FASTER, PURPLE WORM! EVERYBODY DIES: At a Costume Ball! D&D 5e
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.
Game themes
Free
Details
Once / Tuesday – 12:30 AM UTC
Apr 29
Session Duration / 1.5–2 hours
1 / 6 Seats Filled
GAME MASTER
Matt
he/him
5.0
(118)
Each player will be charged when a session starts.
Report Adventure
Meet the Game Master
5.0
(118)
4 years on StartPlaying
1936 games hosted
Highly rated for: Inclusive, Creativity, Storytelling
Average response time: 3 hours
Response rate: 100%
About me
Matt here! I fell in love with tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) playing Dungeons & Dragons in 1989. I was eight years old, over at my friend's house, and their older brother ran the game. Though the game only lasted three weeks, I was hooked on the story, world-building, and absolute joy of the game. However, I couldn't find anyone to run e-games or be a Game Master. So, I accepted that role and turned as many friends I could into players, then began turning any players I could find into friends. My first love is the story and characters, and combat keeps it interesting. For a long time, a company called White Wolf made my favorite games. I ran those for years and gave up on D&D because most people I found at the time liked the rules more than the story, and I could never find people who enjoyed both. Then, Critical Role brought everyone out of the woodwork! After watching their streams along with Relics and Rarities, I started to explore D&D games again. And I couldn't be happier about this! About a year ago, I started making steps to turn my 30 years of experience and passion for D&D into a full-time, sustainable career. In one year, I found terrific players and, by the grace of God, have been able to become a full-time storyteller in the TTRPG space. See you at the table! I hope you will join the games and make amazing friends as we battle and work through fantasy life together.
View Profile →Reviews (118)
Proficiencies
Players say this GM is great at:
Inclusive
Creativity
Storytelling
Jackie
Played 850 sessions
Without exception, Matt is the best GM I have ever gamed with at StartPlaying. I have never been in games that are as challenging nor as rewarding as the ones he runs are and I am constantly on the edge of my seat during his sessions as a result. He is a master at incorporating player character backstories and decisions into the overall narrative, giving your character a real stake and interest in what is happening around them. He knows how to set a session's mood through the use of music, minis and descriptions, and he allows plenty of time for players to engage in roleplay and character development, as well. Matt is fantastic at offering you phenomenal gaming experiences that are filled with exceptional story elements, dramatic combat encounters and intriguing routes worthy of being explored. In other words, there is something for literally every style of player at his gaming table.
Josh olund
Played 648 sessions
Matt is an amazing dm he knows a lot about what he’s doing his custom minis are awesome an love the maps he makes he’s really good at keeping the game moving forward an takes peoples backstory’s and where they wana see there character go his planning for games is so amazing can’t get enough playing in his campaigns probably one of the best dms I’ve ever had the chance to play with an would recommend anyone an everyone to play in one of his games he knows how to bring the best out of his characters an can’t get enough how much lore an extra stuff he brings to the campaign really making u feel like ur in wildemount even Matt Mercer would be proud I think an his community is incredible that he’s developed in discord u will feel part of a family
Molly
Played 508 sessions
Matt has a way of taking some of the smallest details of your backstory and taking them places that you never thought of. I feel so privileged to have such a cool GM that can roll with the punches when you decide to take a silly shortcut in a dungeon or spontaneously create a whole oneshot when most of the team won't make a session. He really takes time for every session to remind us of safety tools and to highlight things that made our sessions wonderful.
Courtney
Played 366 sessions
Such a fun GM. He’s great for anyone who’s new or old to RPG’s. If there’s a problem he’s quick to help come up with solutions. He’s all about inclusivity and making sure everyone is heard and feels safe.
Jonathan
Played 355 sessions
Matt is an incredible story teller. I've been playing with him for 3 years. The world he has built feels alive and the choices we make at the table affect the world at large. He works with you to mold your backstory into the overarching story. I can't recommend him more!
Bobby
Played 339 sessions
Matt is a fantastic GM and storyteller. He creates extraordinary experiences for his players and allows them to explore their characters. He works to incorporate player backstory into the game and checks in with players to make sure everyone is happy with the game's direction. I would recommend Matt to any player of any experience level. I am now playing in three of his campaigns and a very happy with my experiences. Matt’s games are worth every single penny!!
Character creation
Creating your character
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.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
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 Matt brings to the table
I will bring a prepared one shot, dnd beyond resources, and some fun!
Platforms used
Safety
How Matt creates a safe table
Gameplay will have role play opportunities, npc interaction and combat. Session will be recorded and/or streamed.
