Everybody Dies in the Eye of the Beholder - A TPK Adventure
Dungeons & Dragons 5e | One-Shot
About the adventure
Dive Headfirst into Hilarious Doom: A "Purple Worm" One-Shot for Adventurers with a Sense of Humor! Ever wondered what happens when a band of well-meaning (but perhaps slightly inept) heroes stumbles into a situation way, way beyond their capabilities? Then buckle up, buttercup, because this "Purple Worm" adventure is for you! Forget epic prophecies and world-saving quests – here, the focus is on the glorious, and often comical, unraveling of a party facing certain doom. Set in a fantasy realm where the local wildlife includes creatures that can swallow you whole, this isn't your typical dungeon crawl. Think less Lord of the Rings and more "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" with swords and sorcery. This isn't about meticulously planning your character's long-term arc; it's about embracing the chaos and making the most of your character's hilariously short lifespan. We encourage you to roll up that bizarre character concept you've always wanted to try – the flamboyant gnome bard with a crippling fear of squirrels, the overly optimistic half-orc chef who thinks every monster is just misunderstood, the party of four bumbling wizards who constantly set things on fire. This game thrives on improvisation, unexpected twists, and the sheer absurdity of facing overwhelming odds with a smile (and maybe a few panicked screams). While the ultimate outcome might be a Total Party Kill, the journey is packed with opportunities for laughter, memorable moments, and the kind of collaborative storytelling that makes D&D so much fun. We lean into a lighter tone, injecting humor into even the most dire situations. Think slapstick encounters, ridiculous misunderstandings, and the sheer joy of watching your carefully crafted character meet their untimely (and likely hilarious) end. This adventure is perfect for players who don't take themselves too seriously, enjoy thinking on their feet, and appreciate the comedic potential of a truly hopeless situation. So, if you're ready to embrace the inevitable, forge unforgettable (albeit brief) bonds with your fellow doomed adventurers, and discover just how many creative ways a 1st-level party can meet its demise, then grab your dice and prepare for a "Purple Worm" adventure! Just remember to play a character you'll love... even if their story is destined to be a short, and very funny, one. The Adventure: All the characters are aspiring members of the Zhentarim. Also known as the Black Network, the Zhentarim is a mercenary company that has achieved great success in the trade of both legal and contraband goods and services. To secure a place in their ranks, a recruit must display skill, cunning, and a distinct lack of moral compunctions. The party’s handler, Davil Starsong, has guided them through some minor exploits on the Zhentarim’s behalf, and the time has come to truly prove their worth. Join me for a hilarious Total Party Kill that'll last between 1 to 2 hours+/-.
"Your party of initiates was very impressive last week. Accomplishing the task presented went a long way toward making a good impression. Just the sort of industry and ingenuity the Zhentarim appreciate! Keep it up and you could find yourselves part of a very exclusive club—dare I say, family. To that end, tonight I shall be sitting at my usual seat at the Yawning Portal. Join me, but only if you are committed to pursuing our relationship seriously. Sincerely yours, Davil Starsong" Craft Your Doomed Hero (One-Shot Edition) For this fleeting dance with fate in this One Shot (using the updated 2024 rules!), you can create a Level 1 character using any official/Third Party 5E Species, Class which is available on DNDBeyond that fits the setting. Use the Standard Array (15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8) to define your character's abilities. Whatever their origins, they possess a certain resilience to face the dangers ahead (however futilely). Choose a background from the following list. Once you've made your choice, message me – let's weave in some quick flavor for your character's past before their untimely demise: 💭 Acolyte 💭 Artisan 💭 Charlatan 💭 Criminal 💭 Entertainer 💭 Farmer 💭 Guard 💭 Guide 💭 Hermit 💭 Merchant 💭 Noble 💭 Sage 💭 Sailor 💭 Scribe 💭 Soldier 💭 Wayfarer Advice for Players • Play characters you care about. Yes, they are going to die, but their journey can be filled with meaning if the characters themselves have meaning. Start with someone you love and do everything you can in the short time you have with them. • Try a character type—or a party composition— you might never consider for a longer campaign. A party of four wizards might be fun, and will live just as long as a balanced one! • Commit fully to the high stakes of the story, given circumstances, and goals. The best choices lean into your character being a hero destined for greatness.
4.8
(17)
Less than a year on StartPlaying
41 games hosted
Highly rated for: Creativity, Inclusive, Teacher
Average response time: 8 hours
Response rate: 100%
Additional details
How to prepare
What you will need to prepare: ✅ A Mic ✅ Discord ✅ DNDBeyond Account (I will share a link to the campaign/oneshot in which all my content will unlock for you.) ✅ Create your character within DNDBeyond ✅ Install Above VTT Extension on Chrome Browser ✅ A basic knowledge of the rules and how your character/class works. (if you are a beginner, don't worry, you will get the hang of it!) Above VTT is used for Battlemaps, please install the following Extension: https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/abovevtt/ipcjcbhpofedihcloggaichibomadlei
What I provide
Tools & Resources: D&D Beyond: We'll use D&D Beyond for character creation and reference during the game. This makes it easy for everyone to track their stats, abilities, and spells. D&D Beyond Maps/Above VTT: Immerse yourselves in the adventure with dynamic maps on D&D Beyond Maps, complete with fog of war and interactive elements & initiative tracker. Discord: We'll connect and communicate on Discord, sharing voice and text chat to keep the game flowing smoothly. Legendkeeper: Behind the scenes, I'll be using Legendkeeper to weave a rich tapestry of lore, track our progress, and build captivating maps for the world we explore together. Custom Content: I'll be creating plenty of my own content to bring the world to life, from unique NPCs and monsters to immersive descriptions and intriguing plot hooks & creative hand outs. My GM Style: Immersive Storytelling: I love to create a vivid and engaging narrative, using descriptive language, character voices, and ambient music to set the scene and draw you into the world. Tactical Combat: Expect exciting and challenging combat encounters, where strategy and teamwork are key to victory. Rule of Cool: While I respect the rules, I also believe in the power of the Rule of Cool. If you come up with a creative and awesome idea, I'll do my best to make it work within the game's framework. Collaborative Storytelling & Passion: As one of my players mentioned, I'm passionate about collaborative storytelling. My primary concern is for everyone to contribute to and enjoy an awesome story together. Lore Focused: I delve deep into the lore, crafting a world rich in history, secrets, and interconnected narratives. Overall, my games are a blend of: Immersion: I aim to create a world that feels real and alive, with rich details and memorable characters. Challenge: Expect to face tough choices, overcome obstacles, and test your skills in combat and roleplaying. Fun: Above all, I want everyone to have fun and enjoy the collaborative storytelling experience. What to Bring: Your Character: A fully created character on D&D Beyond, ready for adventure! Enthusiasm: Come ready to explore, roleplay, and have a great time! Open Mind: Be prepared for the unexpected and embrace the collaborative storytelling experience. I'm excited to embark on this journey with you!
Gameplay details
Embracing the Inevitable: Safety & Mayhem Brief Lines & Veils (Doomed Edition): Quickly (and anonymously, if preferred) flag anything you really don't want to see your inevitably short-lived hero encounter. We aim for hilarious demise, not actual discomfort. Mini Session 0 (The Final Briefing): Let's chat briefly about expectations for our descent into glorious failure. Any last wishes or burning questions before the worm arrives? X, N, & O's (While You Still Can): We'll use clear signals if things get too intense amidst the chaos. Though, let's be honest, intensity is kind of the point. Gameplay: Live Fast, Die Hilariously Character-Driven Folly: Let's create wonderfully flawed characters destined for a memorable (and likely swift) end. Embrace the absurdity! Agency in the Face of Annihilation: Your choices still dictate how spectacularly things go wrong. Let's make this a unique disaster! A Fleeting Glimpse of Doom: I'll paint a vivid picture of the world before it (and you) gets devoured. Enjoy the scenery while it lasts!
Content warnings
Safety tools used
• Debriefing
• Deck of Player Safety
• Lines and Veils
• Monte Cook RPG Consent Checklist
• Open Door
• X, N, and O Cards
How will character creation work
Craft Your Doomed Hero (One-Shot Edition) For this fleeting dance with fate in this One Shot (using the updated 2024 rules!), you can create a Level 1 character using any official/Third Party 5E Species, Class which is available on DNDBeyond that fits the setting. Use the Standard Array (15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8) to define your character's abilities. Whatever their origins, they possess a certain resilience to face the dangers ahead (however futilely). Choose a background from the following list. Once you've made your choice, message me – let's weave in some quick flavor for your character's past before their untimely demise: 💭 Acolyte 💭 Artisan 💭 Charlatan 💭 Criminal 💭 Entertainer 💭 Farmer 💭 Guard 💭 Guide 💭 Hermit 💭 Merchant 💭 Noble 💭 Sage 💭 Sailor 💭 Scribe 💭 Soldier 💭 Wayfarer Advice for Players • Play characters you care about. Yes, they are going to die, but their journey can be filled with meaning if the characters themselves have meaning. Start with someone you love and do everything you can in the short time you have with them. • Try a character type—or a party composition— you might never consider for a longer campaign. A party of four wizards might be fun, and will live just as long as a balanced one! • Commit fully to the high stakes of the story, given circumstances, and goals. The best choices lean into your character being a hero destined for greatness.
Players can expect
Combat / Tactics
High
Roleplay
High
Puzzles
Medium
Experience level
Open to all
Platforms used
• Above VTT
• D&D Beyond
• D&D Beyond Maps
$9.00
/ Session
Each player will be charged when a session starts.
Details
Once / Sunday - 5:00 AM UTC
Jun 15
1-2 Hour Duration
0 / 5 Seats Filled
Requirements
Experience required: Open to all
Age: 18+