Battle Of Dead Man's Cove
Pirate Borg | One-Shot
About the adventure
Ahoy, adventurers! Prepare to hoist the black flag and plunge headlong into the stormy seas of Pirate Borg, a grimdark tabletop RPG inspired by the rules-light chaos of Mörk Borg. This system marries the thrill of high-seas adventure with the gritty, doom-laden tone of a dying world, creating an unforgettable setting where every treasure hunt might be your last. In Pirate Borg, you’ll step into the boots of a scurvy-ridden scallywag, cursed sorcerer, or treasure-hungry buccaneer, chasing riches, power, or the faint hope of redemption in a lawless world. Sail the seas on creaking ships, navigate treacherous waters, and face horrors both human and supernatural—all while trying to outrun the ever-looming apocalypse. The world is cruel, the dice are fickle, and the sea holds secrets that should never see the light of day. This isn't your typical heroic pirate tale; this is a game of survival, desperation, and ambition. The rules are quick to learn, deadly in practice, and designed to let you embrace the chaos. Whether you're pillaging coastal villages, battling sea monsters, or mutinying against your captain, Pirate Borg ensures that the line between triumph and ruin is as thin as a razor's edge. So grab your cutlass, brace for storms, and remember: the sea takes all in the end. Will you rise to infamy or be swallowed by the abyss? The choice—or curse—is yours.
Game style
Rule of Cool (RoC)
“Rule of Cool” emphasizes creative story beats over sticking to a system’s rules as written. Players have the ability to push the limits of the rules or even break core rule mechanics at times if the Game Master thinks it is interesting, fun, or cool enough.
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.
This game will heavily feature Naval Combat and will be the first time we try it out! Come join us while we play through some epic ship warfare!
Less than a year on StartPlaying
8 games hosted
Highly rated for: Creativity, Inclusive, Teacher
Average response time: 3 hours
Response rate: 100%
Game Master Reviews (29)
Proficiencies
Players say this GM is great at:
Creativity
Inclusive
Teacher
Lets just say in a veteran GM and player and Ken did not disappoint. Ken puts a lot of time and effort in to his games and also the networking behind it. He was GM for a Monster of the Week game and right from the start added some visual aid and nice links between the characters to build a back story without getting bogged down into it. What stands out his his enthusiasm and people/listening skills. I could tell he was enjoying the game as much as the players and was moving and moulding with the story rather that putting up barriers or putting us up against creatures beyond our power. The roles didn't go great but that's not down to ken, but he rolled with it well(excuse the pun). If you have clicked on Ken's GM profile, then what are you waiting for message him and find out if you can involved with his games.
Had a lot of fun running through the Night at the Museum one-shot. Ken was very helpful in figuring out how to use the Foundry VTT (I usually play on Roll20, so there was a bit of a learning curve for me). He definitely made use of the Rule of Cool, which is much appreciated and was very flexible as we were figuring out some of the differences at higher levels with the 2024 5E rules.
Additional details
How to prepare
Players will need Roll20 and Discord accounts. A microphone is needed for Discord chat. Webcam optional.
What I provide
When you join my Pirate Borg game, you can expect a high-quality, immersive experience tailored to capture the grim, gritty tone of a doomed pirate adventure. Here's what I’ll provide to make your journey unforgettable: Tools and Resources Virtual Tabletop (VTT): We’ll use a VTT platform (such as Foundry or Roll20) to streamline gameplay. Expect custom maps with atmospheric details, fog of war, and integrated mechanics to keep the action fast and engaging. Custom Maps and Tokens: I create dynamic, handcrafted maps for key locations and naval encounters. Each map is tailored to enhance tactical combat and exploration. Tokens for characters, enemies, and NPCs will be detailed and thematic. Ambient Music and Soundscapes: I utilize curated playlists and sound effects to bring the world to life. From the creaking of a ghostly ship to the clash of steel, the audio will immerse you in the doomed seas of Pirate Borg. Rulebook Support: If you're new to the system, I’ll provide quick-reference materials and summaries of the most important rules to ensure you feel confident at the table. My GM Style Character Voices: I bring NPCs to life with unique voices and personalities, helping you feel immersed in the story. From grizzled pirates to mysterious sea witches, I’ll make every encounter memorable. Tactical Combat: Combat in Pirate Borg is deadly, and I lean into its gritty, unforgiving nature. Expect strategic, intense battles where every decision matters. Narrative-Driven Roleplay: While combat is important, I also focus on character-driven storytelling. Your backstories and choices will shape the world around you, influencing the plot and creating meaningful consequences. Balance of Rules and Creativity: I stick to the core rules for consistency but embrace the Rule of Cool when it enhances the story. Want to swing on a rope into battle or ignite a barrel of gunpowder? If it fits the moment and makes sense, I’ll encourage creative solutions. Dynamic Encounters: From cursed treasure hunts to shipboard mutinies, every session will be filled with tension, danger, and opportunities for heroics—or villainy. Expectations for Players I encourage collaboration and creativity at the table. Whether you’re roleplaying your pirate’s desperation or devising clever tactics in combat, I’ll ensure your contributions matter. My goal is to deliver an unforgettable adventure that challenges your wits, your luck, and your sense of morality. So grab your cutlass, muster your courage, and prepare to sail into the storm. In my Pirate Borg games, the sea is dark, the treasures are cursed, and every decision could be your last.
Gameplay details
Session 0 Overview: In Session 0, we will discuss player expectations, themes, and comfort levels to ensure everyone feels safe and engaged. Players can share their boundaries openly, and I’ll provide space to address any concerns about the game’s darker themes. Lines and Veils: While I do not typically use a formal Lines and Veils document, we will collaboratively establish any hard boundaries (Lines) and sensitive areas (Veils) during Session 0. These can be updated as needed. X, N, & O Cards: I use a digital system for these tools: X: Players can type or say "X" to pause or stop the game if something crosses a boundary. N: Players can indicate "N" if they feel uneasy but don’t want to stop entirely. O: Players can signal "O" to express comfort with continuing or escalating a scene. If video is used, these signals can also be held up visibly for clarity. Aftercare (Debriefing): At the end of each session, we’ll have a brief debriefing to reflect on the game. Players can share thoughts, highs, and lows, or provide feedback. This ensures everyone leaves on a positive note.
Content warnings
• Alcoholism
• Alcohol Use
• Animal Death
• Blood
• Body Horror
• Character Death
• Child Death
• Cults
• Death
• Deep or Large Bodies of Water
• Devils / Demons / Fiends
• Drowning
• Drugs (addiction, use, withdrawal)
• Execution
• Extreme Violence
• Fire
• Freezing
• Gore
• Guns
• Hangings
• Hostages
• Human Trafficking (adult only)
• Language/Cursing
• Lifechanging Injury
• Mass Death
• Mind Control
• Murder
• Mutilation
• Mutilation of Corpses
• Snakes
• Spiders
• Violence
Safety tools used
• Debriefing
• Lines and Veils
• Session 0
• X, N, and O Cards
How will character creation work
Character creation for your Pirate Borg game will take place before the first session to ensure we can dive straight into the action. Here's how the process will work: Stat Generation: Players will roll their stats using the standard Pirate Borg method: roll 3d6 for each attribute in order. No rerolls or adjustments—this is a harsh, unforgiving world, and your character should reflect that. Starting Level: All characters will begin at Level 1, fresh and unproven in the dangerous world of piracy. Starting equipment and abilities will be determined as outlined in the core rulebook. Character Creation Location: Characters should be created using the Pirate Borg Core Rulebook. If you're unsure how to begin or need help creating your character, I'll be available to assist. If you're joining us online, feel free to use any digital dice roller or character sheet template that works for you. Allowed Materials: You should refer only to the Pirate Borg Core Rulebook for character creation. Additional supplements or homebrew materials will not be used unless otherwise specified later. Tone and Backstory: Your character’s backstory should match the grim and gritty tone of Pirate Borg. You’re likely a desperate soul clinging to the edge of survival—a pirate, scoundrel, or cursed wanderer. Keep it short and evocative; the game world will quickly fill in the blanks with blood and thunder. Once your character is ready, send your completed sheet to me for review. This way, we can confirm everyone’s characters align with the campaign's tone and mechanics. If you have questions, reach out—this is a collaborative story, and I’m here to help bring your grim pirate to life.
Players can expect
Combat / Tactics
High
Roleplay
High
Puzzles
Medium
Experience level
Open to all
Platforms used
• Roll20
• Discord
Free
Each player will be charged when a session starts.
Details
Once / Wednesday - 5:00 PM UTC
Apr 2
3-5 Hour duration
1 / 5 Seats filled
Requirements
Experience required: Open to all
Age: 18+