Mystery of the Motham House - a Beginner Friendly game

Creating your character

Pregenerated characters are available, but creating your own original character is often more fun! If you prefer not to use a pre-generated character, here are shortened instructions to create a character for this beginner-friendly Lord of the Rings Roleplaying campaign set in the Shire: 1. Race/Culture: Choose a Hobbit (Harfoot, Fallohide, or Stoor). 2. Starting Level: Start at Level 1. 3. Calling/Class: Choose a Calling suitable for a Hobbit: Messenger, Treasure Hunter, Champion, Captain, Scholar, or Warden. 4. Ability Scores: Use the Standard Array: 15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8. Assign based on Calling and your Hobbit's nature (Hobbits are generally not strong). 5. Background/Distinctive Features: Choose a background aligning with Hobbit life. Add a couple of "Distinctive Features" (e.g., "Always Hungry," "Curious"). 6. Skills, Tools, and Equipment: Gain proficiencies based on Calling and culture. Choose starting equipment that makes sense for a Hobbit (practical tools, simple staff, small knife). Avoid heavy armor or large weapons. 7. Name: Give your Hobbit a proper Hobbit name from the Shire (e.g., Baggins, Took). Focus on creating a genuine inhabitant of the Shire, ready for adventure and to prove their unexpected bravery!

Preparing for the session

1. Character Familiarization: If using a pre-generated character: Review your character sheet thoroughly. Understand your character's Calling (class), skills, distinctive features, and equipment. Read their background story [1, pages 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11]. Familiarize yourself with their strengths and personality quirks. If creating your own character: Ensure your character meets the guidelines: Hobbit race/culture (Harfoot, Fallohide, or Stoor), Level 1, appropriate Calling (Messenger, Treasure Hunter, Champion, Captain, Scholar, or Warden), and equipment suitable for a Hobbit [1, pages 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12]. Think about their motivations for joining an adventure, even a small one. 2. Embrace the Hobbit Mindset: Focus on ingenuity, not brute force: Hobbits aren't typically warriors. Think about how your character would solve problems using wit, stealth, charm, or their unique "Hobbit-sense" rather than direct combat. Most weapons are tools, not instruments of battle. Appreciate the small things: Hobbits value good food, comfortable homes, and peaceful lives. While adventure awaits, remember these core values. Community is key: Hobbits are often close-knit. Consider how your character would interact with other Hobbits and the community. The strength of the community, when pushed, is a significant resource. 3. Understand the Shire Setting: Peaceful with lurking peril: The Shire is idyllic, but whispers of a nameless threat and even "wild wolves" remind you that danger can appear. Be observant. Local knowledge is valuable: Familiarize yourself with basic Shire geography (Michel Delving, Brandywine River, Old Forest) and history (e.g., Bandobras "Bullroarer" Took). These details might prove useful. 4. Roleplaying Readiness: Get into character: Think about how your Hobbit would react to strange situations, new people, or unexpected challenges. Are they cautious, curious, or a bit of both? Don't be afraid to be a "small hero": This campaign is about Hobbits proving that even the smallest folk can be the greatest heroes, often through unexpected means. 5. Basic Game Mechanics (if new to RPGs): Listen to the Loremaster: They will guide you through the rules and the story. Ask questions: If you're unsure about a rule or what your character can do, don't hesitate to ask. Understand ability checks and saving throws: These are fundamental to resolving actions in the game. By understanding your character and embracing the unique charm and challenges of a Hobbit adventure, you'll be well-prepared for an exciting journey in the Shire!

What Larry brings to the table

I will use maps and visual aids shared with you on Discord.

How Larry creates a safe table

To ensure everyone has an enjoyable, safe, and collaborative experience, we’ll establish clear boundaries around the themes and events that can arise during our adventures. This framework will guide our storytelling and role-playing, ensuring a respectful and fun game for all participants. ### **Definitions** * **Lines**: Hard boundaries that the story will not cross. These are topics or situations that will not be included under any circumstances. * **Veils**: Topics or situations that may exist in the world but will occur "off-screen" or be handled with discretion, allowing the game to move forward without unnecessary detail. ### **Our Agreed Boundaries** #### **Lines** * **Gratuitous violence**: While combat is a part of Edge of the Empire, we will avoid excessive gore or detailed descriptions of suffering. Violence will serve the narrative, not overshadow it. * **Sexual content**: Romantic subplots can occur if players wish, but explicit sexual content or non-consensual situations are strictly off-limits. * **Harm to children or animals**: These themes will not appear in any context. * **Real-world prejudices**: Racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, or similar issues from the real world will not be included in the game. #### **Veils** * **Romantic relationships**: If relationships between characters develop, they will be handled tastefully and fade to black for any intimate moments. * **Torture or extreme suffering**: If relevant to the story, these themes will be implied rather than explicitly described. * **Death of major NPCs**: While death is part of the world, the emotional impact will be highlighted rather than graphic details. ### **Open Table Policy** At any point during the game, players are encouraged to speak up if a scene or topic becomes uncomfortable. You can use the following tools: * **X-Card**: Say "X" or tap the table (or send a message in our chat, if virtual) to indicate discomfort. The scene will stop or shift immediately, no questions asked. * **Pause and Check-in**: Ask for a brief pause to clarify or adjust a situation. ### **Communication** Before we begin, let’s have an open discussion to confirm these boundaries or add any others that players feel are important. Your comfort and enjoyment matter, and we’ll revisit this document periodically to ensure it reflects everyone’s needs. ### **Conclusion** By establishing these Lines and Veils, we create a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment for our adventures. Let’s work together to tell epic stories while respecting each other's boundaries. If you have any concerns or wish to add to this document, feel free to share them at any time. Let’s have a fantastic game!