The Blacklamp Stand | D&D 5.5e | A Level 5 One-Shot
A corrupting force advances along the northern road, and Blacklamp Waystation is the last line of delay. You are sent to hold the cannon platform.
$20.00
/ Session
Details
Once / Wednesday - 12:00 AM UTC
Mar 11
Session Duration / 3–4 hours
0 / 6 Seats Filled
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About the adventure
The Blacklamp Stand is a tactical, combat heavy D&D one shot for 5th level characters, set at a fortified waystation on the edge of a spreading corruption. This is a low RP, high pressure defense scenario, perfect for anyone who wants to test characters, builds, and party synergy under stress. You get a short prep window, then you commit to defending a cannon platform through four escalating waves. You can short rest between waves, but there is no long rest, no retreat, and no safety net once it starts. The win condition is simple: hold the line long enough to matter. I run combat fast, clear, and fair. I will signal exactly when preparation ends and the siege begins. This game rewards teamwork: positioning, timing, target priority, and smart resource use beat solo hero moments. Just know this: the longer you hold, the more the corruption notices. And it does not send everything at once. Best for players who want coordinated fights, resource management, and a focused combat scenario over open exploration or long RP scenes. New and veteran players welcome.
Game style
Combat Heavy
Roleplay Lite
Rules as Written (RaW)
Rule of Cool (RoC)
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
5.0
(9)
2 years on StartPlaying
8 games hosted
Highly rated for: Storytelling, Visual Aid, Sets the Mood
About me
Hey, I'm Paul! I’ve been playing D&D for eight years and running games for five. My goal is to deliver immersive, player driven sessions where your choices matter and the world responds in meaningful ways. Roleplay is a big part of my games. NPCs feel like real people, and I love when a session naturally leans into character moments or unexpected detours. I encourage roleplay but never force it. Combat is fast, tactical, and dangerous. Enemies think and adapt, and the battlefield is part of the challenge. I want you to feel like your decisions matter, whether you’re in a fight or finding a creative way around one. Exploration is more than travel. I like to include puzzles, skill challenges, and unexpected moments that make the world feel alive and worth discovering. I’m always open to chatting about your playstyle or any specific ideas you have. If this sounds like the kind of game you’d enjoy, feel free to reach out, I’d love to have you at the table!
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
Character Creation: - 2024 Rules (including Forgotten Realms: Heroes of Faerûn, Eberron: Forge of the Artificer, Lorwyn: First Light, Astarion's Book of Hungers - Ability scores are determined using Point Buy - No Homebrew / Unearthed Arcana - Starting Equipment per PHB rules - On D&D Beyond, all content sources should be turned "off" at creation. Only Core Rules and Expanded (2024) should be enabled For this level 5 adventure, assume you’re competent, well equipped adventurers, but not wealthy. Starting Gear - Choose one uncommon magic item - Choose one common magic item - Start with 300 gold to spend using Sane Magic Item Prices These represent gear and funds you already have going into the adventure. The gold is intended for consumables, mundane gear, and preparation, not stacking additional permanent magic items. Availability is not unlimited. If something feels out of place or disruptive, I may restrict it. When in doubt, ask. Think well equipped adventurers, not a magic item shopping spree. You are also considered to have enough material components to cast any spell with a gold cost once.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
Required to play: - A mic - Decent internet connection - D&D Beyond Account (Free) - Discord (Free)
What Paul brings to the table
I run focused, well prepared one shots with an emphasis on tactical combat, teamwork, and pacing. Encounters reward positioning, coordination, and smart resource use. I use Foundry VTT with pre built maps, lighting, and automation. I run combat efficiently and keep rulings clear and consistent. I use ambient music to support tension and momentum. Roleplay is concise and situational rather than voice heavy. Rules are primarily Rules as Written, with occasional Rule of Cool moments when they enhance play without disrupting balance. This game is best for players who enjoy structured encounters, meaningful choices, and holding the line under pressure.
Homebrew rules
Table Rules: - Healing Potions: In combat: Action: Rolls maximum. Bonus Action: Rolls normally. Out of combat healing rolls normally - Hidden Death Saves - No Flanking - No PvP. This is a cooperative game. There will be plenty of combat to be had throughout the one shot
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How Paul creates a safe table
Once you are accepted, you will receive a consent checklist, a Discord invite, and a D&D Beyond campaign link so we can get set up. I will open Foundry 30 minutes before the session and be available to help anyone get comfortable with the tools. If you have questions at any point, message me on Discord. During play, if anything makes you uncomfortable or you need to step away for any reason, you can pause or leave without explanation. Message me privately on Discord and I will adjust the scene, fade to black, or move on. Your comfort comes first. We will take a 5-10 minute break mid session for water, food, and stretching.
Content warnings
Safety tools used