Shadowdark: West Marches

Creating your character

We’ll build your character together in a quick one-on-one session before your first game. I’ll walk you through the process, answer any questions, and help you get started with everything you need. No experience with Shadowdark is necessary—I’ve got you covered. Just schedule a time with me, and we’ll get you ready to brave the dark.

Preparing for the session

Before you play, please make sure to complete the following: Create a free Roll20 account – All sessions will be run on Roll20 for maps and gameplay. Join our Discord server – We’ll use Discord for voice chat, game announcements, and scheduling. A working mic/headset is required. Schedule a one-on-one with me – We’ll create your character together and get you ready to join the world. That’s it! No other downloads or prep required. Just show up with your torch, your wits, and a willingness to explore the unknown.

What Michael brings to the table

As your GM, I’m here to give you a rich, immersive, and player-driven experience in a living world that reacts to your choices. Expect gritty dungeon crawls, dangerous wilderness exploration, and encounters that challenge your creativity as much as your character sheet. I provide custom battle maps, dynamic lighting, and a deep bench of NPCs—many of whom come to life with distinct character voices. I love atmospheric immersion, so you can expect ambient music, environmental effects, and a tone that swings between grim, eerie, and thrillingly heroic. While I know the rules well, I’m not a rules lawyer. I follow the spirit of the game and lean into the Rule of Cool when it makes things more fun or cinematic. Shadowdark is fast, deadly, and all about player agency—so come ready to explore, experiment, and tell unforgettable stories.

Homebrew rules

I run Shadowdark mostly by the book, but with a few tweaks to keep things fast, fun, and cinematic: Minor/Bonus Actions Allowed – Quick actions like drinking a potion or pulling a lever can be done alongside your main action and movement. Flanking Grants Advantage – If you and an ally are on opposite sides of an enemy, you gain advantage on your attack roll. Rule of Cool – Clever, cinematic, or just plain awesome ideas are encouraged and often rewarded—even if they bend the rules a bit. These adjustments help keep the pace snappy and the action thrilling while still honoring the deadly spirit of the Shadowdark.

How Michael creates a safe table

Player safety and comfort are my top priorities at the table. I’m committed to creating an inclusive, respectful space where everyone can have fun and feel supported. Before your first session, we’ll have a one-on-one character creation meeting where we’ll also discuss any safety tools you prefer—whether that’s Lines and Veils, X / N / O signals, or any other boundaries you want to set. I welcome hard stops at any time if something makes you uncomfortable—your feelings come first, always. Communication is open and judgment-free, and I’ll regularly check in to make sure everyone’s doing okay. We use private messaging or voice signals (whichever you prefer) for safety tools, so you can communicate boundaries discreetly. Together, we’ll ensure the game remains a fun and safe experience for all.