VTM - Sins of Sydney

Creating your character

Players are welcome to create their characters before Session 0, and I’m happy to assist with concept, mechanics, or backstory if you’d like support. You can also create or adjust your character during Session 0 to form ties with the other players and better integrate into the coterie, if you prefer to build collaboratively. We'll be using the V5 Core Rulebook as our foundation. Material from officially licensed supplements like Camarilla, Anarch, or Chicago by Night is allowed; third-party or homebrew content should be discussed with me first. Characters will be neonates or recent arrivals to Sydney, using standard V5 character creation. You'll start with the usual 15 XP for post-creation adjustments, and gain one free Discipline dot from your Predator Type, as per core rules. Thin-bloods are allowed with approval and a strong concept. This chronicle emphasizes personal horror, temptation, and shifting loyalties, so consider characters with messy ambitions, dangerous secrets, or buried desires. Ties to Sydney, to a faction, or to other coterie members are encouraged but not required. We'll handle character creation on Discord, using shared worksheets and safety tools throughout the process. Whether you're new or experienced, you're welcome at the table—and I’ll be here to support you every step of the way.

Preparing for the session

Once you join the game, you’ll receive an invite to our private Discord server, where all game sessions, between-session roleplay, and coordination will take place. No additional software is required to participate. Depending on group interest, we may also use tools like Kumu or Miro to build a visual relationship map together during or after Session 0. These tools are optional, browser-based, and don’t require installation. Before the first session, players should: Join the Discord server Introduce themselves in the #commentary channel Fill out the Content Consent Checklist (link provided in the server) Begin working on a character, if they’d like to get started early That’s it! Everything else, from character tie-ins to safety systems, will be handled together during Session 0.

What GM Mashby brings to the table

Expect a cinematic, character-driven experience with strong mood and immersive atmosphere. I use distinct character voices (in the style of Jason Carl), custom art for major NPCs, and maps of key regions and locations to ground players in the world. Ambient music will accompany scenes to enhance the tone—whether you're unraveling secrets in a moonlit alley or locked in a tense negotiation with rival Kindred. Consent and safety are always a priority, with multiple tools in place to make sure players feel supported. Ultimately, I aim to provide a collaborative space where your character’s story matters, your choices have weight, and Sydney’s supernatural underworld comes alive around you.

How GM Mashby creates a safe table

Player safety, comfort, and consent are essential to this game. We’ll use a multi-layered safety system to support personal horror while maintaining a respectful, collaborative table. Consent Checklist: Before Session 0, each player will receive a Content Consent Checklist Worksheet to mark topics they want to include, exclude, or handle with care. This helps define group boundaries early. Lines & Veils: During Session 0, we’ll review our Lines (hard limits) and Veils (fade-to-black topics) together to set clear expectations about sensitive material. X, N, & O Cards: In play, we’ll use digital X, N, and O tools via chat or emoji reactions. These provide quick, low-pressure ways to pause or redirect scenes in real time: X = stop immediately N = I’m not comfortable, let’s shift O = I’m okay, or checking in Aftercare & Check-ins: After intense or emotional sessions, I offer optional aftercare—a chance to decompress, talk through scenes, and check in as needed. I’ll also periodically check in one-on-one to make sure everyone feels supported. This game welcomes difficult emotions in fiction, but never at the expense of player well-being. Your boundaries will be respected, and your comfort prioritized throughout the chronicle.