Abomination Vaults: Mystery and Mayhem Below the Gauntlight

Creating your character

We will be creating characters together during Session Zero using dndbeyond, so you do not need to arrive with anything prepared. I have a large collection of official content unlocked on my account, and you will be able to use it during Session Zero once we are in the shared campaign. If you want to explore options beyond the free rules, it is best to wait until then so you can see everything that is available to you. If you enjoy planning ahead, you are welcome to come with a draft character. If you choose to build something before Session Zero, please use the following guidelines: • Use Point Buy for ability scores. • Start at Level 1. • You may use any content you personally own on dndbeyond. • Treat this as a draft. We can adjust or rebuild during Session Zero once you have access to the full shared library. When your draft is ready: - Open your character sheet on dndbeyond. - Click “Share” in the top right. - Set the character to Public. - Send me the link. I will import your character directly into FoundryVTT so everything is ready for you when the adventure begins. Whether you build ahead of time or wait for Session Zero, you will be fully supported throughout the process.

Preparing for the session

This game runs through FoundryVTT, so you will need a reasonably modern computer, 8GB of RAM or more, and a stable internet connection. Foundry works best in Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or another Chromium‑based browser with hardware acceleration enabled. Safari is not supported. There is nothing to install and no technical setup required. You will receive a link before the session, and clicking it will take you straight into the game. If you have never used Foundry before, I provide a short optional video walkthrough so you can see exactly what the table looks like ahead of time. We will use Discord for voice chat. Cameras are completely optional, and you are welcome to keep things audio‑only if that is more comfortable. All you need is a working microphone and a reasonably quiet space so you can enjoy the adventure without distraction. Session notes are handled by Archivist AI, a tool that quietly tracks major events so you do not have to remember every detail between sessions. It works like a background scribe. Your in‑game actions and dialogue may be summarized, so please let me know before we begin if you prefer not to be included. Character creation will take place together during Session Zero using D and D Beyond. If you want to come prepared, you are welcome to build a Level 1 character ahead of time using Point Buy and bring the public link with you. If you are new to character building or simply prefer to create your character at the table, I will guide you through the process step by step.

What Andrew (Roll for Tangents) brings to the table

This is not your usual dungeon crawl and I am not your usual GM. My goal is to give you a game that feels alive, surprising, and full of the moments that made you fall in love with tabletop storytelling in the first place. Abomination Vaults blends eerie mystery with unexpected humour, ancient magic with bizarre encounters, and just enough chaos to keep everyone on their toes. I run games with a mix of careful narrative setup and joyful improvisation. One moment you might be uncovering the history of a long‑forgotten cult, and the next you might be negotiating with something that should not be able to talk but absolutely has opinions. I love weaving strong story arcs, but I also love when players derail them with bold choices, questionable plans, or a perfectly timed joke. The tone shifts with the table, and that is part of the fun. You will get: • A rich, story‑driven adventure set in the twisting depths beneath the Gauntlight Lighthouse. Even if you know the module, expect surprises. I treat published content as inspiration, not a script. • Eccentric NPCs voiced with enthusiastic commitment, occasionally supported by a voice changer for extra flavour. • Ambient music and soundscapes to set the mood, from eerie stillness to frantic combat. • A safe, welcoming space to play boldly, fail spectacularly, and celebrate the chaos together. This campaign is designed for new players, returning adventurers, and anyone who wants a memorable story without pressure or prep. You bring the character. I will bring the atmosphere, the mystery, and the delightful nonsense. Together, we will see what truly waits in the dark beneath the Gauntlight.

Homebrew rules

I use a couple of light homebrew tweaks to keep the tension sharp and the drama wonderfully messy. • Death Saves are private, shared only between you and me. When you are down, your fate is your own. No table‑wide peeking, no metagaming, just that perfect moment of quiet dread before the dice decide your story. • Maxwell’s Manual of Malicious Maladies is active. Critical hits and dropping to 0 HP may come with unexpected, occasionally gruesome, and always memorable consequences. Nothing campaign‑ending, but definitely the kind of thing you will talk about later. These additions keep the stakes high, the moments unforgettable, and the storytelling deliciously tense without ever taking away your agency or fun.

How Andrew (Roll for Tangents) creates a safe table

This game is built on trust, creativity, and the freedom to play boldly. To support that, I use a few tools to help keep everyone safe and comfortable throughout the adventure. • The Safety Tools module in FoundryVTT will be active during the game. You will get a quick walkthrough in the orientation video so you know exactly how to use it if needed. • A short Lines and Veils document will be shared before the session. It is a simple way to set boundaries and make sure we are all on the same page before we dive in. • We will take a 10–15 minute break halfway through to stretch, hydrate, and reset. No one should have to choose between immersion and basic bodily needs. This is a judgment‑free table where everyone is encouraged to speak up if something feels off. You will always have the tools and the space to adjust the experience to what feels right for you. No questions asked, no explanations required.