From the Session Zero
This campaign is a “dark fantasy” environment. Contrast that with the default “heroic fantasy” of D&D and the major elements that pop out include:
- moral ambiguity
- dark tone
- more deadly, increased peril
Dark fantasy does not assume that the forces of good will prevail, or that there even is such a thing as a “hero” to come and save the day. The world is more grim. Powerful magics may have disturbing origins. Characters’ boundaries are pushed, the world tries to subvert virtues and pervert righteousness. Our traditional heroes may find themselves transformed by what they experiences, tempted into unwholesome bargains, or core beliefs transgressed.
Major Themes
Duality and dual-nature are the major themes of this campaign. When the elements of a dual-natured system are in a stable balance, the system is healthy and self-maintaining. Cataclysmic ruin usually results when that balance is disrupted. The cost to repair, to re-balance, a system may be substantial, but nothing compared to what first birthed such a thing.
Sensitive Elements
For narrative elements, we seem receptive to a variety of subjects. Some key concerns about choice and autonomy came up, notably an aversion to coerced, compelled, or forced action. I will strive - and ask others - to handle potentially painful or difficult subjects in ways that do not erase, minimize, or trivialize - that do honor to the receiving end of that pain. Similarly, you, your character, and their choices matter and are valid. Choices may have consequences, but I will not take control or force a state on your character without a clearly-defined, well-understood game-mechanical reason for doing so, have no desire to do so trivially or capriciously, and will not make a permanent consequence without you having ample access to resist or amend.
A major part of player-character autonomy involves choosing your way through the adventure and challenges. I like D&D best when the players deliberate and agree, collectively, on a solution. I like it least when I’m thrown “into the backseat” and forced only to react to what someone else wants to see happen. We are peers, we are friends - so are your characters. Your characters don’t have to reach consensus, they don’t even have to like their party mates (but not liking them at all is a weird choice to keep adventuring with them), but we players need to be decent and respectful to one another.
To those ends, we’re going to avoid player-vs-player (PvP) play, and we’re going to call it out when we see it happening. Players have the right to challenge each others’ in-game choices and avoid disruptive unilateral action. This doesn’t mean that we’re policing each other or shutting anyone down - the spirit of this is to protect everyone’s enjoyment, not to dictate from a minority position.
Some others behaviors that are discouraged include interrupting or talking over others; giving unsolicited, unasked-for guidance or “tips” on other player’s characters, features, tactics, or play; and lawyerly debates of the rules. There are respectful, appropriate ways to offer each other guidance and they all require that the recipient first consent to receiving it, and be free from retaliation or disparagement for not adopting it. Everyone is welcome to challenge the way that a rule is interpreted or applied, but no one comes to play courtroom. I owe each of the players at the table a speedy, fair, consistent, and repeatable judgement on disputed rules - including my rationale for reaching that conclusion. When I am wrong, I will correct my understanding and work to repair any harms done to your enjoyment of the game.
We will not tolerate intentionally disruptive, disrespectful, disparaging, dehumanizing, or otherwise hurtful behavior on any basis or for any reason. Aggressive behavior, shouting, and provoking others are strictly off limits. I am grateful for the record and reputation of conduct that we have built; I will not accept anyone damaging that.
Everyone at our tables hails from different backgrounds, has different experiences, and lives different lives. That makes us fascinating. If you want a mono-culture, go hang out in a cornfield. We’re - I’m - here because I love all of you, appreciate the ways we are different, and celebrate that uniqueness. You belong here, and we are committed to holding that truth.