Echoes From The Void | ScienceFantasy-Opera

Creating your character

Character creation for Echoes From The Void will take place before and during Session 0. Prior to our first formal gathering, players are expected to begin crafting their characters brainstorming backgrounds, selecting races and classes, and rolling stats. You do not need to have every detail locked in before Session 0, but having a concept in mind will help streamline the process. The purpose of Session 0 is to finalize mechanics, ensure narrative cohesion across the party, and answer any remaining questions or adjustments before gameplay begins. It will also include light roleplay or introductory scenarios to set the tone. Characters begin at Level 3. Stats will be generated using the following method: Roll 4d6, reroll 1s, and drop the lowest die from each set. This should give slightly more heroic results than standard rolling. Each character receives one feat at Level 1, in addition to their normal features. You may select from the Player’s Handbook or any 5e sourcebook available. If you'd like to use a homebrew feat or something from a third-party source, please bring it up before Session 0. Additionally, I have purchased the third-party campaign setting "Dark Matter", if you would like to reference the feats in this book, please let me know. You may begin with one Common or Uncommon magic item of your choice. These items should match your character's backstory and specialization. This could be a relic from training, a gift from a mentor, or a scavenged artifact. Flavor and function matter: we'll ensure that the item fits the sci-fi fantasy tone of the setting. For example, a Driftglobe might be a floating drone, or a Cloak of Elvenkind might be a piece of stealthwear issued on a covert mission.

Preparing for the session

1. Join the Discord Server This will be our central hub for communication, announcements, scheduling, roleplay chats, and session coordination. → https://discord.gg/g7VhBayT Once joined, make sure to: Introduce yourself in the appropriate channel. Set your nickname to your character’s name (once finalized). Turn on notifications for game updates. 2. Create a Roll20 Account We’ll be using Roll20 for virtual tabletop gameplay, maps, combat, and dice rolling. → Go to https://roll20.net and make a free account. → Once your account is ready, send me your Roll20 username so I can add you to the campaign. 3. Attend Session 0 This is required before the campaign officially begins. We’ll: Finalize character sheets and backstories. Talk tone, expectations, safety tools, and house rules. Introduce the world and your roles aboard the CSS Dauntless. Run a mini-scenario to establish group cohesion.

What Lazaro brings to the table

As your GM, my goal is to provide a story-first, immersive experience filled with cinematic moments, player-driven drama, and deeply thematic storytelling. Echoes From The Void is a sci-fantasy campaign where your choices ripple across stars. Expect strange worlds, moral ambiguity, and meaningful character arcs. I use both diegetic (in-world) and non-diegetic (cinematic) music to reinforce the mood. Whether it’s the hum of a Void Core Engine or the haunting melody of a forgotten world, audio helps pull you into the setting. Maps will be fully colored and custom-made, depicting starships, alien cities, and ruined temples with detail and care. These are designed for both tactical combat and visual storytelling. NPCs are brought to life through emotional nuance, shifting motivations, and varied speech patterns. I do use character voices, though not exaggerated or theatrical, more grounded and emotionally driven. I embrace the Rule of Cool over strict Rules as Written. If an action is bold, clever, or cinematically appropriate, I will lean toward allowing it, especially if it elevates the moment or involves player creativity. Combat is cinematic but tactical. You’ll encounter dynamic battlefields with shifting conditions, environmental hazards, and narrative stakes. No fight exists in a vacuum. There’s always a reason, always consequences. The game’s heartbeat is character. I want to explore who your characters were, who they are, and who they’ll become. Your backstories will matter. Expect your personal arcs to echo through the greater mysteries of the campaign.

Homebrew rules

Death Saves All death saving throws will be rolled privately by the DM. Results will be sent directly to the dying player, keeping other players unaware of the outcome unless the character dies or is stabilized. This rule enhances tension and realism in high-stakes moments. Quickdraw Surprise Rounds If a creature is already engaged with another, it may initiate a surprise round by succeeding on a Sleight of Hand check. -Only the creature who made the Sleight of Hand roll may act in the surprise round. -Surprised creatures cannot move, take actions, or reactions during the surprise round. This rule rewards stealth, tension, and dramatic close-quarters encounters. Crunchy Crits Critical hits use a high-impact "Crunchy Crits" system to make them feel more powerful. -Roll your damage dice once. -Then add: Max value of the damage die, and your damage modifier. Example: Scimitar (1d6) rolls a 4. Add max (6) + mod (3) = 13 damage. Longsword (1d8) rolls a 4. Add max (8) + mod (3) = 15 damage. Potions Drinking a potion as a bonus action requires a roll for healing. Drinking a potion as an action grants the full healing amount automatically.

How Lazaro creates a safe table

Creating a welcoming, respectful, and safe environment is a top priority at my table. We’ll use several tools and practices to make sure everyone feels supported, empowered, and heard throughout the game. Session 0 Before we begin the campaign, we’ll hold a Session 0 to discuss tone, themes, expectations, character connections, and safety tools. This is a space for players to voice concerns, preferences, and boundaries. We'll finalize character builds and make sure everyone is on the same page about how the game will run. Lines and Veils I will provide a Lines and Veils document to define content boundaries. -Lines are topics we won’t include at all. -Veils are topics that may exist in the world but will be handled off-screen or with minimal detail. Everyone will have access to this document and may add to it at any time, anonymously or directly. X, N, and O Cards We’ll use X, N, and O cards as in-game safety tools to communicate comfort levels in real time: -X = "Stop immediately" -N = "I’m not okay with where this is going" -O = "I’m okay and comfortable to continue" These can be used via chat, camera signals, or direct messages depending on player preference. We'll go over how to use them during Session 0. Aftercare After intense sessions, especially those involving heavy themes or dramatic character moments, we’ll take time for aftercare, a brief debrief where we can decompress, check in, and talk about what we enjoyed or what was hard. This can be casual, private, or group-based. Stars and Wishes After sessions, in the designated chat, we’ll share Stars (things you loved or appreciated) and Wishes (things you’d like to see more of or explore in the future). This encourages open communication and helps tailor the game to what players enjoy most. Open Door Policy Everyone has an open door at my table. If you ever need to take a break, skip a scene, or step away from the game for any reason, no explanations required, you are always free to do so. Scheduled Breaks For longer sessions, we’ll have regular breaks built into the schedule. You’re also encouraged to take micro-breaks as needed at any time. Together, these tools ensure that fun never comes at the cost of comfort. We’re building a story together, and that story should always be grounded in mutual trust and respect.