FASTER, PURPLE WORM! EVERYBODY DIES: At a Costume Ball! D&D 5e
Dungeons & Dragons 5e | One-Shot
About the adventure
A glittering gala. A traitor among the elite. And something very, very big that just burst through the hull. You’ve been hired to expose a would-be betrayer during a grand masquerade aboard House Lyrandar’s greatest airship. Find the traitor, survive the scheming nobles, and maybe — just maybe — don’t get killed. Spoiler: You’re absolutely getting killed. Everyone dies. That’s the point. Get Ready: • Investigate a mystery while dodging suspicious guests and fending off chaos. • Watch the party spiral into delicious, absurd disaster. • Die heroically, stupidly, or stylishly — your choice. The Setting: A lavish flying ballroom. Velvet masks, spilled wine, whispered betrayals… and suddenly, a writhing monster that makes all your problems very small. Quick Details: • Level: 1 • Tone: Wild, frantic, hilarious, over-the-top • Death Rate: 100% (seriously) • New Players Welcome: No experience needed — just bring a sense of humor! This game leans into cartoonish violence and absurd comedy. We’ll check in on tone and comfort throughout to keep things fun for everyone. Come in costume (optional)! If you want, bring a silly in-character mask or costume idea — it’s a masquerade, after all.
5.0
(104)
4 years on StartPlaying
1851 games hosted
Highly rated for: Creativity, Storytelling, Inclusive
Average response time: 1 hour
Response rate: 100%
Game Master Reviews (104)
Proficiencies
Players say this GM is great at:
Creativity
Storytelling
Inclusive
Chantal G.
New review
Played 1 sessions
He made me feel right at home. no matter if I hadn't been playing in years nor the fact I am not English native. It was a great experience and Matt is to be thanked for it.
RM_Singy
New review
Played 197 sessions
Amazing dm
Adam, dba Legend Weaver
Super informative, as always! I love attending Matt's seminars!
Joshua - VoidGear Gaming
I attended one of Matt's webinars connected to professional GMing, and I was very impressed with his professionalism, positive attitude, and organization. He also prioritized keeping the date even though the offering was free, and he was ill--which is beyond kind and extremely encouraging for folks in the SPG community. I'm confident that he treats his players with kindness, respect, and prioritizes their fun at his table and would happily play with / learn from him again in the future.
Meg
I went to one of Matt's seminars and had an amazing experience! He was extremely organized and welcoming. I really appreciated how he not only explained what to do, but also why it was important. If you're looking for ways to level up your GM skills, Matt's your guy!
JamesCORP
Great Webinar about how to retain players it was very helpful, I will be implement these things that you suggested Matt!
Additional details
How to prepare
Webcams are preferred; a mic is required for play. Characters must be made before the session. Anyone wearing costume attire on camera will have their character be given an uncommon or greater magic item at the start of the session.
What I provide
I will bring a prepared one shot, dnd beyond resources, and some fun!
Gameplay details
Gameplay will have role play opportunities, npc interaction and combat. Session will be recorded and/or streamed.
Content warnings
• Violence
• Blood
• Death
• Murder
• Character Death
Safety tools used
• Lines and Veils
• X, N, and O Cards
How will character creation work
This game will have characters of the stated created in D&D Beyond using the campaign link I will send. Characters will be made beforehand. A Discord channel is provided to aid in party make-up and for players to introduce themselves.
Players can expect
Combat / Tactics
Medium
Roleplay
High
Puzzles
Low
Experience level
Open to all
Platforms used
• Discord
• D&D Beyond Maps
Free
Each player will be charged when a session starts.
Details
Once / Tuesday - 12:30 AM UTC
Apr 29
1.5-2 Hour Duration
1 / 6 Seats Filled
Requirements
Experience required: Open to all
Age: 18+