Image by Reece Johnson (In-game Foundry Screenshot)
Curse of the Pyramid: The Lost Expedition | Foundry 5E
A silent pyramid. A missing party. A Golden Scarab calling from the dark. Brave a living tomb in this immersive, fully animated 5E adventure.
$5.00
/ Session
Details
Once / Tuesday - 6:00 PM UTC
Apr 28
Session Duration / 2–3 hours
1 / 6 Seats Filled
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Schedule
Meet your party members
1/6
About the adventure
The Mystery of the Sun King A team of explorers went into the great desert pyramid two weeks ago. They were looking for the famous Golden Scarab. Since then, no one has heard from them. You have been hired to go inside, find out what happened, and bring back the treasure. But be careful—once the stone doors shut, the pyramid comes to life. This isn't just a tomb; it is a giant, ancient machine. You will have to navigate shifting sands, solve puzzles that require genuine teamwork, and face guardians that have waited a thousand years for fresh prey. A Legacy of Storytelling D&D is my legacy. I was practically raised at the table, inspired by my Stepfather’s absolute love for the game. When he passed, I took up the mantle to keep that spark alive. For me, these sessions aren't just games; they are a way to carry on a tradition of storytelling and build real, lasting connections. When you sit at my table, you aren't just a player—you are part of a story that truly matters. Narrative Immersion & The "Rule of Cool" I believe the best games happen when you feel empowered to take risks and follow your curiosity. My style is "narrative-first"—if you have a legendary idea, we are going to make it happen. I don't just describe a room; I build an atmosphere that pulls you in. Using Foundry VTT, I provide a cinematic experience: Immersive Soundscapes: Custom music that reacts to your choices in real-time. Dynamic Lighting: Watch your torchlight flicker against the ancient hieroglyphs. Automated Combat: Powered by Midi-QOL, combat is fast, flashy, and high-stakes. We focus on your hero moments, not the math. I want to know what your magic looks like and how your steel meets the foe. I provide the obstacles, but you provide the heart. A Safe & Expert Space With a decade of experience in specialist education, I am an expert at reading a room. I have successfully led high-stakes sessions for up to 12 players at once, keeping the energy electric and everyone involved. My table is a supportive, inclusive, and "safety-first" environment. I use standard safety tools along with "check-ins" and "check-outs" to ensure we grow as a team. Whether you are neurodivergent, a total beginner, or a grizzled veteran, I tailor the game to fit you. What my players and professional coaches say: "Reece always tailors scenarios to suit individual needs... the atmosphere feels unique to each group." * "Fantastic soundtracks... it became super immersive. He was REALLY good at adapting to our decisions." "He was really good at introducing me to how to play and enabling me to fully immerse myself." What You Get The Mission: A high-stakes rescue and treasure hunt into the unknown. Atmospheric Story: Vivid descriptions that make the ancient tomb feel real. The Teacher: I specialise in making complex rules feel simple and natural. Your Hero Moment: I adapt to your choices—the story goes where you take it. The pyramid is waiting. The first team vanished; will you? Let’s roll
Game style
Dungeon Crawl
Rule of Cool (RoC)
Tactical / Crunchy
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
5.0
(3)
Less than a year on StartPlaying
Highly rated for: Storytelling, Inclusive, Teacher
Average response time: 24+ hours
Response rate: 100%
About me
D&D is my legacy. I was practically raised at the table, inspired by my Stepfather’s absolute love for the game. When he passed, I took up the mantle and stepped behind the screen to keep that spark alive. For me, these sessions aren't just games; they are a way to carry on a tradition of storytelling and build real, lasting connections. A Professional Backdrop With a decade of experience in education and private play, I bring a unique perspective to the table. Much of my professional background involves working in Alternative Provision with young people navigating neurodivergent and behavioural challenges. I’ve seen firsthand how D&D acts as a brilliant tool for building confidence and social growth, but more importantly, I know how to read a room. If I can manage a high-stakes classroom, I can certainly ensure your Friday night game is seamless, inclusive, and high-energy. What to Expect at My Table I’m a firm believer in the "Rule of Cool." While I know the mechanics inside out, I’ll always prioritise a cinematic moment over a rigid rulebook. My goal is to create a supportive, trauma-informed space where everyone—from absolute beginners to grizzled veterans—gets their chance to shine. Whether we’re exploring high-fantasy ruins or a custom Sci-Fi setting, you’re getting a polished experience. I am fully Enhanced DBS checked and tech-ready for online VTT play or in-person sessions around Ipswich. If you’re looking for a GM who balances deep technical knowledge with a genuine, patient approach to teaching the game, let's chat. I look forward to seeing you at the table! — Reece Johnson, lead storyteller at Forge & Folio.
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
To ensure we hit the ground running and maximise our 3-hour journey into the pyramid, I provide a diverse roster of expertly crafted pre-made characters. These are already integrated into our Foundry VTT system with all their magical effects and tactical abilities ready to go at the click of a button. How it works: Lock in Your Hero: Once you purchase your seat, you’ll be able to choose from our roster. Make It Yours: You have total creative freedom over your character’s Name, Gender, and Appearance. Forge Your Story: I encourage you to "sculpt" your character's backstory. Why are you here? What is your connection to the lost expedition? You’ll have the chance to introduce your hero and their unique motivation during our cinematic opening. Our First 30 Minutes: I dedicate the start of every session to our team. We will: Establish Safety: We’ll go through our "Lines and Veils" and "Check-ins" to ensure everyone feels comfortable. Character Orientation: For new players, I will personally walk you through your character sheet, explain your best abilities, and ensure you feel confident before we roll for initiative. Find Your Voice: This is your moment to introduce your hero to the group and set the stage for your legend. System Details: Level: 3 (The "Sweet Spot" for heroic abilities without being overwhelming). Books: Since we use pre-mades, all the "heavy lifting" from the Core Books is done for you!
Expedition Composition & Etiquette: Balanced Adventuring: This is a cooperative delve. Whether you are a veteran or a newcomer, we prioritise a group that supports each other through tactical challenges. The Tech Stack: We use Foundry VTT for our visuals and high-fidelity Discord audio for our narrative. Please ensure you have a stable internet connection and a decent headset to enjoy the "Live Table" experience. Character Selection: Pre-generated characters are available to ensure we hit the ground running. We will discuss party balance in our private Discord workshop before the Friday session. Safety First: We utilise standard Safety & Lines/Veils protocols. This expedition is for everyone; respect for your fellow delvers is mandatory
What to expect
Preparing for the session
1. The Tech Setup The Forge (Foundry VTT): No downloads or purchases are required. I host on The Forge for a high-speed, lag-free experience. You simply need a web browser (Chrome/Edge) on a PC or Laptop. Discord: We will use Discord for high-quality voice chat. Please have a working microphone and a quiet environment. 2. Your Hero’s Welcome Character Overviews: Upon joining, you will receive a "Hero Dossier" for our pre-made characters. These highlight your coolest features so you can get excited about your abilities before we even start! Creative Sculpting: You'll receive a short, optional Backstory Prompt Page. Use this to define your hero’s personality, secrets, and motivations. 3. Safety First Lines & Veils: I will provide a digital "Safety & Consent" document. This ensures we can explore our Dark Fantasy and Horror themes in a way that is fun and comfortable for everyone. 4. Kick-Off We spend our first 30 minutes together testing tech, choosing heroes, and setting our safety boundaries. No homework is required—just bring your sense of adventure!
What Reece brings to the table
What I Provide: A Premium, Cinematic Expedition When you join my table, you aren't just playing a game; you are stepping into a fully realized, high-production dark fantasy world. My goal is to handle the "math" so you can focus on the "myth." 1. High-Production Foundry VTT Experience I utilize a heavily customized version of Foundry VTT, powered by Midi-QOL and Token Action Bar automation. Seamless Combat: No more hunting through menus. Actions are a single click away, with automated hits, misses, and damage. Immersive Atmosphere: Expect dynamic lighting that shifts as you explore, high-fidelity ambient soundscapes, and curated music that responds to the tension in the room. Animated Effects: Spells and attacks come to life with visual effects that make every critical hit feel earned and epic. 2. Expert Mastery of the "Tomb-Crawl" As a GM, I lean into the "fair but lethal" philosophy. You are entering a cursed pyramid, and the environment reflects that: Tactical Depth: Enemies use intelligent strategies, and bosses feature unique mechanics and multi-phase encounters. Environmental Storytelling: The traps and riddles you encounter aren't just "rolls"—they are puzzles designed to test your teamwork and creativity. The Rule of Cool: While the combat is tactical, I prioritize the story. If you have a cinematic idea, I will always look for a way to say "Yes, and..." to make your hero shine. 3. A Safe and Inclusive Table With a professional background in Specialist Education, I pride myself on creating a welcoming and accessible environment. Neurodivergent Friendly: I understand that every player processes information differently. I provide clear, concise guides and a patient, supportive "Session 0" to ensure everyone feels confident with the technology and the rules. Robust Safety Tools: We utilize a full suite of Lines & Veils, X-Cards, and an Open Door Policy. Your comfort and safety are my top priorities—the only thing you should be "scared" of is the mummies! 4. Everything You Need to Play Hero Dossiers: Nine pre-made, fully automated Level 3 characters ready for you to "sculpt" with your own name and backstory. Player Guides: Concise, easy-to-read documents for Foundry navigation and backstory building. A Fair Play Promise: Whether it's a heroic victory or a dramatic TPK, it will always be a story worth telling.
Homebrew rules
HOMEBREW & TABLE RULES: TACTICAL NARRATIVE I prioritise an epic story and the "Rule of Cool" over strict rules lawyering. My goal is to facilitate your most creative ideas with a "Yes, and..." approach—if it makes the scene more cinematic, we will find a way to make it work! 1. STREAMLINED SURVIVAL We focus on the mystery of the pyramid, not the minutiae of the backpack. Potions: Drinking a potion is a Bonus Action. Resources: We don't track every individual ration or mundane spell component. Instead, we agree on a fair gold deduction for consumed items so we can stay focused on the action. Spell Prep: I am flexible on how strictly we track prepared spells—we will decide as a group what level of "crunch" you prefer! 2. FAIR BUT DEADLY COMBAT While the rules are flexible, the threat is real. I run "fair but lethal" encounters where character death and TPKs (Total Party Kills) are possible if the dice fall that way. Tactical Depth: Creatures in my world have their own incentives and intelligent tactics. They won't just stand there and take hits! Dynamic Bosses: Expect multi-phase boss fights, environmental hazards, and complex traps that require more than just a high "To Hit" bonus. Teamwork is Mandatory: To survive the Sun King’s tomb, you must work together. Solo glory often leads to a quick trip to the afterlife! 3. PUZZLES & RIDDLES The pyramid is a living machine of ancient magic. Expect riddles, physical puzzles, and environmental challenges that test your wits as much as your character's stats. 4. COLLABORATIVE RULES I am always open to suggestions! If there is a specific homebrew rule or mechanic your group loves (or finds more accessible), I am happy to discuss integrating it to make our story even better.
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How Reece creates a safe table
Safety & Comfort at the Table The Foundation: Preparation and Transparency I believe that the best horror and high-stakes adventures are built on a foundation of trust. To ensure everyone has a thrilling and comfortable experience, I provide a comprehensive Safety Suite before we even begin. Upon joining, you will receive access to a private Google Doc containing our Lines & Veils. This document is a living agreement—you are encouraged to message me privately with any personal "Lines" you’d like added anonymously. The First 30 Minutes: Our "Session 0" Every game begins with a dedicated orientation. We don't just "jump in"; we take the time to: Tech Check: Ensure Foundry VTT and Discord are running smoothly. Review Safety Tools: We walk through our agreed-upon boundaries so everyone is on the same page. Character Sculpting: We finalise your hero’s identity and motivation, ensuring every player feels connected to the story. In-Game Safety: Digital X, N, & O Cards During play, we utilise digital safety signals within the Foundry VTT chat. X-Card (Pause): If a scene becomes too intense or hits a hard limit, anyone can type "X" or "Pause." I will stop the scene immediately, and we will "edit" or "fade to black" without question or explanation required. N-Card (Nudge): If you feel we are getting close to a boundary and want to "dial it back," you can signal me to shift the tone. O-Card (Okay): I will occasionally perform "Check-ins" during intense moments to ensure the thrill is still fun for everyone. An Inclusive Atmosphere As a Specialist Educator, I am committed to creating an inclusive, neurodivergent-friendly environment. My table has a strict Open Door Policy—if you need to take a break, attend to a real-life priority, or step away for your well-being, you are free to do so at any time. Scheduled Breaks Exploring ancient tombs is high-focus work! We take a scheduled 10-minute "bio-break" halfway through the session to stretch, hydrate, and reset.
Content warnings
Safety tools used