Draw Steel: The Delian Tomb

Creating your character

Characters will start at Level 1 and should be created using the standard Draw Steel character creation rules. You can create your character before the game or we can build one together during our first session. I recommend using Forge Steel to create your character. It's an easy-to-use character builder, and your finished character can be easily transferred to Roll20, where we'll be playing the game. If you're new to Draw Steel or aren't sure where to start, don't worry! I'm more than happy to sit down with you and create your character together. We can go through your options, answer questions, and build a character that you'll be excited to play.

Preparing for the session

## Preparation Before joining the game, players should complete the following steps to make sure they're ready to play: * Join the Discord Server: All game communication and voice chat will take place through Discord. Please join the provided Discord server before your first session. * Have a Good Microphone: We play using voice chat only, there is no requirement to use a webcam or share video. A reliable microphone and headphones are strongly recommended so everyone can hear and communicate clearly. * Create a Free Roll20 Account: The game will use Roll20 for maps, tokens, dice rolls, and other virtual tabletop features. You will need a free Roll20 account to participate. * Join the Roll20 Game: Once you have created your account, I will provide you with an invitation to join the Roll20 campaign. * Test Your Setup: Before your first session, make sure you can access both the Discord server and Roll20. If possible, check that your microphone and headphones are working properly.

What Michael brings to the table

What Will I Provide My Players? My goal as a GM is to create a fun, immersive, and welcoming game where everyone at the table has a chance to contribute to the story. I want players to feel like their characters matter and that their choices can genuinely shape the world around them. Immersive Storytelling I enjoy bringing the world to life through character voices, roleplay, descriptive narration, and memorable NPCs. I also use ambient music and soundscapes when appropriate to help set the mood, whether we're exploring a dangerous dungeon, traveling through a haunted wilderness, or facing down a terrifying monster. Maps, Tokens, and Visuals When using Roll20, I provide maps, character tokens, and visual aids to help make encounters and exploration easier to follow. I enjoy creating an experience that feels visually engaging while still leaving room for your imagination. Rule of Cool I strongly believe in the Rule of Cool. The rules are there to help us play the game, but they're not there to get in the way of a great moment. If you come up with a creative idea that isn't explicitly covered by the rules, I'm happy to work with you to figure out how we can make it happen. Sometimes the answer might be "yes," sometimes it might require a difficult roll, and sometimes it might come with a consequence—but I'm always willing to hear the idea. That said, I will try to be consistent and fair with my rulings. If I make a ruling at the table that isn't quite right according to the rules, we can discuss it and correct it when appropriate. Combat and Exploration You can expect a mix of roleplay, exploration, problem-solving, and combat. Combat can be challenging, and I enjoy encounters where players have to think creatively and work together rather than simply trading attacks until one side falls over. I encourage players to look beyond their character sheets. The environment, your equipment, your abilities, and your own creativity can all be tools for overcoming challenges. Player Agency Your choices matter. I won't force your characters down a single predetermined path or expect you to follow a specific solution to a problem. You are free to pursue your own goals, investigate the mysteries that interest you, and make decisions that can have lasting consequences. The world will react to what you do—or don't do. A Collaborative Table Above all, this is a collaborative game. My job is to provide the world, the challenges, and the characters you interact with. Your job is to bring your characters to life and help create the story. I encourage players to support each other, share the spotlight, and help make sure everyone has opportunities to participate. You don't need to be an experienced roleplayer or professional voice actor—just come ready to play, have fun, and contribute to the adventure.

How Michael creates a safe table

Safety My goal is to create a fun, welcoming table where everyone feels safe and comfortable. Lines & Veils Before we play, I'll meet with each player individually to discuss any Lines & Veils they may have. This gives you a private space to let me know about topics you don't want included (Lines) or topics you'd prefer to keep off-screen (Veils). These boundaries can be changed at any time. X, N, & O's We will use **X, N, & O's** during play: * X: Stop or skip the current content. * N: Pause and check in. * O: Everything is okay—continue. You never need to explain why you use one of these signals. Open Door & Breaks My table has anOpen Door policy. You can step away at any time for any reason, and we'll take regular breaks during longer sessions. Need a moment? Just step away—no explanation needed. Session 0 If we have a Session 0, it will be brief. We'll quickly cover expectations, safety tools, and any final questions before jumping into the adventure. Stars & Wishes After sessions, I'll use Stars & Wishes for feedback: * ⭐ Stars: Things you enjoyed and want more of. * 💫 Wishes: Things you'd like to change or see in the future. I'm always open to private feedback as well. My goal is to make sure everyone is having a good time and feels comfortable at the table.