[PBP] Iron & Ash: Monster Hunting in the Mists

Creating your character

🛠️ Character Creation: Forge Your Hunter Character creation for Iron & Ash is a collaborative, pre-game process. Once you join, you will receive a link to our D&D Beyond Campaign, Discord Server and access to our Foundry VTT server. We start at Level 3 to ensure everyone begins with their subclass and enough survivability for the mists. 1. Where to Build Your Character We use a hybrid approach to give you the best of both worlds: The Foundation (D&D Beyond): For all standard classes, races, and official content, I provide a D&D Beyond campaign link with content sharing enabled. You can build your character there, and we will import it directly into Foundry. The Specialists (Foundry VTT): If you wish to play the Bender or Tamer classes, or use subclasses/content from Ryoko’s Guide to the Yokai Realms or The Griffon’s Saddlebag Vol. 1, we will build these directly within Foundry. My server is fully set up with these modules to make the process seamless. 2. Stats & Mechanics Level: 3 Stats: We use Point Buy to ensure a balanced party for the tactical challenges ahead. Starting Gold: You receive 200 GP to spend on your initial gear. Human Bonus: If you choose to play a Human, you receive a total of 300 GP, reflecting the scrappy, resourceful nature of the common folk on Flamsterd. 3. Permitted Sources You have access to a wide array of high-quality content: Official: All D&D 5e core books. Third-Party (Premium Integration): Heliana’s Guide to Monster Hunting, Ryoko’s Guide to the Yokai Realms, and The Griffon’s Saddlebag Vol. 1. 4. Lore Integration & Backstory Motivation: Your character should have a reason to be 1,000 km away from civilization. Whether you are a newcomer seeking fortune or a native who survived the Time of the Wolf, your story should fit the gritty, Noir tone of the setting. Length: A few bullet points or a short summary (up to one A4 page) is perfect. Final Approval: Once your sheet is ready in Foundry, we will do a quick one-on-one review to ensure your gear and mechanics are optimized for the hunt.

Preparing for the session

Install Discord and create an Account. Create an DnDBeyond Account. Have one Browser installed on your PC.

What Lars brings to the table

🛠️ Professional GM Service & Technical Excellence Atmospheric Narrative Immersion I don’t just describe a room; I describe the scent of brackish water and stale tobacco in a Ship’s End dive, the rhythmic grinding of industrial gears in Eisenheim, and the unsettling violet glow of a planar rift. Based on my experience with deep world-building, every post is a sensory experience designed to bring the "Xen'drik Noir" aesthetic to life. Technical Superiority (Foundry VTT) I provide a Premium Foundry VTT experience that goes far beyond simple text channels. As a player, you receive: - 24/7 Server Access: Log in at your convenience to explore interactive maps, manage your inventory, or visit automated shops via Item Piles. - Seamless Automation: I utilize Midi-QOL and DAE to automate the "math" of D&D. This ensures that even in a Play-by-Post format, tactical combat is fast-paced, cinematic, and focused on your decisions rather than manual bookkeeping. - Dynamic Environments: Expect high-quality maps with weather effects, advanced lighting, and soundscapes that evolve with the story. Tactical Depth: The Hunt & Crafting This isn't just "standard" D&D. We utilize the full mechanical depth of Heliana’s Guide to Monster Hunting and Ryoko’s Guide to the Yokai Realms. - Tracking & Harvesting: Every Yansheen hunt is a multi-stage challenge. You will track titans, exploit their weaknesses, and harvest their essence. - Evolutionary Crafting: I provide a robust system where you forge your own legendary, evolving gear from the remains of your prey. A Reactive, Living World The NPCs of Flamsterd are not static quest-givers. From the cold, calculating bureaucrats of the Commission to the desperate "Roses" in the slums, every character has a distinct narrative voice and hidden agenda. Your choices have consequences that ripple through the political landscape of the island. Safety & Professionalism I provide a safe, inclusive environment for all players. We use integrated safety tools (X-Card, Lines & Veils) to ensure that while the world is dark and gritty, the experience at the table remains respectful and fun for everyone. 🎨 Your Expedition Package Includes: - Locally Hosted AI Visuals: Instant scene illustrations and NPC portraits that react to your unique story path. - World Wiki: Access to a growing database of lore, factions, and beast logs. - Artist Commitment: As key NPCs become staples of our story, I am dedicated to commissioning human artists to provide them with handcrafted, definitive portraits.

Homebrew rules

I use following 3rd Party Content: - Helianas Guide to Monster hunting - Ryokos Guide to Yokai Realm - Griffins Saddle Bag 1&2 Homebrew Rule: - Potion drinking as bonus Action and roll. - Potion drinking as Action, max heal.

How Lars creates a safe table

🛡️ Safety & Player Comfort: Dark Stories, Safe Tables While the world of Flamsterd is gritty, oppressive, and filled with moral decay, my priority is to ensure that you, the player, always feel secure and respected. Exploring dark themes like systemic inequality, body horror, and trauma is only rewarding when everyone at the table has agreed on the boundaries. 1. The Safety Toolkit (Play-by-Post Optimized) Since we play asynchronously via Discord, we use tools specifically adapted for a text-based format: Digital X, N, & O Cards: At any time, you can post an emoji or a message in the group chat or directly under a post to trigger an X-Card (stop and edit/skip), an N-Card (move on/fade to black), or an O-Card (keep going/everything is good). No explanation is ever required. Lines and Veils: Before we begin, I provide a digital checklist (based on the Monte Cook RPG Consent form). Together, we establish "Lines" (topics that will not appear) and "Veils" (topics that happen "off-screen"). Open Door Policy: My DMs are always open. If a post or a scene makes you uncomfortable, you can message me privately at any time to discuss adjustments. 2. The Asynchronous Session 0 Our journey begins with a dedicated "Session 0" thread. We will discuss: Specific triggers related to the Rose System (debt slavery) and the White Madness (body horror). The desired level of "Grimdark" vs. "Heroism." Player-to-player boundaries and expectations for character conflict. 3. Content Warnings To ensure transparency, players should be aware that this campaign explores: Classism & Debt Slavery: Central to the setting's political conflict. Body Horror: Visceral descriptions of fungal infections and titan anatomy. PTSD & Trauma: Many NPCs are survivors of a societal collapse. Corruption: Both magical and political. 4. Aftercare: Stars and Wishes In a PbP format, "Aftercare" is an ongoing process: Stars and Wishes: Every month, I encourage players to share their "Star" (a moment they loved) and their "Wish" (something they want to see or change). This keeps our communication healthy and our story aligned with what you enjoy. Check-ins: After particularly heavy narrative arcs, I perform a "Pulse Check" in the group or via DMs to ensure everyone is still comfortable with the direction of the story.