Talons & Top Hats: Beast Folk, Sky Cities and Dying Magic
Magic is fading, and the sky-cities tremble. Among scheming animalfolk, will you preserve the last sparks of aether or profit from its death?
$25.00
/ Session
Details
Bi-weekly / Sunday - 7:00 PM UTC
Session Duration / 2 hours
Campaign Length / 15–30 Sessions
0 / 5 Seats Filled
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About the adventure
High above the world, where cities drift on engines of brass and steam, the age of magic is coming to an end. In these floating metropolises, anthropomorphic beast folk live lives of luxury, well some of them at least. Tensions have always existed between the Skydwellers and the Lowlanders, but with the gap between the haves and have-nots growing ever wider, unrest grows even amongst the Skydwellers. Even amongst the clouds, somebody's gotta scrub the toilets. Adding to these tensions Aether, the magical force that powers both spell and sky is fading, and every faction, from noble houses and industrial guilds to secretive cults and desperate revolutionaries, has a plan to either restore it, control what remains… or end it for good. This is a game of whimsical steampunk intrigue with real stakes. You’ll navigate shifting alliances, political maneuvering, and moral dilemmas where no choice is simple. Will you play a cunning socialite fox trading secrets at high society galas? A hardened badger mercenary keeping the peace for a price? A bright-eyed tinkerer bird trying to replace magic with invention? Or something far stranger? Your character will have a place in a living world shaped by faction conflict, personal ambition, and the looming question: what happens when magic finally dies? My games lean heavily into roleplay, character-driven storytelling, and meaningful choice. Expect rich NPCs, evolving faction dynamics, and a world that reacts to your decisions. There will absolutely be action, danger, and the occasional chaotic plan, but the heart of the game is in the relationships you build and the consequences you create. Player creativity is always rewarded, and I aim to create a table where everyone feels comfortable contributing to the story. This game is ideal for players who enjoy intrigue, collaborative storytelling, and immersive worlds. Whether you’re a seasoned role-player or newer and excited to dive in. If you like political tension, found family, morally gray choices, and a touch of whimsy layered over a fading world, you’ll feel right at home in the skies.
Game style
Realm Building
Roleplay Heavy
Rule of Cool (RoC)
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
5.0
(11)
Less than a year on StartPlaying
16 games hosted
Highly rated for: Storytelling, Inclusive, Creativity
About me
Hello! My name is Chuck, and I’ve been GM-ing and playing TTRPGs for about six years. As an experienced improviser trained through the Second City Conservatory Program, I especially love the collaborative nature of TTRPGs. Working with my party to build satisfying stories and compelling character arcs is one of my greatest joys. While I mostly play D&D, I’ve recently been branching out into other systems like Pathfinder, City of Mist, and Call of Cthulhu. I’m currently in the final year of my MFA in Film, which follows my MA in Film Studies. I’ve loved creating and telling stories since I was a kid, back when I filled my math notebook with fantasy tales instead of working on the Pythagorean theorem (sorry, Mrs. Greenfield). Storytelling in all its forms has always been a passion of mine. TTRPGs are first and foremost about having fun, and I can’t wait to get rolling. Oh, and there will always be puns, and I’m not sorry.
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
Standard point array, and any officially released Species, Class and subclass are permitted. Homebrew Species, Class, and Subclass must be pitched and approved. Come to session 0 with at least 2 character ideas that will be finalized during session 0.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
We will be using Discord and Roll20 to play. Feel free to use any character creation method you prefer to manage your character sheet.
What Chuck the GM brings to the table
Character Voices Ambient Music Rule of Cool Social Encounters Tactical Combat Improv
Homebrew rules
Critical Hits- Max + Rolled (taking max damage + rolling normal dice)
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How Chuck the GM creates a safe table
Your fun and comfort at the table are my top priority. Here’s how I keep the game safe for everyone: Lines & Veils Document: I’ll send out a digital Lines & Veils form before the game so players can set clear boundaries on content. Session 0 Check-In: We’ll take 10–15 minutes before the adventure to review table expectations, discuss comfort levels, and establish the tone. X, N, & O Cards: I use a digital tool: players can send a private message, or if we’re on video, use the hand signals/cards system. This enables quick and discreet communication in the moment. Aftercare: At the end of the session, I’ll lead a brief debrief to create space for highlighting key points, checking in, and addressing any concerns, ensuring everyone leaves on a positive note. My goal is to create a safe, inclusive space where the story can be wild, the action chaotic, but the players are always respected.
Content warnings
Safety tools used