A Pirate's Strife
A half-sunken shipwreck has surfaced offshore, and an old pirate will pay handsomely to be taken out to it. Beneath the waves, something still guards
$15.00
/ Session
Details
Weekly / Saturday - 6:00 PM UTC
Session Duration / 3–4 hours
0 / 5 Seats Filled
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About the adventure
A recently revealed shipwreck juts from the sea just beyond the safety of shore, its broken bow rising above the waves while the rest lies flooded and forgotten beneath the surface. An aging pirate offers coin for a simple job: row him out to the wreck so he can recover something he lost long ago. What should be a straightforward treasure hunt quickly turns into a tense exploration of creaking decks, dark water, and the lingering presence of those who never left. A Pirate’s Strife is a tier one nautical adventure built around exploration, atmosphere, and the thrill of discovery. Players will search a partially submerged wreck filled with hidden passages, drowned chambers, and long-buried treasure. The tone blends swashbuckling adventure with light horror, creating a damp, echoing dungeon crawl where danger can come from any direction and every room might hold something valuable… or something waiting. This game is open to all experience levels. New players will find it easy to jump in thanks to a clear goal, contained setting, and plenty of guidance along the way. Experienced players can enjoy a focused, story-rich scenario with opportunities to explore, make meaningful choices, and chase treasure in a classic seaside adventure. My play style emphasizes immersion, pacing, and player curiosity. Expect vivid environments, moments of tension, and a balance of exploration, roleplay, and combat. I reward creative thinking and careful investigation, and I aim to create a table where everyone feels comfortable contributing, whether you’re here for the action, the story, or the mystery of what lies below the waterline.
Game style
Roleplay Heavy
Meet the Game Master
5.0
(2)
5 years on StartPlaying
4 games hosted
Highly rated for: Inclusive, Teacher, Storytelling
Average response time: 8 hours
Response rate: 100%
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
Create a level 1 character using the standard array or point buy method. If you need help, I'm happy to set up a free session to assist ahead of the game time. All species and classes from official 5e sources are acceptable, with the caveat that the game does not feature firearms, lasers, or other modern/futuristic tech.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
We will be using D&D Beyond to create characters and either Roll20 or MAPS (from D&D Beyond) for our VTT. We may also use Discord for voice and video chat. Free accounts are available on all sites.
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
Potions as a bonus action. Otherwise, I generally stick to RAW (but there's always room for the Rule of Cool)
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How Scott creates a safe table
I will send a link to all players with a lines and veils document. Group lines and veils will be communicated clearly but anonymously before the start of the game.
Content warnings
Safety tools used