Vault of the Ancients
Drawn to a quiet mountain town by whispers of something ancient stirring below, you'll descend into the vault to uncover long-buried secrets.
$30.00
/ Session
Details
2 players following this game
Bi-weekly / Wednesday - 9:00 PM UTC
Session Duration / 2–2.5 hours
Campaign Length / 8–16 Sessions
0 / 6 Seats Filled
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About the adventure
Hidden deep within the mountains, the quiet town of Gravesend Hollow has begun to change. Livestock vanish without a trace. Strange lights dance beneath the earth. Ancient symbols appear where they should not, and the elders whisper of a vault that was never meant to be opened. Your party is called to investigate these unsettling events, only to discover that the legends are true. Beneath the mountain lies the Vault of the Ancients, an immense dungeon built by forgotten powers, where each chamber tests not only your strength but your courage, wisdom, and resolve. Every relic has a story. Every choice carries weight. What waits in the darkness is older than kingdoms—and it has begun to stir. This adventure blends classic dungeon crawling with Appalachian folklore, mythic fantasy, environmental storytelling, and meaningful player choice. Expect dangerous combat, clever puzzles, mysterious NPCs, and opportunities to shape the fate of the valley through your actions. Curiosity is rewarded, caution is often wise, and there is almost always more than one way to solve a problem. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer looking for a rich fantasy expedition or a newer player excited to explore your first dungeon, you'll find a welcoming table focused on collaborative storytelling, memorable characters, and the thrill of uncovering long-buried secrets together.
Game style
Dungeon Crawl
Theater of the Mind
Rule of Cool (RoC)
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
2 years on StartPlaying
18 games hosted
Highly rated for: Inclusive, Voices, Knows the Rules
Average response time: Under 1 hour
Response rate: 100%
About me
I'm Ashley May—professional Game Master, horror writer, and storyteller with over ten years of experience crafting unforgettable tabletop adventures. I specialize in cosmic horror, gothic mystery, and deeply immersive, character-driven games where atmosphere and meaningful choices take center stage. I've run games for conventions including Cthulhu in the Castle and enjoy introducing both new and veteran players to unforgettable worlds. As a certified Therapeutic Game Master and trainer with Geek Therapeutics, I build tables rooted in safety, trust, and collaborative storytelling, so everyone can lose themselves in the story with confidence. If you're looking for unforgettable horror, rich roleplay, and stories that haunt in all the best ways, I'd love to guide your next journey.
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
You will create your character on shadowdarklings.net and we will discuss it in the Discord.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
Register for a Discord account, as that is where all communication will take place.
What Ashley May King brings to the table
I strive to create games that feel immersive, collaborative, and welcoming. Atmosphere is one of my favorite storytelling tools, so you can expect curated ambient music, evocative scene descriptions, and distinct NPC personalities (with the occasional character voice when inspiration strikes). My goal is for the world to feel lived in and for every discovery to feel earned. I believe the best stories emerge when players are empowered to be creative. I know the rules well and use them as the foundation of play, but I'm always happy to reward clever ideas and cinematic moments when they make the game more exciting. Expect challenging but fair encounters where tactics matter, exploration is rewarded, and roleplay has meaningful consequences. I make a point to ensure every player has opportunities to shine. Whether you love dramatic roleplay, solving puzzles, unraveling mysteries, or charging headfirst into battle, I'll work to make sure your character has memorable moments throughout the adventure. My table is beginner-friendly, LGBTQ+ inclusive, and built on mutual respect, collaboration, and a shared love of telling unforgettable stories together.
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How Ashley May King creates a safe table
We will be utilizing the Deck of Player Safety, accessed via the Discord once our party is filled.
Content warnings
Safety tools used