Rise of the Drow | Dark Fantasy | Foundry VTT

Creating your character

We will be creating characters together during Session 0 so everyone starts the campaign connected to the world and to each other. Please come to Session 0 with a few character ideas or concepts you’re excited about, and we’ll build them together. This campaign will use the 2024 D&D rules and character options. Characters should be created using official 2024 sources. If you’re unsure what is allowed, I’m happy to help you build your character. During Session 0 we will: Roll for ability scores Create characters together Connect character backstories to the world and to each other Go over house rules, safety tools, and campaign expectations Make sure everyone is comfortable with Foundry and Discord New players are absolutely welcome — I’m happy to help you learn the system and build a character from scratch. Character Guidelines: Characters should be willing to work with a team Characters should have a reason to adventure and engage with the story Evil characters are not recommended for this campaign Backstories are encouraged and I will incorporate them into the campaign If you enjoy creating characters that grow over time, build relationships with the party, and become part of a larger story, you’ll fit in well at this table.

Preparing for the session

Before the game starts, there are just a few things you’ll need so everything runs smoothly. We will be using Discord for voice chat and Foundry VTT to play the game. Foundry runs in your web browser, so there is nothing you need to buy or install to play in this campaign. What You Need: 🎧 Discord account for voice chat 🎤 Working microphone 💻 Computer or laptop (Chrome recommended) 🌐 Stable internet connection 📷 A webcam is preferred but optional. Being able to see each other helps the game feel more like sitting around a real table and makes roleplay more engaging, but it is not required. 🔗 Once you join the game, I will send you a Discord link and the Foundry link along with instructions on how to connect. 🧙 We will have a Session 0 where we create characters, go over the campaign, discuss table expectations, and make sure everyone is comfortable with the software. 💡 You do not need to create a character before Session 0, but you should come with a few character ideas if possible. If you are new to Foundry VTT or new to Shadowdark, that’s completely fine. I am happy to teach you everything you need to know before we begin. All I Ask From Players: 🤝 Work as a team 🎭 Engage with the story and your character ⏰ Show up on time and ready to play 💬 Communicate if you will be absent 🎲 Be ready to have fun and roll some dice If that sounds like the kind of game you’re looking for, you’ll fit in well at this table.

What Troy brings to the table

🎲 Collaborative, Story-Driven Adventure When you join one of my games, you can expect a collaborative, story-driven adventure where your choices matter and the world reacts to what you do. The adventure provides the backbone, but the story will grow around your characters, your decisions, and sometimes your terrible ideas (which are often the most memorable ones). 😄 Relaxed but Engaged Table My GM style is relaxed and easygoing, but I also care a lot about the game and the story we’re telling together. I like tables where we can laugh, joke, roleplay, and have a great time—but when it’s time for a big moment or a dangerous fight, everyone leans in and takes it seriously. ⚔️ Tactical & Meaningful Combat Combat in my games is meant to be fun, tactical, and sometimes a little scary. You are heroes, but you are not invincible. Smart planning, teamwork, and creative thinking will help you succeed far more than just running in and hoping the dice save you. 🖥️ High-Quality Foundry VTT Experience I put a lot of time into preparing my games and building the online experience in Foundry VTT. You can expect high-quality maps, dynamic lighting, music, sound effects, and automation that keep the game moving and help bring the world to life. My goal is to make online play feel as close to sitting around a real table as possible. 🧙 New Player Friendly New players are always welcome. If you’re new to D&D or Foundry, I’m happy to teach you everything you need to know. If you’re an experienced player, you’ll find a game with tactical combat, roleplay opportunities, exploration, and meaningful choices that actually affect the story. 🤝 A Respectful, Fun Table Most importantly, I try to create a table where everyone feels comfortable, respected, and excited to come back each week. We’re here to tell a great story, roll some dice, and have a really good time doing it.

Homebrew rules

To keep the game moving smoothly and make combat more exciting and cinematic, I use a few house rules at my table: 📖 Milestone Leveling Characters level up at story milestones instead of tracking experience points. This keeps the focus on the story and your character’s journey rather than counting XP. ❤️ Hit Points Characters take maximum hit points for the first three levels. After level 3, you may either roll for hit points or take the average when leveling up. ⚔️ Flanking (Advantage) If two allies are directly opposite a creature and flanking it, they gain Advantage on melee attack rolls against that creature. 🧪 Drinking Potions Drinking a potion yourself is a Bonus Action (roll for healing). Drinking a potion as an Action gives maximum healing. Feeding a potion to another character requires an Action. 🎲 Secret Death Saving Throws Death saving throws are rolled by the player, but the result is only visible to the GM (rolled as a secret roll in Foundry). This keeps tension high because the party won’t know how close a character is to death. 💥 Critical Hits Critical hits deal maximum damage + you roll the damage dice again. This makes critical hits feel powerful and exciting. 🧠 Skill Check Assistance To use the Help action on a skill check, you must be proficient in that skill. This prevents unrealistic “everyone helps” situations and rewards character specialization. 🤝 No PvP or Evil Characters This is a cooperative, story-driven game. Characters should be willing to work with the party and be part of the adventure. PvP and evil-aligned characters are not allowed.

How Troy creates a safe table

Player safety and comfort are important at my table. The goal is for everyone to have fun, feel comfortable, and enjoy the story we’re telling together. We begin with a Session 0 where we discuss the tone of the campaign, themes that may appear in the story, table expectations, and any boundaries players may have. This helps make sure everyone is on the same page before the adventure begins. During play, I use a Foundry VTT X-Card tool. If something in the game makes a player uncomfortable for any reason, they can press the X-Card button and we will immediately pause, rewind if necessary, and move the scene in a different direction—no explanation required. Player comfort always comes first. I also use the following general safety guidelines: Players are always in control of their character’s actions and backstory No PvP without consent from everyone involved We avoid topics that players have identified as hard limits If something unexpectedly becomes uncomfortable, we adjust and move on Open communication is always encouraged before, during, and after sessions This is meant to be a fun, respectful, and welcoming table. Everyone should feel comfortable roleplaying, contributing to the story, and being part of the group. If you ever have concerns about content, themes, or anything happening in the game, you can always message me privately and we will address it. The goal is simple: Tell a great story, roll some dice, and make sure everyone at the table is having a good time.