Call of Cthulhu/Warhammer 40k: Underhive (Beginner Friendly)

Creating your character

Character creation will take place before the first session to ensure we can dive straight into the action when play begins. You’ll build your character using the Call of Cthulhu 7th edition rulebook. Bring characters that fit the grim and oppressive tone of Tertium Hive: flawed, desperate, loyal (or at least fearful) of the Imperium, and ready to face horrors beyond comprehension. If you're new, I’m happy to help walk you through character creation one-on-one.

Preparing for the session

How Should Players Prepare? To get the most out of this game, here’s what you’ll need: Strong Character Concept: Come to Session 0 with an idea for a character. You don't need a full sheet—just a solid concept that fits the tone of the campaign. Readiness to Engage: This story is built around investigation, roleplay, and action. Bring a willingness to ask questions, explore leads, and get your hands dirty. Your character’s choices will drive the story forward. Microphone (Required): A clear mic is essential for group communication. Webcam is optional but encouraged if you feel comfortable—it really helps with roleplay and reading the table's energy. Accounts and Software: A free Foundry VTT account (details and link will be provided) Discord for chat, announcements, and out-of-session discussion Rules Familiarity: You do not need to know the system deeply beforehand. I’ll explain anything you need to know, and we’ll learn or refresh together during Session 0.

What Story Teller Cairns brings to the table

This game blends Foundry VTT for high-impact visuals with a theatre of the mind approach to make scenes flow cinematically. Expect custom assets, moody maps, and ambient music to set the tone—but never at the cost of slowing down the story. As a GM, I focus on: Character-driven storytelling — Your choices shape the world. Your backstories matter. Dynamic, tactical combat — Fast, dangerous, and cinematic. Environments are part of the fight. Rule of Cool — If you describe something badass, I’ll work with you to make it happen (and the dice will have their say). Immersive Atmosphere — Expect NPC voices, ambient soundscapes, and gritty detail. I want you to feel each planet.

How Story Teller Cairns creates a safe table

Safety Tools and Gameplay Details At the heart of this game is respect, comfort, and collaboration. We’ll be telling a story that blends mystery, and action, and it's important that everyone feels safe and heard. Session 0: Before we dive into the main story, we’ll hold a Session 0 to establish player expectations, tone, and safety boundaries. We’ll go over: Lines (hard limits — things that won't appear) Veils (topics that can appear but only “fade to black”) How to handle character conflict, and make sure player-versus-player tension, if any, is always discussed and consensual. Safety Tools: We will use the X, N, and O system during gameplay: X = "Stop immediately" (hard line crossed or strong discomfort) N = "Narrative pause" (slow down, check in, or shift scene) O = "I'm okay to continue, even if the scene is intense" These will be available digitally, either through chat (text) or visually held up on video (if we’re on camera). Players are encouraged to type X, N, or O in the group chat discreetly if they need to. Breaks and Check-ins: We will have scheduled breaks every 60 minutes to let players step away, reset, and rehydrate. Players can also call a break at any time if they need it. Aftercare: At the end of every session, we’ll take a few minutes for decompression and aftercare. We’ll check in with each other briefly to discuss how everyone is feeling—both about the game and personally. It’s important that no one leaves a heavy or difficult scene carrying the emotional weight alone.