The Lurking and the Lost

Creating your character

We're going to use the character creation system in " Old Gods of Appalachia: The Roleplaying Game" I'm happy to coach new players through the process of character creation prior to your first session. You want to come to your first game with a fully created Tier 1 character. A grasp of the game mechanics is less essential, since we can talk you through that, and there are some 'cheat sheets' everyone has access to. There's a terrific, free, on-line tool for creating characters for games which use the Cypher System engine (like OGoA) and it works pretty well for OGoA.

Preparing for the session

You don't really need to do much to prepare. We play using Streamyard, so there's no need to download special software or set up an account anywhere. All you'll need is a robust internet connection, computer or laptop, a microphone (most laptops have them built-in these days), and camera. In many cases, you can hook your phone to your computer and use it as your camera. Because of the amount of bandwidth that video consumes, and because the screen size is so small, I don't recommend trying to play from your phone unless you absolutely have to. PLEASE NOTE: because we are trying to re-create the feel of sitting around the same table, you are required to have your camera on during most of the session (we understand if you need to step away from your desk or someone walks into the room). A familiarity with the Old Gods of Appalachia podcast/universe is useful but not necessary, as is a familiarity with the OGoA TTRP rules or the Cypher System. Players receive a brief background sheet on the town of Lamplighters Rest, it's surrounding area, and notable personalities.

What Alex brings to the table

This is largely 'theater of the mind' style of play, with me supplying a wide variety of atmospheric (and sometimes disturbing) sounds and images -- as well as character voices. You can expect thoughtful and plentiful story hooks to capture your imagination, a subversion of tropes, and the use of recognizable archetypes that give the world both a familiar and an epic feeling. Look for seasonal stories, and a mix of realistic and fantastical challenges. elements, and adventures. OGoA-RPG and the Cypher engine very much embrace the 'rule of cool', allowing players to do extraordinary things when called upon to do so without the need to break or bend the rules. Look for a well-balanced session that shines a spotlight on every PC and gives each one their 'moment'. Look for situations that need to be resolved without violence, and look for dangers that arise organically from the setting and not from random encounters. Look for each session to be a satisfying standalone gaming experience. Look for each session to be connected to the over-arcing plot of the world.

Homebrew rules

We stick pretty much to the printed OGoA core book, without any of the supplements.

How Alex creates a safe table

Each player gets a personal Session 0 via video-chat before they join the table. This is both to assist in creating your character and for you to have a chance to communicate any needs, goals, desires, or limitations privately. I collect MCG Consent in Gaming forms from each player, and we use X, N, & O 'cards' via private chat channel. Each session concludes with Stars & Wishes and we do an on-line debrief via Discord between sessions.