Cursed Guns & Fae Oaths: Shadowbriar (GURPS 4e Dark Fantasy)

Creating your character

In Cursed Guns of the Shadowbriar, characters are built using templates to streamline and balance creation. Each template represents a unique archetype, designed with 200 points and 40 points of disadvantages (plus 5 quirks). These templates act as starting frameworks, with built-in customization options to make your character truly your own. Character creation will take place before the first session, giving players time to familiarize themselves with the system and their abilities. We’ll handle it over Discord, and I’ll be available to help you select advantages, disadvantages, or skills as needed. We’re using core GURPS rules, along with select content from Thaumatology, Magic, and Powers. These supplements introduce the supernatural elements and magic systems that bring the setting to life. Below is a brief overview of the 10 templates available for characters: Vanguard – Elite soldiers and scouts serving the Queen’s military, known for their battlefield prowess and survival instincts. Twiceborn – Those who have crossed the veil of death and returned, now fueled by savage power and a hunger for fear. Riddle-Smith – Masters of hidden truths and incantations, capable of reshaping reality through riddles, though at the risk of Mindbreak. Soulfire Gunslinger – Sharpshooters who pour their very essence into supernatural bullets, risking body and soul with each shot. Fellwright Gunslinger – Noble gunslingers cursed with sigil-marked weapons that grant immense power at great personal cost. Changeling – Humans raised by the fae, beautiful and strange, torn between two worlds and gifted with illusory magic. Briarheart – Nature’s guardians, cursed to embody both the fury and vitality of the wild. Cinder-Kin – Outcasts from a fiery realm, wielding flame-based magic while struggling to find their place in the Marches. Gravecaller – Mediums who commune with spirits, channeling lost knowledge and the abilities of the dead. Lantern Walker – Wandering priests carrying holy lanterns to banish spirits and guide the lost, while invoking miracles through faith.

Preparing for the session

You’ll need a mic for voice communication, though a webcam is optional (I’ll be using one). You don't need to master the rules, but I ask that you read through the 32-page GURPS 4e Lite guide, available for free at https://www.sjgames.com/gurps/lite/ This will give you a basic understanding of the system. I’ll provide character templates that are mostly filled out, leaving room for customization to make the character your own.

What souldiver brings to the table

As your GM, I’ll guide Cursed Guns of the Shadowbriar with a balance of narrative immersion and tactical precision. We’ll use Roll20 for major encounters where tactical decisions matter—like holding off waves of cursed beasts or dueling Fae huntsmen in treacherous terrain. For smaller skirmishes or more roleplay-heavy scenes, I’ll switch to theater of the mind, ensuring the story flows naturally without getting bogged down in mechanics. I trust players to roll physical dice on their end if preferred, keeping the focus on storytelling and strategy rather than strict oversight. My GM style leans into deep roleplaying and immersive storytelling, with a focus on meaningful player choices. I breathe life into NPCs with varied speech patterns, subtle accents, and changes in pitch, making each interaction memorable. As a GM, I follow the rules as a foundation, but I’m flexible where it serves the story. While the game will be challenging and decisions carry real consequences, creativity is always encouraged. I am nothing if not flexible. You’ll have access to my entire GURPS library, along with visual aids to bring people, places, and key objects to life. Expect a game filled with rich worldbuilding, tough moral choices, and dark frontier adventures. Whether it’s solving riddles posed by alien-minded Fae or facing down ancient threats with cursed revolvers, this campaign will reward bold, thoughtful play. I strive to empower my players to shape the world through their actions—and forge their own legends along the Shadowbriar's cursed edges.

How souldiver creates a safe table

First off, this game contains high-stakes scenarios where character death is possible depending on player choices. In that eventuality, you can make another character with the same current point total. Now, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, we'll be using the following safety tools: * Lines and Veils: We'll establish clear boundaries (lines) for content that is off-limits and areas (veils) that should be handled with care or off-screen. This can be revisited as needed. * Luxton Technique: This involves regularly checking in with players to ensure everyone is comfortable with the game’s content. It’s a way to verbally confirm that everyone is okay with the direction of the story. * Open Door Policy: Players can step away from the game at any time if they feel uncomfortable or need a break. This ensures that everyone feels safe and respected throughout the session. * Breaks: We'll schedule a regular break about halfway through to ensure everyone stays refreshed and comfortable. This allows time for players to step away and decompress if needed. If you have any questions or concerns about these tools, feel free to reach out. Your comfort and enjoyment are my top priorities.