Scions of Elemental Evil
Play as characters from the 80s D&D cartoon as you investigate a cult worshiping elemental powers and defeat them— if you can!
About the adventure
"Your adventuring group has earned renown, and word of your brave exploits reached Queen Yolande, ruler of the elven realm of Celene. The queen has requested an audience with you in her palace, stating she urgently needs your help. When you arrive at the palace, knights escort you through a majestic courtyard and sweeping front gates into the queen’s royal chamber. There, seated regally on a magnificent marble throne, is Queen Yolande. She wears a flowing gown embroidered with silk butterflies, and her piercing eyes regard you with intense interest. 'Step forward, heroes,' the queen says. 'Word of your exploits has brought solace to my ears in these troubled times, and I am honored that you’ve answered my summons. Please, name yourselves and regale me with your deeds.'" Scions of Elemental Evil is part of a yearlong celebration of Dungeons & Dragons and its 50th anniversary. This adventure uses the 2024 Player’s Handbook, along with the Free Rules necessary to play this adventure. Set in Greyhawk, this adventure is designed for four to six level 4 characters. Pregens based on the 80s cartoon are provided, but players are also encouraged to create their own!
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
1 year on StartPlaying
38 games hosted
Highly rated for: Creativity, Knows the Rules, Teacher
About me
What's up, Nerds? It's me, The One-Shot Wizard, Tabletop Roleplaying James (TTRPJ)! With over 25 years of Game Mastering under my belt, I've delved into the depths of every published edition of D&D since 3rd edition. My games are rooted in a meticulously crafted homebrew world, a diverse tapestry almost two decades in the making. This "kitchen-sink" setting ensures flexibility, enabling players and fellow DMs to integrate characters, stories, and elements from any realm or setting, ensuring a unique experience each session. My most recent endeavor? A year-long, Westmarches-style series of one-shots designed to take a party to level 20 over the course of 2025. Dive into a universe where every narrative, old or new, can find its niche. Join me for an adventure like no other!
View Profile →Reviews (17)
Proficiencies
Players say this GM is great at:
Creativity
Knows the Rules
Teacher
James is an actual wizard at the table. His creativity and humor always leaves me wishing the next session was sooner. No matter what the scenario he will help you solve and do things your way and create fair rules to make it work. He makes his game and his players more chill+inclusive with his good guy aura as well. Really appreciate this as a girl.
I had a fantastic time with James as our DM! Their storytelling is immersive, and the high-risk combat keeps you on your toes. Plus, their comedic tone adds a twist to every session. I loved the whimsical campaign. they struck the perfect balance between fun and excitement. He accommodates the rules while ensuring everyone enjoys the game.
The experience with James was a fun one, he is the perfect example of a "Yes, and..." type of DM that always works with the players to put their ideas into the game, he knows how to use Alchemy VTT perfectly with beautiful maps, images and handouts, I would recomend him to any begginer who wants to try the game as he is very inclusive, fun and chill.
James is a patient and excellent teacher. He was able to steer me through the new technology that is online gaming, character creation and game rules. His ability to explain the rules was top notch and his initial scenario allowed my character to make choices without being forced into a specific path. Character interaction with NPCs was great, the uncertainty created over the motives was fun and the combat was very smooth. His style is easy going and patient. This was my first with Shadowdark and I'm itching to join his multiple session or campaign in the future. If you want to start this game, let James teach you Shadowdark. Folks can get nervous about not understanding the games or having too many decisions. He has the right mix! If you are nervous about learning, he is the right person for you! Very glad I signed up and survived - which is always a good game - LOL!
Character creation
Creating your character
Character creation should happen prior to the session, if you're creating your own character. If you're using one of the pregens, you can select at the beginning of the session or before! For those making a character, we'll be level 4 and using the new 2024 rules for character creation. Point buy or standard array for ability scores, standard starting gear plus one common and one uncommon magic item of your choosing.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
You'll need to have an account for D&D Beyond, Discord, and Alchemy VTT. Links to the servers and campaigns are below! Alchemy: coming soon! D&D Beyond: https://www.dndbeyond.com/campaigns/join/60493103894853520 Discord: https://discord.gg/BpzrRAMbfw
What James Bratten brings to the table
I've got the pregens, the Alchemy subscription, and the Discord server we'll use to VC! We'll utilize some of Alchemy's nicest features, including the scenes and ambient music to really set the mood for things. I've been running games for almost a quarter century, so I come with a wealth of experience in keeping things moving in an exciting and engaging way. I tend to side on the Rule of Cool over Rules as Written, but always have the spirit of the game and the enjoyment of my players in mind.
Equipment needed to play
Computer
Internet
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How James Bratten creates a safe table
We'll do a brief check in with how X, N, &O's at the top of the session and how to use them in the Alchemy VTT and once we're all comfortable with that, we'll launch into the game!