Image by Calvin Gentz
Everybody Dies in Barovia - Total Party Kill Adventure
Hilarious TPK awaits in Ravenloft! Your friend vanished in Barovia... and death lurks. Embrace the funny end in this 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: This encounter takes place within the magical realm of Ravenloft, in the fabled domain of Barovia. The characters have a shared cause between them, a common reason for making the brave decision to venture into Barovia, despite the warnings and sense of imminent danger. Someone they all know has gone missing, and the person’s trail has vanished in Barovia. Join me for a hilarious Total Party Kill that'll last between 1 to 2 hours+/-.
Game themes
$12.00
/ Session
Details
Once / Monday – 4:30 PM UTC
Jul 14
1–2 Hour Duration
0 / 5 Seats Filled
GAME MASTER
Calvin
he/him
4.8
(18)
Each player will be charged when a session starts.
Report Adventure
Meet the Game Master
4.8
(18)
Less than a year on StartPlaying
54 games hosted
Highly rated for: Creativity, Inclusive, Teacher
Average response time: Under 1 hour
Response rate: 100%
About me
Born and raised amidst the stunning landscapes of Cape Town, I've been a lifelong adventurer in the realms of Dungeons & Dragons, ever since I was a child. The rich tapestry of Forgotten Realms lore has always captivated my imagination, and I find immense joy in bringing those worlds to life as a Dungeon Master. For me, the heart of D&D lies in the collaborative storytelling experience. It's about crafting unforgettable adventures that cater to the unique personalities and playstyles of my players, empowering them to become the heroes of their own epic tales. I believe that every player brings something special to the table, and I strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and inspired. By trade, I'm a graphic designer and illustrator, and I love to infuse my artistic skills into my games. Whether it's designing custom maps, crafting unique character sheets, or creating visual aids to enhance the immersion, I believe that aesthetics play a crucial role in elevating the tabletop experience. So, if you're looking for a Dungeon Master who's passionate about storytelling, dedicated to creating player-centric experiences, and committed to pushing the boundaries of creativity, then let's embark on an unforgettable journey together! Best Seller (Copper) on DM's Guild
View Profile →Reviews (18)
Proficiencies
Players say this GM is great at:
Creativity
Inclusive
Teacher
MaxQLinity
Played 32 sessions
Calvin has a masterful grasp on both the game mechanics and the VTT we use for play. Peppering us with amazing NPC's backstories and feeding information at just the right times. What a wonderful experience it is to be a player!
Meg
Played 31 sessions
I'm spoiled after having Calvin as a DM! He is hilarious, allows for collaborative gameplay, mods both the game and Discord well, and allows for an ideal DnD experience. If you're looking for the best, look no further than Calvin!
Adam
Played 24 sessions
Calvin is a creative and entertaining GM - he does a great job of integrating PCs into the world, making connections that feel like they matter. NPCs and enemies are engaging, combat encounters are challenging, and you can expect some surprising twists and fun reveals along the way that will keep the adventure feeling dynamic and unique. Highly recommended!
Ryryk
Played 19 sessions
Calvin was a stellar dm that I was fortunate enough to play with. I learned a lot from Calvin and was inspired to try my own hand in dming. He has great feel with his players and really immerses you into the world he is describing with his talents. If you ever have the chance to play his games I would definitely recommend.
Jkrios
Played 18 sessions
Calvin is a really chill, beginner friendly GM that allows for both fun and serious scenarios to play out both in and out of combat. He treats the players as his friends, always open to feedback and always ready to answer any questions you may have. He does voices, plays music/ambient sounds and describes each location to help immerse the players in whatever place/situation they find themselves in. As a beginner to Dungeons and Dragons, I could not have asked for a better GM.
Flax
Played 5 sessions
Pros: Dynamic combat, goblin voice, VTT setup and Music were great. The DM was punctual, enthusiastic, and responsive. Cons: Session 0 was NOT as advertised and there were no safety tools. The DM has bad conflict resolution skills and ended the campaign over a playstyle conflict without attempting to fix it. Not a fit for me: Consequences that would make you feel guilty, moral dilemma, no importance on party cohesion.
Character creation
Creating your character
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.
The Missing in Barovia A shadow hangs heavy in the air, even before you’ve crossed its borders. Whispers of Barovia, a land shrouded in mist and steeped in dread, are enough to chill the blood. Yet, here you stand, a fellowship bound by a shared purpose, a singular, desperate hope. Someone you all know, someone who touched each of your lives in their own way, has vanished. Their trail, once clear, has inexplicably gone cold somewhere within the cursed lands of Barovia. Despite the grim warnings, the palpable sense of imminent danger that clings to this forsaken place, you cannot turn back. This missing person is too important. Let’s make this personal, shall we? Look to the character on your left. Oh, look! They are gone... That’s who you are searching for in the mists of Barovia. Give this missing individual a defining trait – the fiery red of their unruly hair, a jagged scar above their left eye, a persistent habit of humming off-key tunes. Make them memorable. Now, let’s explore your connection to this lost soul. Take a moment to describe how your character knows the person you’re determined to find in Barovia. Or, if you prefer a touch of fate, roll a d12 or choose from the table below to discover your relationship: Missing in Barovia d12 Missing Person 1 Ex-spouse 2 Sibling 3 Best friend 4 Worst enemy 5 Mentor 6 Crush 7 Coworker 8 Hero 9 Parent 10 Bandmate 11 Former best friend 12 Boss The mists swirl, the air grows colder, and the oppressive atmosphere of Barovia beckons. You are here for them. But in a land where hope withers and death reigns, will your shared purpose be enough to survive the shadows and find the missing… or will you too become lost to the darkness? 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.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
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!)
What Calvin brings to the table
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!
Equipment needed to play
Computer
Headphones
Internet
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How Calvin creates a safe table
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
Additional tables
5 available
1/2
Once / Monday – 4:30 PM UTC
Aug 4
1 / 5 Seats Filled
Once / Monday – 4:30 PM UTC
Aug 4
0 / 5 Seats Filled
Once / Monday – 4:30 PM UTC
Aug 11
0 / 5 Seats Filled
Once / Monday – 4:30 PM UTC
Aug 18
0 / 5 Seats Filled
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