[Online][5e/5.5e/Flexible][Homebrew] Have Your Very Own Existential Crisis in a Science-Fantasy Setting.

[Ehnuhmee]

I'll close out applications on 4/2/25 but I may reach out to you before then.

In our own universe far far in the future, human life dots the stars in its many different branches. "Magic" exist, pushing against science and rationality, when it is wrangled into a usable form, it gives birth to space flight and other wonderful, horrible things. A colorful brush of life fills the once thought of empty space between systems, creating semi-tangible zones where different metaphysical rules collide.

You work as a Validator, a gig-worker, a free agent, a modern day adventurer. Hired by some piece of Humanity to solve problems in a world where information, especially recent, verifiable information, is the most important form of currency. You float through life trying to find your own balance in this mess of existence.

Problems are never solved, you are just trading them in for other problems.

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Hey everyone, I am looking for players who want to play in an alternative future type sandbox that is a part of a bigger TTRPG project.

Please expect a lot of home-brew, reskinning and playing fast and loose, this is still very work in progress. This would not be your typical high-fantasy or heroic fantasy setting. There will be ideas in broad strokes, and I am very open to hearing your ideas.

Some world details:

1. Trust is the strongest form of "currency".
2. The universe is always "Ending" in someone's mind.
3. Vast distances matter.
4. Magic is ethereal, mercurial and muddy. Science is an attempt to wrangle Magic, and it is factual and understanding until it's not.
5. Cultures and society are vastly different due to the "Rules" of different systems.
6. There is a vast "Internet" that overlays the entire universe that has existed before our ideas of what an Internet is. It can be accessed but only when you really need it. It's a dangerous place that can affect you even in the physical world.

Additional Lore Document -> https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1LbnIMwj3pLdaTJMNQwViBscoyLv1N2_V_7mq611H-Dw/edit?usp=sharing

Out of game details:

1. We will be using Discord and if we need to use a grid, either Roll20 or any of the other various VTTs.
2. There will be uncomfortable topics (handled with as much nuances as I possibly can).
3. In saying that, I primary do not use many if any safety tools. I expect my players to be able to handle surprises or triggering topics, and separate what happens in game from IRL. Please consider this before applying.
4. I will try to make your time with this campaign as engaging and explorative as I can, and will listen to your feedback and comments with priority and I expect the same from you.
5. This will be a more sandbox than railroaded campaign. I don't believe in fudging or guiding a player's agency even if it doesn't make the most cinematic situation or fit the "Narrative Structure".
6. No ERP, any intimate moments will be fade to black.
7. 5e or 2024 DND will be the base chassis of the system (unless another option is presented and entire group agrees), but there will be some home-brew mechanics.
8. With home-brew, I don't expect this game to be super balanced.

Me as a DM.

1. I've been DM'ing a few years now primarily in 5e and a few other systems like PBTA and Fate.
2. I like to try to keep things as consistent as possible in terms of rules and setting but it's a TTRPG, sometimes rulings happen.
3. I will listen to you if something doesn't make sense but to keep things moving, please accept that I may need to supersede it to not get to muddled in argument or debate.
4. Your choices will have consequences for better or for worse.
5. I like to mix genres and tones, this won't be Critical Role but there will be humor mixed with the more dramatic aspects.
6. I'm more roleplay focused then combat focused but there will be combat and exploration.
7. I let the dice decide, I don't fudge or try to twist a situation because it would be more cinematic but what would make sense in the context and considering the mechanics.
8. I pull from a lot different medias and taste.
9. I'm not Matt Mercer but I'm trying my best.

Quality I'm Looking for In Players:

1. Mature and able to separate yourself from the fiction.
2. Take losses and unfavorable outcomes as opportunities to lean into roleplay not as a personal slight against you, and don't get committed to expected outcomes.
3. Be willing to try new things or experience themes, settings and situations you normally wouldn't.
4. Be willing to speak up, give feedback and challenge me if needed.
5. Be proactive and engaged.
6. Don't be that person. Don't be hateful, spiteful or trying to "Win" the game or trigger someone.
7. 3 hours out of your week. A decent microphone and consistent attendance.

Next Steps:

If you are selected as potential member, I will reach out to set up a quick, informal chat.

Please tell me if you have any questions and here is a Google Form that you can fill out to get more information -> Talk About Yourself

Thank you for reading.

 

[Wofano Wotanto]

Not applying to play for various reasons, but the setup sounds interesting. Seems like sufficiently advanced science/technology slides over the line into magic at some point, which is a neat reversal of the usual trope.

"Validator" is the best title for a freelance troubleshooter type I've heard since Jack Vance came up with "Effectuator" way back when.