Grim Hollow: Beautiful Monsters (D&D 5E 2024)
Something is transforming the innocent into nightmarish beasts across the Bürach Empire. Can you unmask the smiling villain?
$20.00
/ Session
Details
Weekly / Monday - 1:00 AM UTC
Session Duration / 2–3 hours
Campaign Length / 35–50 Sessions
0 / 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
About the adventure
The Bürach Empire is dying. Monsters with human eyes prowl the countryside. Villages vanish. People disappearl or worse, they're found transformed into the beasts terrorizing the land. You're investigators tracking these attacks across four provinces. The pattern is maddeningly inconsistent: beast attacks spike, then cease. Witnesses describe different creatures but share strange details—victims who seemed willing, impossibly fast transformations, a haunting melody before each attack. One constant appears wherever tragedy strikes: Grinwald's Traveling Extravaganza, a magnificent carnival bringing joy to grieving communities. The Ringmaster himself is beloved, a charismatic bard who makes audiences forget their suffering. Surely this can't be connected... can it? The truth unfolds across 35-50 sessions as you piece together a conspiracy involving fey magic and forced "liberation." Grinwald uses magic to transform people into monsters, genuinely believing he's saving them from society's constraints. Some victims are grateful. Others beg for death. He's not a cackling villain, he's a joyful idealist, and he's terrifyingly good at making you doubt your mission. What You'll Experience: Mystery & Investigation - Track beast patterns, interrogate witnesses, explore political corruption. The carnival's involvement becomes clear through evidence you gather, not exposition. Tactical Gothic Combat - Fight unique monsters with abilities reflecting who they were. Intelligent enemies who adapt. Consequences that leave scars. Impossible Moral Choices - Confront victims who don't want to be "saved." Decide which provinces to prioritize. Question what "humanity" means when some monsters are happier than they were as people. Unforgettable Villain - Grinwald is fully voice-acted with theatrical charm. You'll chase someone who makes you laugh even as he destroys everything. By the end, you'll either hate him with passion or feel devastated stopping him. Player-Driven Story - Your choices determine which provinces survive, how you handle "willing" transformations, and the ending. I weave your backstories into the plot with personal arcs and NPCs from your past. Perfect for players who love: Gothic horror with dark comedy, memorable villains, moral complexity, and campaigns where your choices genuinely matter.
Game style
Combat Lite
Rule of Cool (RoC)
Roleplay Heavy
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
4.9
(10)
2 years on StartPlaying
6 games hosted
Highly rated for: Creativity, Storytelling, Knows the Rules
Average response time: 1 hour
Response rate: 100%
About me
I'm Davi, a 4.9-star GM specializing in character-driven dark fantasy campaigns with professional production quality. I've been running D&D for 7 years, and here's what I've learned: the best sessions aren't the ones where everything goes to plan, they're the ones where someone does something completely unexpected, and suddenly the whole table is invested in whether it'll work. What makes my games different: I get obsessed with your character's story. You mention a complicated relationship with your mentor? They're showing up in Act Two with a morally questionable favor. I prep custom artwork for major NPCs and give them distinct voices. Your backstory isn't flavor text it becomes the plot. My campaigns lean dark fantasy with tactical combat where terrain actually matters. Chandeliers to swing from, explosive barrels, crumbling ledges, magical storms. And recurring villains? They learn from your tactics and adapt. I don't railroad. Want to sail to another continent instead of following the main quest? Do it. Just know the world doesn't pause, villains keep scheming, consequences keep building. Your choices reshape everything. What you get: Professional Foundry VTT with custom maps and dynamic lighting • All D&D Beyond content shared • Character voices for every major NPC • Session recaps within 24 hours • 1-on-1 character creation calls • Custom homebrew items tailored to your backstory • Active Discord community with between-session RP The vibe: My tables get loud. Laughing, shouting when someone crits, groaning when plans collapse. We take the story seriously but not ourselves. I've had players from different countries become genuine friends through my campaigns, that's what I'm after. If you want character-driven stories, tactical combat that feels cinematic, and a DM who'll care more about your backstory than you do, let's roll some dice. ⭐ 4.9/5 stars • 7 years GM experience • Running 6+ weekly campaigns • LGBTQ+ friendly
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
Characters will be created collaboratively during Session 0 using standard D&D 5e rules with Grim Hollow modifications. We'll use point buy (27 points) or standard array for ability scores, no rolling stats to keep the party balanced for this challenging campaign. Starting level is 5, you're already established adventurers hired to investigate the monster crisis. We'll work together on party composition and backstory hooks that tie you to the Bürach Empire. Each character should have a reason to care about stopping the spreading corruption. All official 5e content is allowed, plus Grim Hollow Player's Guide options (Transformations, Dark Gifts, etc.). We'll discuss how these mechanics might intersect with the campaign's transformation themes during Session 0. Character sheets will be created on D&D Beyond (I provide Master Tier content sharing). Bring concepts, not complete builds, I love helping players develop characters that fit the Gothic horror tone while still feeling heroic and capable.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
Before Session 0: - Create a free D&D Beyond account (I'll share campaign link with content access) - Join our Discord server (link provided upon signup) - Read the "Bürach Empire Primer" I'll share a 2-page overview of the setting - Think about your character concept: Who are they? Why do they hunt monsters? What do they fear? Optional but recommended: Skim the Grim Hollow Player's Guide if you want to use transformations or setting-specific options. Don't worry if you don't have it, I'll explain everything you need. Session 0 will cover: Safety tools, character creation, party dynamics, setting expectations, and the campaign hook. Come ready to collaborate!
What Davi brings to the table
I bring the full storytelling experience: Theatrical Villainy - Grinwald will be fully voice-acted with theatrical flair, musical numbers (yes, I'll sing in-character), and memorable one-liners. He's not just a stat block, he's a PERFORMANCE. Immersive Atmosphere - Custom art, handouts, in-game letters from Grinwald, ambient music/sound effects, and detailed descriptions that make the Gothic horror feel real. I use Foundry VTT with dynamic lighting, animated maps, and visual effects. Challenging Combat - Tactical encounters with unique monster designs. Grinwald's transformed victims aren't generic beasts, each has abilities reflecting who they were as people. Expect smart enemies and environmental hazards. Player Agency - Your choices shape the campaign. Which provinces do you save? Do you kill transformed victims or seek cures? How do you deal with "willing" monsters? The ending changes based on your decisions. D&D Beyond Master Tier - Full content sharing so you can access any official books or Grim Hollow content for character creation. GM Style - I balance Rule of Cool with tactical challenge. I do voices for NPCs, embrace emotional storytelling, and reward creative problem-solving. I believe in "Yes, and..." while maintaining stakes and consequences.
Homebrew rules
Drinking a Potion = Bonus Action (administering to another = full action) Flanking Advantage (Optional rule enabled for tactical combat) Heroic Death Saves - Natural 20 restores 1 HP and ends unconsciousness (makes dramatic moments more cinematic) Inspiration Tokens - Awarded for great RP, clever tactics, or memorable moments; can be spent for advantage or saved for auto-success on crucial rolls Grim Hollow Transformations - Modified slightly to prevent accidental monster transformation (you'll have agency over your character's fate) Rule of Cool - If it's awesome and you can justify it, we'll make it work
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Headphones
Webcam
Platforms used
Safety
How Davi creates a safe table
Safety is non-negotiable at my table. Session 0 includes: Comprehensive Lines and Veils discussion using a digital form (filled out privately, shared with me only) Clear X, N, O Cards system (Digital via Discord reactions during play) Open Door policy explanation (anyone can leave for any reason, no questions asked) Aftercare check-ins at session end During the Campaign: X-Card available at all times via Discord reaction or verbal "X" (scene immediately changes, no explanation needed) Content warnings before potentially triggering scenes Regular check-ins during intense moments Debrief after heavy sessions using Stars and Wishes format Private DM channels for any concerns My Philosophy: This is a dark campaign with body horror and moral complexity, but it should NEVER make players genuinely uncomfortable. The goal is thrilling horror, not traumatizing horror. We fade to black when needed, and player comfort always trumps narrative. I've been running games for 8+ years and prioritize creating an inclusive, respectful table where everyone feels safe exploring dark themes.
Content warnings
Safety tools used