Image by Shutterstock
Beneath the Banner of Elkenberry - An Adventure for Beginners
Something is preying on the King's Road. The village of Elkenberry needs answers. You might be the only ones willing to find them.
$15.00
/ Session
Details
Once / Friday - 12:00 AM UTC
Mar 6
Session Duration / 3–3.5 hours
0 / 5 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
Something's wrong on the King's Road. Supplies have stopped reaching the village of Elkenberry, a quiet place wrapped in morning mist and uneasy rumors. The local guard is spread too thin, the Duchess is worried, and nobody seems to have answers. So she's turning to you. You're not a legendary hero. Not yet. But you're capable, you're curious, and you're exactly what Elkenberry needs right now. This is a beginner-friendly D&D 5e one-shot built from the ground up for first-time players. No experience required, seriously. You'll learn the game by actually playing it, not by reading a rulebook or sitting through a lecture. We'll cover what you need, when you need it, and the rest we'll figure out together at the table. You'll travel the northern road, talk to interesting people, poke around some atmospheric locations, uncover what's really going on, and get into a fight or two along the way. The adventure moves through exploration, roleplay, investigation, and combat at a pace that feels natural rather than rushed. There's also more going on in Elkenberry than it first appears. Follow your curiosity and you might just uncover something bigger than a missing supply wagon. What to expect at this table: a DM who wants you to ask questions, zero judgment if you don't know the rules, creativity rewarded over "correct" play, and a story where your choices actually matter. Come as you are. Leave as an adventurer.
Game style
Rule of Cool (RoC)
Rules as Written (RaW)
Combat Heavy
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
5.0
(6)
Less than a year on StartPlaying
2 games hosted
Highly rated for: Storytelling, Creativity, World Builder
Average response time: 10 hours
Response rate: 100%
About me
I’m a game master with over 10 years of experience running tabletop RPGs, primarily in Dungeons & Dragons 5e and Forged in the Dark systems like Blades in the Dark and Scum & Villainy. I’m a forever GM by choice, crafting immersive stories and helping players connect with the world and each other is what I enjoy most. My GMing style is story-driven and player-focused. Rules are important, but they’re there to support the narrative—not get in the way of cool ideas or fun moments. I build worlds that invite players to interact, explore, and leave a mark. I’m patient and flexible, especially with new players, and I work hard to make sure everyone at the table feels comfortable and included. Over the years, I’ve run long-standing ongoing campaigns for friends and family, and have spent the past year running a successful in-person campaign with a group of random newer acquaintances who’ve since become close friends. Whether someone is diving into their first session or bringing years of experience, I aim to make every game collaborative, engaging, and fun.
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
PREMADE CHARACTERS CREATION INFO • System: D&D 5e (2024 Player’s Handbook) • Stats: Standard Array (15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8) • Starting Level: Level 1 • Beginner-friendly. I’ll walk you through everything! If you would like to create your own character, use the above rules and provide me with the link to the public character sheet on DnD Beyond. I also provide 1 on 1 character creations sessions as well.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
• A working microphone (voice-only game) • A working Discord Account www.discord.com • A D&D Beyond account for character creation if you do not wish to use a pre-generated character www.dndbeyond.com
What Wes brings to the table
I run immersive, story-driven games that balance exploration, roleplay, and combat in equal measure. Whether you’re here to dive deep into character moments or uncover the island’s buried secrets, your choices will shape the story as it unfolds. My sessions generally include ambient sounds, music, visual aids, custom maps, and occasional handouts to enrich the atmosphere. I use the X-card as a safety tool to ensure everyone feels comfortable and supported at the table. Expect mysteries, occasional puzzles, and a world with deep lore and subtle foreshadowing for those who enjoy connecting the dots. I encourage player improv, creative problem-solving, and character-driven decisions. Rule of Cool is welcome, but grounded in the spirit of 5e’s core mechanics. Whether you’re new to D&D or a veteran explorer, I aim to create a space where your character can grow, fail, triumph, and leave a mark.
Homebrew rules
• All potions may be drank as a bonus action on yourself, but require a full action to administer to an ally. • Critical hits deal double damage dice (roll twice, do not double the result). • A natural 20 on a death save brings the character to 1 HP. If their initiative turn hasn’t passed, they may take it as normal.
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How Wes creates a safe table
Although this is a one-shot, all players will receive a Safety & Consent form in advance to communicate any content they wish to avoid or handle with care. The form is reviewed privately, and the game will respect those boundaries throughout. In the unlikely event that a submitted line or veil would fundamentally conflict with the scenario, I’ll reach out privately to discuss options before the game. During play, we’ll use the X, N, and O signals—simple tools that can be used verbally or via chat to pause, adjust, or check in as needed. These allow us to handle sensitive moments without explanation or disruption. Open communication is encouraged before and after the game. I’m always available for check-ins, clarifications, or aftercare conversations. My goal is to foster a table where everyone feels safe, respected, and fully immersed in the adventure.
Content warnings
Safety tools used