the crooked moon- A Beginner-Friendly folk horror Adventure
You must brave the twisted woods of the Crooked Queen before the witching hour strikes and you become just another dreadful folktale.
$10.00
/ Session
Details
Weekly / Thursday - 8:00 PM UTC
Session Duration / 2–3 hours
Campaign Length / 30–60 Sessions
1 / 6 Seats Filled
Report Adventure
StartPlaying Money Back Guarantee
If your game doesn't happen, we guarantee a refund. Just reach out to StartPlaying Support. Refund Policy
Meet your party members
1/6
About the adventure
Step off the Ghostlight Express and into a world where the sun never rises and the harvest never ends. In this Folk Horror campaign for 5E, you are a wayward soul stranded in the isolated valley of Wickermoor Hollow. Here, the landscape itself is a living character vast, rural, and deeply unsettling. You will navigate a land governed by the "Old Ways," where isolated communities cling to skewed moralities and ancient superstitions to appease the entities lurking in the mist. This game is designed for players who love atmosphere, roleplay, and a creeping sense of dread. We will explore the "Folk Horror Chain": moving from a remote, beautiful landscape into total isolation, facing the warped beliefs of the local folk, and eventually confronting a terrifying "Happening." Whether you are a seasoned veteran or new to the table, this journey is about weaving a collaborative folktale where your character's fears and desires are just as important as their spells and swords. As your Game Master, I prioritize immersion and theme. While we will use the familiar rules of 5th Edition, we’ll be layering in new mechanics like Chaotic Curses and eerie folkloric monsters to keep the stakes high. We will strike a balance between the "spooky" fun of a harvest festival and the genuine "horror" of a ritual gone wrong. Before we begin, we will hold a Session Zero to align on our goals and establish safety boundaries, ensuring the dark themes of Druskenvald remain a thrilling experience for everyone. If you’re ready to brave the dark wood and face the machinations of the Crooked Queen, grab your lantern the witching hour is almost here.
Game style
Combat Heavy
Roleplay Heavy
Rule of Cool (RoC)
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
5.0
(66)
1 year on StartPlaying
239 games hosted
Highly rated for: Knows the Rules, Storytelling, Sets the Mood
Average response time: Under 1 hour
Response rate: 94%
About me
I've been playing D&D for 4 years and DMing for nearly as long, mainly hosting games online. I started with a small group of friends, and as more people joined, my passion for storytelling grew. Now, I run immersive campaigns where player choices and actions shape the world around them. The adventures we create together leave lasting impacts on the story and the game world. When you play at my table, it’s a shared experience. I love crafting stories where your character’s journey matters, and you leave the game excited and ready for the next session. New players are always welcome, and I’ll guide you through with patience. For veterans, I create unique challenges and homebrew content to keep things fresh. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
When & Where: Character creation will take place before the first session. I’ll send out a guide and link to our roll20 or dnd beyond campaign where you’ll build your character sheet. I’ll be there to help with anything you need! Stat Generation: We’ll use standard array or point buy for stats, depending on player preference. If you want to roll for stats, we can discuss that during our Session 0. But no matter which method you choose, I’ll help ensure your stats work well for your chosen class and background. Starting Level: Players will start at level 1. You’re fresh to the world, ready to step into Barovia’s terrifying mists and begin your story. Books & Resources: I recommend using official 5e content (Player’s Handbook, Xanathar’s Guide, etc.) for your character creation. Homebrew is welcome, but we’ll discuss it during Session 0 if you have something specific in mind. For new players, I’ll offer simplified guides for choosing classes, races, and backgrounds to keep things clear and manageable.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
🎤 Mic Required: You’ll need a working mic for communication. Webcam optional. 💻 Roll20 Account: Create a free account for access to the game. 📚 D&D Beyond Account: Sign up for character creation. ⚖️ Safety Tools: Review the Lines & Veils document before the first session. Feel free to reach out if you need help setting up anything!
What ash brings to the table
As your Dungeon Master, I’m here to give you an unforgettable, immersive experience whether it’s your first game or your fiftieth. Here’s what I offer: Virtual Tabletop (Roll20): The game is run on Roll20, complete with custom maps, dynamic lighting, and interactive tokens to make every moment cinematic and smooth. Guided Support for Beginners: I specialize in running beginner-friendly games. You’ll never feel lost I’ll walk you through rules, help with character sheets, and make sure everyone gets a chance to shine. Character Voices & Roleplay-Heavy Storytelling: I use distinct NPC voices and encourage character-driven decisions. Roleplay is at the heart of the story, and your choices will shape the world around you. Ambient Music & Sound Effects: I use atmospheric audio to enhance immersion from chilling whispers in haunted woods to triumphant music during heroic moments. Balanced Gameplay: Expect a mix of roleplay, exploration, and tactical combat. I’m flexible with tone whether your party leans lighthearted or dives deep into drama, I adapt to match the vibe. Rule of Cool + Respect for the Rules: I follow the rules but I’m not afraid to bend them for cool moments. If it adds drama, fun, or cinematic flair, I’ll usually say “yes, and…” within reason, of course. Safe, Inclusive Table: I use multiple safety tools (Lines & Veils, X/N/O system) and always make sure everyone feels comfortable, heard, and respected.
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How ash creates a safe table
🛡️ Safety Tools & Session 0 Info Creating a safe, welcoming space for everyone at the table is a top priority. 🔸 Lines & Veils Document: All players will receive a digital Lines and Veils form before Session 0. This allows everyone to privately mark content they’d like to avoid or handle with care. I’ll review these responses and tailor the game accordingly nothing gets pushed past your comfort zone. 🔸 Session 0 Includes: Character creation and backstory discussions Group tone and expectations Walkthrough of core mechanics (perfect for beginners!) Review of safety tools (X, N, O system, Lines and Veils, open-door policy) Setting intro and campaign theme overview 🔸 X, N, O System: We’ll be using the X (stop), N (pause/check-in), O (all good) system during gameplay. These can be typed in chat, said aloud, or indicated on video whatever feels right for you. You can also privately message me at any time. 🔸 Aftercare: I always stay a few minutes after each session to check in. Whether something felt off or you just want to decompress, I'm here for it. You’re encouraged to reach out anytime between sessions as well.
Content warnings
Safety tools used