Under the Crooked Moon

Creating your character

Character creation will take place before the first session. Once you join the game, you’ll get access to the FoundryVTT server where you can build your character directly using the module’s integrated tools and compendium content. Characters will begin at Level 1, and we’ll be using Point Buy for ability scores. All character options must come from The Crooked Moon campaign setting or official D&D 5E sources—no homebrew or third-party content outside the module. I’ll be available to help you build or review your character and can answer any lore or rules questions as needed. The tone of this campaign leans heavily into folk horror, mystery, and dark fantasy, so I encourage backstories that fit that vibe—whether you’re a haunted witch, a vengeful outlander, or a scholar chasing forgotten lore. If you’re unsure what fits, I’ll help guide you.

Preparing for the session

Before we begin, please complete the following steps to ensure a smooth game experience: Create a StartPlaying account – if you haven’t already, this is how you’ll manage bookings and payments. Join our Discord server – a link will be provided after booking. All game communication, scheduling, and voice chat will happen there. Have a stable internet connection and a working mic and headphones – this is a voice-only game; no camera required. Access FoundryVTT through your browser – no download needed. A link will be provided so you can log into the virtual tabletop where the game will be run. Build your character in FoundryVTT – you’ll receive access to all official 5E content and The Crooked Moon module to create your character before Session 1. I’ll be available for questions or feedback. Optional but encouraged: Read the brief setting introduction I’ll provide to get a feel for Druskenvald’s tone and themes. Prepare a character concept that fits the folk horror atmosphere—haunted, desperate, or simply curious enough to board the Ghostlight Express.

What Darren brings to the table

As your GM, I’ll provide a deeply immersive and atmospheric experience using FoundryVTT enhanced with The Crooked Moon module, including full automation, custom maps, ambient soundscapes, dynamic lighting, and original music from the campaign’s soundtrack. You’ll be fully supported with all the official 5E rules and integrated content—no prep required on your end. I use distinct character voices, unsettling NPC mannerisms, and evocative descriptions to bring the folk horror setting of Druskenvald to life. Combat will be tactical and challenging, but not grindy—each fight matters and is often a cinematic turning point in the story. I run Rules-as-Written, with some flexibility for creative or dramatic moments when they serve the scene (think “Rule of Cool,” but with structure). I prioritize player agency and narrative consequence—your choices matter, and the world will shift in response. I respect your time and effort as a player by providing consistent pacing, session recaps, and clear goals while leaving plenty of room for character development and improvisation. Whether you’re here for the horror, the story, or the strategy, I’ll make sure your experience is memorable, polished, and engaging.

Homebrew rules

We use a curated list of house rules to streamline play, clarify edge cases, and enhance consistency. The full list is available on our Discord, but key highlights include: 🎲 General Rules Custom Backgrounds Allowed Heroic Inspiration Cap: Max 2 per character. Critical Saves: A natural 1 on a saving throw is always a failure; a natural 20 is always a success. Partial Proficiency: If you're not proficient in a save, you still add half your proficiency bonus. Divine Intervention: Cannot be used to cast Hallow. Grappling: When you grapple a creature, you share its space while grappling. Prone Rules: Grants advantage to all melee attacks (including reach), and to ranged attacks made within 5 feet. No other attacks are at disadvantage. Stealth: Uses standard PHB rules (PHB p.14). Condition Saves: If a Dex save causes a condition (Blinded, Stunned, etc.), recovery saves become Constitution saves. Poison & Disease: Any effect that cures poison also cures disease. 🪄 Spell Adjustments AOE Duration Spells (e.g., Web, Spirit Guardians): Affect a target immediately on cast, when a creature enters the area, or ends its turn there—only once per turn, including forced movement. Forcecage: Allows a Dexterity saving throw to avoid being trapped. Otto’s Irresistible Dance: Creatures immune to being Charmed are also immune to this spell. Ray of Enfeeblement: On a successful save, the target has Disadvantage on the next Strength-based d20 test. Simulacrum: Cannot cast Wish. ⚔️ Combat & Mechanics New Action – Delay: Players can delay their turn to a later point in the initiative. Summoned creatures still act immediately after their summoner's original position. Summoning: Only one creature can be summoned per casting; it acts immediately after the caster. Spellcasting Limits: The only restriction on multiple spell casts per turn is Quickened Metamagic. The PHB bonus action rule and PHB.24 spell slot limit are not used. Weapon Switching: You can only switch weapons once per turn. Two-Weapon Fighting: Off-hand attacks include your ability modifier for damage. Falling: Creatures fall 200 feet per round. Exhaustion on 0 HP: Each time you drop to 0 HP, you gain 1 level of exhaustion. Stacking Advantage/Disadvantage: Count all sources of advantage and disadvantage. Net outcome determines whether the roll has advantage, disadvantage, or is rolled normally. Examples: 3 adv + 1 dis = advantage 2 adv + 2 dis = even 4 dis + 2 adv = disadvantage ⏱️ Spell & Effect Duration Simplification 1 Minute = Lasts 1 full combat 10 Minutes = Lasts 2 full combats 1 Hour = Lasts until the next short rest 8 Hours = Lasts until the next long rest

How Darren creates a safe table

Player safety and comfort are always respected at my table. Before any intense or potentially triggering content is introduced, I provide clear content warnings in advance. When these moments arise in-game, we take a 5-minute break so players can step away, process, or opt out as needed without pressure or spotlight. I also maintain a firm open door policy—players are welcome to message me privately at any time, before, during, or after a session, to express concerns, set boundaries, or request changes. I take these messages seriously and will always respond respectfully and discreetly. My goal is to create a space where everyone feels safe exploring dark themes in a way that’s exciting but never overwhelming.