A Bite in the Dark

Image by Wei Feng

A Bite in the Dark

The wine is flowing. The guests are mingling. But the host, we'll he's dead.

TYPE

One-Shot

LEVELS

5

LANGUAGE

English

EXPERIENCE

Intermediate

AGE

18+
2 NEEDED TO START
$13.00

/ Session

Details

Once / Tuesday - 6:00 PM UTC

Jun 16

Session Duration / 4–5 hours

1 / 5 Seats Filled

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This game will begin once 3 players have joined

Meet your party members

1/5

About the adventure

A storm rages outside the cliffside estate of Lord Alistair Blackfriar. The doors are locked, the teleportation circles are jammed, and the Lord has been found in his study, drained of every drop of blood. One of the ten guests in this room is a vampire. You have until dawn to find them, or you’re next on the menu. This is your classic murder mystery. Think Poirot with vampires and warlocks.

Game style

Puzzle / Mystery Focused

Roleplay Heavy

Rule of Cool (RoC)

Meet the Game Master

5.0

(12)

Published Writer
Game Designer

Less than a year on StartPlaying

7 games hosted

Highly rated for: Storytelling, Creativity, World Builder

About me

I'm Rob, I've been DMing for friends for the last 7 years and for paying tables for the last 2. At my table, I believe we are all there to tell a collective story together. I encourage good-natured roleplay and respectful humour so everyone can feel they are part of the team. With a background in creative writing and improv comedy, I offer a table where the story captures your imagination, and even the daftest jokes help tell the story we're telling together.

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Character creation

Creating your character

Six pre-generated characters at level 5 will be provided to choose from, each of these characters will have a narrative reason for being at the manor the night of the murder, they may have some connection to the host or another guest. If you'd like to bring your own character we can include them and give them a backstory if there is enough time to do so.

What to expect

Preparing for the session

We will be using Discord and D&D Beyond as well as Beyond VTT function. Invites to a server will be sent out a day in advance of the session for some session 0 discussions and to allow players to discuss the adventure beforehand.

What Rob brings to the table

My approach to Game Mastering is centred on collaborative storytelling. Expect an emphasis on roleplay, with rich narration, distinct character voices (including some silly ones!), and fast-paced, occasionally brutal combat. I ensure a sense of fair play and encourage player experimentation in all encounters.

Homebrew rules

Drinking potions as a bonus Action as well as potions do maximum possible healing Brutal Critical Hits: When you crit, you deal Max Damage for the first set of dice, then roll the second set normally + modifiers. Flanking gives a flat +2 bonus to hit and to damage, not advantage. Inspiration Reroll or let them spend Inspiration to re-roll instead of just gaining Advantage. The "Help" Action (Proficiency Required): You can only use the "Help" action on a skill check if you are actually proficient in that skill. Death Saving Throws are Hidden: The player rolls their Death Saves privately between them and the DM so the rest of the party doesn't know how close they are to dying.

Equipment needed to play

Internet

Computer

Microphone

Safety

How Rob creates a safe table

Safety & Boundaries Before we begin, I will message each player to outline the adventure’s themes and establish clear player boundaries. I am committed to adapting this story to ensure everyone at the table feels comfortable and respected. During play, we will use the Red Flag Rule: If any content from the GM or another player crosses a line or causes distress, simply "raise a red flag." We will immediately pause for a five-minute break to address the issue, either publicly or privately, and adjust the scene before continuing.

Content warnings

Blood
Forced Blood Draining
Murder
Mind alteration
Memory Erasing

Safety tools used

Frequently asked questions