Run the Gauntlet! (Learn to Play Shadowdark)

Run the Gauntlet! (Learn to Play Shadowdark)

Learn to play the most exciting modern OSR around, Shadowdark! Take your characters through the gauntlet and into adventure— if they can survive!

TYPE

One-Shot

LEVELS

1–2

LANGUAGE

English

EXPERIENCE

Beginner

AGE

18+
3 NEEDED TO START
$15.00

/ Session

Details

Once / Sunday - 7:00 PM UTC

Jun 8

Session Duration / 2–3 hours

0 / 5 Seats Filled

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This game will begin once 3 players have joined
About the adventure

Step into the mystical world of Shadowdark, an enthralling tabletop RPG experience designed for newcomers and veteran TTRPGers alike. In a land where ancient ruins and monstrous shadows intertwine, my "Learn to Play Shadowdark" sessions are your gateway to mastering this realm of fantasy and adventure. From creating your first character to engaging in epic battles, these sessions will guide you through every thrilling aspect of the game, ensuring a comprehensive and enjoyable learning experience. Whether you're new to tabletop RPGs or seeking to explore the mysterious depths of Shadowdark, join us for a journey of discovery and heroism. Delve into dungeons, confront nightmarish creatures, and uncover ancient treasures. Here, in the dance of light and darkness, your legendary tale begins. Welcome to Shadowdark, where every corner holds a story and every shadow hides a secret waiting to be revealed.

Meet the Game Master
DMs Guild Writer
Streamer
Artist
Game Designer

2 years on StartPlaying

52 games hosted

Highly rated for: Creativity, Knows the Rules, Teacher

Average response time: 24+ hours

Response rate: 100%

About me

What's up, Nerds? It's me, The One-Shot Wizard, Tabletop Roleplaying James (TTRPJ)! With over 25 years of Game Mastering under my belt, I've delved into the depths of every published edition of D&D since 3rd edition. My games are rooted in a meticulously crafted homebrew world, a diverse tapestry almost two decades in the making. This "kitchen-sink" setting ensures flexibility, enabling players and fellow DMs to integrate characters, stories, and elements from any realm or setting, ensuring a unique experience each session. My most recent endeavor? A year-long, Westmarches-style series of one-shots designed to take a party to level 20 over the course of 2025. Dive into a universe where every narrative, old or new, can find its niche. Join me for an adventure like no other!

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Character creation

Creating your character

Characters will be partially selected, partially generated during the beginning of the session. There will be pre-gens for each class, but we will generate ability scores in real time together so we can discuss how everything works and how best to set our characters up.

What to expect

Preparing for the session

You'll need a mic, a Discord account, and an account with Alchemy VTT. You'll only need the free one, I have the paid version. Prior knowledge of Shadowdark is not needed, and prior experience with other TTRPGs will help, but are by no means necessary. Come ready to learn!

What James Bratten brings to the table

I have illustrated maps, scenes, tokens; everything we'll need to make it happen. I also have a premium account for Alchemy VTT.

Equipment needed to play

Computer

Internet

Microphone

Safety

How James Bratten creates a safe table

During character creation/selection, we'll discuss the overall tone of the game and what we're comfortable with. X, N, & O are messaged privately between player and I to ensure anonymity.

Content warnings

Safety tools used

Frequently asked questions