[OSR] Shadowdark: Raiders of the Nightmare Lands

Creating your character

We will create characters together in a Session Zero session...of course, you might have to create a few more characters during the campaign! Stats will be rolled using the Shadowdark ruleset. We will use all of the canon Shadowdark rules in the published zines (and campaign supplements) published by The Arcane Library.

Preparing for the session

Preparation Checklist Roll20 Account: We will use Roll20.net as our battleground. If you don’t have one, sign up for a free account. Discord Server: This is our lifeline. We will use Discord for voice chat. Ensure you have the desktop app installed and a working account. Audio Gear: A reliable headset or dedicated microphone is mandatory. In a world this lethal, clear communication is the difference between survival and a shallow grave. Character Readiness: Do not bring a character or a backstory. We will roll up your Raiders—and likely witness their first deaths—together during our first session. It’s fast, it’s brutal, and it’s handled at the table. The Shadowdark Mindset: No prior knowledge of the Shadowdark rules or the setting is required. Just bring a willingness to face impossible odds, a sense of humor for when things go south, and the grit to survive a world that wants you dead.

What Apshai brings to the table

What You Can Expect in the Nightmare Lands Rulings Over Rules: This is OSR at its core. We prioritize common sense and creativity over technical bloat. If you come at a problem with a "metal" approach—something wild, cinematic, and dangerous—I will give you a "metal" answer. If it makes for a better story than just staring at your character sheet, we’re going to roll for it. The Soundtrack: I provide a curated heavy metal soundtrack that fits the 80s apocalyptic aesthetic. No fluff, no synths—just the right background for looting tombs and dodging death. Low-Fi Tactical Clarity: We use Roll20 for maps and tokens to keep the tactical situation clear. I prioritize a functional, clean interface that stays out of the way of the action and your ingenuity. High-Stakes Reality: This is not a heroic power fantasy. The dice fall where they will. In the Shadowdark, victory is never guaranteed, which makes surviving the night actually mean something. Professional Pace: I run a structured three-hour session. We start on time and end on time, cutting the filler to focus on the exploration and the peril.

Homebrew rules

We won't use homebrew rules to start - and will only add them if we all agree.

How Apshai creates a safe table

Safety and Table Conduct The Nightmare Lands are a brutal world of brutal violence and uncanny horror. Because the content is gritty and meant to be unnerving, I prioritize a professional environment where everyone can focus on the adventure without the wrong kind of stress. Session Zero: We begin with a dedicated session to set the tone, establish boundaries, and ensure everyone is ready for a "metal" horror aesthetic. Lines & Veils: We utilize a shared document to list off-limit topics and scenes we’d rather "fade to black." This is a living document we respect throughout the campaign. Digital Signaling: We use X, N, and O cards via Discord/Roll20 as a simple way to signal if someone is uncomfortable or if we need a quick group check-in. If a signal is given, we pause, pivot, and keep the game moving. Scheduled Breaks: Every three-hour session includes a 10-15 minute break to stretch, reset, and check in.