The Madness of Petty Kings | Season 1 | Levels 3-8
Dungeons & Dragons 5e | Campaign
About the adventure
The Ashenvale Valley teeters on the edge of chaos. Once a bastion of prosperity, it now faces threats from every direction—baronies locked in bitter intrigue, ancient horrors stirring in long-forgotten ruins, and whispers of otherworldly corruption that twist the minds of those who dare seek power. You are travelers summoned to Rennet Keep, hired as agents and outsiders in a land where loyalty is a rare and dangerous thing. The fractured nobility clings to power, old alliances crumble, and something foul stirs in the deep places of the valley. In this campaign, you’ll navigate a world of morally complex decisions, unravel forbidden mysteries, and clash with enemies both monstrous and human. Your choices will shape the fate of the Ashenvale—for better or worse. Will you rally the barons against the coming darkness? Explore ancient ruins in search of lost knowledge and forbidden power? Or will you succumb to the eldritch hunger festering beneath the land?
Game style
Rules as Written (RaW)
Games that are ran “Rules as Written” emphasize realism and stick to the letter of the rules, allowing players to explore creative solutions while still operating under a consistent rule set. Players have the ability to utilize the rules in creative ways to create awesome characters and moments in the game.
Roleplay Heavy
“Roleplay Heavy” games place the focus on the story, the characters, and the world they live within, and tend to lean hard into the various roleplaying elements of the game. These games will frequently find the party talking with NPCs, exploring the personal elements of their backstories, or even having emotional moments around the camp fire.
The best fit will be with players who look to find ways to help other players shine!
5.0
(5)
Less than a year on StartPlaying
16 games hosted
Highly rated for: Knows the Rules, Inclusive, Teacher
Additional details
How to prepare
What You Should Bring: A Character (Level 3 to Start) Bring your unique character to life. Think about their goals, motivations, and how they might be affected by the moral and political struggles of the Ashenvale Valley. A Willingness to Roleplay This campaign focuses heavily on character development, so come prepared to interact with NPCs, make decisions, and get into your character’s mindset. Your roleplaying will shape the direction of the campaign. A Love of Exploration and Discovery There are secrets to uncover, hidden dungeons to explore, and ancient powers to confront. Be prepared to get curious, solve mysteries, and immerse yourself in the unknown. Teamwork and Strategy This game will require you to work with your fellow adventurers. There will be moments of combat, diplomacy, and challenges where your teamwork will be key to success. Keep in mind that strategic planning is just as important as roleplaying. Open-mindedness and Adaptability The world of Ashenvale is unpredictable, and things may not always go as planned. Be ready to adapt and embrace the unexpected, especially with the evolving, complex storylines and the chaotic world you’ll be navigating. A Positive Attitude Whether we’re celebrating victories or facing tough challenges, bring a positive and collaborative mindset. This is a shared experience, and I want everyone to enjoy the journey, no matter where it leads.
What I provide
What I’ll Bring: A Rich Story and World I’ll provide a detailed, dynamic world filled with moral choices, ancient mysteries, and the ever-looming threat of madness. You’ll explore a land teetering on the edge of chaos, facing both political intrigue and eldritch horrors. Immersive Roleplaying Expect a game where your decisions matter, whether you're navigating delicate alliances between rival baronies or uncovering dark secrets beneath the surface. The world will feel alive with complex NPCs, dangerous factions, and unexpected twists. Engaging Encounters and Puzzles Prepare for a mix of tactical combat, environmental challenges, and puzzle-solving. Whether it’s navigating the sewers beneath a castle or facing off against twisted cultists, the game will offer a variety of challenges for your characters to overcome. Themes of Madness and Corruption Expect elements of psychological horror and dark magic. As you explore the valley, you'll come across mind-bending encounters and the slow, insidious corruption of powerful forces. A Customizable Experience I’ll tailor encounters and narratives to your characters' backgrounds and choices, ensuring every player has moments to shine and their decisions impact the story. A Friendly, Collaborative Environment Whether you're new to D&D or a seasoned player, I aim to create a welcoming environment where everyone feels comfortable, and everyone’s input matters. We’ll work together to shape the adventure as it unfolds. Immersive Online Tools To enhance your experience, we’ll use Discord for voice communication and discussions, ensuring a seamless connection. Ambient music from Kenku FM will be playing in the background, setting the perfect tone for our sessions, from tense moments to eerie encounters. Additionally, we'll use Owlbear Rodeo to manage the game board with custom tokens, giving you an interactive and visual experience as we bring the world to life.
Gameplay details
This campaign will begin with a discussion of our non-negotiables (also found in my DM Profile). Additionally, the discussion will include any important items that players want avoided in this brief campaign. The use of breaks will be used, not just as practical, "hey it's time for a quick break!" but also as way to reflect on where we've been, narratively, and to ensure players are comfortable. At the end of each game session, there will be a chance for another reflection on narrative themes and content. In general, I am always seeking player feedback to help make this the game you want to play.
Content warnings
Safety tools used
• Breaks
• Debriefing
How will character creation work
-Level 3 Characters to Start. -Standard Array OR Point Buy -2024 Rules OR any approved 3rd Party Source (be prepared to help us understand any 3rd party character!) -We'll discuss starting equipment once you join the Discord!
Players can expect
Combat / Tactics
High
Roleplay
High
Puzzles
Low
Experience level
Open to all
Platforms used
• D&D Beyond
• D&D Beyond Maps
• Discord
• Owlbear Rodeo
$18.50
/ Session
Each player will be charged when a session starts.
Details
Weekly / Tuesday - 11:00 PM UTC
Apr 17 / Session 3
3-4 Hour Duration
3 / 5 Seats Filled
Schedule
Requirements
Experience required: Open to all
Age: 18+