Gothic Horror Mystery: Investigate the Grimwick Murders
Fog-shrouded Grimwick hides a killer. Investigate supernatural murders, uncover dark conspiracies, and stop an ancient evil before it awakens...
$28.00
/ Session
Details
Bi-weekly / Saturday - 12:30 AM UTC
Session Duration / 3–3.5 hours
Campaign Length / 30+ Sessions
0 / 5 Seats Filled
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About the adventure
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, The Crown requires investigators of particular skill and discretion. Three nights past, an unnatural fog descended upon Grimwick, and with it came death. Four bodies discovered thus far—each bearing wounds no blade could make and symbols no scholar can decipher. The Metropolitan Watch flounders. The nobility cowers behind locked doors. The common folk whisper of curses and vengeful spirits. You come highly recommended for your... unique talents. Your reputation suggests you are not easily unnerved, that you ask difficult questions, and that you pursue truth regardless of where it leads. These qualities will prove essential. The killer grows bolder. The fog grows thicker. Time grows short. Report to Grimwick immediately. Your investigation begins upon arrival. ~ By Order of the Crown Investigative Bureau -------------------------------------------------------------------- THIS IS YOUR INVESTIGATION You're not here to follow my story—you're here to solve a mystery where your choices determine everything. This gothic horror campaign puts investigation and roleplay first: examine crime scenes, interrogate suspects, chase leads through fog-shrouded streets, and uncover a conspiracy that reaches far deeper than simple murder. Combat happens, but silver tongues often accomplish more than silver swords. Your character's backstory isn't window dressing—it IS the story. Why are you in Grimwick? What do you fear? What are you running from? These answers become plot threads woven throughout our 50-60 session journey. This campaign rewards players who embrace morally complex choices, who dig into mysteries, and who bring characters with depth and secrets of their own. Perfect for players who want Victorian detective fiction colliding with fantasy themes and a lurking Lovecraftian dread...
Game style
Roleplay Heavy
Puzzle / Mystery Focused
Rule of Cool (RoC)
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
5.0
(16)
2 years on StartPlaying
60 games hosted
Highly rated for: Creativity, Storytelling, Knows the Rules
About me
Hi! I'm Sean, a professional GM with over a decade of experience with a passion for crafting unforgettable D&D adventures! I focus on consequence-driven storytelling where your choices genuinely matter. Every decision, every conversation, every action ripples through the campaign. I try andthink of my games as living, breathing stories. I'm merely the narrator but the players light the way. Looking forward to many adventures to come!
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
Character creation will begin during our FREE Session Zero. We'll build characters together as a group to ensure party cohesion and integrate everyone's backstories into Grimwick's mysteries. CREATION METHOD Ability Scores: Point Buy (27 points) or Standard Array - your choice. Keeps everyone balanced and no one feels underpowered. Starting Level: Level 3 - You're experienced investigators, not complete novices. This skips the fragile early levels and lets us dive into the story immediately. CHARACTER REQUIREMENTS Background Connection: Your character needs a reason to be investigating in Grimwick. We'll work together to tie your backstory to the city—maybe you grew up here, have family connections, owe a debt to the Crown, or are hunting someone who fled here. Your background becomes investigation material. Character Tone: Gothic horror mystery appropriate. Brooding detectives, reformed criminals, occult scholars, street-wise investigators, noble-born dilettantes—all work. "Wacky comedy relief" won't fit this campaign's tone. Party Composition: We'll coordinate during Session Zero to ensure skill coverage (investigation, social, combat) without forcing specific classes. ALLOWED MATERIALS Books Allowed: Player's Handbook, Xanathar's Guide, Tasha's Cauldron, Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide Homebrew: Case-by-case approval. Run it by me first—if it fits the tone and isn't broken, probably yes. Races: Most PHB and Xanathar's races work. More exotic options (Warforged, etc.) need story justification for Victorian gothic setting. Classes: All official classes welcome. Some subclasses may need minor reflavoring to fit setting (e.g., Artificers are "Inventors" rather than magical tinkerers).
What to expect
Preparing for the session
BEFORE SESSION ZERO 1. Join the Discord Server I'll send you a Discord invite within 24 hours of booking. Join the server and introduce yourself. This is where all campaign communication happens. 2. Read the Grimwick Primer Shortly before session 0 I'll share a short document covering: Victorian-gothic Grimwick basics, social structure, the fog, supernatural rumors, and tone expectations. Just enough to inspire character ideas without overwhelming you. 3. Complete a Character Concept Summary A brief blurb covering: character concept, why you're in Grimwick, fears/goals, preferred roleplay moments, and any requests for personal story arcs. This helps me weave your backstory into the main plot. 4. Create Roll20 Account Free account at roll20.net - This is our virtual tabletop platform. I'll send you the game invite link before Session Zero.
What Sean brings to the table
🎭 Small Group (5 Players MAXIMUM) - More spotlight time, deeper character focus, intimate storytelling 🕯️ Professional Production - Curated horror music library, custom maps, dynamic lighting, atmospheric sound design 📖 Character-Centric Storytelling - Your backstory becomes the plot, personal investigation arcs 🎙️ NPC Voice Acting - Distinct characters with personality, secrets, and agendas 📝 Session Summaries - Detailed recaps delivered within 24 hours 🔒 Comprehensive Safety Tools - X-card, Lines & Veils, Session Zero, content boundaries respected 💬 Private Discord Server - Between-session roleplay, world exploration, character development ⭐ Proven Track Record - 5.0 rating across 60+ games on StartPlaying
Homebrew rules
During session 0 we'll go over a set of optional homebrew rules including bonus action potions; modified death saves; hidden wisodm saves. We'll decide as a group what we like and what we dont.
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Webcam
Platforms used
Safety
How Sean creates a safe table
SAFETY IS NON-NEGOTIABLE This campaign covers mature gothic horror themes including violence, murder mysteries, psychological tension, and dark Victorian societal elements. My job is to provide thrilling horror WITHOUT traumatizing players. Here's exactly how I ensure everyone stays safe and comfortable: SESSION ZERO SAFETY DISCUSSION Before we play, we establish: Lines (Hard No's): Content that will NEVER appear in the game. These are completely off-limits for everyone at the table. Examples: Sexual violence, harm to children, specific phobias, excessive gore. Veils (Fade to Black): Content that might happen but we don't roleplay in detail. We acknowledge it occurred and move on. Example: "The autopsy reveals..." rather than graphic descriptions. Personal Boundaries: Each player submits private boundaries to me via DM if they're uncomfortable sharing with the group. ACTIVE SAFETY TOOLS Open Door Policy: Anyone can leave the session anytime for any reason. Take a break, step away, or leave entirely. No explanation needed, no penalty, no questions. Your wellbeing > the game. Breaks: 15-minute break at mid-wayr mark. Use bathroom, grab water, decompress. Additional breaks available anytime anyone needs them.
Content warnings
Safety tools used