Shadows of the Past D&D
Uncover an ancient, sinister plot to control Savannah’s ley lines, risking magical exposure in a city where evil hides in plain sight. Save the city!
$20.00
/ Session
Details
Bi-weekly / Friday - 5:00 PM UTC
Session Duration / 2–3 hours
Campaign Length / 10–20 Sessions
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
Shadows of the Past is a love-letter to my hometown and the kinds of fiction I grew up on; a gripping campaign set in a magical Savannah, Georgia, where ley lines hum beneath historic squares and moss-draped oaks, concealing a vibrant world of supernatural intrigue. A shadowy figure manipulates the city’s mystical energies, threatening to disrupt the delicate balance that keeps magic hidden from unsuspecting “mundanes.” Players will explore haunted cemeteries, shadowy backstreets, and elegant galas, unraveling a web of secrets where every decision risks exposing the supernatural or harming innocents. This urban fantasy adventure weaves Southern gothic atmosphere with high-stakes mystery, blending roleplay, investigation, and combat in a city where danger hides in plain sight. The campaign’s themes create a rich, immersive experience: the banality of evil lurks behind charming facades, masking sinister ambitions; danger close to home roots the conflict in Savannah’s iconic landmarks, like Forsyth Park and River Street, making threats feel personal; collateral damage challenges players to contain magical disturbances—strange phenomena, cursed objects, or eerie outbursts—that could endanger the city; and the secrecy of magic, upheld by mundanes’ tendency to dismiss the fantastical and a pact among magical denizens, demands stealth and cunning. Expect tense social encounters, moral dilemmas over alliances with enigmatic figures, and thrilling battles against otherworldly forces, with choices that shape Savannah’s future. This game is perfect for players who love urban fantasy and mystery. Fans of The Dresden Files, Percy Jackson or The Magicians will adore the blend of Southern charm and supernatural stakes, while those who enjoy intricate plots will thrive navigating Savannah’s hidden factions and preserving the veil of secrecy. Whether you’re drawn to deep roleplay, tactical challenges, or atmospheric storytelling, Shadows of the Oak offers an unforgettable journey into a city teetering on the edge of revelation. If you crave immersive settings, tough choices, and a mix of intrigue and action, gather your party and step into Savannah’s shadows to protect its secrets!
Game style
Combat Heavy
Puzzle / Mystery Focused
Roleplay Heavy
Rule of Cool (RoC)
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
5.0
(7)
2 years on StartPlaying
30 games hosted
Highly rated for: Creativity, Knows the Rules, Inclusive
Average response time: Under 1 hour
Response rate: 100%
About me
I’ve been DMing for about 5 years now. I enjoy high-power campaigns, with lots of magic items. My favorite settings are Eberron and Exandria, and I own most of Wizards’ published campaigns.
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
The bulk of character creation can be done in session 0, which will be free. I ask that each player come to the table with 3 character concepts. These concepts can be anything from a build, to a 30-page backstory, to a silly voice, to a life philosophy. We'll take these concepts and develop which best gel together (including which have the best potential for drama), and in the setting and story as a whole (it's no fun playing an anime character in a CW show, don't ask me how I know). Standard D&D character-gen rules apply, my preference for stats is 4d6 drop lowest, but I’m open to other options players may prefer. I do not ban any class, subclass, species, or source. However, some options might be unavailable or limited for lore reasons.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
Please make sure to have your 3 character concepts ready for session 0. Feel free to send any questions to my dms while we wait for a “full” table. It also couldn’t hurt to familiarize yourself with the tropes of Urban Fantasy as well,if you aren’t already. The properties listed in the Adventure Description above makes a good “reading list” for that purpose, and if you’ve got a character concept based on a story or property that isn’t listed, let me know! I’d love to add to my own reading list.
What Chris Walz brings to the table
My GMing style has been described as very story-forward and player permissive. I enjoy using character backstory information in a number of ways. I play with a variety of character voices and vocal styles, though I've been known to forget who I gave what voice to from time to time. I don't use ambient music or sound effects, as I haven't found a way of incorporating them over Discord that I like yet. I also have an extensive DnD Beyond library and use the Maps functionality for a VTT.
Homebrew rules
I have extensive homebrew rules inspired by the 2024 5e rules revisions that I will make available in a Google drive. However, if players are uninterested in these rules, they need not be used.
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How Chris Walz creates a safe table
I'm very sensitive to my players' personal lines and veils. I don't have a dedicated document, as I prefer players to send such information to me in private messages. I've never had this cause problems with one player broaching another's lines or veils unknowingly, but I do have infrastructure in place to address that situation if it should come up. I'm also always available to communicate, so please feel free to ask if you have any questions.
Content warnings
Safety tools used