Guides and reference material
Handbooks
Practical explanations for the games and tools supported by Alchemic Arts. Start with a character-sheet guide, explore a specific mechanic, or find advice for building and running a campaign.
Platform guides
Alchemic Arts
Learn how the character sheets and collaborative features work before bringing them to the table.
Black Void Sheet Features
A complete tour of the Black Void sheet, its calculations, and its system-specific play tools.
Read handbook Character sheet guideD&D 3.5 Character Sheet Handbook
See how character statistics, inventory, spells, custom content, and daily play fit together.
Read handbook Platform guideSharing Handbook
Set up friends, groups, permissions, and shared homebrew libraries without exposing private sheets.
Read handbookSystem collection
Black Void
Understand the setting, approach character creation, and dig into the mechanics that make Black Void distinct.
What Is Black Void?
An introduction to the setting, themes, and style of play.
Read handbook Getting startedMoving to Black Void From Other Systems
Adjust familiar tabletop expectations for a different kind of game.
Read handbook Character buildingCharacter Creation Helper
Work through the choices that shape a new Black Void character.
Read handbook Player guideBlack Void Mindset
Approach the game's world, risks, and character decisions on their own terms.
Read handbook Mechanics deep diveMystics
Take a closer look at mystic characters and their defining mechanics.
Read handbook Mechanics deep divePhysical Attacks
Break down physical attacks and the rules that resolve them.
Read handbookSystem collection
Dungeons & Dragons 3.5
Explore core mechanics, character options, descriptive references, and worked trap designs for D&D 3.5.
Why Play Dungeons & Dragons 3.5?
A look at what the edition offers and why players still choose it.
Read handbook Character optionsCore Base Classes Explained
Compare the roles and identities of the edition's core classes.
Read handbook Mechanics deep diveAction Economy
Understand how available actions shape effective turns and encounters.
Read handbook Mechanics deep diveCombat
Walk through the connected rules behind D&D 3.5 combat.
Read handbook Mechanics deep diveHealing vs. Buffs
Compare reactive recovery with proactive support and prevention.
Read handbook Mechanics deep diveSkills
Examine skill investment, checks, and their place in character building.
Read handbook Table referenceDM Descriptions
Find language for narrating attacks, damage, defenses, and enemy health at the table.
Open reference Trap showcaseA Lesson in Chemistry
Turn electrolysis, environmental clues, and an everyday spark into an unexpected explosive trap.
Read showcase Trap showcaseFeller's Fall
Study a complete trap concept and the design choices behind it.
Read showcase Trap showcaseMother of All Pitfalls
Explore a larger trap design built to challenge an experienced party.
Read showcaseSystem-neutral collection
Game Mastering
Build a campaign foundation, manage the table, and prepare enough structure to improvise with confidence.
Session 0: A Guide to Starting Campaigns
Set expectations and establish the shared foundation for a campaign.
Read handbook Table managementCultivating an Engaged Tabletop Party
Encourage players to learn their characters, invest in the story, and participate with confidence.
Read handbook WorldbuildingBuilding Your Own Campaign Setting
Consider the practical and creative benefits of making the setting your own.
Read handbook Campaign craftImprovising vs. Planning
Find a useful balance between preparation and responding in the moment.
Read handbook Table managementDealing With Metagaming
Recognize metagaming concerns and respond without derailing play.
Read handbook Encounter designTraps and Why You Need Them
Use traps as meaningful parts of environments rather than isolated surprises.
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