Shadows on the Map | Dark investigation, undead conspiracy

Creating your character

New players welcome If you’re new, I can provide pre-made level 3 characters you can pick up immediately, and we’ll customize one to match the fantasy you want (role, vibe, and story hooks). We’ll create characters together in Session 0 using D&D Beyond (I’ll share the campaign link). This is a dark investigation + exploration game, so Session 0 is where we align on party tone, connections, and what your character is willing to risk to chase answers. Starting rules • Starting level: 3 • Ability scores: Point Buy • Multiclassing: Allowed • Hit Points: Max HP at levels 1–3. After that, roll HP on level up and reroll 1s. • Leveling: Milestone (story-based), not XP. Backstory & character expectations (you can go deep) Long backstories are welcome. The only requirement is that your character: • Has a reason to work with the party, • Is motivated to investigate mysteries and travel into dangerous, disputed, or “mythic” places, • Has at least 2 strong ties to the world (people, factions, places, debts, oaths, or rumors).

Preparing for the session

Before Session 0 / Session 1, please complete the following: • Join the Discord server (voice required; video optional). • Test your mic/headset and audio settings (push-to-talk recommended). • Create/log into D&D Beyond and be ready to use D&D Beyond digital dice (we’ll use these to keep an automatic roll record). • Join the D&D Beyond campaign link (I’ll share it before Session 0). • Foundry VTT access: We’ll use Foundry for maps and combat. No purchase needed—just open the link I provide in a modern browser (Chrome/Firefox recommended). • Check your setup: stable internet + a screen/resolution that can comfortably view the VTT map. Optional but helpful: • Bring a character concept (role, vibe, goals), or choose a pre-made level 3 character.

What Pablo brings to the table

I run a clue-forward, exploration-driven campaign with a dark tone and a strong sense of discovery. You’ll follow leads across a world of changing biomes and rising undead threats, where choices matter and your decisions reshape what you find next. I keep the story moving with clear goals, meaningful consequences, and plenty of room for creative problem-solving. Presentation & immersion • Memorable NPCs with distinct personalities (and frequent character voices—more “clear and fun” than perfect accents). • Atmosphere through pacing, scene framing, and music/sound when it helps the mood (kept subtle so it never interferes with play). • Clear recaps, strong location identity, and handouts/visuals when they add to the investigation. Exploration & investigation • Mysteries are built with multiple leads and overlapping clues, so the game doesn’t stall if you miss a single check. • Smart questions, good roleplay, and clever plans earn real advantages: better information, safer routes, or stronger leverage with NPCs/factions. • I like letting players connect the dots—I’ll support your theories and let you test them in play. Combat & challenge • We use Foundry VTT for tactical clarity: terrain matters, positioning matters, and enemies act like they want to win. • Encounters are varied (ambushes, chases, set-piece fights, “hold the line,” boss threats) and not every problem is meant to be solved by damage alone. • I aim for tense but fair combat where preparation and creativity matter as much as raw numbers. Rule of Cool (my default) • I strongly favor Rule of Cool—if your idea is cinematic, fits the tone, and uses the fiction well, I’ll look for a way to make it work. • Expect rulings like “Yes, and…” or “Yes, but…” with clear stakes (cost, risk, limited uses, skill checks, or tradeoffs). • I still care about consistency: if a cool ruling becomes a repeatable tactic, we’ll quickly codify it so it stays fair for everyone. Tools & table flow • Foundry for maps/combat, and D&D Beyond digital dice to keep a clean roll record. • I keep turns moving, summarize key info when needed, and make sure every character gets moments to shine—social, exploration, and combat. Player agency • There isn’t one “correct path.” You’ll have multiple approaches, multiple routes, and real consequences—alliances, rivalries, and escalating threats respond to what you do.

Homebrew rules

• Healing Potions • Bonus Action (self): Drink a potion and roll for HP restored. • Action (self): Drink a potion and restore maximum HP. • Action (ally): Administer a potion to another creature; they restore rolled HP. • Crunchy Critical Hits • On a critical hit, your attack’s base damage dice deal maximum damage + you roll the dice once (then add modifiers). • Extra damage dice from features (ex: Sneak Attack, Divine Smite, etc.) use regular crit rules (roll/double as normal—no crunchy max). • Hidden Death Saves • Death saving throws are rolled privately and are hidden from other players (the party won’t know your exact death save count unless it’s revealed in-game).

How Pablo creates a safe table

Player comfort comes first. This is a dark investigation campaign with undead and horror elements, but we’ll keep the table respectful, collaborative, and fun. Before we play • We’ll cover safety in Session 0, including tone, themes, and expectations. • I’ll share a Lines & Veils document and we’ll set boundaries together. • I also use the Monte Cook RPG Consent Checklist so everyone can privately flag topics they want avoided, faded-to-black, or handled carefully. During the game • We’ll take regular breaks and you can request a pause at any time. • We’ll use X, N, and O Cards as quick safety tools: • X = stop/rewind/change direction immediately (no questions asked) • N = “not like that” / soften / skip details / change framing • O = all good / keep going These can be done digitally (chat/DM) or held up on video, whichever is easiest for you. After sessions • We’ll do a short debrief after each session when needed, and I’m always open to private feedback. • I use Aftercare if a session gets intense (cool-down time, check-ins, and making sure everyone leaves in a good headspace). • We’ll also use Stars and Wishes so players can share what they liked and what they want more/less of going forward.