Court of Blades: A Disastrous Bloom
Blades in the Dark | Campaign
About the adventure
NOTE: This game is running an adapted form of "Blades in the Dark," the popular fan creation called "Court of Blades," which simulates the traditional Forged in the Dark system but in an alternative renaissance period with a higher focus on court intrigue , gunpowder diplomacy, and romantic skullduggery. It plays similar to "Blades in the Dark" with a couple of notable new mechanics and components. The city of Bloominghall was one of those cities that just seemed like it was the very heart of the world Ambar, and in many cases it very much is. Surrounded by the lush gardens of the Alduins, the Lawcards, or even the Ravenfowls families, the city sits as a major trade hub and epicenter of new magics and philosophy. The city prospers while the surrounding lands are engulfed in the brutal Beaumontian Wars of Succession. But, not all is as it seems in the city of Bloominghall. Warring factions are beginning to rearm since the time of the Shadow War, and are preparing to make moves across the city. You and your party will be a random assortment of people from all walks of life from, and outside of, Bloominghall. Some noble with family fortunes, and others street urchins with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Either way you have come together to slowly make your way to the top of the political order and will this city to your beck and command. So, do you have what it takes?
Game style
Roleplay Heavy
“Roleplay Heavy” games place the focus on the story, the characters, and the world they live within, and tend to lean hard into the various roleplaying elements of the game. These games will frequently find the party talking with NPCs, exploring the personal elements of their backstories, or even having emotional moments around the camp fire.
Theater of the Mind
“Theater of the Mind” uses little to no visuals for scene settings and combat. Instead, the narrative imagery comes from the Game Master’s descriptions and character action and movement comes from Players’ descriptions.
Rule of Cool (RoC)
“Rule of Cool” emphasizes creative story beats over sticking to a system’s rules as written. Players have the ability to push the limits of the rules or even break core rule mechanics at times if the Game Master thinks it is interesting, fun, or cool enough.
Less than a year on StartPlaying
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Additional details
How to prepare
A full set of dice, something to record notes with, at least one character concept, and an imagination.
What I provide
Since this is planned to be a relatively long campaign (upwards of 30 sessions) I do like to make virtual props since I can't play in-person, as well as plenty of dice, a copy of the Rules Book, a battle map and possible some sort of virtual online platform. My GM style is very character, RP, and narrative driven play style. I like getting deep into acting and will on occasion use voices and other things to distinctualize characters and or creatures. I'm trying to play more heavily with music so there will most likely be some sort of ambient sound playing in the back. Lastly I am very much a "rule of cool" type GM and typically utilize what is interesting over what is "traditionally rules as written." The game is here to be utilized by the player, not the other way around; if that makes any sense.
Gameplay details
I utilize a couple of check-in techniques, including, but never limited to: aftercare, breaks, debriefings, lines and veils, an open door policy, and a session zero. Before any one-shot or campaign takes place I set up a session zero with *all* of my players, that is non-negotiable to miss. During this session zero we talk plenty of things from: characters to setting, play time to what day we're meeting. During this time I will talk over Lines and Veils, and hand out some handy dandy resources. I also like to discuss as a group what everyone feels comfortable with. Prior to the start of any session (including session zero) I like to try and address that there will be the set-up, the actual game, and then aftercare. Set-up for me is just a group check in, make sure everyone has everything and is still good to play. The actual gameplay itself. And finally, before we call it for that given session there is a group check-in, debrief, and aftercare session. Finally, during any given session players are allowed to call for breaks, debriefs, or any sort of leaving of the table that is needed. No matter what happens during game I am trying to facilitate a fun and captivating game for all. Which means I am also here to make sure you are safe and comfortable at my table. If you ever need you can also reach out to me over socials, personal info, or discord if needed.
Content warnings
• Alcohol Use
• Classism
• Controlling Parents
• Cults
• Death
• Devils / Demons / Fiends
• Execution
• Fire
• Guns
• Hangings
• Kidnapping
• Language/Cursing
• Murder
• Police Brutality
• Violence
Safety tools used
• Aftercare
• Breaks
• Debriefing
• Lines and Veils
• Open Door
• Session 0
• X, N, and O Cards
How will character creation work
Since I'm still -relatively- new to Blades in the Dark I do still prefer to meet up for a session zero and make the characters at the table as a group. Especially because this is a modified version (which was not created by the makers of BitD) it would probably be more useful to make it as a group. There are a couple online copies floating around, or, if you end up joining this campaign I'll send you my online copy of the Court of Blades. All I ask is that you come to the table with at least ONE character concept!
Players can expect
Combat / Tactics
Medium
Roleplay
High
Puzzles
Low
Experience level
Beginner
Platforms used
• Discord
• Google Hangouts
• Google Meet
• Microsoft Teams
• Roll20
• Skype
• Text/Play by Post
• Zoom
$12.00
/ Session
Each player will be charged when a session starts.
Details
Weekly / Wednesday - 5:00 PM UTC
1-4 Hour duration
0 / 5 Seats filled
Requirements
Experience required: Beginner
Age: 18+