Invade or Defend a Dark World | Hope and Fear

Creating your character

Characters will start at Level 1. Feel free to create your concept before we begin -- and feel extra free to get weird with it -- but be flexible enough to allow for the best fit with story elements and the party. Content from the Void is fine, though we may consider updating when official versions are released. I am happy to work with you on builds and backstory (let's create some juicy narrative hooks!) and to answer any questions you may have both before and during Session 0, as well as between sessions. If you are interested in Transformation Cards, they are a possibility, but dependent on how the story goes. If there is something you really want, we will do our best to work it in, at some point, but it will most likely happen (or not) organically. We will be using Foundry VTT and creating or importing your characters at Session 0, where we will also establish inter-party connections and choose one of two primary story paths. If you want to start building your character early, feel free to use whatever platform you choose (heartofdaggers.com is free and an excellent resource). Be excited about your concept, but, again, remember to leave room for movement. The goal is a group of characters with a shared, generally heroic(ish) objective, working together in extraordinary circumstances, and navigating extreme dangers alongside some morally grey choices.

Preparing for the session

When you join the game, you will receive the Discord server link, and on gameday, you'll get the access link to the Foundry VTT server. You will need: - Access to a computer (PC or laptop) with a stable internet connection - A Discord account - A working microphone/headset - A reasonably quiet space (life happens -- Push-to-Talk can help, if needed) [OPTIONAL] Webcam: Being able to see each other's expressions increases connection and immersion, and so it is encouraged, but not required. [OPTIONAL] Physical Dice: If you want to roll real dice (I do!), have at it! You will have access to digital dice rollers, as well, available in the VTT. While it's recommended, you don't need to read the rules ahead of time. I'm happy to walk you through it as we go. You can also learn about the basics here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bV2K5eoJgk Have pre-sale questions? Message me on StartPlaying and we can chat. *A note on mobile/tablet: While technically possible, you will have to deal with potential bugs that may downgrade your experience. If it is all you have, we can test and troubleshoot your setup, to a reasonable degree, but the best experience will always be on a computer. It is also possible to play purely theatre of the mind, but you will be missing visual aids (maps and thematic images), and potentially music, as well.

What 🐢 Kappl (Bobby GM) brings to the table

🖥️ A VTT experience that combines theatre of the mind with immersive music and visuals (thematic scenes, handouts), and detailed maps, when needed 🧝‍♀️ NPCs with unique voices, personalities and motivations 🧛 Dangerous enemies that are more than just statblocks 💡 Challenges that encourage multiple possible approaches ✅ Choices that matter, in descriptive and interesting worlds that grow and change 👐 An open, welcoming environment that is safe, inclusive and collaborative 🤓 Years of experience running games online and in-person, with wildly different personalities and skill levels 📚 A deep love for building immersive narrative experiences 🍄 A healthy dose of silly to offset the grim 👏 A willingness to throw the rulebook out the window when something makes sense and is super-cool

Homebrew rules

This campaign employs custom adversaries and environments, some of which feature custom mechanics, character death features that are inspired by Age of Umbra and the Witherwild, as well as a take on Age of Umbra's Lurking Darkness and Watch mechanic. Additionally, depending on the manner in which a character dies, there are optional paths that are meant to give you opportunities to build out a follow-up character. Specific environments and adversaries will employ the Massive Damage threshold (damage equal to double your Severe threshold marks 4 hit points), and you will be given the option to include it across the entire campaign. Additional Downtime Move: Draw from the Land - During a long rest, you can choose to draw additional power from the world itself, gaining an Empowered token. An Empowered token allows you to convert a failed roll to a success-at-a-cost, as if you had rolled with Fear, but the GM gains 2 Fear instead of one. When you gain an Empowered token, it weakens the land around you and can cause a physical, mental, or emotional quirk to manifest while you hold on to the power. Describe how you and your immediate environment are affected by this power draw. You can hold a maximum of 2 Empowered tokens, which expire at the end of the Session (unless the GM allows them to carry over between sessions). We will discuss this with more depth at Session 0.

How 🐢 Kappl (Bobby GM) creates a safe table

Before Session 0, you will be provided with a link to a Lines and Veils/Consent Checklist where you can list the topics you wish to avoid. We will also employ the X-Card directly in the VTT. For my part, I have a hard rule that I will not roleplay anything that will make me feel unavoidably gross, no matter the situation. I also encourage aftercare, if needed, breaks, and follow the Open Door protocol. If there are ever any concerns, please feel free to talk to me out-of-game if you are comfortable with it.