Eldrea: Explore High Magic Realms & Rich Character Designs

Creating your character

Character creation will happen before the official "Session 1". Session 0's or any additional meetups to prepare for the campaign will not cost anything. I will aid in the prep and creation of your characters, both to tailor your playstyle and functionality within the virtual table top. We will be playing a Pathfinder 1e, of which all content can be found online free through we browsers. No downloads or paying for books are necessary. Optionally open is the Spheres of Might and Power 3pp ruleset. This is where the meat and potatoes comes in. Though you don't have to use this add-on, it is also free online through the browser and is recommended for this game. (Spheres System summary goals: This system prioritizes both balance as well as custom built interesting action economy abilities. Often replacing the standard feats with options with give you more bang for your buck. Take note that I will help everyone create characters and with the Action economy cheat sheet I have designed the aids to help make this process seamless and as intuitive as possible.) There will be other homebrew rules which remove the less interesting options of the base game but will also power up your characters. All of which will be handed in the character creation. That's not to say that these rules are inflexible. I have no hard rules and am willing to work with you to help create the exact character you wish to realize. We will use: - Discord as our method of communication and VC. I will have a custom server for easy coordination and access to myself for any needs. - Roll20 is our Virtual tabletop. Within will be extensive work from myself creating intuitive menus and buttons for easy access to character abilities and info. Our character sheets will also be created here. - (Optional) A custom "Character Builder" organizer. This isn't a replacement for a character sheet, but it does help in the planning phase of your characters for current and future levels. Much like a level up chart. - (Optional) Custom Action Economy Cheat Sheet. A document which helps organize and separate your action economy, making for an easy reference sheet of what is possible with your builds on your turns.

Preparing for the session

Preparing for the game is quick and easy! Before our first session, please make sure you have: 1. A Discord account and a working microphone, as all sessions are run using voice chat. 2. A Roll20 account, where we'll play the game and access maps, handouts, and character sheets. 3. A stable internet connection and a computer capable of running both Discord and Roll20 at the same time. Once you've joined the campaign, I'll send you invitations to both the Discord server and the Roll20 game. Finally, we'll schedule a Session 0 (or a one-on-one chat if you've joined an ongoing campaign) to discuss your character concept, answer any questions, and help you build your character. No prior experience with Pathfinder or the Spheres system is required—I'll guide you through everything you need to get started.

What Douglas brings to the table

My goal as a GM is to create an immersive, cinematic experience while keeping the game approachable and collaborative. Here's what you can expect from my games: 1. Distinct NPCs and character voices to help bring the world to life. 2. Professionally designed maps and encounters. As a map and encounter designer by trade, I put a great deal of effort into creating memorable and engaging tactical scenarios. 3. Impactful skill challenges and exploration. Your skills matter outside of combat. I design exploration encounters, environmental hazards, social situations, and problem-solving challenges that reward creativity, teamwork, and clever thinking—not just high combat stats. 4. Ambient music and curated visuals to reinforce the tone of each scene. I use high-quality artwork and visual references throughout the campaign to help players immerse themselves in the world. 5. Streamlined gameplay tools. I provide automated character sheets, reference guides, and custom cheat sheets so you can spend less time looking up rules and more time playing your character. 6. Flexible, player-driven storytelling. I believe the best campaigns are built on a solid foundation of preparation, allowing us to freely explore the unexpected together. I come to each session well prepared so I'm comfortable saying "yes" when players surprise me. 7. Collaborative roleplaying. I use a softer fourth wall than many GMs, openly communicating with my players to support great storytelling, dramatic moments, and satisfying character arcs. 8. Open communication. I regularly check in with players for feedback, discuss character goals, and make adjustments throughout the campaign to ensure everyone is having a great time. I enjoy tactical, meaningful combat just as much as compelling roleplay and exploration, and I strive to make sure every session has memorable moments, whether they're earned through clever planning, emotional character interactions, overcoming difficult obstacles, or spectacular victories.

Homebrew rules

While I use a handful of house rules, the only major one to mention upfront is the inclusion of the Spheres of Might & Spheres of Power third-party system. I use Spheres because it creates a much more dynamic and engaging action economy. Instead of every turn boiling down to "move and attack," it gives players meaningful choices and a huge amount of flexibility to build the exact character fantasy they're looking for, whether martial or magical. If you're new to Spheres, don't worry! I've built tools to automate much of the bookkeeping, a cheat sheet to keep everything you can do neat and organized, and I'll work with you one-on-one to learn the system and create the character you've always wanted to play. Using Spheres is completely optional. If you prefer the standard Pathfinder rules, you're welcome to build your character that way instead. Any additional house rules are compiled in a player guide that we'll go over before the campaign begins.

How Douglas creates a safe table

Creating a table where everyone feels comfortable, respected, and excited to play is one of my highest priorities. Before the campaign begins, we'll have a Session 0 where we discuss expectations, establish Lines and Veils using the Luxton Technique, talk about the themes we want to explore, identify any topics we'd rather avoid, and make sure everyone is on the same page about the style of game we're creating together. During play, I maintain an open-door policy. If something isn't working or a scene becomes uncomfortable, I'm happy to pause, adjust, or change direction. I encourage players to speak up at any time, and I believe open communication is always more important than preserving immersion. My GM style also embraces a soft fourth wall. Rather than keeping every thought or intention hidden behind the characters, I'm comfortable discussing player goals, emotions, and expectations openly when it helps create better roleplay and a stronger collaborative story. This also helps everyone at the table understand the why to an action, making it easier for everyone to fallow along instead of guessing ones intensions. After each session, I believe in aftercare. I'll often check in with players to hear what they enjoyed, what could be improved, and whether anything didn't land as intended. Likewise, if I feel I could have handled something better, I'll reach out personally to ask for feedback and make adjustments going forward. For me, hyper communication not only creates a well coordinated and fun game but also makes being open with each other a priority. If we all can feel comfortable with each other through open dialogue, the rest of the game flow will make the roleplay much deeper and more impactful.