Kalinima - Shadows of the Past

Creating your character

You’ve spent ages building worlds, balancing encounters, and pretending not to be emotionally attached to your NPCs. Now it’s your turn to play. So let’s make it easy. Create your character on D&D Beyond:: • Use Point Buy for ability scores (we’re keeping things fair and spicy). • Start at Level 1, all fresh-faced and ready to cause problems. • You can use any content you personally have access to. Go wild. Setting up for multiclass? Sure. Homebrew? If it’s in your collection, it’s fair game. • Build something you’d never let your players get away with. You’ve earned it. Once you’ve built your masterpiece: 1. Go to your character’s sheet on D&D Beyond. 2. Click “Share” in the top right. 3. Set the character to Public. 4. Copy the link and send it my way. I’ll import it directly into FoundryVTT using Mr Primate’s DDB Importer, so you can jump straight into the action without fiddling with stat blocks.

Preparing for the session

This game runs through FoundryVTT, so you’ll need a stable internet connection and a desktop or laptop browser (Chrome or Firefox preferred). No need to install anything, just click the link I’ll provide before the session and you’re in. If you’ve never used Foundry before, I’ve made a short video walkthrough of my setup so you know what to expect. It’s not required viewing, but it’ll help you hit the ground running. (Link will be shared closer to game time.) We’ll use Discord for voice chat, with the occasional video moment if the mood strikes. No pressure to turn on your camera! This is a judgment-free zone for Forever GMs to kick back and play. Just make sure your mic works and you’re in a quiet enough space to cackle freely when your plan inevitably backfires. Session notes will be handled by Archivist AI, a tool that quietly tracks the game’s events so you don’t have to. It’s like a scribe who never interrupts. Just a heads-up: your in-game actions and dialogue may be summarized for posterity. If you’d prefer not to be included in the notes, let me know before we start. And don’t forget to follow the character creation instructions—you’ll be building your character in D&D Beyond using Point Buy, starting at Level 1, and sharing the public link so I can import it directly into FoundryVTT.

What Andrew brings to the table

First and foremost, I shall weave together a vibrant tapestry of storytelling sprinkled with unexpected surprises and the occasional plot twist that could make even the gods raise an eyebrow. Expect immersive narrative moments where character depth and interaction are paramount, allowing you to forge connections that will resonate long after the dice have rolled. As for ambiance, I have a penchant for employing ambient music to set the mood—be it the haunting echoes of a distant battle or the soft whispers of a moonlit forest. This sonic backdrop will beautifully complement the highs and lows of your journey, enhancing every thrilling encounter and tender moment without drowning out the delightful chaos of your banter. Character voices? Oh, but of course! With the occasional exaggerated dialect or dramatic flair, your characters will sparkle with life as they engage in dialogue that veers between profound and absurd. Because why should a dire moment be bereft of a chuckle? You’ll find that hilarity and gravity can coexist in a world where cool triumphs over all, often resulting in outcomes that are as entertaining as they are effective. In combat, expect a blend of tactical intensity and theatrical flair. I embrace the Rule of Cool, allowing your creative solutions to alter the flow of battle, yet I hold a respect for the Rules as Written, ensuring a balanced and fair encounter for all. This means that while strategy is appreciated, innovation and lateral thinking are rewarded—perhaps with a flourish or even a dramatic fate twist! To set clear expectations, know this: laughter, absurdity, and player agency are the backbone of our sessions. You will be encouraged to explore, experiment, and engage with the narrative, while I will facilitate your epic quests without stifling your creativity. Expect surprises, unexpected consequences, and the odd moment where a character's poor choice leads to delightful chaos. In essence, you'll receive an invitation to partake in a collaborative storytelling adventure, where camaraderie and amusement flourish alongside the thrill of exploration. So, if you seek excitement, laughter, and an experience that balances the serious with the silly, then you're in for a delightful ride

Homebrew rules

Homebrew Rules for just a dash of chaos: • Death Saves are private (between you and me). When you're down, your fate is your own. No peeking, no metagaming, just quiet dread. • Maxwell’s Manual of Malicious Maladies is in play. Critical hits and dropping to 0 HP may come with delightfully horrible consequences. You’ve been warned. These tweaks keep the tension high and the drama… delicious.

How Andrew creates a safe table

This game is built on trust, creativity, and the freedom to play boldly. To support that, I use a few tools to help keep everyone safe and comfortable: - Safety Tools module in FoundryVTT will be active during the game. You’ll get a quick walkthrough in the orientation video so you know how to use it if needed. - A short Lines and Veils document will be shared before the session. It’s a simple way to set boundaries and make sure we’re all on the same page. - We’ll take a 10–15 minute break halfway through to stretch, hydrate, and reset. No one should have to choose between immersion and bladder integrity. This is a judgment-free zone for Forever GMs to relax and enjoy the ride. If something feels off, you’ll have tools and space to speak up. No questions asked, no explanations required.