[Solo PbP] Band of Blade: Slash Corpses in Retreating Light

Creating your character

We'll build your first Specialist before Session 1, fully async in Discord. Want a live walkthrough? Just ask. I'll guide you step-by-step. You won’t just make a character, you’ll help shape our version of the Legion, pick command staff, and define the other members of the warband. Expect war-torn, sacrifice-heavy archetypes: play loathing officers, numbed scouts, brutal warriors, or desperate medics. Your fears, flaws, and final stands are what shape this story. We'll use the Core Band of Blades Rulebook (PDF provided after sign-up). We rotate roles as the story demands. You’ll step into different boots, but every death leaves a mark. I'll help you tie in character goals, fears and regrets so that even a rookie's last stand shines its light in the dark. Lines & Veils, Writers’ Room, and optional Stars, Wishes, and Thorns keep this a safe, collaborative space." Full character & tone guide available after sign-up.

Preparing for the session

You'll need a Discord account. StartPlaying sends the invite once you sign up. All play takes place there. We use Google Drive for character sheets, reference material, and safety forms. You’ll need a Google account to access shared docs. Dice rolling is handled via bots in Discord. “Mox” or “Roll'em” is used depending on group preference. A quick bot guide is pinned in #bot-spam. Reading the full rulebook is optional, but glancing through your chosen playbook (e.g., Heavy, Medic, Sniper) and the Legion sheet will help a lot. Everything you need will be provided or explained. 🎯 Before Session 0: ✅ Joined the Discord Server ✅ Reviewed the Lines & Veils form ✅ Chosen your first Specialist role (or pinged me for help) ✅ Checked the Band of Blades Onboarding Guide

What Brian, The MaxSoulGMz brings to the table

I provide the Core Band of Blades rulebook, a custom Onboarding & Tone Guide, and a shared Google Drive with everything you’ll need: a Character & Legion Keeper, cheat sheets, and random generators. The Discord server is fully set up for async Play-by-Post, with forums for Q&A and recaps, bot support from Mox and Roll’em, and dedicated channels for most aspects of the game. This is a sacrifice-heavy, cinematic campaign about a Legion on the run, where characters are tested by the Undead, dwindling supplies, and the emotional cost of survival. Even short-lived Rookies can leave their mark. I focus on introspective, character-driven scenes, where hard choices and grim victories ripple through the war. We’ll use Lines & Veils, Stars & Wishes, Thorns, and a collaborative Writer’s Room approach to keep the table safe, sharp, and emotionally tuned. You won’t just survive. You’ll define what survival means.

How Brian, The MaxSoulGMz creates a safe table

Lines and Veils are tracked in a shared editable Google Sheet and must be filled out before Session 1. You’re free to update it at any time—just ping me if something changes. We also use Stars, Wishes & Thorns to keep everyone’s goals and comfort aligned throughout the game. Session 0 is fully async in Discord and covers tone, safety tools, shared expectations, and anything else the table needs to feel grounded. Since this game leans into emotional weight and player-shaped fiction, we use a Writer’s Room approach—everyone helps shape scenes, control intensity, and steer the emotional tone. I’ll check in via DM if you go quiet unexpectedly. If you need a break or pause, take it—no judgment. Between missions, “Back at Camp” scenes offer breathing room and reflection to keep the game balanced. War is heavy. Our table doesn’t have to be.