The Bitter Harvest
The fields whisper. The rain falls. A son is lost, and your courage is his only hope. Step into the ancient curse of the Bitter Harvest.
$15.00
/ Session
Details
Once / Saturday - 12:00 AM UTC
Feb 7
Session Duration / 3–4 hours
0 / 5 Seats Filled
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About the adventure
Beyond the village of Garenhold lies a field no one enters and no one leaves. Crops grow there still—too tall, too thick—whispering in the rain as if the land itself remembers something it cannot forget. When a noble family vanishes inside, you are asked to step into a place that has become more legend than farmland, and uncover the truth behind the Bitter Harvest. This is a folk-horror mystery where the environment is as dangerous as any monster. Visibility is limited, the ground fights every step, and unseen eyes seem to follow you through the swaying crops. Combat is tense and meaningful, but not constant—survival depends just as much on observation, empathy, and difficult choices as it does on steel and spell. The Bitter Harvest is designed for players who enjoy atmosphere, roleplay, and moral gray areas. There are no perfect answers here, only consequences. Your decisions will shape how this story ends, and what becomes of the people who still cling to hope beyond the field’s edge. Whether you’re a new player or a veteran adventurer, this one-shot is welcoming, story-driven, and focused on collaboration. Come ready to explore, to question what you’re told, and to decide what kind of heroes you want to be when the land itself is watching. All experience levels are welcome. This is an introductory one-shot with the option to continue into a Western Marches–style campaign for players who want to explore more of the world.
Game style
West Marches
Hexcrawl / Exploration
Puzzle / Mystery Focused
Roleplay Heavy
Rule of Cool (RoC)
Meet the Game Master
5 years on StartPlaying
About me
I started running D&D as a kid in 1984 with a battered boxed set from a rummage sale, my brothers, and a couple of neighbors. I kept playing through the Satanic Panic years (sometimes underground), and I’m still doing what I love—helping the dice tell stories. I’ve played and run a wide range of systems, including D&D, Star Frontiers, and Boot Hill. By day, I’m a high school teacher (History, Geography, Government, and French), and by night I’m a published novelist—so clear communication, strong atmosphere, distinct characters, and meaningful choices are at the center of every game I run. I often say there are two kinds of tables: those that play a game with a story attached, and those that tell a story with a game attached. I run the latter. My style is story-forward and roleplay-focused, with room for tactics, humor, and heroics—but always with character at the center. I aim for tables where everyone shares the spotlight, which is why I cap my games at 4–5 players. My tables are inclusive, respectful, and welcoming. I’m also beginner-friendly. If you’re looking for immersive stories, shared spotlight, and a GM who treats your character as part of the narrative—not just a stat block—I’d love to have you at my table.
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
Players may use standard array or point buy, as per the D&D 5e rules (2024). Standard starting equipment/starting gold. Species and classes from official sources are permitted. No firearms/modern or sci-fi tech. Help is available for beginners to create characters (just let me know)
What to expect
Preparing for the session
This game is run on Roll20 for maps, dice, character sheets, and voice/video. Character creation will be done through D&D Beyond, which makes building and managing your character simple and fast. I’ll provide a campaign link so your character can be shared and connected to Roll20. You do not need a paid account on either platform. In the rare case that Roll20’s audio/video is unstable, we’ll switch to Zoom as a backup. You do not need a Zoom account to join. Before the game, please: Create a free account on D&D Beyond -Join the Roll20 game using the provided link -Use a headset or headphones to avoid echo -Join a few minutes early so we can resolve any technical issues -All other materials will be provided. Just bring your character, your character, and a willingness to step into the story.
What Scott brings to the table
I provide a story-first experience where atmosphere, player choice, and consequence shape the world. You can expect a living setting that reacts to your decisions, with NPCs who have motivations of their own and environments that feel as dangerous—and as meaningful—as any monster. I use light character voices and descriptive narration to build mood and tension. Combat is dangerous and cinematic rather than purely tactical, and not every problem is meant to be solved with a sword. Clever plans, empathy, and creative thinking are just as valuable as good dice rolls. I follow the rules as written when they matter, but I’m not afraid to lean into the Rule of Cool when it serves the story and the moment. My goal is always fairness, clarity, and consistency—so players feel challenged without ever feeling tricked. Above all, I provide a collaborative table where everyone gets a chance to shine. If you’re looking for a game that feels immersive, emotionally grounded, and shaped by your choices, you’ll feel right at home here.
Homebrew rules
RAW except when superseded by Rule of Cool.
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How Scott creates a safe table
Session 0 material will be handled before the first session. Each player will be provided with a link to my lines and veils document. All players will be informed of lines and veils present for the session. Should lines be crossed, the game will be paused and the breech will be discussed. Should there be anything that any player needs to discuss or debrief after the session, I will keep an open door policy. I will make players aware of this before the session and remind them at session's close.
Content warnings
Safety tools used