Strange Semester (MotW) 21+

Creating your character

Character Creation at Braxton Hill Character creation will happen during Session 0 before we dive into the mysteries of Braxton Hill. This session is dedicated to helping build a character who feels at home in the Appalachian gothic atmosphere of the game, while also connecting you meaningfully to the town, the college, and your fellow Irregulars. You don't need to come with a fully formed concept as we'll build the characters together using fillable character sheets provided by your Game Master on Roll20. Everything will be in one place on Roll20 so no lost papers, no scrambling to find stats or moves. Just log in, open your sheet, and you're ready to go! Step 1: Choose your Playbook Playbooks represent broad archetypes not just mechanical roles, and each one one comes with a unique lens through which you'll interact with the world. You might be the Spooky student experimenting with powers you don't fully control, the Mundane who somehow survives encounters no one else should, or the Chosen who feels the weight of destiny on their shoulders. Only one character may select a given Playbook. There will be no doubling up on playbooks as each is meant to feel special, distinct, and irreplaceable. If you choose “The Expert,” you’ll be the one person on campus with that unique role — and your fellow players will bring entirely different strengths to the table. Step 2: Flesh out Your Student Life You’re a student in Braxton Hill. After choosing a playbook, we’ll answer a few key questions to ground your character: What’s your major? Are you studying folklore, biology, psychology, or maybe just trying to scrape by in general studies? Where are you from? Are you a local with deep Appalachian roots, or an out-of-state transplant who feels the strangeness of Braxton Hill even more keenly? Why did you join The Irregulars? Was it on purpose, or did you stumble in by accident after something weird happened to you? This step ensures your character isn’t just defined by their supernatural role, but by their place in the college ecosystem. Step 3: Connections With Others This game thrives on collaboration. During Session 0, we'll use prompts from your playbook to create connections with other players' characters. Maybe you saved someone's life last semester. Maybe you're roommates. Maybe you've already shared a terrifying experience in the haunted dorms. These ties give us instant story hooks and make your character a part of a living, breathing web of relationships from day one. Step 4: Tone, Safety, and Expectations Character creation is also about setting expectations so we'll discuss what themes are in play and what themes are off limit or need to be handled with care. We'll use safety tools (Lines and Veils, X-Card, RPG Checklist) to make sure everyone feels comfortable. By the end of Session 0, you’ll have: -A distinct Playbook no one else is using. -A student identity firmly tied to Braxton Hill. - A completed, safely stored R20 sheet.

Preparing for the session

Before our first session, please complete the following steps so we can jump right into character creation and mystery-solving without technical hiccups: 1. Create a StartPlaying account - If you're reading this, you already have one! Make sure your profile is complete and you've signed up for the game. 2. Make a free Roll20 account - We'll be using Roll20 for maps, dice rolling, and character sheets. - Sign up here on: https://roll20.net (No Purchase Necessary! The free account is all you need.) - Join the game using this link: https://app.roll20.net/join/20122229/Mn6gHg 3. Check your microphone and headphones - Clear audio makes the game smooth and immersive - A headset or earbuds help reduce echo and background noise - Webcams are optional, but encouraged if you like the extra social feel 4. Install Discord - Voice and between session communication will happen on Discord - Download here https://discord.com or use the web app. - Once you've made an account, join my discord server: https://discord.gg/z6FHd2brsp 5. Think about your character concept - You don't need to have a finished character yet, but it helps to brainstorm. Consider: What's your major? Why did you come to Braxton Hill? Do you already suspect something weird about yourself? 6. Bring an open mind and curiosity!

What WforWhimsy brings to the table

When you step into Braxton Hill, I'll make sure the table is ready for you to dive into the mystery without stress or prep on your end. Here's what I'll provide as your GM: - Fillable Roll20 Character Sheets: Preloaded with all the playbooks and easy to update. No need to track paper sheets as everything lives safely in Roll20. - Discord Server: A private server just for our group, with channels for scheduling, memes, session recaps, and out of character chatter - Maps, Handouts, and Clues: Custom Handouts, Documents, and Visual Aids to Immerse you into the weirdness of Braxton Hill: From cult flyers found on campus to sketches of three-faced deer sightings - Session 0 Onboarding: A full session dedicated to character creation, safety tools, and grounding your PCs in the world before mysteries begin. My GM Style: - Character Driven Storytelling: I want the spotlight to be on your characters. Your secrets, curses and gifts will shape the unfolding mysteries. I weave all backstories into the world so it feels alive and personal. - Creepy, Cozy Atmosphere: Expect Appalachian gothic vibes; fog drenched woods, haunted door rooms, whispered folklore. I use ambient soundscapes and background music to enhance the mood, but nothing overwhelming. Roleplay First, Combat Second: This isn't a tactical minis game. Most challenges will be mysteries, investigations, or tense social encounters. Combat may happen, but it's rare, quick, and cinematic rather than grid heavy. - Rule of Cool Over Rules as Written: The rules are here to support storytelling, not limit it. If you have a wild idea, I'll usually say "roll for it" rather than "no". Cinematic moments, creative problem-solving, and leaning into the weird and wacky will always take priority. - Distinct NPCs (With Voices!): From a gruff janitor who knows more than he says, to a jittery roommate with too many theories, I'll bring NPCs to life with different personalities and when possible, voices. Safety and Comfort First: I use tools like Lines & Veils and the X-Card so everyone can enjoy the spooky without crossing personal boundaries. What You Can Expect Each Session: - A warm, welcoming space where everyone has room to roleplay, investigate, and share the spotlight. - Session recaps posted in discord so you never feel lost if you miss a session. - A balance of eerie supernatural mystery and the humor of campus life (yes, exams still happen even if the dorm is haunted). - The chance to influence the story's direction - your choices matter, and Braxton Hill will change based on them.

Homebrew rules

To keep Braxton Hill running smoothly and to highlight the spooky, cinematic feel of the game, I use a handful of light homebrew tweaks. These rules are designed to make play more narrative, tense, and character-driven. 1. Rule of Cool Priority - If you try something creative, cinematic, or thematically spooky, I'll reward it. Even if the rules don't strictly cover it, we'll find a roll or consequence that fits. 2. Shared Spotlight in Investigations - During mysteries, each player will be given the opportunity to lead or investigate clues during the session. This ensures no one feels left out of the hunt for answers. 3. Consequences Scale with Weirdness - Instead of piling on hit points, threats escalate in strangeness. Failures may mean visions, hauntings, or unsettling bargains - not just lost HP. 4. Session Recap Advantage - If you volunteer to give the group a recap at the start of a session, you earn a one-time reroll for that night. 5. Safety First: - We'll use Lines & Veils and open-door safety rules. If something gets too intense, we pause, rewind, and keep going without judgement.

How WforWhimsy creates a safe table

Horror and mystery can be a lot of fun, but only if everyone feels safe exploring it together. I take player safety seriously and use several tools to make sure our table is spooky in the right ways - never uncomfortable. Session 0: Before we begin play, we'll spend time setting expectations: - Lines & Veils: I'll provide a document where players can anonymously mark what content should never appear (Lines) and what's okay if handled off screen or lightly (Veils) - Tone Check: We'll talk about how scary, intense, or goofy the group wants the game to be. Appalachian gothic is flexible and can lean creepy, dramatic, or even campy depending on group comfort. Safety Tools in Play: - X, N, & O Cards (Digital): In Roll20 chat or on Discord, players can type: X = Stop immediately, this content isn’t okay. N = No thanks, let’s shift away from this. O = I’m good to continue, even if things are intense. These signals can also be sent privately to me in a direct message. - Lines & Veils: Content that should never appear (Lines) and what's okay if handled off screen or lightly (Veils) - Open Door Policy: Anyone can step away from the session at any time, no questions asked. - Aftercare & Debrief: At the end of each session, we'll take a few minutes to check in about how everyone felt and allow everyone to decompress if the session was especially intense. We'll also share highlights and funny moments to bring us back to a lighter headspace before logging off. - Ongoing Comfort: I'm always available on discord or startplaying for players to message me about safety, comfort, or pacing concerns outside of game time. Player enjoyment always comes first!