Shards of Fallen Towers

How to prepare

How to Prepare – Before We Enter the Shadows To join the resistance, you won’t need smuggled spell scrolls or forged IDs—just a few modern tools and your imagination. Tools of the Trade: D&D Beyond Account (free) We'll use this for character sheets and rules access. Beyond Maps Our primary platform for battlemaps and shared visual space. Expect dynamic maps, tokens, and fog of war when things get tense. Google Meet We'll meet virtually via Google Meet for voice and video. Microphone required Camera optional, but recommended for better table vibes Discord You’ll be added to a private server for this campaign. We'll use this for between-session updates, roleplay, coordination, and a private player group chat. We'll also have channels for questions, memes, recaps, downtime, and secret missions. 🛠️ Character Creation Will happen live during Session 0, so don’t worry about building ahead. Bring ideas, not builds—we’ll shape your character together based on story, tone, and where you want them to grow. You’ll receive a short questionnaire or reflection sheet before Session 0 to help spark ideas. ✅ Pre-Session Checklist: Create a D&D Beyond account Accept the campaign invite (you’ll get this before Session 0) Test your mic on Google Meet Join the Discord server Read the campaign intro and tone guide

What I provide

What Will I Bring? As your GM, I’m here to make this campaign cinematic, emotionally gripping, and deeply immersive—like starring in your own dark fantasy series where your choices truly shape the world. 🧰 Tools & Tech: Beyond Maps VTT for rich, tactical combat and cinematic set pieces Custom maps for key locations in Sharn—gritty alleys, spiraling towers, and hidden resistance hideouts D&D Beyond integration for shared content and seamless character sheet access Google Meet for live video/voice play with dynamic scene framing and optional cameras Dedicated Discord server with private channels, in-character threads, downtime play, and faction messages Visual aids like handouts, wanted posters, propaganda flyers, and resistance symbols Session summaries and recaps to keep story continuity strong between sessions 🎭 Storytelling Style: Character-driven narrative—your backstories, choices, and values matter Heavy roleplay focus, with moments of levity and catharsis amid the tension Immersive atmosphere, with ambient music and curated visuals to match key scenes Character voices? Oh yes. Expect shady informants, righteous tyrants, and haunted warforged Moral complexity—there’s no easy “right,” only consequences ⚔️ Rules & Combat: Tactical, cinematic combat—fast-paced but meaningful Combat encounters serve the story, not filler Rule of Cool is welcome, but grounded in world logic I lean on Rules-as-Written for structure, but flex when it serves immersion or drama Players are encouraged to think creatively, use the environment, or break the rules of engagement ❤️ What I Value as a GM: Player agency and collaborative storytelling Safe and respectful play—emotionally intense doesn’t mean unsafe Creating unforgettable moments you’ll talk about long after the session ends 🎤 A Note on Tone: Yes, There Will Be Laughs While this campaign dives deep into heavy themes—tyranny, rebellion, identity—I’m also a stand-up comedian and trained improviser, so don’t worry: this won’t be an endless dirge in grayscale. There will be: Witty banter in grim back alleys Awkward resistance meetings at 2 AM Unlikely friendships with goblin bartenders And yes… probably someone failing a stealth check during a dramatic monologue I believe that humor and hope make the darkness hit harder, and vice versa. We’ll balance the weight with levity, catharsis, and just the right amount of absurdity to make your characters feel real—and their triumphs feel earned.

Gameplay details

This game will deal with heavy themes—oppression, surveillance, state violence, and moral ambiguity—but our table is always a safe and respectful space. We will use the following tools: Lines & Veils (Content we will not show at all, or will fade to black) X / N / O Cards (In-the-moment consent tool: X = stop, N = slow down, O = all good) Open Door Policy (Anyone can step away from the game at any time—no explanation needed) These tools ensure that everyone can lean into the drama without sacrificing comfort. We'll discuss individual lines and veils as a group before we begin. What Kind of Game Is This? Campaign Style: Long-form, narrative-driven, focused on story, character arcs, and choices Tone: Serious, emotional, political—Punctuated by humor and levity Combat: Tactical but rare early on; we build up to more conflict Exploration & Investigation: High. You'll spend time gathering intel, building your cell, making alliances Magic Level: Eberron standard—arcane tech and magical espionage are everywhere Player Freedom: Very high. The world reacts to what you do.

Content warnings

Safety tools used

How will character creation work

Character Creation Level: 1 (point buy) Origin: You are a resident of Sharn with established relationships between party members Allowed Material: All official 2014-era D&D books; Eberron races, dragonmarks, and backgrounds are welcome Optional Rules in Use: Feats at level 1 (with DM approval) Custom background options encouraged Tasha’s optional rules allowed but we’ll stay within the tone of the setting Ask yourself: What have you lost? What lines won’t you cross? What kind of world do you want to build… if you survive this one?

Combat / Tactics

Medium

Roleplay

High

Puzzles

Medium

Experience level

Open to all