Hold Back the Dead!! A survival one-shot!!

Hold Back the Dead!! A survival one-shot!!

The dead are clawing at the walls and dawn is hours away. Hold the line, ration supplies, and pray you live long enough to regret it.

TYPE

One-Shot

LEVELS

4–5

LANGUAGE

English

EXPERIENCE

Open to all

AGE

All Ages
Request to join
Send a request to join this game. The Game Master will review your application and reach out with follow up questions to see if you are a good fit for the table.
3 NEEDED TO START
$20.00

/ Session

Details

Once / Friday - 11:00 PM UTC

Apr 17

Session Duration / 5–6 hours

1 / 6 Seats Filled

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This game will begin once 4 players have joined

Meet your party members

1/6

About the adventure

The dead are rising, and the walls will not hold forever. The fate of this ruined fortress rests in your hands. Can you and your allies withstand the relentless assault of the undead horde, or will you be overrun? Set in the Western Heartlands of the Sword Coast, this combat-heavy adventure throws players into a desperate last stand against the forces of undeath. You’ll need tactical skill, teamwork, and quick decision-making to survive as wave after wave of enemies threatens to breach the walls. Expect fast-paced action with intense encounters, resource management, and battlefield strategy. Whether you fight to the bitter end or turn the tide against the undead, this one-shot promises high-stakes combat and cinematic moments. Gather your weapons, steel your nerves, and hold back the dead!

Game style

Combat Heavy

Roleplay Lite

Rule of Cool (RoC)

Meet the Game Master

4.9

(30)

LGBTQ+
Neurodivergent

2 years on StartPlaying

123 games hosted

Highly rated for: Creativity, Teacher, Knows the Rules

Average response time: Under 1 hour

Response rate: 100%

About me

Hi! I’m Michael — a 30+ year Dungeon Master who loves cinematic storytelling, emotional character arcs, detailed ambiance, and just the right amount of chaos. I bring custom lore, deep worldbuilding, atmospheric music, and player-focused storytelling to every session. My goal is simple: create a space where players feel excited, supported, and completely immersed. Come for the story, stay for the chaos.

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Character creation

Creating your character

Character Creation Process: Character creation happens before the session. Players must have their characters ready in D&D Beyond before the game starts. If you need assistance, reach out ahead of time. Character Options: Level 4 characters. Stats are determined by Point Buy or rolled using the Avrae bot in Discord. Players may choose one (1) blue (rare) item—this can be a weapon, armor, or a magic item. All officially published 2024 D&D books are allowed. Pre-Made Characters: If you don’t want to create your own, I have pre-made characters available for quick and easy play.

What to expect

Preparing for the session

How to Prepare for the Game: To ensure a smooth session, please have the following ready before the game starts: ✅ Accounts & Tools: A free account on Roll20, D&D Beyond, and Discord. Your D&D Beyond character linked to the campaign (instructions will be provided). A working headset and microphone for clear voice communication on Discord. ✅ Character Creation: Create a Level 4 character using Point Buy or rolling stats via the Avrae bot in Discord. Choose one (1) blue (rare) magic item (weapon, armor, or other). If you need help, pre-made characters are available. ✅ Gameplay Expectations: This is a combat-heavy, tactical one-shot—be ready for fast-paced action and strategic teamwork. Be familiar with your character’s abilities, as quick decision-making is key to survival. ✅ Final Checklist: Make sure your character is finalized before the session. Join the game’s Discord server for communication and coordination. Read through any session rules or expectations provided before play. Once everything is set, just show up, be ready for battle, and hold back the dead!

What Michael brings to the table

What I Bring to the Table: I provide a fast-paced, tactical combat experience with a focus on strategic encounters and high-stakes action. If you enjoy intense battles, resource management, and making split-second decisions, this game is for you. Here’s what you can expect from me as your GM: Fully prepared maps, tokens, and handouts to enhance immersion. Access to the latest D&D 2024 updates, including the Player’s Handbook, Dungeon Master’s Guide, and Monster Manual (pending release). Balanced yet deadly encounters that challenge players to think critically and use their abilities creatively. Smooth, efficient game flow—I run a rules-light, fast-paced combat system while ensuring tactical depth. Clear communication and teamwork encouragement to create a fair and fun environment. A no-nonsense approach—players should be ready for action, coordination, and a fight for survival. If you’re looking for a cinematic battle for survival, where tactics, teamwork, and fast decision-making matter, this game will put your skills to the test!

Homebrew rules

- ALL potions are bonus actions - digital dice for all rolls - flanking is in effect - glancing blow

Equipment needed to play

Computer

Headphones

Internet

Microphone

Safety

How Michael creates a safe table

Safety Tools & Gameplay Details Session 0: Before the game begins, we’ll have a brief Session 0 to discuss expectations, player comfort, and establish boundaries. Breaks & Aftercare: A short break will be provided mid-session. After the game, players are welcome to discuss highlights, ask questions, or provide feedback in a relaxed debrief. Gameplay Expectations: Fast-paced, tactical combat is the focus. Players will be engaged in strategic battles against waves of undead. Rules-light approach to streamline play—core mechanics matter, but we won’t slow the game down with excessive rules lawyering. Teamwork is essential—players must coordinate to survive against overwhelming odds.

Content warnings

Safety tools used

Frequently asked questions