DireLands: Implements of War (AD&D Dark Fantasy Adventure)
March into a brutal war against the witch-queen. Your actions will impact the ongoing war in DireLands and decide how its dark history unfolds.
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SYSTEM
LEVELS
LANGUAGE
EXPERIENCE
AGE
$15.00
/ Session
Details
Bi-weekly / Sunday - 12:00 AM UTC
Session Duration / 3.5–4.5 hours
Campaign Length / 6–10 Sessions
0 / 6 Seats Filled
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About the adventure
The DireLands is a dark fantasy world torn apart through war, where survival is uncertain and heroism carries a cost. This one-shot adventure, Implements of War, is designed as an entry point for players new to the setting and to Advanced Dungeons & Dragons. You will step into a land ruled by fear, where armies clash, borders burn, and the shadow of the witch-queen looms over every battlefield. A brutal conflict rages between the Triumvirate and the free peoples of Faulest against the witch-queen’s expanding tyranny. In this mission, you are sent deep into the hostile nation of Locaston to uncover the blueprints of the Witch Queen's forces known as the Gaulix’s newly forged war machines. If their weaknesses are not discovered before they are unleashed against the nations of Bressus and Caelia, an entire continent may fall—and history will record the failure. This game emphasizes a dark atmosphere, meaningful choices, and clear goal-oriented play. I will guide new players through AD&D rules as we go, focusing on tension, exploration, and consequences rather than complexity. Expect a war-scarred world, hard decisions, and a story where your actions matter—not just for this mission, but for the ongoing history of the DireLands.
Game style
Combat Heavy
Hexcrawl / Exploration
Puzzle / Mystery Focused
Roleplay Lite
Rules as Written (RaW)
Rule of Cool (RoC)
Meet the Game Master
5.0
(3)
Less than a year on StartPlaying
Highly rated for: Creativity, Storytelling, Rule of Cool
About me
With over 30 years of experience in tabletop roleplaying games, I bring a deep love of classic systems and immersive storytelling to every table I run. My roots are firmly planted in old-school gaming—especially AD&D—but I also actively run and enjoy modern systems, including D&D 5e (2024). I have a strong preference for rich, lore-driven settings. When using established fantasy systems, I most often run games in Dragonlance or within my own original DireLands campaign world, both of which emphasize character-driven narratives, meaningful choices, and long-term consequences. In addition to fantasy, I specialize in darker, more atmospheric campaigns. I run a fully homebrewed cosmic horror setting using the In Nomine system, inspired by World of Darkness themes and infused with elements of Clive Barker and classic monsters. These games focus on moral tension, surreal horror, and unsettling mysteries. Whether guiding epic heroes or exploring the shadows of the unknown, my goal as a Game Master is to create memorable stories, collaborative worlds, and engaging experiences for every player at the table.
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
We will be creating characters in our session zero. You are open to any character builds in the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 1st Edition Players Handbook, including the Unearthed Arcana. We will be skinning the character options for the DireLands dark fantasy campaign setting. You will be given access to all materials necessary. We will be using Discord and the Roll20 VTT. This is a live-streamed actual play so you will need a microphone and camera.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
Join my Discord server here: https://discord.gg/aDG8hDRNS5 Make sure you have a Roll20 account. It is not necessary, but you may watch some lore videos on my YouTube channel to learn more about the campaign setting: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3H1RSyLqWNsD4CjAcwEniKvB-abrlBH
What AdamPC brings to the table
I provide everything needed to play, including access to the DireLands campaign setting, all necessary AD&D materials, and a fully prepared VTT. Players can arrive ready to play without prior system knowledge. Sessions are run through Discord, with the game live streamed to YouTube and Twitch. My GM style emphasizes immersion and clarity. I focus on vivid descriptions of the world, the weight of war, and the consequences of player choices. I use ambient audio and encounter-specific soundscapes to enhance tension and atmosphere. Character voices are used selectively to support tone without overwhelming play. Mechanically, I favor clear rules adjudication and grounded outcomes, especially in combat. Encounters are dangerous and tactical, but fair. While I respect Rules as Written, I apply rulings in service of pacing, tension, and story when appropriate. Players can expect a dark tone, meaningful decisions, and a table where their actions leave lasting marks on the DireLands.
Homebrew rules
I do not require players to announce their actions prior to rolling for initiative.
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Webcam
Platforms used
Safety
How AdamPC creates a safe table
All of my games are designed to be welcoming and inclusive for players of all ages and experience levels. I use the X, N, & O check-in system to ensure everyone feels comfortable with the content, and we take regular breaks for sessions longer than two hours. After each session, we follow up with a Stars and Wishes feedback check-in to hear what worked well and what could be improved. My goal is to create a safe, fun, and supportive environment where players can focus on story, exploration, and collaboration without worry.
Content warnings
Safety tools used