Secrets of the Ancients | Lost Civilizations & Exploration

Creating your character

Session 0 will likely be a full session dedicated to character creation as well as going over campaign expectations. Traveller uses a unique character creation system in which your character's history, career, skills, contacts, and life experiences are generated through play. Character creation is one of the most beloved parts of the game, and I will guide players through the process step by step. No prior Traveller experience is required. Characters will be created using the Mongoose Traveller 2nd Edition rules. Additional campaign-specific guidance will be provided as needed. Because Secrets of the Ancients is a mystery and exploration-focused campaign, players are encouraged to create characters who are curious, capable, and motivated to uncover the unknown. Scientists, archaeologists, scouts, pilots, diplomats, engineers, academics, investigators, merchants, and military veterans all have valuable roles to play. This campaign emphasizes exploration, investigation, discovery, and character development. The central mystery unfolds across multiple worlds and may involve ancient ruins, lost civilizations, forgotten technologies, political interests, and dangerous secrets. While individual expertise is important, success often depends on combining different skills, perspectives, and resources to uncover truths that have remained hidden for millennia. Characters do not need to be heroes, but they should have reasons to pursue answers, confront danger, and work alongside others when faced with mysteries far larger than themselves.

Preparing for the session

Create a free Discord account. Join the campaign Discord server. Ensure they have a reliable internet connection and a quality microphone/headset. Obtain access to the Traveller rules (help will be provided for new players). Read any campaign materials, handouts, or introductory information provided before the game.

What Ashley brings to the table

My games emphasize character-driven storytelling, meaningful choices, immersive worldbuilding, and collaborative problem-solving. I enjoy creating living settings that react to player decisions and giving characters opportunities to pursue personal goals, develop relationships, uncover mysteries, and leave a lasting impact on the story. Players can expect: * Ancient mysteries and long-buried secrets * Exploration of strange worlds and forgotten ruins * Archaeological discoveries and lost technologies * Meaningful character development and personal story arcs * Memorable NPCs with their own goals, agendas, and motivations * Political intrigue, competing interests, and difficult decisions * Investigation, discovery, and scientific curiosity * A collaborative and welcoming table environment I use ambient music, maps, visual handouts, and character voices when appropriate to help establish atmosphere and immersion. Secrets of the Ancients is a campaign about discovery, exploration, and uncovering one of the greatest mysteries in Traveller's history. I place a strong emphasis on curiosity, investigation, wonder, and the consequences of knowledge. When rules questions arise, I prefer to make a quick ruling to keep the game moving and revisit the rule after the session if needed. I value consistency and fairness, but I don't like allowing lengthy rules debates to interrupt the flow of play. I generally favor a moderate Rule of Cool approach when it serves the story and remains fair to everyone at the table. While combat certainly has a place in the campaign, Secrets of the Ancients is not primarily about tactical battles. Players who enjoy exploration, investigation, diplomacy, archaeology, mystery-solving, scientific discovery, and character-focused storytelling will find the most to enjoy. The greatest rewards often come not from defeating enemies, but from uncovering truths that have remained hidden for hundreds of thousands of years.

Homebrew rules

charge gen will be 2d6 reroll 1s. And any two attributes can be rerolled 3d6 drop the lowest.

How Ashley creates a safe table

Player comfort is important to me, especially in a campaign that explores horror, mystery, madness, and other potentially sensitive themes. Before the campaign begins, players will have the opportunity to establish Lines and Veils, which will be shared with the group and respected throughout the campaign. This document is considered a living resource and may be updated at any time. During Session 0, we will discuss campaign expectations, table etiquette, character concepts, themes, boundaries, and any content players would prefer to avoid. I also use the X Card. Players may use it at any time, either verbally or through Discord chat, to indicate that content should be skipped, changed, or removed. No explanation is required, and player comfort always takes priority. Finally, I encourage open communication. If a player ever has concerns about content, another player, or the direction of the game, I am always available before or after sessions to discuss it privately.