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The Beast Beneath Otari: A Beginner’s Adventure
A sinister hunger festers beneath Otari’s fishery. Will you uncover the lurking beast before it rises from the dark to feast on the townsfolk?
$25.00
/ Session
Details
Once / Saturday - 10:00 PM UTC
Oct 18
Session Duration / 3–4 hours
4 / 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
Welcome to the seaside town of Otari, a bustling port known for its skilled sailors, hardworking loggers, and endless stories of faraway lands. Adventure always seemed like something that happened somewhere else—until today. Trouble has stirred close to home: something strange is lurking in the basement of the Otari Fishery, feeding on the salted stores. If no one acts, the fish may not be the only thing on the menu! This game is a beginner-friendly Pathfinder 2e one-shot that will take you into the depths beneath Otari to uncover the source of the disturbance. You’ll face danger, make daring choices, and discover just how exciting it can be to step into the role of a hero. Whether you’re a brand-new player who has never rolled a die before, or someone curious about learning Pathfinder 2e, this game is designed to be welcoming, easy to follow, and full of cinematic adventure. Expect a mix of roleplay, exploration, and classic dungeon crawling. You’ll investigate a local mystery, talk with colorful townsfolk, and dive into a battle or two against whatever is lurking beneath the fishery. I focus on keeping the pace engaging and the story immersive, giving you the chance to try out creative solutions while also experiencing the thrill of tactical combat. All you need is a sense of curiosity and a willingness to jump into the fun. I’ll provide pregenerated characters (or help you make your own if you’d like), walk you through the rules step by step, and create a welcoming table where questions are always encouraged. By the end of the session, you’ll have tasted the heart of Pathfinder 2e—and maybe even uncovered that first spark of adventure that leads to many more!
Game style
Combat Heavy
Dungeon Crawl
Rule of Cool (RoC)
Rules as Written (RaW)
Tactical / Crunchy
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
About me
Embark on a journey into the heart of imagination with me on StartPlaying. My love for tabletop RPGs started as a kid, watching my dad and his friends dive into 2nd Edition D&D. That early fascination turned into a lifelong passion, and now I'm excited to share that with you as I host games on StartPlaying Games. I live in Maine with my wife Kailey and our 1-year-old daughter, Aeva. I run weekly games both online and in-person, creating immersive, engaging adventures for players of all experience levels. I believe in collaborative storytelling, where your decisions shape the world and every game unfolds into the unknown. My goal is to blend the rich lore of D&D with dynamic gameplay and innovative narratives, making each adventure uniquely memorable. Whether you're casting your first spell or you're an experienced adventurer seeking new challenges, I invite you to join me. Together, we'll explore mystical lands, craft unforgettable stories, and build friendships that extend beyond the game table. Your legend starts now, and I'm thrilled to see where our tales will lead.
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
This adventure is designed to be new-player friendly, so you have options! Level: Characters will start at Level 1. Stats: We’ll use Pathfinder 2e’s standard Ability Boosts system (no rolling for stats). Books & Sources: All material from the Pathfinder 2e Core Rulebook and Beginner Box is allowed. If you’re new, don’t worry—I’ll guide you through the basics. Pregenerated Characters: If you’d like to jump right in, you can choose from classic Pathfinder heroes: - Kyra – Human Cleric (Level 1) - Valeros – Human Fighter (Level 1) - Merisiel – Elf Rogue (Level 1) - Ezren – Human Wizard (Level 1) Build Your Own: If you want to make your own, we can do that before the session. I’m happy to walk you through it step-by-step on Discord or during a short pre-game chat. This way, you can either learn character creation from scratch or skip right to the adventure if you’d rather focus on playing.
This table is a mix of familiar faces and new adventures! Three of our players just finished a long-term D&D 5e Curse of Strahd campaign and are excited to try out Pathfinder 2e for the first time. This one-shot in Otari is designed as a welcoming introduction to the system—light on rules, heavy on fun and story. If you’re joining us for this session, you’ll be stepping into a friendly group that already has great table chemistry. We’ll all be learning Pathfinder 2e together, so no experience is required. Looking ahead: while this is a self-contained one-shot, the goal is to gather a group for a long-term campaign in the Kingmaker Adventure Path. If you enjoy yourself and want to continue, you’ll have a seat waiting at the table. (No pressure if you’d rather just stick with the one-shot!) Whether you’re brand new or experienced, you’ll fit right in at this table.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
Getting ready is simple! Here’s what you’ll need before game night: 1. Join My Discord Server – We’ll use Discord for voice chat during the game. A link will be provided once you sign up. Please have a working microphone and a quiet space if possible. 2. Roll20 (Free Account) – We’ll be using Roll20 as our Virtual Tabletop (VTT) for maps, dice rolls, and character sheets. No download is required; it runs in your web browser. 3. Demiplane (Free Account) – We’ll use Demiplane’s Pathfinder Nexus as a digital rules reference and character tool. It’s optional but highly recommended for easy access to character sheets and game rules. 4. Character Ready – Choose a pregenerated hero (Kyra, Valeros, Merisiel, Ezren) or work with me before the session to create your own Level 1 character. 5. Bring Your Curiosity! – No Pathfinder 2e experience is required. I’ll teach the rules as we play, so just bring your sense of adventure. Optional: If you’d like to read ahead, the Pathfinder 2e Beginner Box rules (free on Paizo’s site) cover everything you’ll need to know.
What Sterling D. brings to the table
Immersive VTT: Dynamic lighting, clean layout, and intuitive interface for streamlined gameplay. Custom Maps & Tokens: Handpicked and modified visuals to match the tone and theme of the adventure. Shared Access: Shared content for all core rulebooks, supplements, and character options. Atmospheric Ambience: Background music and soundscapes enhance tension, drama, and mood. Voice-Acted NPCs: Distinct character voices and personalities to enrich roleplay and bring the world to life. Tactical Combat: Thoughtful encounters that reward teamwork, creativity, and good positioning. Story-Driven Focus: Your choices carry weight, shaping not just the plot, but the world itself.
Homebrew rules
I run mostly RAW (Rules As Written), but I’m open to case-by-case homebrew when it supports fun, creativity, or story. Player ideas and unique abilities are always welcome — we’ll collaborate to establish fair and consistent rulings together.
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Headphones
Platforms used
Safety
How Sterling D. creates a safe table
Safety Tools and Gameplay Details: In our upcoming sessions, we prioritize creating a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone. Here's a brief overview of the safety tools and gameplay details we'll use: Session 0: We'll set expectations, discuss character concepts, and establish boundaries to ensure everyone's comfort with the game's themes and content. Lines and Veils: You'll have the opportunity to anonymously indicate any topics you prefer to avoid or handle with care. X, N, O Cards via Roll20 Token Drop: Digital tokens will allow you to non-verbally communicate your comfort level during gameplay, ensuring we maintain a respectful and enjoyable experience for all. Breaks and Debriefing: Scheduled and unscheduled breaks are part of our sessions, along with post-session debriefings to reflect on the gameplay and address any concerns. Stars and Wishes: This feedback mechanism lets you highlight what you enjoyed and what you're looking forward to in future sessions. Aftercare: Following intense sessions, I'll check in with players to ensure everyone is feeling okay. More detailed information on these safety tools and additional gameplay details will be provided along with other preparation materials once your booking is complete. Further Gameplay Details: For those new to D&D or our chosen platform, I offer comprehensive character creation assistance, providing the necessary guidance and resources to help you craft and manage your characters effectively. My approach to storytelling is inclusive, aiming to weave diverse narratives and characters into our adventures, creating a rich and inclusive world that mirrors the varied backgrounds of our players. I maintain an open line of communication, encouraging you to reach out with any game-related concerns, ideas, or feedback at any time. These efforts are part of my commitment to fostering a supportive, engaging, and respectful gaming environment where every player feels valued and heard, ensuring our sessions are enjoyable and inclusive for everyone.
Content warnings
Safety tools used



