Classic D&D Reborn — When a Star Falls & Beyond the Crystal Cave
These adventures challenged the old-school philosophy and pushed D&D beyond its wargaming roots—the foundations of the modern roleplaying experience.
$25.00
/ Session
Details
Weekly / Wednesday - 7:00 PM UTC
Session Duration / 3–4 hours
Campaign Length / 8–16 Sessions
4 / 6 Seats Filled
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Meet your party members
4/6
About the adventure
🌟 Classic D&D Reborn — When a Star Falls & Beyond the Crystal Cave (5E) Having completed Heroes of the Borderlands, veteran Dungeon Master Robert J. Defendi continues his exploration of the adventures that helped define Dungeons & Dragons itself. With 43 years of Game Mastering experience, Robert now turns to two groundbreaking classics: When a Star Falls and Beyond the Crystal Cave, updated for Fifth Edition in Quests from the Infinite Staircase. These aren’t simple dungeon crawls. When they were first published, these adventures challenged the old-school “kick in the door” philosophy and pushed D&D beyond its wargaming roots. They introduced innovative hooks, emotional stakes, negotiation over slaughter, and story-driven problem solving — foundations of the modern roleplaying experience. We will begin this the week after our current Heroes of the Borderlands game ends. I expect that to mean our first session will be on March 18th. What to Expect: 📖 Story-first adventures with meaningful choices 🧠 Creative problem-solving over brute force 🎭 Memorable NPCs and morally complex scenarios ⚔️ Classic design, thoughtfully adapted to 5E 🎲 Run by a DM with 43 years of table-tested experience Abandon the sand table. Explore the roots of modern storytelling. Discover why these adventures changed D&D forever. ✨ Adventure awaits. Will you answer the call?
Game style
Combat Heavy
Roleplay Heavy
Rule of Cool (RoC)
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
5.0
(23)
Less than a year on StartPlaying
40 games hosted
Highly rated for: Creativity, Knows the Rules, Storytelling
Average response time: 6 hours
Response rate: 100%
About me
Looking for unforgettable adventures — not just another session? You’ve come to the right table. With 42 years of GMing experience, I’ve run everything from classic dungeon crawls to hard sci-fi thrillers and cinematic horror. My focus is always the same: immersive storytelling, player agency, and moments you’ll talk about for years. Whether you’re delving into D&D 5E, facing terror in ALIEN RPG, delving deep in Shadowdark RPG, or exploring other systems and worlds, every session is crafted for engagement, pacing, and fun. What You Can Expect: • Decades of Experience: 42 years of running and designing campaigns across multiple systems • Professional Delivery: Clear communication, strong pacing, and polished prep • Player-Focused Play: Storylines that evolve with your group’s decisions • Flexible Offerings: One-shots, ongoing campaigns, or private group sessions • Digital Mastery: Smooth, cinematic play on FoundryVTT • From heroic fantasy to deep-space horror, I bring the same level of professionalism, creativity, and passion to every table. Reserve Your Seat on StartPlaying.games — let’s tell a story worth remembering. #TTRPG #DnD #AlienRPG #FoundryVTT #StartPlayingGames
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
We will make characters on D&D Beyond. New players can make characters in a free "Session Zero," likely a one-on-one with the DM at a time off the current time slot. We'll talk and see what's appropriate for the new player's needs. Returning player can use the same characters they used in Heroes from the Borderlands.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
Get a free account from D&D Beyond. You can use a Google account login, making it quite easy. I can share my D&D Beyond library if need be, so you don’t need to buy any books. D&D Beyond has free rules for 2024. You can use these if you (like me) like to do some pre-reading in advance.
What Robert brings to the table
I’ll provide any necessary electronic book access and a play environment. You will need an internet connection and a web browser that can run Foundry Virtual Tabletop. I will also provide help, guidance, and instruction where necessary.
Homebrew rules
I’ll try to stick as close as possible to the 2024 rules, but I can’t resist some “rule of cool” rulings. I’d have a hard time saying you failed if you rolled a natural 20. I might waive the cost of specific actions if it makes the game more fun. Also, so far all of my players have asked to use the flanking rules from 2014.
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How Robert creates a safe table
We will discuss any special needs in session zero or in discord chat if the player feels they can handle character creation on their own. For instance, if you are visually impaired and are trying to learn to play with a screen reader, or are neurodivergent and need me to present information in a certain way, or have anxiety and need me to direct attention away from you in certain circumstances. Also, we'll cover lines and veils, which basically amount to what "no-nos" you want to define, like "No sexy stuff" or "No spiders. Seriously, no spiders." I have an X-Card module installed in the virtual tabletop, so you can easily put up a “Stop!” flag on the play in case we accidentally stumble into an area you’d rather not discuss.
Content warnings
Safety tools used