Katsuro’s Crossing

Creating your character

The campaign is heavily influenced by the cultures of Tian Xia, set in a distant frontier where the echoes of a Shogunate war still ring. Because Katsuro’s Crossing is a vital trade hub, it is a melting pot; characters of any flavor, ancestry, or background can find a logical reason to be here. Starting Level: 1 The Session 0 Goal: We will begin the building process together. While your sheet doesn't need to be 100% finished by the end of the night, your core concept and class should be firm. Forging Bonds: During Session 0, we will establish pre-existing ties between your characters. Whether you served in the same unit, studied at the academy together, or shared a narrow escape from a Kholo raid, you should enter the game with a reason to trust—or at least rely on—one another. Research & Integration: Use the time following Session 0 to fine-tune your feats and skills. Think about how your backstory fits the town: are you a local, a displaced soldier, or a traveler just passing through?

Preparing for the session

To ensure a smooth start to our journey at the crossroads, please complete the following steps before our scheduled Session 0: 1. Game Manual Review (Recommended) While all tools are housed within Foundry VTT, I recommend reviewing the Pathfinder 2e Core Rules (or the Player Core). You don't need to memorize the book, but skimming the "Introduction" and "Character Creation" sections will help you understand the 3-Action Economy and how proficiency works. Understanding these basics will significantly speed up our start time. 2. Character & Setting Guidelines To ensure a cohesive tone for our Post-War Shogunate setting, please keep the following in mind: Ancestries & Classes: Most standard Pathfinder options are allowed, as Katsuro’s Crossing is a diverse trade hub. However, please consult with me if you plan to use rare or "uncommon" ancestries to ensure they fit the Tian Xia influence. The "Ronin" Flavor: While you can play any class, consider how your character fits a world of displaced soldiers and wandering blades. Whether you are a Wizard from the local academy or a traveling Cleric, you should have a reason to be seeking work at the Sky Dragon Inn. Collaborative Ties: Remember, you aren't just a group of strangers. Be prepared to discuss how your characters already know or trust one another. 3. Server Access (Mandatory) You must join both of our primary platforms before Session 0: Discord Server: Used for voice, video, and out-of-game chat. Please set your nickname to match your character or preferred name. Foundry VTT Server: You will need to log in to confirm access. Character creation will take place within Foundry. Please log in at least once prior to the session to ensure the world loads correctly and your browser's hardware acceleration is on.

What Adam (DragonsThunder.com) brings to the table

As your GM, my commitment is to provide a deeply immersive, challenging, and fair experience where your choices truly matter. This section details the tools, atmosphere, and philosophy I will bring to the table every session. I. Foundry VTT: A Living Frontier I have prepared a heavily customized and enhanced version of Foundry VTT to serve as our digital gaming space. This goes beyond a simple map-and-token tracker; it is a breathing world designed to support the atmosphere of a desperate border town. Sensory Immersion and Ambiance: The visual and auditory environment is crucial for bringing the "Trade Road" aesthetic to life. You will experience dynamic weather—from the oppressive heat of the trade roads to the swirling mists of the ruined cemetery—complemented by integrated soundscapes of bustling markets and unsettling, supernatural silence. Tactical Lighting & Vision: Every scene uses advanced dynamic lighting. In Katsuro’s Crossing, what you cannot see is often more dangerous than what you can. Torches and light spells are vital tools as you navigate the long shadows where the Oni hide. II. Tone, Stakes, and the Tactical Reality of the Crossroads The world is unforgiving, and as the "Drifting Blades" of a broken empire, your survival depends on your wits and your steel. Combat: Tactical, Synergistic, and Deadly: Pathfinder 2e is a system of "tight math" and tactical depth. Combat is not just about swinging swords; it is about teamwork. Strategic Depth: Utilizing the 3-Action economy, flanking, and status effects is essential. Rushing blindly into a Kholo warband without a plan will lead to dire consequences. The Weight of Violence: I will not pull punches. While the system allows for heroic feats, the threat of death is real. A fallen warrior may find honor in sacrifice, but recklessness will lead only to an unmarked grave in the wastes. Morality and Consequences: The Ronin’s Path: In the vacuum left by the war, moral lines have blurred. Shades of Grey: You will face choices that rarely have a perfect "good" outcome. Will you prioritize the safety of the caravan or the ancient secrets of the academy? You will be defined by your consistency and your code, whatever that may be. A Responsive World: Your actions will leave a lasting mark. Clearing a Kholo nest might lower prices at the Sky Dragon Inn, but offending a powerful spirit could lead to a curse that haunts your party across the frontier. The world will remember you.

Homebrew rules

Free Archetype

How Adam (DragonsThunder.com) creates a safe table

To ensure our exploration of the Post-War Shogunate remains an engaging experience for everyone, we will use a suite of safety tools. While the world of Katsuro’s Crossing involves themes of supernatural horror (Oni), the brutality of war, and moral ambiguity, your personal safety as a player is my top priority. 1. Proactive Content Warnings & Consent Before we ever roll a die, we will establish the boundaries of our story. Pre-Game Review: Please review the Content Warnings in this listing. These outline the general "vibe" of the setting (e.g., body horror related to Oni, depictions of poverty, and the aftermath of war). The Consent Form: I will provide a digital Consent Form for you to fill out. This allows you to specify any topics or imagery you wish to Hard Stop (remove from the game entirely) or Fade to Black (describe as happening off-screen). Session 0 Alignment: We will discuss the anonymized results of these forms at the start of Session 0. We will collectively confirm the "Lines and Veils" for the campaign to ensure everyone is on the same page. 2. Live-Play Safety Tools If the game content ever causes discomfort during play, we have several ways to address it immediately: Foundry VTT: Table-Safety Module: I have integrated a safety module into Foundry. If you feel uncomfortable but don't want to speak up mid-scene, you can click the Digital X-Card. This privately and immediately alerts me, allowing me to pause, pivot, or check in with the group without putting anyone on the spot. Open Communication (Public Pause): If you are comfortable doing so, you can always say, "Pause," or "I'd like to skip this." We will stop the scene immediately, no questions asked, and move the narrative forward. 3. Post-Session Feedback Safety and comfort are ongoing conversations, not a one-time check. Stars and Wishes: After each session, we will use a dedicated Discord channel for "Stars and Wishes." Stars: Highlights of the session—what did you love? Wishes: Things you'd like to see more of, or adjustments to the tone and content for future sessions.