Tales from the Rifts: Sons and Moons

Creating your character

We will do character creation in session zero after going through safety tools. If you have an idea for what the character should be that's wonderful. If you are new or wish to start from scratch that's also great. Character creation generally will start with a level 3 character using point buy and all PCs get a starting feat that we will decide on together to help direct the playstyle you want to have. All official classes and races are allowed, including third party classes and races depending on my vetting them. I don't anticipate saying no often. I also have select homebrew I use/allow but that is ad hoc and based on experience and desire to try new and different things.

Preparing for the session

Microphone requires, Webcam optional. I use roll20, discord, and tabletop simulator. I will always use free resources (discord, roll20, zoom), only using resources that cost money if everyone already has or wishes to use that program (like tabletop simulator via steam).

What Joseph Agnew brings to the table

I use character voices to help differentiate NPCs from one another as well as to communicate personality. I use ambient music and, over time, love to integrate players' Playlists regarding their characters from their side. I run tactical combats, almost always with a map, and reward out of the box thinking or logical lines of thought where "if X, then Y, so Z should do something cool." I run everything RAW in the sense that as long as something you want to do doesn't break a rule somewhere we can usually roll about it. I prioritize intention over all and love to work with players in the moment to figure out the best way for them to attempt what they want. I especially reward strong deductions, creative use of items and spells, and playing into your strengths and shortcomings both. I expect open and honest communication from and between players as well as mutual cooperation and respect. I do not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia, or any other hatespeech at the table whatsoever. Because I welcome all players my table will be a safe and fun table for anyone and everyone that can abide by the above. All genders and orientations are welcome at my table, so if you have a personal hang up about such things I wish you good rolls at another table.

Homebrew rules

So the homebrew rules I use are as following: Using a potion on yourself as a bonus action, on others as an action; All skills have passives and will apply frequently; Homebrew spells and actions will be available if you have the relevant features and access; All custom spells and items are rooted in existing feats, features, spells, and items, and remember flavor is free; Intelligence or wisdom rolls for clarification: nothing is worse than having all the pieces of a puzzle but misunderstanding the way it works, so if something is taking longer than it should or players are running down a line of logic rooted in a misunderstanding I will call for a group roll to clarify things incrementally; Item creation and spells creation exist but are quite difficult at low-mid levels, so forge clerics and blacksmiths and artificiers are rewarded for their investment and creativity; Homebrew races and classes are available but I generally recommend new players sticking to core sources until they have some experience and comfort playing the game. If you are comfortable with how the game works and how to use your sheet and abilities we can discuss such things in session zero; Sell me on a roll: if there's something you'd like to try, say an intimidation check, but wish to use CON or STR to do so convince me how you can do so. If you can, you can. There are minor other adjustments such as allowing some 14 and 24 rules to be used in place of one another due to efficacy and setting (looking at you counterspell).

How Joseph Agnew creates a safe table

I use a safety and consent checklist as well as always having an available chat for instant communication of issues or hesitation regarding scenes playing out or content addressed. I will always endeavor to make players comfortable and safe regarding actual triggers and fears while also providing a game with real stakes and fear when appropriate. Session 0 usually requires about 60-90 minutes of going over all of this with the players as a group. Aftercare is generally done via verbal check ins after the scene (if needed) after the session (always) and between myself and the player personally if they need or want it to be private.