Lord of Mysteries: Secrets Beneath the Fog

Creating your character

Character creation will begin during Session 0 and continue through private conversations with the GM before Session 1. No prior Cypher System or Lord of Mysteries experience is required. Characters will begin at Tier 1 as newly advanced Beyonders taking their first steps into the hidden world of secret societies, occult mysteries, and supernatural powers. We will use the Cypher System as the foundation for character creation with restricted Foci. Whatever Foci you choose will determine something important about your character for the setting. During Session 0, we will discuss the available Pathways, character concepts, backgrounds, motivations, and how your character became involved in the world of the occult. Character creation will be collaborative. I will work with each player to establish personal goals, connections, allies, rivals, secrets, and mysteries that can be woven directly into the campaign. Your character's ambitions, beliefs, relationships, and decisions will play a significant role in shaping the story. This is a long-form campaign focused on investigation, discovery, personal growth, and gradual ascension through the Beyonder Sequences. Characters will begin as relatively inexperienced Beyonders and may eventually become some of the most influential figures in the world—if they can survive the dangers that come with power.

Preparing for the session

Before Session 1, players should: • Create a free Discord account. • Join the campaign Discord server. • Have a reliable internet connection and a quality microphone/headset. • Create or have access to a Roll20 account. • Read any campaign primers, setting information, Pathway guides, or handouts provided before the game. • Come to Session 0 with a rough character concept, even if it is only a starting idea. Character creation will begin during Session 0 and continue as needed before Session 1. I will provide all campaign-specific character creation resources, including Pathway information, setting guides, and house rules. No prior Cypher System or Lord of Mysteries experience is required. New players are absolutely welcome. I am happy to help with learning the rules, understanding the setting, choosing a Pathway, and building a character that fits both the campaign and your interests.

What Ashley brings to the table

I provide a character-driven campaign focused on mystery, investigation, secret societies, occult conspiracies, and meaningful choices. My games emphasize collaborative storytelling, long-term character development, and a world that reacts to player decisions. Players can expect: • Extensive character integration and personalized story arcs • Memorable NPCs with their own goals, beliefs, and secrets • Custom handouts, lore documents, faction information, and campaign resources • Character voices and roleplay-focused interactions • Ambient music and atmosphere when appropriate • Mystery-driven adventures where investigation and discovery matter • Consequences that shape both the story and the world around the characters • A welcoming environment for both new and experienced players Combat exists, but it is not the primary focus of the campaign. Violence is often dangerous, costly, and only one possible solution to a problem. Investigation, negotiation, planning, alliances, and clever thinking are frequently just as valuable as combat ability. I generally favor Rules as Intended over strict Rules as Written. The rules matter and provide structure, but I prioritize maintaining pacing, narrative consistency, player agency, and exciting moments. Creative solutions and clever ideas are encouraged. Most importantly, this is a campaign about uncovering secrets. Every mystery solved reveals deeper mysteries. Every answer raises new questions. Every step toward power comes with new dangers, responsibilities, and temptations. My goal is to create a world that feels alive, mysterious, and worth exploring over the course of a long-form campaign.

Homebrew rules

Here are the Foci players can choose: Fool Pathway Sees Beyond Has a Thousand Faces Crafts Illusions Darkness Pathway Awakens Dreams Explores Dark Places Death Pathway Consorts With the Dead Shepherds Spirits Separates Mind From Body Twilight Giant Pathway Stands Like a Bastion Never Says Die Masters Weaponry Performs Feats of Strength Defends the Weak Defends the Gate Bears a Halo of Fire Needs No Weapon Metes Out Justice Hermit Pathway Conducts Weird Science Calculates the Incalculable Focuses Mind over Matter Commands Mental Powers Crafts Unique Objects Works Miracles Masters Spells Apprentice Pathway Ignores Physical Distance Shreds the Walls of the World Exists in Two Places at Once

How Ashley creates a safe table

Creating a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment is important to me. Before the campaign begins, we will have a Session 0 to discuss expectations, table culture, character concepts, campaign themes, and any concerns players may have. Players may communicate concerns verbally, through Discord messages, or privately at any time. No explanation is required to use a safety tool. If something makes a player uncomfortable, we will address it respectfully and move forward. Lord of Mysteries explores themes such as secret societies, cults, cosmic horror, corruption, death, obsession, madness, occult rituals, moral ambiguity, and the pursuit of power. During Session 0 we will discuss what subjects are appropriate for the table and establish any Lines (subjects excluded from play) and Veils (subjects that may exist in the setting but remain off-screen). Because this is a heavily character-driven campaign, we will also discuss boundaries regarding character conflict, betrayal, romance, manipulation, and other potentially sensitive interactions before they arise during play. I encourage feedback throughout the campaign. If something is not working, if a player has concerns, or if someone simply wants to discuss their experience, I am always happy to listen. My goal is to create a table where everyone feels comfortable contributing, exploring their character, and engaging with the story. At the end of the day, we are here to tell a great story, support one another, and have fun doing it.