Shadowsteel Citadel | Level 8 Grim Hollow One-Shot

Creating your character

Level 8 pregenerated characters will be available, which is the easiest way to join quickly. You may also bring your own level 8 character using point buy and D&D Beyond. Official D&D 5e / 2024 options are available, and official Grim Hollow material is allowed with review for balance and tone. Grim Hollow heritages, backgrounds, feats, subclasses, transformations, spells, equipment, and the Monster Hunter class may be used where they fit the one-shot. Characters should be able to cooperate with the party and follow the adventure hook. Grim, haunted, cursed, morally complicated, or reluctant characters are welcome, but they still need a reason to act when horror reaches ordinary people.

Preparing for the session

No advance character build is required if you use a pregen. After you join, you will see the Discord invite and D&D Beyond guidance, and a short onboarding checklist. You will need a free Discord account, a free D&D Beyond account, a working microphone, a stable internet connection, and a computer or laptop that can run Foundry in a modern browser. Before play begins, we will do a brief tone, safety, and rules check so everyone knows what kind of dark fantasy story we are playing.

What Bauric brings to the table

I’ll provide a welcoming, cinematic series of DM Bauric’s Grim Hollow-inspired one-shots set in and around Etharis. These games will use a mix of official Grim Hollow locations, factions, monsters, lore, and player options, along with original homebrew adventures that fit the same dark fantasy tone. My table style is atmospheric, character-focused, and collaborative. Expect rich descriptions, memorable NPCs, meaningful choices, tactical combat, eerie discoveries, and moments where the smallest act of mercy can matter. Some weeks may lean into monster hunts, while others may focus on investigation, cursed places, faction tension, or desperate survival. I’ll provide character creation help, D&D Beyond guidance, rules explanations, useful handouts when appropriate, and clear table expectations before play. Newer players are welcome, and I’ll make sure the rules and setting never become a barrier to joining the adventure. Because this is Grim Hollow, the world will be harsh. Monsters are dangerous, healing is not always simple, and choices may carry consequences. But the table itself will be supportive and respectful. We’ll use safety tools and establish boundaries so the horror stays thrilling, not uncomfortable. At DM Bauric’s Table, the goal is simple: gather good people, tell a memorable dark fantasy story, and give every player a place in the firelight while the darkness presses in.

Homebrew rules

This game uses D&D 5e / 2024 rules as the foundation, with official Grim Hollow rules and options used where they fit the one-shot. I try to keep table rules clear, consistent, and easy to understand, especially for newer players. Drinking a healing potion yourself is a bonus action. Giving a potion to another character is an action. I use Rule of Cool with consequences. Creative ideas are welcome, but the world still reacts realistically. If you try something bold, dangerous, or cinematic, I’ll usually look for a fair roll rather than simply saying no. Grim Hollow is more dangerous than standard heroic fantasy. Healing, safety, and rest may not always be easy to find, and some victories may come with costs. If a one-shot uses Grim Hollow-specific danger rules, such as wounds, transformations, curses, or harsher resting expectations, I’ll explain those before they affect play. Death saves are rolled openly unless the table prefers otherwise. I do not use surprise “gotcha” death rules. Rules questions are handled quickly at the table to keep the story moving. If something is unclear, I’ll make a fair ruling in the moment, then check the rule after session if needed. The goal is a game that feels dangerous, cinematic, and fair: Grim Hollow should feel harsh, but the players should always feel respected.

How Bauric creates a safe table

Player safety and comfort matter at my table, especially in Grim Hollow-inspired games with horror themes, violence, curses, monsters, and dark fantasy elements. Since this is a one-shot, we’ll do a brief pre-game safety and tone check before play begins instead of a full Lines and Veils document. We’ll review the expected tone, table expectations, and how to use safety tools before the adventure starts. During the game, X, N, and O check-ins can be used verbally, in VTT chat, or by private Discord message. I also use an Open Door policy, meaning players can step away at any time without pressure or explanation. Breaks will be built into the session when needed. If something needs to stop, shift direction, or fade to black, I’ll adjust immediately. Grim Hollow should feel tense, dangerous, and atmospheric, but the table itself should always feel respectful and safe. I also leave room for a brief debrief after the session, especially if the game included heavier horror moments. My goal is a table where players can enjoy dark fantasy while knowing their boundaries will be taken seriously.