Find the gates of Thorbardin before the Dragonarmy finds you!
Lead 800 refugees through frozen peaks to find the legendary Thorbardin before the pursuing Dragonarmy hunts you down in this classic AD&D Adventure!
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SYSTEM
LEVELS
LANGUAGE
EXPERIENCE
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$15.00
/ Session
Details
Weekly / Friday - 12:00 AM UTC
Session Duration / 1.5–2.5 hours
Campaign Length / 8–12 Sessions
2 / 8 Seats Filled
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Meet your party members
2/8
About the adventure
The desperate escape from Pax Tharkas is over, but the true battle for survival has just begun. Having snatched 800 refugees from the iron grip of the tyrant Highlord Verminaard and the searing breath of his red dragon—the very terrors you narrowly defied in your escape—you now lead a massive, vulnerable caravan into the freezing wilderness. Behind you, the ruthless forces of the Red Dragonarmy hunt your trail. Ahead lies only the biting frost of the snow-covered Kharolis Mountains. Your only hope for salvation is to locate the gates of Thorbardin, the ancient underground kingdom of the mountain dwarves, sealed away centuries ago during the bitter Dwarfgate War. The catch? Nobody knows if the gates still exist, let alone where they are hidden. This is a campaign of high-stakes wilderness survival, exploration, and psychological tension. As you navigate the desolate, ghost-haunted plains of Dergoth and investigate the skeletal ruins of Skullcap, you must also manage the fragile politics of the 800 refugees relying on you. From stubborn Plainsfolk to desperate Seekers, five distinct factions vie for influence, and not everyone in your camp can be trusted. Under your watchful eye, a companion's faith may blossom into the return of true clerical magic, while a subtle traitor walks among the refugees, waiting for the perfect moment to deliver you back to the Dragonarmy. Every choice you make will directly affect the lives of the innocent souls walking in your footsteps. Whether you are a seasoned veteran of the classic Advanced Dungeons & Dragons system or a modern player eager to experience the origins of high fantasy, this table is designed for heroic, character-driven storytelling. You are welcome to step into the boots of the legendary Heroes of the Lance—like the torn leader Tanis, the cynical mage Raistlin, or the barbarian princess Goldmoon. Expect an immersive experience that blends tactical outdoor survival, rich narrative roleplay, and deep, cooperative puzzles as we forge the next chapter of this legendary saga together.
Game style
Combat Heavy
Hexcrawl / Exploration
Roleplay Lite
Rules as Written (RaW)
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
5.0
(13)
Less than a year on StartPlaying
18 games hosted
Highly rated for: Knows the Rules, Creativity, Storytelling
Average response time: 5 hours
Response rate: 100%
About me
With over 30 years of experience in tabletop roleplaying games, I bring a deep love of classic systems and immersive storytelling to every table I run. My roots are firmly planted in old-school gaming—especially AD&D—but I also actively run and enjoy modern systems, including D&D 5e (2024). I have a strong preference for rich, lore-driven settings. When using established fantasy systems, I most often run games in Dragonlance or within my own original DireLands campaign world, both of which emphasize character-driven narratives, meaningful choices, and long-term consequences. In addition to fantasy, I specialize in darker, more atmospheric campaigns. I run a fully homebrewed cosmic horror setting using the In Nomine system, inspired by World of Darkness themes and infused with elements of Clive Barker and classic monsters. These games focus on moral tension, surreal horror, and unsettling mysteries. Whether guiding epic heroes or exploring the shadows of the unknown, my goal as a Game Master is to create memorable stories, collaborative worlds, and engaging experiences for every player at the table.
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
We will be using the pre-generated characters that come with the module in addition to running an NPC as a henchman. You will choose your character on a first-come, first-served basis. We will be using the AD&D rules that were available on the release of the module in 1984, so the Players Handbook, Dungeon Masters Guide, Monster Manual, and DL3 Dragons of Hope module only!
What to expect
Preparing for the session
This is a live-streamed actual play. You will need to join my free Discord server (https://discord.gg/qdJXyvrxBW). You will also need a free Roll20 Virtual Tabletop (VTT) account (https://roll20.net/).
What AdamPC brings to the table
I run Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 1st Edition with respect for the original rules and intent of the 1984 module. This means I adhere closely to Rules as Written with respect for ingenuity and creativity on the players part. Old-school play rewards caution, cleverness, and teamwork—combat is dangerous, retreat is sometimes wise, and player decision-making drives the story forward. The tension of limited divine magic, and meaningful consequences is part of the experience. That said, fairness and clarity are paramount. I clearly explain rulings, ensure players understand the mechanics that matter, and maintain consistency at the table. I do not run “gotcha” games. The world is perilous, but never arbitrary. I use immersive description, distinct NPC characterization (including character voices when appropriate), and ambient music to reinforce tone—particularly during dungeon exploration and pivotal story moments. You can expect a structured, story-driven campaign rooted in the epic scope of the original Dragonlance saga. I support both veteran AD&D players and those new to 1e by helping with character options, explaining setting differences (such as the absence of clerical magic at the outset), and guiding players through the unique aspects of Krynn. My goal is to deliver the adventure as it was meant to be experienced: challenging, atmospheric, and worthy of legend.
Homebrew rules
You will not need to declare your actions before the round plays out. We refer to the segments and weapon speed for turn order. If your target is destroyed or otherwise not near you when it is your turn to attack, you may instead attack another target within reach.
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Headphones
Webcam
Platforms used
Safety
How AdamPC creates a safe table
All of my games are designed to be welcoming and inclusive for players of all ages and experience levels. I use the X, N, & O check-in system to ensure everyone feels comfortable with the content, and we take regular breaks for sessions longer than two hours. After each session, we follow up with a Stars and Wishes feedback check-in to hear what worked well and what could be improved. My goal is to create a safe, fun, and supportive environment where players can focus on story, exploration, and collaboration without worry.
Content warnings
Safety tools used