Deathmatch Island: The Cradle
Wake with no memory on a deadly reality show. Forge alliances, uncover dark secrets and decide: Play to Win... or Break the Game.
TYPE
SYSTEM
LANGUAGE
EXPERIENCE
AGE
$17.00
/ Session
Details
Weekly / Tuesday - 10:30 PM UTC
Session Duration / 3 hours
Campaign Length / 4 Sessions
1 / 5 Seats Filled
Top Game Master
One of StartPlaying's top-rated GMs, a player favorite and highly recommended.
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About the adventure
Welcome to Deathmatch Island: The Cradle. You wake on a mysterious island wearing an identical uniform to a group of strangers. Your memories are fractured, your wrist counts your followers and somewhere unseen, Production is watching your every move. Every challenge is broadcast to an unseen audience. Every alliance could save your life. Every choice has consequences. The biggest question isn't how will you survive? It's why were you brought here in the first place? My games focus on cinematic storytelling, memorable characters and meaningful choices. Expect immersive voices, carefully chosen music and soundscapes, tense action, dark humour and plenty of opportunities to shape the story together. While there are deadly contests and dangerous situations, this is not just a survival game—it's a mystery where uncovering the truth can be just as important as winning. Character relationships, trust and betrayal are at the heart of the experience. This game is perfect for players who enjoy Squid Game, Battle Royale, LOST, Severance, The Hunger Games or character-driven mystery stories. New players are very welcome. I'll teach the rules as we play, so you don't need any experience with Deathmatch Island. All you need is a willingness to make bold decisions, roleplay your character and discover whether you'll Play to Win... or Break the Game. This excellent TTRPG by Evil Hat is must!
Game style
Theater of the Mind
Roleplay Heavy
Tactical / Crunchy
Rule of Cool (RoC)
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
About me
My name’s Bird, though at the table I’m best known as Thee Silvery Bard—a playful nod to the 5e spell Silvery Barbs. The name embodies my style: bold, imaginative, and guided by the Rule of Cool. My mission is simple: to create unforgettable, collaborative stories where every player shines. My sessions are inclusive and supportive. I'm a huge supporter of LGBTQIA+ rights. Performance has been in my blood since childhood. I’ve worked as a musician, a stand-up comic, and a teacher—but nothing has been as fulfilling as stepping into the role of Game Master. Over the years, I’ve performed for the BBC in the UK and NBC in America, earned awards, and produced shows that left audiences captivated. Whether it’s celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Dungeons & Dragons or exploring a hidden indie gem unearthed from the shelves of London’s legendary Orc’s Nest, I bring the same promise: a gaming experience that is brilliantly creative, deeply kind, and endlessly entertaining.
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
Character creation takes place together at the start of Session 1 and is part of the experience. It usually takes around 20–30 minutes, and I'll guide everyone through it step by step. Deathmatch Island uses a fast, narrative-first character creation system. Your Occupation, strengths and some other details are randomly generated, helping create the feeling that your character has been unexpectedly thrown into the game. Together we'll build your competitor's personality, appearance, relationships and motivations before the cameras start rolling. No preparation is required and you don't need to own the rulebook. I'll explain the rules as we play, making this a great game for both experienced roleplayers and complete newcomers. Once your competitor is ready, we'll begin exactly where the story starts: waking aboard a small boat with no memory of how you got there...
What to expect
Preparing for the session
Buy Dice! Join the Discord. Steal a Pencil. Fight for your Survival!
What Thee Silvery Bard brings to the table
I aim to create games that feel like you're inside a high-quality TV series rather than simply sitting around a table. Expect distinct character voices, atmospheric music and ambient soundscapes, visual handouts and a cinematic style that brings every challenge and mystery to life. My tables are welcoming, collaborative and roleplay-focused. I encourage creative thinking and always reward clever ideas over searching for the "right" answer. I lean towards the **Rule of Cool**, while keeping the rules consistent and fair. The mechanics support the story, not the other way around. Player safety is important to me. Before we begin, we'll discuss expectations and use safety tools to make sure everyone is comfortable with the game's themes. Deathmatch Island can be tense, mysterious and emotional, but the goal is for everyone to have an enjoyable experience. Whether you're a veteran roleplayer or completely new to tabletop RPGs, I'll make sure you feel included, understand the rules and have plenty of opportunities to shine. My goal is simple: everyone leaves the table excited for the next episode.
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How Thee Silvery Bard creates a safe table
Creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive table is one of my highest priorities. Before the game begins, I'll send every player a short Lines & Veils form so everyone can privately identify topics they'd rather avoid or keep off-screen. We'll also spend a few minutes at the start of Session 1 agreeing on expectations, tone and boundaries. During play I use the **X, N & O** safety tools. Players can use them in voice, chat or by private message if they prefer. If something isn't fun or becomes uncomfortable, we'll pause, adjust the scene and move on without anyone needing to justify their reasons. Your comfort always comes first. After intense or emotional scenes, I'll check in with the group before we finish. Every session ends with a short debrief where players can share highlights, ask questions and let me know if there's anything they'd like handled differently in future sessions. Deathmatch Island explores themes of survival, manipulation and psychological pressure, but it should always feel exciting rather than distressing. My goal is to create a table where everyone feels respected, supported and confident enough to fully immerse themselves in the story.
Content warnings
Safety tools used
