StartPlaying logo
(2014 5e) Dark Dalelands: Level 15th Grimdark Campaign

(2014 5e) Dark Dalelands: Level 15th Grimdark Campaign

Dungeons & Dragons 5e | Campaign

About the adventure

Into to the Dalelands... Vile horrors, corrupt politicians, and bordering countries at war all come into play in this sandbox style campaign. Create an adventurer that must navigate this grim setting filled with oppressive government, ravenous creatures of the night, and secrets of the realm that will make your skin crawl!

Game style

Combat Heavy

“Combat Heavy” games emphasize the combat mechanics within their systems over roleplay or puzzle solving. There are frequent and longer battles with enemies and a greater emphasis on tactical game play.

Party notes

Our group has just become the Lord of the Shadowdale. They have become enough of a nuisance for the powers at be to simply give our heroes their own territory as part of this political show. Our group has accepted this strange offer as it means peace for their home but now they are expected to give "tribute" to their true overseers. Level 15 currently.

1 year on StartPlaying

290 games hosted

Highly rated for: Creativity, Inclusive, Voices

Average response time: 6 hours

Response rate: 100%

Game Master Reviews (21)

Proficiencies

Players say this GM is great at:

Creativity

Inclusive

Voices

Geoje avatar

Geoje

I'm only giving a 5 star review because 10 stars isn't an option. Marcel is an incredible and patient GM. His worlds and stories are captivating, drawing you in and leaving you eager for more. I look forward to every session and always wish they could go on just a little longer.

Kamikashin avatar

Kamikashin

As a 25+ year player of D&D, Marcel is one of the best DMs I've come across. He builds engaging worlds that are effected by player action, sets atmosphere with a combination of narrative prose, music, and maps that are strategically interesting. Player discretion is up to the player, it's very rare that he uses spells or abilities that limit it. He encourages both player RP and player/NPC. His combats are usually things that have multiple solutions, and he takes social resolution equally with combat resolution, playing his games means solving problems the way that fits your character and play style. His abilities as a DM are ones I can't overstate, he's legitimately top-tier, and I always look forward to playing in his games. 15/10, my only regret is I can't play with him more.

aki avatar

aki

Played 4 sessions

Marcel is so fun to play with, he is creative and react to his players. I can't recommend him enough

Al avatar

Al

Played 18 sessions

Marcel is genuinely a great, understanding, and cooperative DM who works with his players to build up hilarious, and occasionally dire moments. He was fantastic to have as a guildmaster, and he always brings in energy and excitement to the campaign, whether roleplay and / or combat.

Mr_Smores avatar

Mr_Smores

Played 38 sessions

As an (Quasi) Forever DM, I can't recommend Marcel enough. I was looking for a DM and game as fun as I think my games are he delivered. Huge maps. In-depth world. Never a dull session (no matter how hard we try). He's quick on his feet, replies same-day if not sooner to questions about homebrew, and has a seperate guide to help understand his world. Stop reading this and just go join one of his games already!

Roland  avatar

Roland

I Enjoyed the intro game and he was very patient with new/confused gamers.

Additional tables

2 available

1 SEAT LEFT

Custom / Sunday - 12:00 AM UTC

Jun 29 / Session 48

4 / 5 Seats Filled

1 SEAT LEFT

Weekly / Tuesday - 2:30 AM UTC

4 / 5 Seats Filled

Additional details

How to prepare

- Plan to have a call with me to go over Session Zero - PC with stable internet connection - Mic needed - Webcam optional - Roll20 account - Discord Account - Token artwork representing your character (can be a googled photo or heroforge token) - For backstories, I ask for two versions. The first version that is a 2-3 sentence summary (very short and easy to read at a glance) and the second version about 2-5 paragraphs (This is what I'll use to tie you into the world.) - Leave room in backstory for bonds/ relationships with other PCs (will be discussed session 0)

What I provide

- A safe, roleplay heavy environment created to help tell your character's story. - LARGE Custom Maps: My goal is 50x50 or larger if the file size will allow. - Homebrew Classes Available for additional options like Spirit Medium Sorcerer, Gunslinger Rogues, and more. - Homebrew Crafting Guides for herbalism, alchemy, poisoner's kits and more - Growing Discord Community: Filled with character questions, free character art raffles, and more DnD players. - Positive & Welcoming Attitude

Gameplay details

Below is a link for a Session Zero Google Doc covering my DM style, campaign specifics, and more. https://docs.google.com/document/d/135HDkBNcRK9tmcu1S1ThqSzeQO3J8o0BT5zIGDpPim8/edit?usp=sharing

Content warnings

• Blood

• Death

• Forced Blood Draining

• Gore

• Kidnapping

• Mass Death

• Murder

• Racial Profiling

• Racism

• Slavery

Safety tools used

Breaks

Lines and Veils

Monte Cook RPG Consent Checklist

Session 0

Stars and Wishes

How will character creation work

You will be starting at level 10. You can create your character anytime before session 1. I can help with character creation as part of session 0 if needed. You are free to create your sheet however you see fit as long as you are able to send me a clear copy. I do not mind being sent DnDBeyond links, Roll20 sheets, or even pictures sent of physical character sheets being filled out. I will file your sheet using your preferred method. You can use Point Buy, Standard Array, or roll stats when the DM is able to approve them. Magic Items Common (2) Uncommon (2) Rare (1) Anyone playing any of my 12+ homebrew subclasses (like 'Gunslinger Rogue' and 'Puppeteer Artificer') can take an additional feat upon character creation. (message me for details)

Players can expect

Combat / Tactics

Medium

Roleplay

High

Puzzles

Low

Experience level

Intermediate

Platforms used

Discord

Roll20

3 SEATS LEFT
$20.00

/ Session

Each player will be charged when a session starts.

Details

Custom / Monday - 12:00 PM UTC

3-3.5 Hour Duration

2 / 5 Seats Filled

Schedule

Requirements

Experience required: Intermediate

Age: 18+

This game will begin once 3 players have joined