Shadows Beneath the Surface (Call of the Netherdeep)
In the city of Ank’Harel, the dreams of ancient gods seep into the waking world. A strange crimson light glows from below
$15.00
/ Session
Details
Weekly / Saturday - 1:00 PM UTC
Dec 27 / Session 21
Session Duration / 4 hours
Campaign Length / 10–30 Sessions
5 / 6 Seats Filled
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Schedule
Meet your party members
5/6
About the adventure
Beneath the sun-drenched streets of Ank’Harel, ancient secrets slumber, buried in the depths of a realm untouched by time. Shadows Beneath the Surface is a high-stakes campaign that blends mystery, moral choices, and emotional storytelling, set in Critical Role's world of Exandria. This campaign is built around rival adventurers, each with their own goals, flaws, and reasons to follow you—or stand against you. As you uncover long-lost memories and relics of a betrayed god, your party will face choices that ripple across the world and within your own characters. This game is perfect for players who enjoy rich roleplay, impactful choices, and cinematic exploration. Whether you're new to Exandria or a fan of Critical Role, the story stands on its own while offering easter eggs for returning travelers. Expect a balance of character-driven drama, tactical combat, dungeon exploration, and themes of redemption, sacrifice, and legacy. • Hear ye, hear ye! 🎺 Our merry band of misfits is seeking one more soul to join us on a journey, that we just started, as we go deep into the Netherdeep! What you should know before signing on: • We are a creative bunch. Sometimes our solutions are a little unorthodox (and occasionally involve convincing the DM we definitely meant to do that). • We love roleplay, banter, and the occasional questionable plan. • Shenanigans are frequent, but so is friendship. 💜 if you’re ready to laugh, create, and dive headfirst into chaos and story with us… grab your dice and let’s roll! 🎲✨
Game style
Rule of Cool (RoC)
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
5.0
(10)
2 years on StartPlaying
108 games hosted
Highly rated for: Knows the Rules, Creativity, Teacher
Average response time: 5 hours
Response rate: 100%
About me
Hello, fellow adventurers! I'm not a newcomer to TTRPGs, but I'm not a native English speaker. No worries, though! If you can spare some patience for me not understanding some obscure spice names or unfamiliar bird species, we're in for an amazing experience of mystery and adventure together! With over 10 years of GMing under my belt, I can assure you that the adventure itself won't be a problem. I typically start with basic modules for the early levels and then delve into custom campaigns and mysteries for level 5 and beyond. One important lesson I've learned is that you can become skilled at something you don't initially enjoy doing. That's why I've ventured into paid games. I absolutely love playing and hosting RPG adventures, but I lack the patience required to manage players who aren't fully engaged in the game. If you're investing in this experience, I expect your commitment. If you can't make it to the next session, just let me know. If you're struggling with your character sheet or need help with the system, don't hesitate to ask for assistance. The campaign will go on as scheduled, with or without you, since you're investing in this journey. If you need anything before the game, please reach out to me. While I'll primarily be hosting D&D 5e games here, I also have experience with GURPS, D&D 3.5, and Vampire. If you're interested in a custom setting, feel free to ask if it's possible! I'm looking forward to seeing you at the next table, ready for epic tales and unforgettable moments! Best regards, DarkStormer
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
Before we begin, you can either create your own character or choose from pre-made options if you prefer to jump right into the adventure. ✅ Allowed Content: Any official Wizards of the Coast material is welcome. Homebrew and third-party content are considered on a case-by-case basis. My golden rule: If you’re trying to break the system, I’ll block it. If you’re exploring something new, I’ll work with you to make it fit. ✅ Ability Scores: Point buy is used for character stats, and a link will be provided for easy setup. ✅ Background Feats: If your chosen background doesn’t grant a feat, you get a free one to ensure everyone starts with the same level of customization. I encourage creative character concepts and will do my best to integrate them into the world. If you have a cool idea, let’s make it work together!
What to expect
Preparing for the session
Session Requirements and Guidelines: Microphone: A working microphone is required for our sessions. Clear communication is essential for role-playing and collaborative storytelling. If you encounter any microphone issues, please let me know in advance so we can find a suitable solution. Basic Rules: While it's great if you're already familiar with the basic rules of D&D 5e, don't worry if you're new to the game. I'm more than happy to explain the rules and assist you, especially during character creation and the early sessions. Learning the rules together can be part of the fun! Webcams: I will have my webcam on during our sessions to facilitate communication and create a more immersive experience. However, I only request that you to use your webcam if you're comfortable with it, particularly if you want to roll physical dice. Remember, our primary goal is to have fun, immerse ourselves in the world of Dungeons & Dragons, and create memorable adventures together. If you have any questions or concerns about these requirements or anything else related to the campaign, please don't hesitate to reach out. Your comfort and enjoyment are paramount. Let's embark on this epic journey together!
What Dark Stormer brings to the table
A Game Tailored to You – My primary goal is to empower you and your fellow adventurers to craft a story that feels uniquely yours. I embrace multiclassing, homebrew content, and creative character choices—so if you have an idea, let’s explore it together! A Living, Open World – Exploration is at the heart of my games. If your party desires a custom dungeon, a personal guild, a hidden sanctuary, or even a legendary artifact, I will weave it into the world. Your choices matter, and the world will react accordingly, ensuring an immersive, player-driven experience. Legendary Consumables & Crafting – Discover rare, powerful consumables that grant unique benefits, from extra spell slots to newfound proficiencies and magical insights. Crafting is possible, but efficiency often comes from working with specialized characters—artificers, enchanters, and alchemists will play a key role in your journey. Freedom & Flexibility – While we adventure through the Phandelver and Below campaign setting, you are not confined to a single path. Want to stray from the main story for a personal quest? I’ll bring fresh content to life from my imagination to make it happen. The world is yours to shape. Whether you love deep roleplay, tactical combat, or world-shaping choices, I will ensure your experience is dynamic, engaging, and tailored to your playstyle.
Homebrew rules
I forgo of the 1 spell per turn rule! i allow stacking effects! like 2x enlarge on a creature potions can be used as a action or bonus action (more details on my discord!) i have a system of inspiration points! (more details on my discord!) Buy craft and modify magical Items (more details on my discord!)
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How Dark Stormer creates a safe table
Safety & Comfort at the Table Your enjoyment and well-being are my top priorities. To ensure a fun and respectful experience for everyone, I implement the following safety tools: ✅ Session 0 – Before we begin, we'll discuss expectations, character creation, and any boundaries to make sure everyone is on the same page. ✅ Open Door Policy – Players are free to step away at any time, whether for a quick break or for the rest of the session if needed—no questions asked. ✅ Breaks – We’ll have scheduled short breaks to keep everyone refreshed. If you ever need an extra one, just ask! ✅ Aftercare – If a scene is intense or unsettling, we can debrief afterward to ensure everyone feels comfortable moving forward. ✅ X, N, & O Cards – A digital tool is available in Foundry to quickly communicate comfort levels. This will be covered in Session 0. These tools help create an inclusive and engaging game where everyone feels safe exploring the world. If you have any personal preferences or concerns, I’m happy to discuss them before or during the game!
Content warnings
Safety tools used