[5e] [PbP] Bloodscale | Horror | Seasoned GM! Newbie Friendly!
Hunt horrors in a ruined world ruled by draconic abominations. Gothic Horror. Eldritch Dragons. Desperate Hunts.
$15.00
/ Session
Details
Weekly / Saturday - 12:00 PM UTC
Dec 20 / Session 51
Session Duration / 2–3 hours
Campaign Length / 1–13 Sessions
3 / 6 Seats Filled
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About the adventure
|| BLOODSCALE || In the darkened lands of Bloodscale, the world is broken... Dead. Once-glorious kingdoms now lie in ruin, ruled by horrifying draconic abominations, monstrous overlords who struck a devastating bargain with entities from beyond the stars. Fused with cosmic terror, these creatures have plunged the world into an age of conflict and madness, leaving mortals to huddle in the shadows of a world drowning in decay and dread. You are a Hunter, a sworn member of a grim brotherhood, the last glimmer of organized resistance in a world on the brink of annihilation. It is your solemn duty to venture into the haunted wilds, defend the crumbling embers of civilization, and confront the grotesque horrors that prey on humanity. You are the blade in the dark, the final hope against a tide of cosmic monstrosities. || The Vibe Check || This is a Gothic Action-Horror RPG where hunters fight back against draconic monstrosities twisted by cosmic horror. Think Bloodborne meets Castlevania, with the action-RPG depth of Diablo. || Why You’ll Love BLOODSCALE || If you’ve ever been captivated by the gothic dread and brutal challenges of games like Bloodborne, Diablo, and Castlevania, this is the campaign for you. We focus on what makes these experiences unforgettable: - Hunt Eldritch Abominations: Face the Draconic Lords, grotesque fusions of dragon and cosmic terror ruling from their warped spires. Each hunt is a terrifying challenge against a creature whose power is drawn from forces beyond mortal comprehension. - Explore a Land of Gothic Dread: Journey through a haunting, sandbox world, from crimson forests clutched by gnarled branches to moonlit moors prowled by monstrous servants. Uncover dark fairy tales and secrets that may hold the key to salvation, or your ultimate doom. - Become a Beacon in the Dark: Stand as the last line of defense for crumbling villages where weary survivors cling to grim determination. Your actions directly impact the lives of those you protect, making every victory meaningful. - A Sandbox of Shadows: Tackle smaller solo contracts to develop your hunter or band together for epic, world-shaping assaults on the Draconic Lords' strongholds. Your path through the darkness is your own. || A Living World, On Your Schedule || The chilling tide of darkness swells with new seasonal story arcs. This season, Winter is here, heralding frosty horrors, the rise of the Frostdragon Cult. But most chilling is the sudden and unexpected appearance of Strahd von Zarovich himself! Uncover the mysteries of his escape from Ravenloft while collecting rare artifacts such as the Sunblade! Our format means you can join the hunt at any time, drop in when you're free, and make your mark on a persistent world. How Seasons Work: - One Season = One Year - Each Season is divided into four Story Arcs. - Each Arc is a 13-week (three-month) segment of the larger story.
Game style
West Marches
Sandbox / Open World
Play By Post
Roleplay Heavy
Meet the Game Master
1 year on StartPlaying
442 games hosted
Highly rated for: Creativity, Storytelling, World Builder
Average response time: Under 1 hour
Response rate: 50%
About me
For 20+ years, I've run games that are bloody, brutal, and insanely satisfying... And I still love every second of it. My style is foul-mouthed and direct, but my goal is always an unforgettable story. If it's funny, cool, or creative I'm here for it. I got my start with a bunch of grognards, so I bring an old-school sensibility to new-school rules: or run classic systems if that’s your thing. I build merciless adventures where every victory is hard-won and oh so satisfying. Expect my games to push you to your limits with gruesome creatures, complex choices, and victories that are STUPID satisfying when you claw your way out of a dungeon drenched in BLOOD AND GLORY! I'll make sure you claw, mess up, and maybe curse my name, but here's the truth: I'm always your biggest fan. I WANT you to succeed. If you’re looking for a gritty, hard-fought adventure, you’ve found your match.
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
🎲 - Stat Generation: For your character's stats, please roll 3d6 for each stat twice and take your favorite set. This traditional method will help maintain a balanced and challenging gameplay experience. 🎲 - Character Creation Session: The character creation process will take place on your own before our first official session. This approach ensures that we can dive straight into the adventure during our first meeting. However, I am available to assist with character creation and to answer any questions you may have before this session. Please feel free to reach out to me on Discord. 🎲 - Reference Materials: While I am open to most officially available character builds, please consult the creative commons version of 5e for guidance. If you wish to explore options beyond these resources, let's discuss them to ensure they align with our games framework.
WE ARE ALWAYS RECRUITING! Bloodscale is a sandbox play-by-post adventure, perfect for busy schedules and flexible play. Jump in at any time—new players are always welcome! Whether you prefer tackling solo missions or teaming up with others for epic storylines, the world of Bloodscale adapts to you. We are always recruiting and the game is set up to where you can jump in whenever you like! So don't let that prevent you from experiencing all this game has to offer!
What to expect
Preparing for the session
This is a play by post game, meaning you can post whenever you like. There are a few things you'll need before starting, though! ✔️ - Discord Account: All of our games and communication will take place through Discord. If you don’t already have an account, it’s easy to set one up! ✔️ - System Familiarity: Please take some time to get familiar with the game system (I’ll provide any necessary resources or rulebooks through Discord or Google Drive). Whether you’re a veteran or a beginner, I’m here to help with any and all questions you may have—don’t hesitate to reach out! You’re never a bother, and I’m happy to walk you through anything you’re unsure about. ✔️ - Character Sheet: I recommend completing most of your character creation before you jump into the game. I’ll be around to assist with the process whenever you need. Feel free to message me on Discord for help with any part of your character or ideas you want to explore. You can submit your PDF character sheet in the appropriate Discord channel. If creating a character feels daunting or time-consuming, I can provide you with a premade or randomly generated character. Whatever works best for you! ✔️ - Session Zero Google Form: Before we kick off the game, I’ll share a Session Zero Google Form that’s specific to the campaign. This will help me get a better understanding of your character and any ideas you have. Once that’s done, we can discuss any extra details via Discord or email, depending on your preference. This step helps lay a strong foundation for your character's place in the game world and lets me know what kind of experience you're hoping for.
What Cid S. brings to the table
In general gameplay will be me providing setting or location information, generally a handful of inciting incidents, and then play as anything in the world that is not your character. This includes villains, monsters, law enforcement, citizens, etc. ⭐ - My DM Style: As your DM, I strive for a balance between intensity and engagement. While I do not shy away from the harsh realities of the game world, I also celebrate the 'Rule of Cool,' encouraging creative solutions and memorable moments over strict adherence to the Rules as Written. However, be prepared for tactical challenges where your decisions have significant consequences. ⭐ - An Epic and Brutal Experience: Prepare for a game where survival is not guaranteed. Your character's fate will hinge on your ability to strategize, understand the game world, and work cohesively as a team. The challenges you face will be tough, and any victory must be earned through skill, knowledge, and teamwork. ⭐ - Unique Homebrew Additions: In the spirit of old-school TTRPGs, I love creating optional homebrew rules and "mods" that allow us to tweak and shift gameplay to fit our table’s preferences. These additions are designed to bring new depth, excitement, and flexibility to the game, letting us personalize the experience together. Whether it’s enhancing combat, roleplaying, or progression, these optional tools help push our sessions to new heights. I’m always open to feedback and hope these homebrew tweaks enhance the adventure in ways that feel fresh and memorable for everyone involved. ⭐ - The System: While we're using the rules as a structure, I encourage creative thinking and outside the box approaches to dealing with the issues that come up within the game world. This means that I allow a heavy amount of 'freeform' interaction within the game that does not have to result in the rolling of the dice. ⭐ - What I ask from you, as players, is a readiness to embrace the game's rigorous demands, a willingness to work together, and an eagerness to dive into the depths of imagination. Together, we'll create a memorable and exhilarating experience that tests your character's skills and rewards your bravery and heroic efforts. - ⭐⭐ - PBP Campaign Structure - ⭐⭐ The price listed is the price it costs to play the game per week rather than being a specific session you must attend. Meaning you'll be recharged every week, even if you're not active. Please let me know if you need to hold or leave and I'll make sure you're not charged.
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Platforms used
Safety
How Cid S. creates a safe table
⭐ - Consent Checklist via Google Forms: If you’re new to playing with me, you’ll be asked to fill out a consent checklist through a Google Form. This checklist is essential as it helps me understand your preferences, limits, and comfort zones. My goal is to respect everyone’s boundaries while ensuring that we all have an enjoyable and engaging experience. It’s quick, easy, and helps set the tone for a safe and respectful environment. ⭐ - X, N, & O Communication: To make sure everyone feels comfortable at all times, we’ll be using the X, N, and O system. X means stop the game immediately if something crosses a serious boundary, N means something is approaching your discomfort zone, and O lets us know everything is okay. You’re always welcome to message me privately before, during, or after gameplay to use these signals or address anything else on your mind. This system allows for real-time feedback and ensures that any concerns can be handled promptly and with care. ⭐ - Open Door Policy: Real Life comes first - life happens, and that’s okay! My open-door policy means you can leave the game at any time for any reason-no questions asked, no pressure, no negative repercussions. Whether it's because of an emergency, discomfort, or simply because you're not enjoying the session, your well-being always comes first. I want you to know that your participation is always valued, but there’s no obligation to stay if real life calls or if the game’s not working for you. ⭐ - Our Gameplay: You can look forward to deep, narrative-driven sessions where character development, interaction, and teamwork are central. The world will present tactical challenges, and your decisions will have meaningful consequences-so think ahead! While I want you to have fun, when your character steps into a fire, expect them to get burned. The balance between risk and reward will drive much of the experience, and I’ll do my best to keep you on your toes! Your safety and enjoyment are my top priorities. By implementing these tools and practices, I hope to create a space where we can create a rich, immersive world together. Your comfort and feedback are vital to this, so don’t hesitate to reach out with any thoughts or suggestions along the way.
Content warnings
Safety tools used