Dungeons and Dragons 3.5e | Forgotten Realms-The Sunless Citadel

Dungeons and Dragons 3.5e | Forgotten Realms-The Sunless Citadel

Beneath a shattered fortress lies a hidden grove where ancient evil has taken root. Descend into the Sunless Citadel and uncover the truth.

TYPE

Campaign

LEVELS

1–3

LANGUAGE

English

EXPERIENCE

Beginner

AGE

18+
3 NEEDED TO START
$20.00

/ Session

Details

Weekly / Sunday - 12:00 AM UTC

Session Duration / 3–4 hours

Campaign Length / 5–6 Sessions

0 / 5 Seats Filled

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This game will begin once 3 players have joined
About the adventure

For generations, travelers have whispered of a ruined fortress swallowed by the earth and lost to time. Hidden within a remote ravine near the town of Oakhurst lies the legendary Sunless Citadel, a shattered stronghold steeped in mystery, danger, and forgotten secrets. When two young adventurers from a prominent merchant family vanish while exploring the ruins, a desperate call for heroes goes out across the land. At the same time, strange rumors continue to circulate about miraculous magical apples that appear once each year—fruits said to heal any illness, yet whose seeds give rise to something far darker. Your journey will take you deep beneath the earth into a sprawling dungeon filled with ancient traps, deadly monsters, hidden treasures, and the remnants of a long-forgotten dragon cult. Along the way you'll encounter rival kobold and goblin factions, uncover the fate of those who came before you, and descend into a shadowy grove where an ancient evil has taken root. Will you recover the missing explorers? Can you uncover the source of the enchanted fruit? And what horrors await beneath the roots of the terrible Gulthias Tree? What to Expect ✅ Classic dungeon crawling ✅ Exploration and discovery ✅ Tactical combat ✅ Traps, puzzles, and secrets ✅ Opportunities for diplomacy and role-play ✅ Ancient dragon lore ✅ Horror and dark fantasy elements ✅ Beginner-friendly introduction to D&D 3.5e Character Level Starting Level: 1 System Dungeons & Dragons 3.5 Edition Experience Level New players welcome! Veterans will enjoy revisiting one of the most beloved adventures from the dawn of 3rd Edition. Estimated Length Approximately 6–10 sessions, depending on party size, exploration style, and roleplay. Enter the darkness beneath the fallen fortress and discover why some secrets were meant to remain buried. The Sunless Citadel awaits.

Game style

Combat Heavy

Dungeon Crawl

Roleplay Lite

Rules as Written (RaW)

Meet the Game Master

5.0

(1)

Podcaster
Artist
Educator
Voice Actor

Less than a year on StartPlaying

Average response time: 18 hours

Response rate: 100%

About me

Hi there! I’m a lifelong tabletop RPG enthusiast with nearly 20 years of experience as a Game Master. Like many, I got my start with the classic Red Box D&D set back in the late 80s, and my passion for storytelling and immersive game-play has only grown since. After rediscovering the hobby in the mid-2000s, I began running games regularly and have been behind the screen ever since—leading weekly in-person campaigns and now expanding into the online space. Over the past few months, I’ve fully immersed myself in virtual tabletop platforms like Roll20, with plans to expand into Foundry VTT to continue enhancing the player experience. As a full-time GM, my focus is on delivering smooth, high-quality, and memorable sessions. I invest heavily in preparation, system mastery, and storytelling to ensure every game feels engaging and worthwhile. Whether you’re a brand-new player or a seasoned veteran, my goal is to create an environment where you can fully dive into the world, your character, and the adventure. My games emphasize rich narrative, immersive world-building, and meaningful player choice. I enjoy weaving together deep story-lines filled with mystery, puzzles, role-play, and tactical combat to create a balanced and rewarding experience. If you’re looking for a consistent, professional GM who is dedicated to making every session count, you’re in the right place.

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Character creation

Creating your character

You would be required to join the Iron Quill Guild's Discord server and we would meet up in voice chat or DM each other for more details on character development. We typically allow free archetype, gradual ability boost, and ancestry paragon. I allow most things as long as it is balanced and not breaking the game or being unfair.

What to expect

Preparing for the session

Before the Game Please join the Iron Quill Guild Discord server for voice chat, announcements, and session communication: https://discord.gg/RyuH5QhK6 A working microphone and stable internet connection are required. Webcam optional. New players are absolutely welcome. Rules guidance will be provided during play.

What Michael brings to the table

I focus heavily on atmosphere, immersion, and pacing while still keeping the game approachable and fun for both new and experienced players. I enjoy giving locations, NPCs, and encounters personality. While I respect the core rules and tone of the system, I also embrace cinematic moments and rewarding player creativity when it enhances the experience. Players can expect a welcoming table atmosphere with clear communication, strong pacing, and support for newcomers learning the system. Rules questions are always welcome, and I strive to create a game where players feel immersed in the world while still having room to laugh, roleplay, experiment, and enjoy the unpredictable chaos that old-school fantasy adventures are known for. This is a premium hosted experience designed for players who enjoy atmospheric dark fantasy, immersive presentation, meaningful danger, and the feeling that every victory has truly been earned.

Homebrew rules

I typically run the rules as written, but there may be a situation that comes up that I want to rule differently. I believe in learning as many of the rules as possible and strive to be an expert, however rules are not the most important thing in the game, the 'player experience' is. It also depends if a player requests certain things. Also, I have run player PF1E for 17 years which is pretty closely related.

Equipment needed to play

Internet

Computer

Microphone

Safety

How Michael creates a safe table

Player comfort and respectful table conduct are important at all Iron Quill Guild games. Before the campaign begins, players are welcome to privately message me with any Lines & Veils, hard limits, or sensitive topics they would prefer to avoid during play. My goal is to create an immersive dark fantasy experience while still maintaining a welcoming and respectful environment for everyone at the table. An Open Door policy is always in effect. Players are free to step away, take breaks, or privately communicate concerns at any time without pressure or judgment. While Dungeon Crawl Classics can involve themes of danger, horror, violence, sacrifice, and character death, the focus is always on collaborative storytelling, player agency, and maintaining a positive group experience.

Content warnings

Violence
Blood
Cults
Death
Body Horror

Safety tools used

Frequently asked questions