break in play where I discuss with the player that showed the card. Usually scenes that come up this way are skipped, or we rewind to before the scene and I modify them to not contain any themes that made someone Uncomfortable

Content warnings

Safety tools used

How will character creation work

Character creation is a critical part of starting your journey at Ravenkeep Academy. In this campaign, we will handle character creation collaboratively in Session Zero, ensuring that all players can develop their characters’ personalities, relationships, and backgrounds together. Here’s an overview of how we’ll handle character creation and what you can expect: Session Zero: Shared Character Creation When: Character creation will occur during Session Zero, which will be scheduled before the official start of the campaign. Collaborative Process: During this session, players will create their characters together. This allows for shared world-building and character relationship development, ensuring your characters are connected. Setting the Tone: Session Zero will also cover the tone and expectations for the campaign. We’ll discuss character concepts, how they fit into the magical world of Ravenkeep, and the group’s dynamics. Character Creation Guidelines System: We’ll use the Kids on Brooms system for character creation, focusing on your character’s background, personality, relationships, and abilities. This system is narrative-driven, so stats and mechanics will flow naturally from your character's story and concept. Starting Level: All characters will start as first-year students. Mechanically, they will begin as students with basic magical knowledge, reflecting their novice status at the academy. Stats and Skills: Instead of traditional stat blocks, Kids on Brooms uses a flexible system where characters assign dice to their attributes (e.g., brawn, charm, brains). In Session Zero, we’ll go through this process step-by-step. You’ll decide which attributes best reflect your character’s strengths and weaknesses. Stats Setup: You’ll have a range of dice (D4, D6, D8, D10, D12, and D20) to assign to your character’s core attributes. The higher the dice, the more likely your character is to succeed at tasks involving that attribute. Character Backgrounds Magic-Born or Mundane: During character creation, you’ll choose whether your character is magic-born (from a family steeped in magical tradition) or mundane (from a non-magical background). This choice will influence how your character fits into the world of Ravenkeep and their initial experiences at the academy. Magic-Born: These characters have grown up around magic, which may give them an advantage in some areas, but they may also feel the pressure of family legacy and expectations. Mundane: These characters are entirely new to the magical world, which can lead to feelings of awe, wonder, or even confusion as they adapt to their new reality. Personal Goals and Fears: We’ll also explore your character’s individual goals, fears, and relationships with other students. How does your character view their time at Ravenkeep? Are they eager to learn magic, or are they reluctant and unsure of their abilities? Relationships and Bonds

Combat / Tactics

Low

Roleplay

High

Puzzles

Medium

Experience level

Intermediate