The Duke's Last Dance
A Regency ball promises opportunity and influence—but beneath silk and civility, something far more dangerous seeks your attention.
$30.00
/ Session
Details
Once / Friday - 12:00 AM UTC
Feb 27
Session Duration / 3–4 hours
2 / 6 Seats Filled
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Meet your party members
2/6
About the adventure
Welcome to Diamond in the Ruff, a Regency-era Call of Cthulhu one-shot. You are guests at an exclusive ball, drawn by the promise of connections, advantage, and—most enticingly—the favor of a powerful Duke. Reputation is currency here, and every glance, whispered word, and dance carries weight. Yet as the evening unfolds, it becomes clear that something is amiss beneath the polite smiles and measured courtesies. This game blends Regency social drama with creeping cosmic horror. Expect intrigue, subtle dread, and moments where the wrong choice at the wrong time may carry consequences far beyond social embarrassment. This one-shot is welcoming to both new and experienced Call of Cthulhu players. I’ll guide the rules as needed and support players unfamiliar with either the system or the Regency setting. If you enjoy period drama, layered mystery, and horror that hides behind a perfectly practiced smile, this evening is for you. Mind your manners and watch your footing, the dance floor is more dangerous than it appears.
Game style
Theater of the Mind
Roleplay Heavy
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
2 years on StartPlaying
1 game hosted
Average response time: 24+ hours
Response rate: 100%
About me
Hello! I’m Ashley May—a professional Game Master, horror writer, and storyteller with a deep love for atmosphere, character, and stories that linger long after the candles burn low. I’ve been running tabletop RPGs for over a decade, with a particular fondness for cosmic horror, gothic dread, and emotionally driven narratives. I gravitate toward games that reward curiosity, tension, and meaningful choices, and I strive to create sessions that feel immersive, intentional, and unforgettable. I’ve had the pleasure of facilitating games for conventions and special events, including Cthulhu in the Castle. I enjoy welcoming both new and experienced players and introducing them to rich worlds and systems. I’m also a trainer with Geek Therapeutics and a certified therapeutic Game Master, which informs how I approach safety, consent, and collaborative storytelling. Player comfort, communication, and trust are foundational at my table. If you’re looking for a game that values mood, story, and character over mechanics alone, I’d be delighted to guide you into the dark.
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
Characters will be created before the session using a short form and clear instructions I’ll provide. Investigators will follow standard Call of Cthulhu rules, tailored to suit the Regency setting and social focus of the game. I’ll guide stat generation and choices to ensure characters feel appropriate, balanced, and connected to the story. Character sheets will be reviewed together at the start of play so everyone feels prepared and confident.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
Before the session, players should complete character creation using the provided form and review any setting notes shared in advance. You’ll need a Discord account to join the game server, which will be used for communication, session links, and handouts, as well as access to the virtual tabletop used during play. Please ensure any required audio or video software is downloaded ahead of time so we can begin smoothly.
What Ashley May King brings to the table
I provide a richly atmospheric, story-forward experience, with evocative descriptions, ambient music, and distinct NPC voices to bring the Regency setting to life. Expect social encounters, investigation, and mounting tension rather than frequent combat. I lean toward the Rule of Cool when it enhances the narrative, while keeping mechanics consistent and easy to follow. All handouts, notes, and digital materials will be provided, allowing players to focus on role-play and immersion.
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How Ashley May King creates a safe table
Player safety and comfort are central to my games. I use the Virtual Deck of Player Safety and X-Cards, which can be used digitally, via chat, or held up on video. A link to the Deck of Player Safety will be shared and reviewed during Session 0, along with expectations for tone and collaboration. The goal is to ensure the horror remains engaging and enjoyable, never overwhelming.
Content warnings
Safety tools used