Kingmaker

Creating your character

Before the campaign begins, we’ll have a Session 0 dedicated to building the foundation of our story and making sure everyone is on the same page. This is where we’ll: Create Characters Together: We’ll finalize character builds, help new players with rules, and ensure each PC has a clear reason to be in the Stolen Lands. If you already have a concept, bring it! If not, I’ll provide prompts and ideas tied to the campaign’s themes. Establish Connections: We’ll talk about how your characters know one another (or why they might be working together for the first time) and set some bonds, rivalries, or shared goals that tie the party together. Set Expectations: We’ll discuss what kind of story everyone wants to tell. Do you want more kingdom intrigue? More wilderness exploration? More dungeon delves? This is the time to calibrate the tone. Table Rules & Safety Tools: We’ll go over table etiquette, how I handle rulings, and use some light safety tools (like lines, veils, and “X card” equivalents) so everyone is comfortable with the game’s darker themes when they come up. Preview the Kingdom-Building Aspect: I’ll explain how kingdom creation and leadership roles will work when they enter play, so you can start thinking about what part your character might want to play in shaping a nation.

Preparing for the session

Before we set out on our Kingmaker adventure, please take these steps to get ready: Join the Discord Server – This will be our main hub for voice chat, announcements, scheduling, and between-session roleplay. I’ll send you the invite link once you’re signed up. Create a Forge Account – We’ll be using The Forge to host Foundry. Please make a free account there so you can log in and access the campaign. Test Your Tech – Make sure you have a stable internet connection, a working microphone, and ideally headphones to keep audio clear. A webcam is optional but welcome. Bring a Character Concept – You don’t need a full build yet (we’ll polish those together in Session 0), but think about who your character is and why they’ve come to the Stolen Lands.

What Originalname brings to the table

As your GM, my goal is to bring the Stolen Lands to life in a way that feels immersive, dynamic, and collaborative. You can expect a blend of epic storytelling, tactical challenges, and room for your characters’ choices to shape the course of the campaign. Immersive Worldbuilding: I use character voices, NPC personalities, and vivid descriptions to make the frontier feel alive. Expect quirky allies, cunning rivals, and dangerous foes, each with their own goals. Atmosphere & Tools: Our game will run on Foundry (via Forge) with maps, tokens, and visuals to enhance the experience. I’ll also use ambient music and soundscapes to set the mood, whether it’s tense exploration, political intrigue, or a climactic battle. Combat & Tactics: Battles are tactical and meaningful—expect maps, movement, and smart enemies that play to their strengths. But I balance combat with exploration, roleplay, and downtime, so the game never feels like just a grind. Rules & Flexibility: I respect the rules and run them fairly, but I also embrace the Rule of Cool—if you pitch me a wild but awesome idea, I’ll work with you to make it happen. Creativity and fun always come first. Player Agency: Kingmaker is about building something lasting. Your decisions—who you ally with, how you rule, and what risks you take—will shape not only your characters, but the fate of an entire kingdom.

Homebrew rules

No homebrew rules at the moment but it may change depending on player input

How Originalname creates a safe table

Session 0 Discussion: Before we begin, we’ll go over expectations for tone, themes, and limits. This includes setting Lines & Veils (what content we don’t want in the game, and what can appear but “fade to black”). I’ll provide a simple document where players can add their input. X, N, & O Cards (Digital): We’ll use easy digital tools during play: X = “Stop” (content is not okay, let’s change direction). N = “Not now” (this is fine for the story, but not right now). O = “Okay” (checking in, confirming you’re good to continue). These can be typed in chat, messaged privately, or spoken aloud—whatever feels safest for you. Open Communication: If something comes up mid-session or between sessions, I’m always open to private messages. I’d much rather adjust on the fly than risk anyone feeling uncomfortable.