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Dungeon Of The Mad Mage [D&D 2024 Rules]

Dungeon Of The Mad Mage [D&D 2024 Rules]

Descend into the mad depths of Undermountain, where traps, monsters, and mysteries await. Uncover the secrets of a deranged wizard’s dark domain.

TYPE

CAMPAIGN

LEVELS

5–20

EXPERIENCE

Open to all

AGE

18+
About the adventure

Ready to embark on a dungeon crawl like no other? Welcome to Dungeon of the Mad Mage, a thrilling adventure for characters from levels 5 to 20. Beneath the bustling streets of Waterdeep lies the infamous Undermountain, a sprawling labyrinth crafted by the mad wizard Halaster Blackcloak. With 23 levels full of strange creatures, deadly traps, and mind-bending mysteries, this dungeon will push you and your party to the limit. If you’re the kind of player who loves exploring the unknown, outsmarting devious puzzles, and battling monsters you’ve never seen before, this adventure is for you. It’s all about diving deep, working together, and uncovering the secrets hidden in the darkest corners of Halaster’s twisted domain. Whether you’re a seasoned D&D player or just looking for a campaign that’s a bit more intense, you’ll find plenty to sink your teeth into here. I like to keep things fun, challenging, and full of surprises. In my games, your choices matter, and the story evolves based on what you and your party do. It’s a blend of high-stakes combat, immersive roleplaying, and moments that will have you on the edge of your seat. If you’re looking for an epic adventure with a mix of danger, discovery, and a touch of madness, then grab your gear and let’s see if you can survive the depths of Undermountain!

Game style

Rule of Cool (RoC)

Rules as Written (RaW)

Combat Heavy

Dungeon Crawl

1 SEAT LEFT
$15.00

/ Session

Details

Weekly / Monday – 9:00 PM UTC

Jul 14 / Session 25

3–4 Hour Duration

5 / 6 Seats Filled

GAME MASTER

Berrey Matlock

4.8

(33)

Schedule

Mon, Jul 14 | 9:00 PM – Session 25

Mon, Jul 21 | 9:00 PM – Session 26

Mon, Jul 28 | 9:00 PM – Session 27

Each player will be charged when a session starts.

Meet the Game Master

4.8

(33)

1 year on StartPlaying

433 games hosted

Highly rated for: Creativity, Knows the Rules, Rule of Cool

Average response time: 3 hours

Response rate: 100%

About me

Welcome to my gaming profile! I'm Berrey Matlock, and I'm thrilled to be hosting games here on StartPlaying.games. With over 27 years of experience in dungeon mastering and storytelling, I've traversed countless realms of imagination, from the perilous dungeons of Dungeons & Dragons to the shadowed streets of Vampire: The Masquerade. Throughout my journey, one principle has always guided me: the unwavering commitment to entertain my players above all else while providing a safe and inclusive space that's welcoming to all. What drives me to host games is the sheer joy of creating unforgettable experiences for my players. For me, it's not just about crafting intricate plots or challenging encounters; it's about fostering an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and included. Whether it's leading a band of intrepid adventurers on a quest to save the world or immersing players in the dark and atmospheric world of vampire politics, I prioritize creating a safe and inclusive space where players can be themselves and explore their creativity without fear of judgment. What sets me apart as a GM is my relentless dedication to fostering a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. I believe that tabletop RPGs have the power to bring people together, regardless of background or identity, and I go above and beyond to ensure that everyone at the table feels heard, seen, and respected. Whether it's through thoughtful world-building that reflects diverse perspectives, proactive communication to address any concerns or discomfort, or simply creating opportunities for players to shine and express themselves authentically, I strive to create a space where everyone can thrive. So, whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a curious newcomer, I invite you to join me on an epic journey through the realms of imagination. Together, we'll embark on thrilling adventures, forge lasting friendships, and create memories that will last a lifetime."

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Reviews (33)

Proficiencies

Players say this GM is great at:

Creativity

Knows the Rules

Rule of Cool

Tim avatar

Tim

Played 53 sessions

Berrey is an amazing DM. I’ve played two campaigns with him. Finished one of those and the other one is still ongoing. It’s always an absolute blast and he’s just an all around great human being

Eric Rivest avatar

Eric Rivest

Played 50 sessions

I really like how the characters comes to live in the story. I enjoy the company of the other players they were great as well.

treboR avatar

treboR

Played 44 sessions

He’s amazing.

Mark avatar

Mark

Played 42 sessions

Well rounded, fun DM. Game knowledge is superperb, and has all materials needed. Very patient with newbies and yet got the party up and running quickly. Would (and will) absolutely play with him again!

Paul avatar

Paul

Played 34 sessions

I'm laughing while writing this as it will be the strangest review I have ever written. Berrey is Berrey, not met a DM quite like him. His personality makes me look forward to logging in and playing his fast paced and hilarious campaign. I can't recommend him enough of you like a well made, brilliantly communicated adventure where you can be what you want and have laugh around every "goblin on bungee rope" corner. Top Marks!

maxine loader avatar

maxine loader

Played 33 sessions

Berrey's a very fun DM! Loved his sense of humour, his high energy levels every session & the wide range of voices and accents he has on tap. As a newer player, Berrey really took care on numerous occasions to give me helpful tips and gameplay options so I could improve and keep up with the more experienced people playing, and always took care to answer any questions with as much detail as he could. Recommended.

Character creation
Creating your character

The character creation process will be handled during our session zero to ensure that everyone is on the same page and ready to begin the adventure together. For stats, we'll be using a standard stat array, which will be provided to players during the session zero, ensuring fairness and balance among characters. All characters will start at 1st level, giving everyone a chance to grow and develop their characters together from the beginning. During session zero, we'll have ample time to discuss character creation in detail, including determining stats using the provided array, creating backstories, selecting abilities, and any other relevant character choices. Character creation will be done collectively, and I'll be available to provide guidance and assistance throughout the process. We'll create characters together in-person or virtually, depending on our session setup and preferences. Specific details regarding allowable content from various sourcebooks will be discussed in more detail during session zero. However, players can feel confident that sticking to core rulebooks and materials will ensure they're on safe ground. While we encourage creativity and exploration, I'll provide guidance on which materials are approved and how they can be integrated into our campaign setting. As for reference materials, players should refer to the core rulebooks or any supplementary materials that are relevant to the game system we're playing. I'll provide guidance on which books to use and any additional resources that may be helpful for character creation. Ultimately, session zero will be an exciting opportunity for us to come together, create our characters, and lay the foundation for an epic adventure!

The current party

All Content Provided Campaign Starts at 3+ Players First Session Free Currently Level 9

What to expect
Preparing for the session

Microphone: Players will need a microphone for voice communication during the game sessions. Clear communication is essential for gameplay, so having a functional microphone will ensure everyone can participate effectively. Roll20 Account: Players will need to create an account on Roll20, a virtual tabletop platform, where we'll be hosting our game sessions and managing character sheets, maps, and other game elements. Discord Account: Players should also have a Discord account for voice communication and out-of-game discussion. We'll use Discord for voice chat during our game sessions and for any additional communication between sessions. Familiarity with Rules: While not mandatory, it's helpful for players to have a basic understanding of the rules of the game system we'll be using. I'll provide guidance and support during character creation and gameplay, but having a general knowledge of the rules can streamline the process. Character Creation: Players will need to create their characters before the first session, following the guidelines provided during session zero. This includes determining stats, selecting abilities, and creating character backstories. I'll provide assistance and answer any questions players may have during the character creation process.

What Berrey Matlock brings to the table

As a GM, my number one aim is to entertain the players. I achieve this by bringing a blend of narrative-driven storytelling and tactical combat to the table. With custom maps, tokens, and character voices, I immerse players in rich and vivid worlds. While I lean towards narrative-driven gameplay, I'm no stranger to intense tactical combat. I strive for a balanced approach, blending the 'rule of cool' with adherence to rules as written, aiming for an engaging and enjoyable experience for all players. Additionally, I believe in collaborative storytelling, where players have a voice in shaping the world we explore together. I enjoy working with players to co-create and develop the world we're playing in, allowing for a deeper immersion and investment in the game. Whether it's through player-driven character backgrounds, collaborative world-building sessions, or incorporating player ideas and contributions into the narrative, I strive to create a shared experience where everyone's creativity enriches the story.

Equipment needed to play

Computer

Headphones

Internet

Microphone

Platforms used
Safety
How Berrey Matlock creates a safe table

My plan for session zero is to lay the groundwork for an immersive and collaborative gaming experience. During this session, we'll cover several key topics to ensure that everyone is on the same page and ready to embark on our adventure together. Introduction and Expectations: We'll start by introducing ourselves and discussing our expectations for the campaign. This includes clarifying the tone and themes of the game, as well as establishing any house rules or expectations for player conduct. Campaign Setting and Themes: I'll provide an overview of the campaign setting, including any relevant lore, history, and cultural details. We'll discuss the themes and motifs that will be explored throughout the campaign, ensuring that everyone is comfortable with the content and direction of the story. Character Creation: Next, we'll dive into character creation. Players will have the opportunity to brainstorm character concepts, develop backstories, and discuss their character goals and motivations. We'll work together to ensure that each character fits seamlessly into the world and has meaningful connections to the setting and other player characters. Group Dynamics: We'll discuss how the party knows each other and establish any pre-existing relationships or connections between the characters. This will help foster a sense of camaraderie and teamwork within the group from the outset. Session Zero Rules: We'll review any session zero rules, such as guidelines for PvP interactions, character death, or handling sensitive topics. It's essential to establish a safe and respectful gaming environment where everyone feels comfortable expressing themselves. Logistics and Scheduling: Finally, we'll address any logistical details, such as scheduling regular game sessions, determining preferred communication channels, and clarifying expectations for punctuality and attendance.

Content warnings
Abuse
Alcoholism
Alcohol Use
Character Death
Death
Deep or Large Bodies of Water
Drowning
Fire
Execution
Hostages
Mind Control
Murder
Paralyzation
Spiders
Snakes
Violence
Safety tools used

Frequently asked questions