Old School Solstice

Creating your character

Characters are easy to make! Roll 3d6 (re-roll those 1's) and add them together for each stat(6). Either leave them where they are or distribute them among your stats if you have a class in mind! Players using non-ai generated artwork and/or character backstory will receive +1 to stats.

Preparing for the session

Before we dive into the depths, please take note of the following logistics and a special character creation bonus: 1. Character Concepts: Give some thought to the kind of adventurers you’d like to lead into the dark. Please prepare up to three character ideas, as the "Old School" style can be famously lethal, and it’s always wise to have a backup (or two) waiting in the wings. 2. Join the Discord: Head over to our Discord server to join the campaign hub! This is where we will handle all out-of-character communication, scheduling, and mid-week scheming. 3. VTT Details: We will be using Foundry VTT for our sessions. There is no need to download or install any software; I will provide a browser link for you to log in and play directly. 4. Original Thought Bonus: To celebrate the classic aesthetic of the game, players who use non-AI-generated images and/or character backstory for their characters (such as hand-drawn art, classic fantasy illustrations, or curated sketches) will receive a +3 bonus to their starting stats to be distributed as you see fit.

What stone brings to the table

To give you a better feel for the table environment, here is how I typically run my sessions and what I value in play: 1. Rules & Interpretation: I generally stick to Rules as Written (RAW) to maintain the consistent, "fair but foul" challenge that OSE is known for. However, I’m open to specific house rules or exceptions. We can discuss and agree on these as a group during Session 0 to ensure the system serves our fun. 2. Pacing & Combat: I prefer to keep combat fast and fluid. To help with this, I encourage you to think about your character's actions while others are taking their turns. The goal isn't just to "hit the monster," but to find clever ways to tilt the odds in your favor. 3. The Power of Teamwork: In these modules, the environment is often the deadliest enemy. I highly value and prioritize teamwork. Players who coordinate their abilities, protect their allies, and think like a cohesive unit are much more likely to survive the night (and receive bonuses). 4. Atmosphere & Accessibility: I enjoy using music and ambient soundscapes to bring the dungeons to life. However, I am mindful of accessibility needs. If anyone finds background audio distracting or difficult to work with, we can easily adjust or toggle these effects to make sure everyone can focus on the game.

How stone creates a safe table

To ensure everyone has a great experience while exploring the darker corners of these modules, we will be implementing the following steps before our first session: 1. Monte Cook Consent Checklist: Each player will receive a consent checklist to fill out. This helps us establish a baseline for content comfort levels regarding horror, gore, and other sensitive themes common in OSR play. 2. Private Boundary Discussions: If any specific boundaries or concerns arise from the checklists, I will reach out to discuss them with you privately. My goal is to ensure the game remains challenging and atmospheric without crossing personal lines. 3. The Session 0 Kickoff: We will hold a formal Session 0 to align on the "Old School" playstyle; expect high lethality and a focus on player ingenuity. We’ll use this time to re-iterate group preferences, finalize characters, and ensure we’re all on the same page before the first dice hit the table.