Cursed Scroll | ShadowDark Zine Vol 1 - Diablerie! | Foundry VTT

Creating your character

This game uses rolled characters, as intended in Shadowdark. Character creation will happen during Session 0 so everyone can learn the system together. Here’s how character creation will work: 🎲 Ability Scores – We roll for ability scores, but you may assign the rolls to any abilities you want (you are not forced to assign them in order). 🛡️ Class – You may choose your class. 🎒 Everything Else – Starting equipment, gear, and other character details are rolled as normal for Shadowdark. ❤️ Hit Points – Hit points are rolled, including at level up. ☠️ Character Death – Shadowdark is a dangerous game and character death is expected. Combat is fast and deadly, and not every fight should be taken. Smart decisions, planning, and sometimes running away are key to survival. 🧾 Multiple Characters – Each player should have up to three characters ready at any given time. If a character dies, a new one can join the group quickly so you can keep playing without sitting out. Think of this less like a single hero’s story and more like a band of adventurers exploring dangerous places, where the survivors earn treasure, scars, and stories. If you enjoy old-school dungeon crawling, tense exploration, and the thrill of making it out alive, you’ll feel right at home.

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

Homebrew rules are typically unnecessary with ShadowDark RPG. Just keep a few things in mind: 🕯️ Real-Time Torches Torches last 1 real-time hour as written. When the torch goes out, it goes out. ⏱️ Turn Structure Matters We will track dungeon turns, light sources, and wandering monsters during dungeon exploration. 🗺️ Player Mapping Encouraged Players are encouraged to map as they explore. Getting lost is part of the adventure. 🏃 Running Away Is Allowed Not every fight is meant to be won. Retreat, negotiation, and clever plans are part of the game. 🎲 Rulings Over Rules Shadowdark is designed to move quickly. If a rule is unclear, I will make a quick ruling so we can keep the game moving. ☠️ Character Death Is Part of the Game Shadowdark is a dangerous system. Smart play and teamwork are more important than character builds.

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.