Dungeon of the Mad Mage: The Halaster Games | Level 16
Delve into the largest dungeon of the Forgotten Realms and brave the challenges of the Mad Mage. Your prize should you succeed: A wish!
$25.00
/ Session
Details
1 player following this game
Weekly / Thursday - 4:00 AM UTC
Nov 5 / Session 148
Session Duration / 3.5 hours
Campaign Length / 150+ Sessions
5 / 6 Seats Filled
Top Game Master
One of StartPlaying's top-rated GMs, a player favorite and highly recommended.
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About the adventure
"The rules of the game are simple: die, you lose. Win, you get your freedom.. and a wish. Anything you can imagine. To win you have to reach my lair. Twenty three levels below this delightful madhouse of mine." ✨ Explore numerous, diverse and distinct levels, each with their own ecosystems and immersive maps, supported by curated music and ambience. ✨ Test your skills and wits against the demented genius of the Mad Mage and his games. ✨ Meet distinct NPCs, brought to life with detailed and beautiful art. ✨ Enjoy a balance between roleplaying and combat, where you can choose your own solution for each obstacle. ✨ Breeze through tactical & challenging combat employing automated spells and abilities with cool visual & sound effects. ✨ Experience high level play, as this campaign runs all the way to level 20. ✨ Feel the power! We will be using 34 Point Buy with a free feat at level 1. Some are looking for fame or riches. Others seek answers or aim to prove themselves. A handful received an invitation. Most just have been down on their luck and wish for a stroke of good fortune. Whichever your case might be, you find yourself in the Yawning Portal, the inn that stands above the gaping pit that is the gateway to the Dungeon of the Mad Mage. Created by the unfathomly brilliant, unimaginably powerful yet clearly insane archmage, Halaster Blackcloak, the Dungeon is considered a death sentence for all. Except for the precious few, who manage to delve within and return alive, laden with riches and countless harrowing tales. Now is the time to recruit allies, form a party, and descend into the unknown. Now is when the brave and the foolish alike are invited to test their mettle, in The Halaster Games! And to those who make it all the way to end, as a reward for their struggle, the Mad Mage will grant the greatest prize of them all - a Wish! ✨Foundry Montage ✨ (How the game looks on the inside) https://youtu.be/-KFajzoXf9w
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
5 years on StartPlaying
782 games hosted
Highly rated for: Creativity, Knows the Rules, Visual Aid
Average response time: 1 hour
Response rate: 100%
About me
Hey there! Since you're browsing for a game, let me tell you a bit about me and mine. I am a veteran DM with close to 20 years of experience. I have been a part of a plethora of campaigns and events. I've played with hundreds of both friends and strangers in houses, gaming stores, events, conventions and gaming clubs. For the last five years, I have been a full time DM, running several games every week. My main goal is to have fun games where my players can feel comfortable and become invested in. Nothing makes me feel happier in RPGs than listening to my players enthusiastically recount the tales we have created together. I specialize in fixing and optimizing official 5e modules. If you are hesitant to try an official adventure because you have heard they have issues, have no worries. My edited versions will be everything you have hoped! If all of the above got your attention, I hope I will see you in one of my games! If you have a request, a specific game you want to play, do not hesitate to ask, I am a master of all things 5e and can make anything happen!
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
There will be a session zero which will include character creation, so no stress if you need any help with it. This will ensure a coherent party for a more harmonious game. Players who wish to have a headstart will have access to the entirety of the allowed character options on D&D Beyond, along with a detailed guide on how to do so. Characters will be finalized during session 0, so you can change your mind or tweak your character up to the last second before we play. Pregenerated characters will be available on request.
Weekly. Stable Group. Currently exploring level 20 out of 23. Party is level 16 and consists of Ranger, Druid, Sorcerer, Warlock
What to expect
Preparing for the session
Microphone, in a relatively quiet environment is required. Webcam is optional but highly preferred. It enhances communication significantly. You will be needing an account on D&D Beyond and Discord. (Both free) I will be providing access to a Discord server with detailed guides on all aspects of gameplay. Reading them is OPTIONAL, we will have time to go through everything together, during play. Please contact me in discord after you sign up to add you to the server or use the link provided in the prep material.
What Themis "Zahariel" brings to the table
Everything you will need for character creation on D&D Beyond Foundry VTT with automated Spells, Features, Immersive Maps and Dynamic Lighting. A relaxed, safe and inclusive environment where you can have fun. Deep knowledge of the game and the drive to make all of your ideas (crazy or not) into reality. Each player will receive a custom animated token for their character (after 4 sessions) as well as a free session if you commission art for your character (after 8 sessions).
Homebrew rules
34 Points for Point Buy. Improved Heroic Inspiration. A few minor QoL changes.
Equipment needed to play
Computer
Headphones
Internet
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How Themis "Zahariel" creates a safe table
What you see is what you get. A vast, sprawling mega-dungeon, filled with a variety of wonders - and dangers! The focus will be on exploring and overcoming the many levels of Dungeon of the Mad Mage, with the goal of reaching the Mad Mage himself - Halaster Blackcloak. We will fine tune the details according to player preference during session zero. Speaking of session zero, we will be having one to discuss expectations and safety. We will talk about lines, veils and limits to ensure it still remains a safe space without making anyone feel uncomfortable. For our safety tools, we will be using the X,N,O card system inside Foundry VTT, as well as Stars & Wishes at the end of each session. Should the above not prove enough, I'm always available for any concerns. The sessions will be weekly, online over Foundry, Discord and using D&D Beyond. We will be using XP for leveling. We will be taking a 10 minute break at an appropriate point close to the middle of the session. There will be a zero tolerance policy on bullying, sexual harassment, racism, hate speech and prejudice. Those who do not abide by these standards will be kicked with no refund.
Content warnings
Safety tools used

