🩸Veins of Ash🫀
In Ebonridge, the undead rule, the forest remembers, and something ancient beneath the city is starting to wake—and it knows your name.
TYPE
SYSTEM
EXPERIENCE
AGE
About the adventure
"The heartbeat is beneath the city. Can’t you feel it yet?” Something is wrong in Ebonridge, North Carolina. It’s 2004. There are no smartphones. The King of the city sits silent in his observatory. A body’s been found with no heart—and no blood. Glyphs appear in ash, visible only in dreams. The Circle whispers of forest spirits. The Sanctum blames the witches. The Ordo Dracul is already digging. You are Kindred. The Damned. And something deep beneath the city is waking up.
Game style
Roleplay Heavy
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
3 years on StartPlaying
247 games hosted
Highly rated for: Creativity, Inclusive, Teacher
Average response time: 12 hours
Response rate: 100%
About me
***Beyond the Dice*** *Introduction* In the world of tabletop gaming, dice are often seen as the heart and soul of the experience, determining the outcomes of battles, negotiations, and quests. However, the magic of a great tabletop game extends far beyond the roll of the dice. It encompasses storytelling, character development, strategic planning, and the shared camaraderie between players. This article explores the elements that enrich tabletop games beyond the randomness of dice rolls. *Storytelling and Narrative* A compelling narrative is a cornerstone of any memorable tabletop game. It provides context and depth to the game's events, transforming simple actions into epic storylines. Game masters (GMs) play a crucial role in crafting these narratives, weaving together intricate plots, unexpected twists, and immersive worlds that captivate players' imaginations. *Crafting a World* Creating a believable and engaging world involves detailed world-building. GMs must consider the history, cultures, and political landscapes of their settings, offering players a rich tapestry to explore. This depth allows players to feel more invested in their characters' journeys and the game’s overarching story. *Character Development* Characters are the heart of any roleplaying game. Players invest time and creativity into developing their characters' backgrounds, motivations, and personalities. This development is not static; it evolves as the game progresses and as characters face challenges and grow from their experiences. *Roleplaying* Roleplaying is a dynamic aspect of character development. It involves players embodying their characters, making decisions based on their personalities, and interacting with the game world and other characters. This immersion enhances the overall gaming experience, allowing players to explore different facets of identity and decision-making. *Strategy and Planning* While dice determine the outcomes of specific actions, strategic planning influences the direction of the game. Players engage in tactical decision-making, considering both short-term goals and long-term strategies. This aspect of gaming encourages critical thinking and collaboration, as players must often work together to overcome obstacles. *Problem-Solving* Tabletop games often present complex problems that require creative solutions. Whether it's devising a plan to infiltrate a fortress or negotiating peace between warring factions, players must use their wits and resources to succeed. This problem-solving element adds depth and excitement to the game, challenging players to think outside the box. *Camaraderie and Social Interaction* At its core, tabletop gaming is a social experience. It brings people together, fostering friendships and teamwork. The shared experiences of triumphs and defeats create a sense of camaraderie among players, making the game more than just a series of dice rolls. *Building Relationships* Through the course of a game, players often form strong bonds with each other. These relationships extend beyond the gaming table, as shared experiences and memories forge lasting friendships. The collaborative nature of tabletop games encourages open communication and mutual support among players. *Conclusion* While dice are an integral part of tabletop games, the true magic lies in the elements beyond the dice. Storytelling, character development, strategy, and social interaction all contribute to a rich and fulfilling gaming experience. By embracing these aspects, players and game masters can create unforgettable adventures that resonate long after the dice have been put away.
View Profile →Reviews (16)
Proficiencies
Players say this GM is great at:
Creativity
Inclusive
Teacher
I loved how Cora works hard to make all players feel included and welcome. Every session I have been in, all the players have been very involved and engaged. Cora was great at helping new players as well as allowing veteran players to engage as they need. I have now played three sessions with Cora and I have a hard time curbing my enthusiasm all day through work. The sessions can't come fast enough.
Cora will tell you off the rip, that she doesn't gatekeep anything. And she is a DM of her word. She gives everything to the players, the campaign, the session and the game. Playing with her for over a year now once as a fellow player and I couldn't begin to attempt to fit in all the crazy fun and even funnier stupid stuff we come up with as a group of nerds playing for endless LOLS. And at the same time, she knows how to reign us in and take our collective hearts for a F-ing Tailspin. Join one of her tables and your in for the best time.
Let me say that this is the first time I've ever played a game online and I've completed over 14 sessions at least with Cora she is a great game master that brings narrative play , Interesting combats and allows the characters of the party breathing room to make interesting role-playing choices in this adventure visually it is stimulating with good maps and she is always open to suggestions and even though this is a paid situation it feels like a friendly game amongst peers and friends. I really enjoyed our time together and it's something that I look forward to every Saturday morning.
Character creation
Creating your character
🧛 Character Creation Summary — Vampire: The Requiem 2e 1. Concept – Who were you before the Embrace? What drives you now as one of the Damned? (Ex: a corrupt detective, a runaway artist, a grieving doctor) 2. Clan – Choose your vampire lineage: Daeva – Seductive, emotional, irresistible Gangrel – Feral, primal, solitary Mekhet – Shadowy, secretive, watchful Nosferatu – Monstrous, disturbing, cursed Ventrue – Regal, commanding, prideful 3. Covenant (Optional) – Pick a political/religious faction, or remain unaligned: Invictus, Carthians, Circle of the Crone, Lancea et Sanctum, Ordo Dracul 4. Attributes – Distribute points among your character’s basic traits: Mental (Intelligence, Wits, Resolve) Physical (Strength, Dexterity, Stamina) Social (Presence, Manipulation, Composure) 5. Skills – Choose your areas of expertise (e.g., Persuasion, Stealth, Firearms) 6. Disciplines – Select vampire powers based on your Clan or story (Ex: Obfuscate to vanish, Vigor for strength, Majesty to compel) 7. Merits – Traits like Allies, Resources, Haven, or Status 8. Touchstones & Humanity – Pick mortal connections that anchor you to your fading humanity—and define how close you are to the Beast 9. Blood Potency – Starts at 1, grows over time (your strength and hunger as a vampire) 10. The Mask & The Dirge – Your public identity and your inner, monstrous truth (Ex: Mask: “The Caring Doctor”; Dirge: “The Cold Predator”)
What to expect
Preparing for the session
We will be doing a lot of theater of the mind, as we will be changing scenes and places regularly. Any battlemaps will be be hosted on Roll20.
What DM Cora Kelley brings to the table
I will bring the story and personalization to life. I will provide the character sheets that we will use as well as a detailed explanation of the rules and character creation. Other than navigating through the choice you make, this is your story to star in.
Homebrew rules
The homebrew rules listed in my server are NOT applicable to VtR, only DnD
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Physical Dice
Headphones
Platforms used
Safety
How DM Cora Kelley creates a safe table
We use Lines and Veil, Session 0, Breaks, and if necessary, aftercare for bleed. ***DISCLAIMER*** Not all content warnings are expected. It is more of an umbrella. If there are any lines or veils players need, accommodations can be made, within reason.
Content warnings
Safety tools used
Additional tables
1 available
Weekly / Wednesday – 10:00 PM UTC
0 / 6 Seats Filled