Shadows of Sterich
The best 3.5e adventures of all time — reborn as one cinematic descent into faith, madness, and shadow.
$23.00
/ Session
Details
Weekly / Sunday - 4:00 PM UTC
Session Duration / 3–3.5 hours
Campaign Length / 35–45 Sessions
0 / 5 Seats Filled
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About the adventure
Shadows of Sterich is a cinematic gothic mystery campaign that fuses three of the most legendary Dungeon Magazine adventures — Mad God’s Key, Fiend’s Embrace, and The Istivin Trilogy — into one continuous story of faith, corruption, and redemption. You begin as small-town investigators in the mist-shrouded trade city of Istivin, where a stolen relic leads to whispers of heresy and a cult devoted to a mad god. As the mystery deepens, infernal pacts, vanishing nobles, and demonic sigils emerge across the city’s walls. By the final act, the streets themselves begin to bleed shadow — and the line between mortal and divine blurs beyond repair. From street-level investigation to planar horror, every choice you make carries weight. Will you save Istivin from the curse devouring it… or sacrifice it to stop something worse? This campaign blends dark fantasy, detective storytelling, and supernatural dread — featuring cinematic narration, ambient soundscapes, and adaptive character arcs shaped by your decisions. Prepare for rich moral tension, haunting revelations, and the creeping fear that not every monster hides in the dark.
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
5.0
(13)
2 years on StartPlaying
42 games hosted
Highly rated for: Storytelling, Knows the Rules, Creativity
Average response time: 4 hours
Response rate: 100%
About me
Hello everyone! Greetings from Greece! I've been delving into the world of roleplaying games for over 15 years now, with around 10 years of experience as a Game Master. While my heart remains true to the timeless allure of DnD 3.5 edition, I've also developed a fondness for running Cthulhu, Savage Worlds, and I'm always eager to explore new systems. My passion lies in fostering immersive roleplay, orchestrating epic battles, and crafting captivating adventures that leave players on the edge of their seats. As a business owner, I cherish the flexibility of my schedule, allowing me to delve into professional gameplay experiences for the sheer joy of it, while seeking players who are equally devoted to character development and the intricate tales that unfold. Beyond the gaming realm, I find solace in horseback riding, and I've also found myself drawn to the world of arts, wearing the hats of both a singer and an occasional actor. Initially, my journey into acting was motivated by a desire to enhance my skills as a Dungeon Master. However, my profound love for the arts, including playing the piano and professional singing, has led me to embrace the world of theater, where I've actively participated in numerous productions. Looking forward to connecting with fellow enthusiasts and weaving unforgettable stories together!
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
Roll 4d6, drop the lowest, arrange as desired. Starting Level: 1 Starting Gold: Roll starting wealth by class (PHB table 7–1), or take average. Alignment: Any non-evil. Gray morality is fine — corruption is a theme, not a goal. Deities: Greyhawk pantheon by default (Pelor, Wee Jas, Heironeous, etc.)
What to expect
Preparing for the session
Discord + Roll20 accounts Working mic & headphones Character idea ready (we’ll finalize it together) Join the Discord server when invited and be ready for atmospheric storytelling
What Antigoni brings to the table
When you join Shadows of Sterich, you’re stepping into a cinematic D&D 3.5e experience — one built from the greatest adventures ever printed in Dungeon Magazine, woven into a cohesive gothic saga. This campaign isn’t just a nostalgia trip — it’s a reimagining of classic modules with modern storytelling, production, and atmosphere. 🧙 What You Can Expect from Me 🎧 Immersive Atmosphere Ambient background music and soundscapes (rain, taverns, crypts, etc.) for every major location. Visual handouts for letters, crime scenes, and clues — drawn from original Dungeon artwork and new assets. Subtle lighting and tone shifts to match scene tension (especially during mystery or horror moments). 🎭 Distinct NPC Roleplay Fully voiced and characterized NPCs: nobles dripping with menace, priests trembling with doubt, and demons that whisper in half-truths. Emphasis on dialogue that reacts to your decisions — NPCs remember promises, betrayals, and kindness. 🧩 Story-Driven Mechanics Every encounter (combat or social) exists to advance the story or challenge your morality. Tactical combat with purpose: a 3.5e grid experience that rewards smart positioning and creative thinking. I honor the Rule of Cool — if an idea fits the fiction and the dice can support it, I’ll make it work. 📜 Integrated Player Backstories Each player’s backstory is woven directly into the main arc — your past will haunt or help you. Personalized NPC ties and faction influence; your choices visibly affect the city’s reputation system. 🕯️ Balanced GMing Philosophy 70% narrative immersion • 30% crunchy 3.5 tactics Rules as Written form the base, but cinematic storytelling takes priority when it makes for a better scene. Expect danger and consequence — but never unfairness. Every roll matters.
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How Antigoni creates a safe table
This campaign explores themes of corruption, possession, and moral decay, but always with player consent. Table Safety Framework: Lines & Veils: We set clear limits on themes (sexual violence, torture, harm to minors, etc.) before play. X-Card / Pause Mechanic: Any player can stop a scene instantly — no explanation needed. Debrief after sessions: Emotional content gets time to breathe. Inclusive table: LGBTQIA+ positive, no discrimination tolerated. Tone-wise, this is dark, mature storytelling, not shock content — think The Witcher or Bloodborne, not splatter horror.
Content warnings
Safety tools used