Pokémon: Shadows Beyond the Peak Wednesday 1

Creating your character

Character creation will take place during the free session 0 as a group. Everyone will start with one level 5 Pokémon from a wide list of Pokémon. As well as use the wide list of features to turn the trainer into many different archetypes (like ninja, fossil expert, capture specialist, psychic and many more). Everyone will have access to the full rules in game and wont be required to purchase any rule books.

Preparing for the session

Everyone will need to have an account on foundry Everyone will need to join the discord

What DM Fred brings to the table

As your Game Master, I’ll guide you through an epic, character-driven journey in the world. My focus is on immersive storytelling, meaningful choices, and a world that evolves in response to your actions. Expect cinematic scenes, dynamic characters, and mysteries that unravel piece by piece as you venture deeper into the unknown. I use character voices, descriptive narration, and ambient music to create a vivid atmosphere at the table. My goal is to draw you into the world and make each moment feel alive. You'll encounter NPCs with depth, motivations, and secrets, and you'll be encouraged to form relationships—whether alliances or rivalries—that carry weight. Combat is intense and intentional. While not every session is combat-heavy, when it happens, it's meant to feel dangerous, thrilling, and tactical. I lean into the Rule of Cool—if you describe an awesome, creative action that fits the scene and feels heroic (or tragic), I’ll reward bold ideas over strict mechanics. That said, the Rules as Written provide the foundation for fairness and consistency. I aim for balance: we respect the rules but aren't bound by them when the story demands something greater.

How DM Fred creates a safe table

Creating a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment is a top priority in every game I run. This is a collaborative story, and everyone at the table deserves to feel heard, valued, and secure. To help support this, a Lines and Veils document will be shared before the campaign begins and will remain available at all times during play for easy reference. Players are encouraged to review it and add to it as needed—we’re all here to tell a great story together, and that includes knowing where the boundaries are. During Session 0, we’ll go over the tone of the game, character creation expectations, party dynamics, and, most importantly, our shared safety tools. This includes a discussion of Lines (hard limits) and Veils (fade-to-black subjects), themes players want to explore or avoid, and how to support one another both narratively and emotionally throughout the campaign. To support ongoing safety, I use the X, N, and O system—players can use digital signals or send me a private message during or after a session to flag any issues. Whether it's a moment of discomfort, a scene that’s pushing too far, or a need to pause, these tools are always respected, no questions asked. I also make it clear that I’m always available for private check-ins outside of sessions to address concerns, adjust content, or just to talk things through. Aftercare is something I take seriously, especially after emotionally intense scenes. I offer time to debrief, celebrate wins, and decompress—whether that’s a casual conversation after the session or a check-in before the next game. My goal is to ensure that every player feels comfortable, empowered, and excited to return to the table each time we gather.