Hidden Isle

Creating your character

Character creation for The Hidden Isle will happen one‑on‑one with me before Session One. Since this game uses Tarot cards instead of dice, we’ll build your character together through a series of guided card draws that reveal your backstory, the burden you carry, and the ideal that drives you. No Tarot experience is needed — I’ll walk you through every step. During your session, we’ll explore who your Agent was before arriving on Dioscoria, what spiritual or emotional weight they bring with them, and what ideal they now strive to uphold. These choices shape your role in the story and help define how fate responds to you during play. There are no stats or levels in the traditional sense. Instead, your character is defined by their history, their burdens, their ideals, and the narrative tools they gain through play. All you need is the core rulebook (I’ll provide references and summaries), your imagination, and a willingness to explore a world of mysticism, rebellion, and hidden knowledge. Because this is my first time running The Hidden Isle, I want character creation to feel personal, collaborative, and comfortable. We’ll take our time, talk through ideas, and make sure your Agent feels meaningful and ready to step into the world.

Preparing for the session

Preparation Before we begin our adventure in The Hidden Isle, there are a few simple steps to make sure everything runs smoothly. This game is rules‑light and story‑focused, so you won’t need any special software or character‑building tools—just a way to meet, talk, and draw cards together. 1. Join the Discord server All communication, scheduling, and session links will happen through Discord. You’ll need a free account and a working mic. I’ll send the invite once you sign up. 2. Make sure your audio setup works This game relies heavily on conversation and collaborative storytelling. Please test your microphone ahead of time so we can jump right into character creation and play without tech delays. 3. Have access to a browser or device for our Tarot draws You don’t need your own Tarot deck. We’ll use a digital deck during our one‑on‑one character creation session and during play. Any computer, tablet, or phone that can open a browser is perfect. 4. Set aside time for a one‑on‑one character creation session Since this is my first time running The Hidden Isle, I want to build your character with you personally. We’ll schedule a short session before the campaign begins to draw your cards, explore your backstory, and shape your Agent’s ideals and burdens. 5. Bring curiosity and a willingness to explore This game thrives on imagination, symbolism, and collaborative storytelling. You don’t need Tarot knowledge or historical expertise—just an open mind and a desire to tell a great story together.

What Andrew brings to the table

I bring a cinematic, collaborative, and story‑first playstyle to The Hidden Isle. This game thrives on atmosphere, symbolism, and character‑driven choices, and my GMing focuses on making every session feel immersive, emotionally rich, and full of momentum. You can expect a welcoming table, clear guidance, and a space where your ideas genuinely shape the world. 🎭 Expressive Roleplay & Living NPCs I use natural, conversational character voices and distinct personalities to make Dioscoria—and the wider 16th‑century world—feel alive. NPCs react to your choices, remember your actions, and evolve with the story. You’ll always have room to explore your character’s burdens, ideals, and personal growth. 🔮 Tarot‑Driven Drama & Symbolic Moments Because The Hidden Isle uses Tarot instead of dice, I lean into the symbolism and mood of each draw. I help interpret cards in ways that deepen the narrative, reveal character truths, and push the story forward. You don’t need Tarot experience—I’ll guide you through every step. 🎧 Ambient Music & Immersive Atmosphere Expect curated soundscapes that match the tone of each scene: candlelit libraries, bustling ports, desert ruins, secret chambers, and tense confrontations. Music helps set the emotional rhythm of the session without overwhelming the table. ⚔️ Swashbuckling Action & Story‑Driven Conflict Combat in The Hidden Isle is fast, dramatic, and narrative-focused. It’s less about tactical grids and more about bold choices, clever plans, and cinematic moments. I embrace the Rule of Cool—if you pitch something daring, stylish, or emotionally meaningful, I’ll work with you to make it happen. ✨ A Supportive, Beginner‑Friendly Table This is my first time running The Hidden Isle, so I’m creating a space that’s patient, collaborative, and open to questions. I’ll guide you through character creation one‑on‑one, help you understand the mechanics, and make sure you feel confident stepping into the story.

How Andrew creates a safe table

Safety & Comfort Your comfort at the table matters just as much as the adventure itself. The Hidden Isle deals with symbolism, personal burdens, and dramatic choices, so I use a clear set of safety tools to make sure every player feels respected, supported, and in control of their experience. 🛡️ Session Zero: Expectations & Boundaries Before we begin, we’ll have a short Session Zero where we talk through: The tone of the game Themes you’re excited about (and those you want to avoid) Lines & Veils (content we exclude or fade‑to‑black) How Tarot draws shape character burdens and emotional beats How to communicate discomfort at any time This helps us build a shared understanding of what feels fun, safe, and engaging for everyone. 📄 Lines & Veils Document I’ll send a digital Lines & Veils form before Session Zero. You can fill it out privately and honestly. This document stays between you and me, and I will honor it throughout the campaign. 🔶 X, N, & O Cards (Digital) During play, we use digital X/N/O tools to keep things comfortable: X — Stop immediately; we shift or remove the content N — Slow down or adjust tone O — Everything’s good; keep going You can use these through Discord DM, VTT whisper, or a quick message. You never need to explain or justify an X or N. 💬 Real‑Time Check‑Ins If a scene becomes intense—emotionally, symbolically, or narratively—I’ll pause briefly to check in. This keeps the story dramatic without crossing anyone’s boundaries. 🌿 Aftercare & Debrief At the end of each session, I offer optional debrief time. We can: Celebrate cool moments Talk through anything that felt heavy Adjust future sessions based on feedback This helps keep the table healthy, connected, and ready for the next chapter. 🤝 A Respectful, Inclusive Table My table is built on collaboration, kindness, and curiosity. I welcome new players, encourage questions, and make sure everyone has space to shine. This is my first time running The Hidden Isle, so I’m especially committed to creating a supportive environment where we learn the system together.