Empire of the Ghouls
Dungeons & Dragons 5e | Campaign
About the adventure
Taking place in Kobold Press's world of Midgard, this campaign will use the 2024 rules to take characters from level 1 through 13. There's plenty of combat, exploration, social interaction, and political intrigue. Chapter 1: Strange things are afoot beneath the cobbled streets of Zobeck, and the alleys of the Free City are rampant with rumors most foul. For several weeks, various Zobeck citizens in the neighborhoods south of Crown Square have gone missing, and all signs ruefully point to the inconspicuous kobolds of the nearby ghetto. By all accounts, the roster of missing persons seems erratic at best; but as the weeks have ambled along, the mounting suspicions of Zobeck’s guildmasters have been galvanized by the disappearance of a few residents of notable (and often ill) repute. The air around Lower Zobeck has since grown thick with speculation, and a dangerous civil unrest festers among the hearts of otherwise law-abiding people. A local blacksmith’s daughter has joined the growing list of missing citizens, and the old ironworker has taken it upon himself to rouse a suitable group of rabble to dispense some mob justice. However, the kobold patrons Heston Straic and his vengeful crowd seek to punish are far from the cause of Zobeck’s troubles.
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.
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.
1 year on StartPlaying
84 games hosted
Highly rated for: Creativity, Knows the Rules, Inclusive
Average response time: Under 1 hour
Response rate: 100%
Game Master Reviews (35)
Proficiencies
Players say this GM is great at:
Creativity
Knows the Rules
Inclusive
I played The Forsaken Fort. Beowulf's use of technology and skill with Roll20 made for a smooth experience. Players were brought into the game easily, and it flowed really well. The action started fast, which was good, and he created a good story with an intriguing plot. It was without unnecessary distractions and each exploration was rewarding. His use of descriptions was very detailed and engaging. It was a very well-presented and built adventure.
Additional details
How to prepare
There are no pre-generated characters. Everyone will need: - a solid understanding of the abilities and mechanics of their character - a free or paid subscription to Roll20 - a free or paid subscription to D&D Beyond (if you wish to create your character there) - access to Discord (PC or mobile app) - working mic and speakers (headset/headphones recommended)
What I provide
Message me at any time if you have questions. The game will be run in Roll20, but character sheets in D&D Beyond can be used if you install the Beyond20 browser plugin. There are custom maps, tokens, and creatures. I lean into Rule of Cool (do not abuse it) and reward good roleplay and lucky rolls.
Gameplay details
I make quick rulings instead of halting the game to research a rarely-used rule. See my Session 0 document (available after joining) for more information on how I do things. You are free to interrupt the game at any time if you are concerned about something and there is be a dedicated Discord channel for private discussions. I want everyone have fun, but no one's fun comes at the expense of someone else's.
Content warnings
Safety tools used
• Aftercare
• Breaks
• Debriefing
• Open Door
• Session 0
How will character creation work
Again, there are no pre-generated characters. Level 1 characters should be created using the 2024 rules prior to the start of the session. You can import an existing character or create a new one as soon as you join the game in Roll20. If creating a new character, generate ability scores with 27-point buy or coordinate with me if you wish to gamble on a supervised roll (what you roll is what you get).
Players can expect
Combat / Tactics
High
Roleplay
High
Puzzles
Medium
Experience level
Intermediate
Platforms used
• Discord
• Roll20
$15.00
/ Session
Each player will be charged when a session starts.
Details
Weekly / Tuesday - 12:00 AM UTC
Jun 17 / Session 0
4-5 Hour Duration
4 / 5 Seats Filled
Schedule
Requirements
Experience required: Intermediate
Age: 18+