The Aegis Act - Gilded Expedition

Creating your character

Character creation is a collaborative process and will take place during Session 0, or at another time arranged between the player and GM. This ensures your character is not only mechanically sound, but also meaningfully grounded within the setting. You are encouraged to bring a concept, not a finished product but the details will be shaped together. We use a hybrid approach for character building: - Base Attributes are determined using a Point Buy system, allowing you to define your character’s general strengths and weaknesses with intention. - True Potential is then determined through a random roll, representing the limits of what your character is capable of becoming over time. Characters at the start of the campaign begins at Level 0 while new characters who join mid-way will start at half the average level of the party, but with experience bonus. You grounded as ordinary individuals rather than exceptional heroes. Your background, skills, and experiences matter more than raw power at the beginning. Character sheets will be created using a Google Sheet template provided by the GM. This allows for flexibility, transparency, and easy collaboration during creation and play. There are plans to integrate or export characters into Foundry VTT in the future, but this is not required at the start. The system used in this campaign is a custom framework inspired by: Against the Darkmaster, Maelstrom and Rolemaster. It is designed to be flexible in character expression, diverse in mechanical options and grounded in tone and consequence. Nearly any character concept is possible within the boundaries of the setting. You are not restricted to predefined “classes,” but your character should fit the low-magic, grounded tone, have a clear place in the world before the expedition and a reason to join the Morionis Mapping Initiative or the Aegis Act. The goal is not to optimize a build though you can, but to create someone who feels like they belong in this world.

Preparing for the session

All communication, announcements, and session coordination will take place through our*Discord server. A link will be provided once you join the game. This is where you’ll interact with other players, access resources, and receive updates. We use Foundry VTT for running sessions. A link to the Foundry server will be provided; no installation is required—Foundry runs through your browser, however make sure you are using an up-to-date browser (Chrome or Firefox recommended). Character creation and management will be handled through a Google Sheet template. A link will be shared with you also. This will be your primary character sheet during the campaign (until we integrate it in the platform).

What Jesse brings to the table

This campaign is built to be immersive, deliberate, and grounded and I aim to support that through both presentation and playstyle. You can expect a strong focus on atmosphere and immersion. I will be using ambient and thematic music during sessions to help set the tone of scenes, whether at sea, in quiet moments, or during tense encounters. I also make an effort to give NPCs distinct voices or mannerisms (with varying success), so conversations feel more personal and alive. Combat in this system is tactical, grounded, efficient and consequential. Encounters are not meant to be rushed; positioning, decision-making, and timing matter and; A single combat may only span multiple rounds with meaningful choices each turn . The goal is that combat feels engaging and dangerous, without taking excessive real-world time or leaving players waiting too long for their turn. I aim to strike a balance between Rules as Written (for consistency and fairness and Rule of Cool (for creativity and memorable moments). If something makes sense within the world and enhances the experience, I’m open to it but it should still feel grounded within the tone and reality of the setting and not exploitative. As players, you will be provided with Custom maps for exploration and encounters. Lore-rich worldbuilding, both shared and character-specific. I also illustrate Character profile art to help visualize your role in the world. And I will at the very least provide consistent effort to make the world feel alive and reactive. This campaign also serves as a live playtest for this custom system until publication. The goal is to stress test mechanics, pacing, and balance in actual play. Player feedback is encouraged and valued Adjustments may happen as the campaign progresses. All necessary materials, references, and updates will be provided through the Discord server. My goal is not just to run a game but to build a world with you. One where your choices matter, your knowledge shapes outcomes, and your presence leaves a mark whether small or lasting.

How Jesse creates a safe table

While this campaign is grounded in realism and may explore difficult or unfavorable circumstances to support its tone, player comfort always comes first. Some themes may be present as part of the setting, scarcity, danger, moral ambiguity but they are never included without consideration. I will make a conscious effort to be mindful of sensitive content, and I ask players to communicate openly about anything they are not comfortable with. We will use have Session 0 to establish expectations and boundaries. Players are encouraged to share limits privately or openly and boundaries can be updated at any time during the campaign. A reference document or summary may be provided through the Discord server for clarity and accessibility. After each session, if necessary, there will be time for aftercare and discussion. Players can decompress, ask questions, or raise concerns. Feedback is welcomed and taken seriously. Adjustments can be made moving forward based on group comfort. A Table is a shared space. In any TTRPG, the goal is to create a compelling and immersive experience without compromising the well-being of the players. Open communication, mutual respect, and flexibility are key to making that happen.