Savage Worlds: Down Darker Trails

How to prepare

A basic familiarity with the mythos of H.P. Lovecraft (you can appreciate the man's literary works while still decrying his racist and xenophobic ideals) is a plus, but not necessary. Come up with two or three possible character concepts suitable for a supernatural wild west theme, but don't get too invested in any of them before character creation: be ready to change it up if needed. If you would like to join but you've never played Savage Worlds before, I would recommend that you play in one of my free monthly "How to Play Savage Worlds" sessions here on StartPlaying. Alternately, you can watch this series of tutorial videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgb1VYGaaaMS8Y8znq_oaPrbPhlG9RBwR Either way, this is not a game for absolute novices; SOME level of knowledge of Savage Worlds is strongly requested. If you have never used Foundry VTT before, I highly recommend watching this video tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibMQVYeCy_Q Regarding webcameras: I always keep my camera ON when I GM. Although I do not require this of my players, I do strongly encourage it for several reasons: 1) A lot of roleplaying takes place through facial expression and non-verbal communication. Playing without a video image can hinder that. 2) As a safety tool, being able to see someone's face and read their expression can offer me, as GM, cues that something is wrong or that a player may be uncomfortable with where the game is going - which then gives me an opportunity to call for a break and check in with that player privately. However, I completely understand any player's hesitancy to use a webcamera, for reasons either personal or technological (I use multiple monitors so I can easily swap between Discord and Foundry, but I recognize that this is not always true for my players). Use cameras if you wish, but please feel no pressure to do so if you do not.

What I provide

I run all my games on Foundry VTT. I've been using this platform for many years now, and have developed a lot of custom material for it. It is a robust and versatile software - but I have also learned that it doesn't handle simultaneous voice/video particularly well. To that end, we will use Discord for voice. In terms of play style, I am very much an advocate of the Rule of Cool. I use the rules as written as a foundational guide, but I am always willing to adjust and modify them based on the needs of my players, especially when it results in some epic roleplaying situations. I vary from Theater of the Mind to detailed battle maps, depending on the situation. My primary philosophy as a GM is flexibility; no matter what planning has gone into a game, be prepared to change course in an instant if it makes for a better experience.

Gameplay details

During Session Zero (and individually, for players who may join afterwards), we will have a discussion about the Luxton Technique and how we will use it to address - in a supportive and non-dismissive way - any triggering situations that may arise in-game. Scheduled and unscheduled breaks are welcome, for any reason, and I always have an open-door policy for all my games (meaning any player can step away from the game for any reason at all without recrimination or criticism, and be able to return if/when they feel they are ready/willing to.) I strive to make sure my games are a safe space, even when dealing with horror and trauma related themes. HISTORICAL NOTE: The real-world history of the American west is fraught with racism, discrimination, and violence towards non-white men and women. Because this game draws from this historical period, it is impossible - and indeed potentially unhealthy - to pretend otherwise. Therefore, such things - as distasteful as they are to a modern participant - will occasionally feature in the game; however, they will never be a *focus* of the game unless it is presented in such a way that the players will be in a position to resist it or fight against it in some way. Regardless, any racist or sexist language or behavior on the part of the players, whether in- or out-of-character, will not be tolerated. The heroes of this game are expected to be better and more enlightened than their fellows.

Content warnings

Safety tools used

How will character creation work

Character creation will be done collaboratively, to ensure that the party forms as a group that is more likely to work together in a complementary fashion rather than a hodge-podge of mismatched heroes who would seem more likely to go it alone.

Combat / Tactics

Medium

Roleplay

High

Puzzles

Low

Experience level

Intermediate