The Ironhaven Chronicles

Creating your character

When you join, we will set up a time to get you up-to-speed and get your Hero rolled up. I use a "friendlier" approach than is in the core rules, so you'll want to meet with me instead of using Shadowdarklings or another system. All Heroes enter the campaign at Level 1; if someone joins after the party has leveled significantly, I will probably bump the new Heroes up a bit. If you've never played Shadowdark before, I recommend sticking with the Core SD rules for your first character. That being said, there are other options and if you reach out to me early enough, we can explore them. Last-minute folks will get a pre-gen Hero to start with; if you like the game and wish to continue, we can transfer XP over to a new PC.

Preparing for the session

First off, accept this Discord Invitation: https://discord.gg/hbAPHBPxtd The Shadowdark category is near the top, with Shadowdark SP being the specific channel related to this campaign. I use Discord for A/V interaction, and Owlbear Rodeo for the VTT. Both are free, so no worries there. I will post the Owlbear link well ahead of game time (and it will be pinned to the channel above). If you have an image for your character in mind, you should definitely send it along and I will incorporate it as a token on the VTT.

What Sean Patrick Fannon brings to the table

The joy of early dungeon-crawling adventures from the beginning of RPGs mixed with modern sensibilities of roleplaying and player-empowerment. If it would look cool in an adventure movie, you can probably get away with it. I rely heavily on character voices; you will always know if I am in-character with an NPC vs my narrative voice. I rely pretty strongly on the rules-as-written, but Rule of Cool always trumps them if you bring creative thought to the table. Some "Session Zero" thoughts - These are the things that will not fly at the table I run, or expectations I have for those who wish to play. Important – whenever you join my table, you should feel encourage to establish your own boundaries for comfortable play. • PG-13. That goes for language, interpersonal interactions, and descriptions of actions or results. • No Chaotic Heroes; only Lawful or Neutral. • No PvP, harassing other players or their characters (outside of fun interactions), or other disruptive/critical behavior that is directed at another player at the table. • Heroes. I run heroic adventures. Despite the “grimdark” vibe of Shadowdark, I still want my players to indulge in the “power fantasy” that they are there to not only gain XP and treasure, but to make the world at least a somewhat better place. • No sexual harassment, sexual violence, or anything related (either in-game or out of it). • No on-screen harming of children or animals. • No torture; intimidation and threats is fine, but no actual torturous activities. • Rules. This is a “Rulings, not Rules” game. It’s OK to ask for rules clarifications, but once I make a decision, that stands. Save arguments and debates for after or between sessions. Message me if you have any questions or concerns.

Homebrew rules

For those who know Shadowdark, here's some things I do slightly differently: • Hunter Mode – Defeated monsters give ½ LV (round down) XP. • Momentum Mode (modified) – You have ADV on checks to repeat an action you failed if you try the exact same action again on your next turn. Damage dice only explode if a player spends a Luck Token to make it so). • Pulp Mode – o There are no maximum luck tokens a player can have. o Players start every session with 1d4 luck tokens. o You can use a luck token to turn a hit into a critical hit. o You can use a luck token to take an extra action. o You can use a luck token to force the GM to reroll a roll. • The Death Clock is secretly rolled by the GM; the players have no idea how long the incapacitated character has (beyond their CON bonus +1). • When a Hero is stabilized, they have 1 HP instead of 0. • Casters do not lose a miscast spell until after they’ve cast successfully once during the session. • Dropped torches go out 3:6; relighting a torch in darkness is DC 12 DEX • You are allowed to "hold" your action; if you continue to hold until your next round, that action is lost.

How Sean Patrick Fannon creates a safe table

Reiterating from above: • PG-13. That goes for language, interpersonal interactions, and descriptions of actions or results. • No Chaotic Heroes; only Lawful or Neutral. • No PvP, harassing other players or their characters (outside of fun interactions), or other disruptive/critical behavior that is directed at another player at the table. No sexual harassment, sexual violence, or anything related (either in-game or out of it). • No on-screen harming of children or animals. • No torture; intimidation and threats is fine, but no actual torturous activities. I use a technique called "Show Me Your Paws." It is a very visual approach to "X-Carding," and it is why I insist on folks being on webcam to play (exceptions can be made for those whom have significant issues with it, but we will need to work out alternative signals). "Show Me Your Paws" means you put both hands up, palms out, so that me and everyone else can see them on the cameral. Once one person does it, I ask that everyone else do the same. This indicates a pause of the game and the scene. If, for some reason, my attention is elsewhere, someone should clearly state "Paws Up." This can be used for anything reasonable - asking for a bio break, asking for a rules clarification, or something that is impacting your enjoyment of the game. If you don't wish to mention it in front of the rest of the group, a break will be called and you and I will chat about it and determine what needs to be done.