Broken But Strong! | Quest for the Frozen Flame | Hexploration

Creating your character

Because of the survivalism and brutal nature of the game, it may be a good idea for everyone to at least discuss what will be played. This does not mean anyone has to be pigeon-holed into one area, but to avoid excessive overlap. To be honest, I cannot imagine it will be too big of a deal to make a character and then bring it to discuss with the group. There will be a considerable amount of exploration, combat, and quasi-social situations with monsters, people, and animals. You will be able to grow your tribe and your herd. Plan accordingly! The theme of the game will be the most important. I will not restrict anything, but this has a primitive, viking, or "frozen north" theme. I am sure we can work something out if you have an idea that doesn't fit perfectly. Starting level is 1, and it goes until level 11 in book three.

Preparing for the session

Discord and Forge accounts are the only programs necessary.

What Sam I M brings to the table

My goal for my players is to create an environment where their stories blend into the story of the overarching world. Small scale problems for PCs act as a backdrop for the main plot to shine. Tying your character's past and motivations to the rest of the world intertwines them with their environment in a way that makes them inseparable. That is my main focus. Everything else just enhances the stakes. Because of this, I stick to the rules like glue. The rules make the choices mean something. Without the rules there are 0 stakes. If the rules are lacking in an area or ignore choices the player makes, then I add to the rules in an ad lib sort of way. For example, some skill feats do not see a lot of play at most tables. If you would like to use a skill feat in a way that the text doesn't say, I will likely make some form of accommodation for that choice. Fascinating Performance used to impress a fellow student will likely reduce the DC to impress them rather than grant a bonus. Group Coercion being used to alert multiple townsfolk of a potential life threatening problem will be more effective than a normal Intimidation check to accomplish the same task. In combat, I have the enemies on a routine. They do what they are going to do, and I don't pull punches. If a monster is hungry it will try to kill off one PC and steal away with their body but run if it is at half health. Mindless undead may hit whatever is closest to them or sprint towards an objective, depending on what animating force may or may not be controlling them.

Homebrew rules

Ancestral Paragon is used to provide some variety if there are some overlaps and allow you to take thematic choices rather than having to chose between something cool and something useful. Gradual ability boosts for ease of transition level to level. Free Archetype. Trust me, you will need the variety! Session 0 Decision; Option 1 - Battlezoo Bestiary has Monster Part rules for groups that want to craft their own deadly weapons from monster parts. This doesnt necessarily require the players to craft it, as there are craftsmen back at the tribe. Option 2 - Automatic Bonus Progression for those groups who do not like the book keeping of tracking what monster parts came from where.

How Sam I M creates a safe table

Veto rule! If you have a problem with something someone said or a choice that was made, veto! You can do this publicly and explain, or send me a private message and I will deliver the news. Often times this leads to a change to make it more comfortable for the veto-er, but eliminating the problem is on the table. Session 0! This lets everyone know what they and their new allies are doing. If things goe well during the session 0, I can get some of the introductary "quests" out of the way so session 1 starts in full swing.