Vanguard University | Free Session 0 | Adventuring Academia

Creating your character

All characters are created during Session Zero as part of the story. Bring a base concept like ancestry, background, or personality, but class and college are chosen collaboratively in-session so your character grows naturally with the group. During session zero you will choose from the four remaining colleges of Vanguard University: Restoration and Vital Studies, Battlecraft and Martial Fitness, Rhetoric and the Strategic Arts, or Thaumaturgy and Destructive Spellcraft. Some colleges, like Medicine, have limited spots to encourage diverse classes and playstyles. Selection happens through roleplay and discussion, highlighting collaboration and player agency. The campaign uses Void content, Daggerheart’s playtest material. You may choose whether to include Void options for abilities, subclasses, or unusual ancestries. Bring your ideas to Session Zero so we can see how they fit your character and the university setting. Character creation is more than stats. It is your first step into the university, shaping friendships, exploring mysteries, and stepping into the whimsical, high-stakes world of Vanguard University. Your choices will have meaningful consequences, and the story is built together with your fellow students. I'm also here to discuss character ideas or brainstorm if you are not sure what you want to play.

Preparing for the session

Before joining the game, players should have a Discord account and a reliable headset and microphone for voice communication. Clear audio is important for roleplay and collaboration. You will access the game through Foundry VTT using a modern web browser. I will create a private Foundry account for you. A PC is strongly recommended over a tablet for the best gameplay experience, though tablets may work in a limited capacity. Make sure you have a comfortable setup and a stable internet connection. Sessions include both roleplay and tactical play, so smooth connectivity helps the story flow and keeps everyone engaged. Once these steps are completed, you will be ready to log in to Discord, access the Foundry game, and participate fully in Session Zero and the campaign. Completing these preparations ahead of time ensures you can focus on your character, the story, and collaboration with your fellow students from the very first session.

What Daniel | PapaRatzy brings to the table

As the GM, I lean toward the rule of cool, valuing creativity and player-driven choices over strict adherence to rules. I enjoy complex roleplay as much as tactical combat, and I love seeing characters grounded in the world we build together. Expect your choices, failures, and successes to shape the story in meaningful ways. To support this, I provide an immersive game environment. This includes music to set mood and atmosphere, a fully-featured virtual tabletop (Foundry VTT), and visual elements like NPC art and personally made maps using Dungeon Alchemy. The images and artwork are tailored specifically for the campaign to help bring Vanguard University and its world to life. I maintain an open-door approach, encouraging collaboration and creative contributions. Players are welcome to bring ideas for character development, worldbuilding, and story details. My goal is to create a space where everyone can explore, experiment, and engage fully with the narrative and the world. The game combines tactical play with narrative depth. Combat can be intense, but roleplay, problem-solving, and social dynamics are equally important. I prioritize player agency, teamwork, and immersion, ensuring that each session is dynamic, engaging, and driven by the choices you make.

Homebrew rules

Your choice of university college will influence your character design. Some colleges specialize in certain domains, and students in those colleges may have the opportunity to select a different domain. Certain colleges also provide an incentive, such as a magical item appropriate to your tier. Otherwise, the game follows rules as written, but I am flexible if you want to try something different or explore creative ideas. Player-driven choices and unique approaches are encouraged, as long as they fit the story and the world.

How Daniel | PapaRatzy creates a safe table

Player safety is very important to me. Before Session Zero, we will establish lines and veils using an anonymous Google form, and the resulting list will be shared in Discord for everyone’s reference. During sessions, the X card will be honored at all times. This campaign may include content such as Death, Emotional Abuse, Language/Cursing, Medical Issues, Mental Illness, Mind Control, Microaggressions, Prejudice, and Violence. These warnings are provided to help players make informed choices and feel safe while engaging with the story. I also maintain an open-door approach after sessions or whenever needed to discuss concerns, provide support, or offer aftercare. The goal is to create a space where everyone can fully engage with the story and their characters while feeling safe and respected.