The City of Stolen Names - Midnight owes you nothing

Creating your character

Character creation happens together during a dedicated Session 0. In this session, we’ll build your characters as a group, define their relationships, and shape the city they live in. We will use the standard Urban Shadows playbooks, creating characters collaboratively so that everyone starts already connected through debts, history, and shared tensions. You don’t need to prepare anything in advance, just bring a rough idea or come completely blank. If you’d like, you can also bring a pre-generated image of your character, we’ll upload it into the custom VTT and use it during play. The focus is not only on individual characters, but on how they fit into the world: factions, alliances, and conflicts will emerge naturally during this process. By the end of Session 0, we’ll have a fully connected cast and a city tailored to your stories.

Preparing for the session

Before the game, you’ll need to join a dedicated Discord server (link will be provided). We’ll use Discord for voice during sessions, so a working microphone is required (camera is optional). You’ll also receive a Lines & Veils form to fill out ahead of time. This helps establish boundaries and ensures a comfortable experience for everyone at the table. We will be using a custom web-based VTT built specifically for Urban Shadows. No account or downloads are required, you’ll simply access it through your browser via a link.

What Javi brings to the table

My focus as a GM is on player-centric, fast-paced, cinematic storytelling. The game leans heavily into drama, relationships, and meaningful choices, with low emphasis on combat and a more interpretative approach to the rules. I make an active effort to ensure every player gets spotlight time and space to develop their own personal arc. The story will evolve around your characters, their ambitions, and the consequences of their actions. We will use a custom-built VTT designed specifically for Urban Shadows, with full support for rules, factions, and game management to keep the experience smooth and focused on play. For immersion, the VTT includes ambient music, and I will provide visual support through images for key locations and notable NPCs.

Homebrew rules

We play Urban Shadows 2nd Edition as written, with a flexible approach to interpretation. The focus is on narrative flow and dramatic impact, so I lean on Rule of Cool when it enhances the story, while keeping the core mechanics and intent of the system intact.

How Javi creates a safe table

Before the game, you’ll receive a Lines & Veils form to fill out. This helps establish clear boundaries and ensures we avoid unwanted themes from the start. During Session 0, we’ll briefly review any limits and align on tone and expectations, making sure everyone is comfortable with the direction of the game. During play, communication is key. If something makes you uncomfortable, you can speak up at the table, post in the voice channel chat, or DM me privately. If you’re on camera, you can also signal by crossing your hands in an “X”. We use a simple safety shorthand: X: something is currently making you uncomfortable and should stop or change N: concern that the scene may head in an uncomfortable direction O: a check-in, usually prompted by me, to give space for anyone to raise concerns The goal is to keep the game safe, respectful, and enjoyable for everyone at the table.