Rise of Smurx
An ancient evil has taken the form of a small goblin lich who is a little extra. Join forces with other adventurers as you move to take down the lich.
About the adventure
Legends have told of a goblin who wished so desperately to rise above his own station that he made a pact with a devil and when that power wasn't enough, he sought power to extend his own life and acquire even more power. Smurx has claimed power for himself and has now made a home for himself in the corner of the world. But power alone is not enough to satisfy his needs. He seeks to branch out and has begun making moves. The local lords have begun putting together squads of adventurers to assist in these attacks. Help protect the land from him and ultimately attempt to remove Smurx from power.
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
3 years on StartPlaying
79 games hosted
Highly rated for: Creativity, Teacher, Knows the Rules
About me
With 15+ years of experience leading TTRPGs, Cooperative story telling games online, and Live Action Role Playing adventures with kids I have worked with a variety of people and can cater to any group. As a game leader, I am adaptive and work with my players to create engaging stories and memorable moments within the settings. I am a firm believer in the rule of cool and believe that if it is in the best interest of the players and the game then the rules are meant to be bent. There is no such thing as a "not realistic so it can't happen" philosophy in my bones at all. These are fantasy games that are meant to make the players feel like the heroes, or villains of the story and that it is those extraordinary moments that allow the players to remember the game and want to tell the story later. I have worked with non-profits and children for most of my adult life and believe in creating and cultivating a space where everyone feels safe, welcomed and wanted at the table. If there is anyone that jeopardizes that I promptly discuss with the player and if nothing can be done about the behaviors, I politely invite them to leave the table and game. Games are meant to be fun for all involved.
View Profile →Reviews (8)
Proficiencies
Players say this GM is great at:
Creativity
Teacher
Knows the Rules
I am very much enjoying Kevin as a GM (3 games so far; I waited to post a review until I knew my positive first impression would last). He is extremely well organized with useful player-oriented resources on Roll20 and Discord, arranged in a way to make them usable even by those lacking full fluency with those platforms, enough for full fun but curated so there is not a paralyzing degree of excess choice. He communicates promptly regarding game parameters and questions, providing full-yet-succinct targeted information, the info you need when you need it. He is also laid-back in demeanor, following and sometimes building on the humor of the party (we have several who like goofy role-play) yet adeptly keeps the story moving forward without stepping on anyone's reasonable fun. I haven't laughed so much in months as I did in this campaign's 1st 3 games, which is just what I was looking for. Kevin also tells an entertaining creative story in a self-crafted world, does voices, knows rules, helps beginners if needed etc., but I assume all paid GMs can do those things so it's really his welcoming demeanor and focus on player experience that makes me want to post this review and encourage others to experience his games if you're lucky enough to find an open spot!
Kevin is a super professional Dungeon Master. He is running a campaign using Hero Kids for my son and I. I think he learned this game just for us, which shows his dedication to the craft. He also helped us set up Roll20 and Hero Forge, which helps to make the role-playing more immersive. He has great voices for the NPCs that my son and I thoroughly enjoy, and he’s also very quick-witted to respond to the strange things my son has to say. Kevin is very accommodating and is very patient with my son. I would highly recommend Kevin for any of your role-playing adventures!
He came prepared with pre-generated characters and still allowed you to build your own if you desired it. He was able to go with the flow well even with odd characters and progress the storyline. He is definitely a great storyteller and able to fold in everyone to the game to give a unique experience regardless of experience level. Session 0 was used to sets boundaries or limits that wouldn't be crossed so all would be comfortable.
Character creation
Creating your character
Character players will start at level 3 and can be generally created during session 0. However, any future characters after the initial one will be created in between sessions by the player. Outfitting characters does not necessarily need to happen during the initial session creation and can take place in between sessions. Because of the nature of this game series, players will be allotted some freedom to choose treasure depending on the overall success of the players in the current dungeon. I also prefer you to use the alternative racial features from Tasha's Cauldron of Everything for customizable racial feats to fit your character. Acceptable Source Books are Player's Handbook, Tasha's Cauldron of Everything, Xanathar's Guide to Everything.
Every Other Sunday - unless holiday or life events
What to expect
Preparing for the session
Players will at the very minimum need a mic for play. Because we will be playing primarily on roll20.net for the maps and using discord for the audio, all rolling will be done via roll20.net. Discord is accessible via the web or via an app you can install on your mobile device or on your computer. Accounts will be needed for both systems.
What Kevin brings to the table
I will bring all the maps and the ability to have custom character tokens from heroforge.com for Roll20. You just have to bring the excitement and willingness to play.
Equipment needed to play
Computer
Internet
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How Kevin creates a safe table
The adventure will take players throughout the corner of the world that they are in. With the ultimate goal the removal of Smurx, players will have to fight/work their way through the ranks to prove themselves as threats to Smurx and his power. Campaign will start at level 3 and continue until around 15. Pregenerated characters are available for the start. Session 0 will always be free to ensure that everything is a fit!