D&D 5E One-Shot | Fake It Till You Slay It | Beginner Friendly
The arena’s champions vanished last minute. You’ve been shoved into their place. Don’t screw it up or you’ll regret it.
$12.00
/ Session
Details
2 players following this game
Once / Friday - 11:00 PM UTC
Jul 17
Session Duration / 4–5 hours
1 / 5 Seats Filled
Top Game Master
One of StartPlaying's top-rated GMs, a player favorite and highly recommended.
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Meet your party members
1/5
About the adventure
The arena’s biggest champions have vanished at the last possible second. With no time to spare and a roaring crowd already filling the stands, you and your party are shoved into their place—whether you’re ready or not. Now you’re live on stage in the most famous gladiator spectacle in the realm: part battle event, part celebrity performance, part political theater. The crowd expects legends. The commentators expect perfection. And worst of all—they think you are those legends. The problem? You’re not. You’ll need to survive under pressure while maintaining the illusion that you belong in the spotlight. Every word, every move, every moment in front of the crowd matters. Because the real danger isn’t just what’s waiting in the arena—it’s being exposed in front of thousands of screaming spectators who are starting to notice something is… off. Between moments of high-stakes action, you’ll be pulled into interviews, crowd interactions, and performance challenges where reputation matters just as much as survival. You are impersonating famous champions with established reputations, and the more you deviate from what the crowd expects, the more suspicion builds. Keep the act going. Or don’t. Just know they’re watching. This adventure is a Battle Royale–style one-shot for 3–5 players using D&D 5E (2024 rules), designed for level 10 characters. It blends tactical combat, roleplay, improv, and social deception in a fast-paced arena setting where performance and survival go hand in hand. Players will take on the roles of stand-in champions, forced to maintain the illusion of greatness while navigating rising tension, crowd expectations, and escalating pressure. Expect: High-energy arena gameplay Roleplay-heavy crowd interactions and interviews Chaotic character gimmicks and improvisation A focus on deception, performance, and survival under pressure This game is ideal for players who enjoy: Tactical combat with variety and stakes Roleplay and improvisation in high-energy scenes Humor, chaos, and unexpected twists Collaborative storytelling under pressure In this arena, the crowd doesn’t care who you are. Only that you keep the show going. Don’t screw it up… or you’ll regret it.
Game style
Combat Heavy
Roleplay Lite
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
5.0
(45)
2 years on StartPlaying
42 games hosted
Highly rated for: Creativity, Storytelling, Inclusive
Average response time: 1 hour
Response rate: 100%
About me
With over 5 years of dedicated experience in Dungeon Mastering for Dungeons and Dragons, I bring a rich background to enhance your gaming sessions. My expertise lies in crafting interactive and roleplay-driven campaigns, skillfully weaving creative writing into the fabric of each narrative. An aspect that sets me apart is my flexible approach to rules, ensuring a tailored and enjoyable gaming experience that caters to the preferences of the players. I've built a reputation for delivering dynamic and engaging sessions, seamlessly integrating player characters and their backgrounds into campaigns for a personalized touch. My objective is clear – to passionately create immersive and unique adventures.
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
Adventure Level: This one-shot is designed for level 10 characters. Players should have their characters fully created before the session begins, including stats, abilities, and equipment, to ensure the game starts on time. Characters can be set up in Roll20 or on another platform. If your character is not in Roll20, please send the DM a link or PDF of your character sheet 1–2 hours before the session so it can be reviewed. Additionally, please provide a picture for your character token, or bring your own, so your character is ready for gameplay. Ability scores may be assigned using the standard array or by rolling 4d6 and dropping the lowest die, following D&D 2024 Player’s Handbook rules. Homebrew options are allowed but must be approved by the DM beforehand to ensure balance. If you are a new player needing help with character creation, let the DM know in advance so assistance can be provided before the session, avoiding delays. Also, please inform the DM if your character is already in Roll20 so it can be reviewed and prepared for gameplay.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
Before the Game: Setup Checklist Accounts & Platforms Discord: A free account is required for voice chat, communication, and session coordination. Please ensure your microphone works and you are in a quiet environment. Roll20: A free account is required for your character sheet, maps, and game interactions. Character Sheet & Token Preparation Please have your character sheet fully completed before the session. If your character is not created in Roll20, send a link or PDF of your sheet to the DM in advance so it can be reviewed. Character Image: Send an image of your character via Discord when signing up. This will be used to create your token for maps. You may provide your own token if preferred. Equipment & Environment A working microphone is required. Play in a quiet space free of distractions to maintain immersion and smooth game flow. Optional but recommended: headphones for clearer audio and better focus. Other Recommendations Ensure a stable internet connection to avoid disruptions. If you’re new to Roll20 or Discord, log in a few minutes early to test your setup and familiarize yourself with the tools.
What Samantha B. brings to the table
I strive to create an immersive and engaging experience where the story comes alive through visuals, sound, and interactive storytelling. I use vivid images, maps, and digital handouts to help you visualize locations, clues, and important objects, allowing you to interact directly with the world. Ambient music and sound effects enhance mood, build tension, and make scenes feel alive, whether subtle background noise or dramatic cues. All NPCs have distinct personalities and voices, making interactions memorable and easy to follow. Combat and encounters use tokens on battle maps, and I embrace the “rule of cool”, encouraging creative solutions and rewarding clever ideas. My table style is laid-back and flexible, focused on keeping the game fun while maintaining engagement. I value clear communication and transparency, keeping players informed about rules, expectations, and story developments. I am punctual and reliable, so sessions start on time, and you can count on a smooth, organized experience. Players can expect a mix of strategic gameplay, immersive storytelling, and interactive problem-solving, all in an environment designed for enjoyment and collaboration. My goal is for everyone to feel included, have fun, and walk away with a memorable adventure.
Homebrew rules
Critical Hits: When you score a critical hit, deal maximum damage plus a regular damage roll. Weapons: Switching between weapons is a free action, allowing for smooth combat flow. Chases & Travel: I use streamlined, custom rules to make travel and chase sequences exciting without slowing the game down. Skill Challenges: Custom skill challenges are used to create dynamic, story-driven obstacles. Rules will be explained in-game as needed. Tone & Flexibility: Rules are tools for fun and story, not obstacles. I prioritize enjoyment and narrative, and will adapt or clarify mechanics on the fly to keep the game flowing.
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How Samantha B. creates a safe table
I prioritize creating a safe and comfortable space for all players. Communication is always open—players are welcome to reach out to me before, during, or after the session to discuss any concerns. During the game, I include regular breaks of 10–15 minutes, and I’m happy to extend or add more if needed to ensure everyone stays comfortable and engaged. Before the session begins, I go over rules, expectations, and boundaries, including a Lines and Veils document to set limits for sensitive content. X, N, & O signals can be used digitally (messaged or shown on video) to communicate boundaries during play. After the session, there will be a debrief/check-in to see how everyone is feeling and to provide any needed aftercare, giving space to process intense scenes or discuss anything that came up during the game.My goal is to foster a trusting and open environment where everyone can enjoy the story, engage fully with the adventure, and feel safe exploring the game.
Content warnings
Safety tools used