The Curse of Brightbeard - A Holiday Oneshot Adventure

Creating your character

Character creation for your Pirate Borg game will utilize The Tavern, a tool in Foundry for generating random pirates.

Preparing for the session

Players will need Roll20 and Discord accounts. A microphone is needed for Discord chat. Webcam optional.

What Ken brings to the table

When you join my Pirate Borg game, you can expect a high-quality, immersive experience tailored to capture the grim, gritty tone of a doomed pirate adventure. Here's what I’ll provide to make your journey unforgettable: Tools and Resources Virtual Tabletop (VTT): We’ll use a VTT platform (such as Foundry or Roll20) to streamline gameplay. Expect custom maps with atmospheric details, fog of war, and integrated mechanics to keep the action fast and engaging. Custom Maps and Tokens: I create dynamic, handcrafted maps for key locations and naval encounters. Each map is tailored to enhance tactical combat and exploration. Tokens for characters, enemies, and NPCs will be detailed and thematic. Ambient Music and Soundscapes: I utilize curated playlists and sound effects to bring the world to life. From the creaking of a ghostly ship to the clash of steel, the audio will immerse you in the doomed seas of Pirate Borg. Rulebook Support: If you're new to the system, I’ll provide quick-reference materials and summaries of the most important rules to ensure you feel confident at the table. My GM Style Character Voices: I bring NPCs to life with unique voices and personalities, helping you feel immersed in the story. From grizzled pirates to mysterious sea witches, I’ll make every encounter memorable. Tactical Combat: Combat in Pirate Borg is deadly, and I lean into its gritty, unforgiving nature. Expect strategic, intense battles where every decision matters. Narrative-Driven Roleplay: While combat is important, I also focus on character-driven storytelling. Your backstories and choices will shape the world around you, influencing the plot and creating meaningful consequences. Balance of Rules and Creativity: I stick to the core rules for consistency but embrace the Rule of Cool when it enhances the story. Want to swing on a rope into battle or ignite a barrel of gunpowder? If it fits the moment and makes sense, I’ll encourage creative solutions. Dynamic Encounters: From cursed treasure hunts to shipboard mutinies, every session will be filled with tension, danger, and opportunities for heroics—or villainy. Expectations for Players I encourage collaboration and creativity at the table. Whether you’re roleplaying your pirate’s desperation or devising clever tactics in combat, I’ll ensure your contributions matter. My goal is to deliver an unforgettable adventure that challenges your wits, your luck, and your sense of morality. So grab your cutlass, muster your courage, and prepare to sail into the storm. In my Pirate Borg games, the sea is dark, the treasures are cursed, and every decision could be your last.

How Ken creates a safe table

Session 0 Overview: In Session 0, we will discuss player expectations, themes, and comfort levels to ensure everyone feels safe and engaged. Players can share their boundaries openly, and I’ll provide space to address any concerns about the game’s darker themes. Lines and Veils: While I do not typically use a formal Lines and Veils document, we will collaboratively establish any hard boundaries (Lines) and sensitive areas (Veils) during Session 0. These can be updated as needed. X, N, & O Cards: I use a digital system for these tools: X: Players can type or say "X" to pause or stop the game if something crosses a boundary. N: Players can indicate "N" if they feel uneasy but don’t want to stop entirely. O: Players can signal "O" to express comfort with continuing or escalating a scene. If video is used, these signals can also be held up visibly for clarity. Aftercare (Debriefing): At the end of each session, we’ll have a brief debriefing to reflect on the game. Players can share thoughts, highs, and lows, or provide feedback. This ensures everyone leaves on a positive note.