Learn to Play Neon Odyssey (Official Playtest Rules)

Creating your character

Pregenerated characters will be provided, drawing from the thirteen classes (including the brand new Machinist), and many subclasses, playable new species will be provided for a fast start. If you have a concept you'd like to try, let me know and we can try to build it before the session if there's time.

Preparing for the session

Please ensure you have a Discord account, webcam (encouraged but not required), microphone and computer with stable access to the internet and good audio. Players must join this Discord server before the game starts; I'll send a link once you've applied. No past experience in the setting or rules is required, we will share the rules as we play. Note: as this is playtest material it is not final and subject to change, and may (more than other systems) need quick adjudication. I'll be using these games to provide feedback for the Avantris team on what works and doesn't, so please feel free to share with me how things feel in play - but also do expect some rules adjudication to keep things moving when we run in to areas where there's limited guidance or things break down.

What Stu brings to the table

Here are some quotes from my past (and current) players: 🥷 "Playing with Stuart is basically agreeing to become emotionally attached to imaginary people, make wildly questionable decisions, He creates a world that feels alive, reacts to our choices and somehow makes even our most ridiculous plans feel normal. The sessions are immersive, funny, tense and occasionally devastating in the best way. Stuart is a brilliant storyteller, a generous GM and very good at making you care far too much about fictional characters." 🧙‍♀️ "Stuart is an incredible DM! As a first-time player, I couldn't have asked for a better introduction to the game. He sets a fantastic atmosphere, delivers compelling and easy-to-follow stories, and creates a safe space where collaborative storytelling thrives. 10/10 experience. I can't wait to play again!" 🕵️‍♂️ "Stu is an excellent DM, who manages to weave structured storytelling with responsive improvisation. He takes his craft seriously, bringing a level of fidelity and immersion to the world, story and character beats through visuals, music, vibes and excellent narration. Highly recommended for coherent, narrative-forward, immersive games where you want a DM that's just as much about the world as they are the mechanics." 👨‍🚀"Creative, empathetic and deeply engaging - Stu is one of the best GMs I've had! He is a wonderful storyteller, great at crafting and presenting imaginative worlds and characters. What I enjoy the most is that he puts players' choices at the center of narrative-building. It makes playing at his table such a fun collaborative creative process that I enjoy deeply!"

Homebrew rules

We will be using the expanded playtest rules released to backers. You do not need a copy - rules will be presented and cheat sheets provided during play to keep us focused on the story.

How Stu creates a safe table

Safety is a priority. Owlbear Rodeo has an interface to anonymously alert the table on areas of discomfort and X cards, to ensure the game is a safe place for all participants. I will show players how to access that system and use it before the game starts. Ahead of the game, players can also provide feedback on any lines or veils they have to me via DM so I can fully accommodate their needs and adjust things. Feedback is collected at the end of the game and valued highly - I'm always eager to improve. This game is a positive, hopeful and optimistic tone and while darker subject matter is present, it will be managed with a light hand.