The Village of Elsin
When the road north goes silent and livestock disappear, a band of young adventurers must uncover the truth.
$10.00
/ Session
Details
1 player following this game
Weekly / Wednesday - 12:00 AM UTC
Session Duration / 4–5 hours
Campaign Length / 4+ Sessions
0 / 6 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
The Village of Elsin is little more than a dot on the map—a farming community nestled between rolling hills and the shadow of the northern mountains. Most days are predictable. Farmers tend their fields, merchants travel the trade road, and the villagers gather at the tavern to share stories of distant lands. But lately, something has changed. Over the past month, livestock have begun vanishing from outlying farms. At first it was a few chickens, then sheep, and now entire herds have disappeared without a trace. Worse still, the supply wagons that normally descend from the mountain mines have failed to arrive. The village elder fears these events are connected, and with each passing day, concern spreads through Elsin like wildfire. The elf wardens, busy with their own business, have not neglected your village, but they also feel that your village business is your village's problem. No assistance comes from the Vesve. You and your companions have known one another for years. Perhaps you grew up together in the village, trained under the same mentors, or spent your youth dreaming of adventure beyond the horizon. Whatever your paths, this is the moment those dreams become reality. The elder has called upon you—not seasoned heroes, but capable young adventurers with something to prove. The village needs answers, and you may be the only ones willing to seek them.
Game style
Combat Heavy
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
Less than a year on StartPlaying
About me
I first took up the dice in 1978, in the age of Chainmail, when dragons were deadlier, dungeons darker, and every story felt like the beginning of a legend. Since then, I’ve wandered far and wide across the realms of tabletop gaming—Traveller, Tunnels & Trolls, the great chronicles of TSR—collecting tales, honing my craft, and chasing that spark of magic that only shared storytelling can ignite. By day, I walk the halls as a teacher, studying the rise and fall of empires. By night, I gather adventurers and breathe life into new legends—worlds shaped by the same forces that define our own: courage, ambition, fate, and choices. My games draw from the great tapestry of epic fantasy. I have been known to spin entire adventures from a single song, turning melodies into myth and lyrics into living quests. A few years ago, I returned to the table to found a school gaming club—and like a long-dormant spell, the passion surged back to life; this is what I love: a fellowship of players, an epic story, and the moment when ordinary characters become legends. At my table, you’ll find you’ll find living worlds, meaningful choices, and stories that unfold like sagas. Triumph will feel earned. Loss will matter. And the memories? They’ll linger long after the final dice fall. Beyond the realm of RPGs, I still revel in the joy of board games and I make pilgrimages to the great Cons of our kind. So come—take a seat, share in the fellowship, and let us forge a story worthy of song.
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
Create your character before Session 0. Use 5.5e rules and my shared material on D&D Beyond. Character Creation Guidelines Create a Level 1 character. Use species from the 2024 Core Rules only. No legacy, UA, or third-party species. Classes may be any available option except Illrigger. Use Point Buy to establish ability scores. Use maximum hit points at 1st level. Choose a background from approved 2024 content. Starting equipment only. Do not roll for starting gold. Multiclassing is not available at character creation. Characters must have a reason to work with the group and participate in the adventure. No evil characters or characters whose primary motivation is betraying, stealing from, or disrupting the party. Characters should know at least one other party member before the campaign begins. Create a brief backstory (1-2 paragraphs is plenty). Include one personal goal, ambition, or mystery that your character hopes to pursue. Select a token and character portrait before Session 1. Campaign Expectations This campaign begins in or near the Village of Elsin. The party starts as local heroes, friends, family members, or longtime acquaintances. Cooperation and teamwork are expected. PvP (player versus player) actions will not be allowed Rules questions may be resolved during the session and reviewed afterward to keep the game moving. Character Concept Questions Please come to Session 0 with answers to the following: How do you know at least one other member of the party? Why are you willing to investigate the village's troubles? What is one thing your character wants more than anything else? What is one fear, flaw, or weakness your character struggles with?
What to expect
Preparing for the session
We will be using Discord and DnD beyond. I may switch to Roll20 or another server as needed.
What Rick brings to the table
I run games that balance roleplay, exploration, and combat, with an emphasis on player agency and teamwork. While I don't do character voices, I enjoy bringing NPCs and the world to life through description and interaction, and I encourage players to roleplay at whatever level feels comfortable. New friendships, tough choices, heroic moments, and the occasional bad decision are all part of the adventure.
Homebrew rules
I have a few homebrew rules that I like to run to give players more opportunity and agency. Out of structured combat, health potions, spells and healing is maxed. (instead of rolling 4d4+4, just heal for 20). During combat, you have to roll. (no running in and out) When a character levels, you gain maximum hit points. No character starts with a feat other/unless the class begins with one. Otherwise, feats are gained every 4 levels. Once your token is moved, that's your movement. No backsies. Drinking a potion (if you have it available) is a bonus action. If you have to dig in your pack for it, its an action.
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How Rick creates a safe table
I will send a link to the Monte Cook RPG Checklist, which needs to be completed before session 1.
Content warnings
Safety tools used