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.
$20.00
/ Session
Details
Weekly / Sunday - 12:00 AM UTC
Session Duration / 3–4 hours
Campaign Length / 5–6 Sessions
0 / 5 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
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)
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
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.
View Profile →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
Platforms used
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
Safety tools used