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Learn to play Daggerheart in this narrative-driven One-Shot
You’re invited to a lavish masquerade, but behind the masks lies a deadly secret - you’re the final piece of a larger picture you don’t yet understand
$10.00
/ Session
Details
Once / Thursday - 1:00 AM UTC
May 22
Session Duration / 3–4 hours
3 / 5 Seats Filled
Top Game Master
One of StartPlaying's top-rated GMs, a player favorite and highly recommended.
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About the adventure
🩸 The Red Masquerade A One-Shot of Gothic Horror, Hidden Agendas, and Velvet Lies System: Daggerheart | Level: 1 | Duration: 3–4 Hours ⸻ 🕯️ THE PREMISE You received a letter sealed in crimson wax—an invitation to the Red Masquerade, a secretive gala held deep in the estate of the elusive Velorum Society. The rich and powerful will be there. Whispers say those who attend never return the same. They told you this was your chance to ascend. But you were never meant to join them. Behind every jeweled mask is a lie. Behind every guest—an agenda. ⸻ 🎭 WHAT TO EXPECT • Social Horror: Navigate a dangerous masquerade where civility is a weapon and charm might get you killed. • Mystery Unfolds: A string of murders points to Bottiere, the eerie clank butler. But the real killer may be someone far more familiar. • Personal Stakes: One of the party’s past lovers is here—changed, monstrous, and possibly your only hope of surviving the night. ⸻ 💀 INSPIRATION & STYLE • For fans of Crimson Peak, Clue, and Ready or Not • Gritty, decadent, and full of dread • Character-driven horror with moral tension and emotional weight ⸻ 🎲 SYSTEM & SUPPORT • New to Daggerheart? Perfect. This one-shot is beginner-friendly. • Custom Tools Provided: Digital handouts, roll support, safety tools, and session recap links included. • Inclusive Table: Queer, trans, and BIPOC players warmly welcomed and celebrated. ⸻ 🩰 TONE & THEMES • Misguided righteousness and hidden horror • Lies of necessity, honor twisted by tradition • Gothic glamor concealing monstrous intent • The fear of knowing you’re too late ⸻ 🎟️ WHY PLAY THIS You’ll dress well, smile graciously, and play your part. ⸻ Claim your invitation. Survive the night.
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
About me
Hi, I’m Rob. I run games where your character matters, your choices leave marks, and the story belongs to everyone at the table. I’ve spent more than 17 years behind the GM screen and have hosted over 120 games on StartPlaying. I’m a Top GM whose players most often recognize me for creativity, inclusivity, and making new systems approachable. I help newcomers feel comfortable without making experienced players sit through a lecture. Your character’s relationships, ambitions, mistakes, and questionable bargains all have a place in the story. Most of my games lean roleplay-forward, but I’m equally at home running dangerous monster hunts, lethal dungeon crawls, and plans that remain flawless right up until the dice become involved. At my table, you can expect: • A world that responds. Rivals remember you, victories leave marks, and consequences occasionally arrive with excellent timing. • Player-forward storytelling. I bring the world and its problems; your characters determine what the story becomes. • Clear, friendly onboarding. New system? No problem. I introduce the rules through play and help you become comfortable quickly. • Atmosphere without performance pressure. I use character voices, music, maps, handouts, and visual scenes, but nobody needs to be a professional actor to belong at the table. • Rule of Cool—with consequences. Creative ideas receive a fair shot, and the world responds accordingly. • A respectful, inclusive table. LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and neurodivergent players are welcome. We use clear safety tools and communicate openly so everyone can enjoy the game. I run everything from peculiar, heartfelt fantasy to dark romantasy, political intrigue, monster hunting, plus more. Whatever the tone, I want your character to matter and the world to feel worth returning to. If you want a prepared GM who listens, makes room for your ideas, and knows when to let the dice complicate a perfectly good plan, pull up a chair.
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
Create a character that will become part of this unique world.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
🛠️ What You’ll Need: A free Demiplane Nexus account A working microphone (this is an interactive, live session) Access to our Discord server (link provided upon registration)
What Rob Duke brings to the table
I will share materials through Demiplane Nexus, allowing you to explore character options. I have pregen characters or you can bring your own.
Homebrew rules
None. This will be a Learn to Play setting.
Equipment needed to play
Computer
Headphones
Internet
Microphone
Webcam
Platforms used
Safety
How Rob Duke creates a safe table
We will utilize the X card and breaks.
Content warnings
Safety tools used