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Ember: Legends of the Frontier A living World
The embers of a forgotten age still burn beneath the land. Kingdoms rise and fall, ancient powers sleep beneath ruined stone, and countless stories re
$20.00
/ Session
Details
3 players following this game
Weekly / Tuesday - 3:00 PM UTC
Session Duration / 3–4 hours
Campaign Length / 90–120 Sessions
2 / 6 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
2/6
About the adventure
About the Ember Campaign Ember is a massive open-world fantasy campaign built for Foundry VTT that emphasizes exploration, player choice, and emergent storytelling. Rather than following a single linear plot, the world is filled with interconnected questlines, hidden locations, dynamic events, and memorable characters waiting to be discovered. You begin as an ordinary adventurer in a vast frontier where every decision shapes your journey. Explore ancient ruins, delve into sprawling underground pathways, uncover long-forgotten mysteries, forge alliances, and confront dangers that evolve as the world changes around you. Designed for characters from levels 1–12, Ember offers dozens of major questlines and hundreds of unique encounters, creating a long-term campaign where no two groups are likely to have the same adventure. Whether you pursue heroic deeds, seek lost treasures, unravel ancient secrets, or simply wander into the unknown, the story is driven by your choices—not a predetermined path.
Game style
Hexcrawl / Exploration
Puzzle / Mystery Focused
Roleplay Heavy
Sandbox / Open World
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
5.0
(16)
Less than a year on StartPlaying
41 games hosted
Highly rated for: Storytelling, Sets the Mood, Beginner Friendly
About me
I've been playing Dungeons & Dragons and serving as a Dungeon Master on and off since high school, around 15 years now. Over the years, I've experienced all kinds of games, from chaotic one-shots and classic dungeon crawls to long-running campaigns full of mystery, character development, and unforgettable moments. Through all of it, my favorite part has always been bringing players together and creating experiences that become stories people still talk about long after the campaign ends. I still remember my very first time playing D&D. I created an elf character and had absolutely no idea what I was doing. Like many new adventurers, I was completely confident in every terrible decision I made. I decided to run into a cave by myself without the rest of the party because I thought I was about to become the hero of the story. Instead, I quickly discovered a very important D&D lesson: heroes don't usually survive when they run headfirst into a pack of wolves alone. Needless to say, that character didn't make it very far, but the memory stuck with me, and it's one of the reasons I fell in love with the game. D&D creates those moments that are unexpected, hilarious, and memorable. As a DM, what I enjoy most is creating stories and building worlds that feel alive. I love creating locations that have history, NPCs that feel like real people, mysteries hidden beneath the surface, and choices that matter. I want players to feel like their actions shape the world around them rather than simply moving from one encounter to the next. Whether your party decides to save a town, investigate strange happenings in the shadows, or accidentally burn down the tavern after a terrible plan goes wrong, I enjoy adapting and letting the story evolve naturally around the players. My games often lean toward darker themes and atmospheric storytelling. Sometimes you'll find yourself exploring haunted ruins or uncovering secrets better left buried. Other times you may encounter mysterious figures, difficult choices, moments of humor, or unexpected twists waiting around the corner. I enjoy balancing tension, exploration, roleplay, and combat to create experiences that feel immersive and memorable. Above all else, I want everyone at the table to have fun. Whether you're a veteran player with years of experience or someone rolling dice for the very first time, everyone is welcome. My goal is to create a space where players can get invested in their characters, enjoy the world around them, and create stories together. I look forward to seeing you at the table and sharing the next adventure with you.
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
Every legend begins with a single choice. During Session 0, we’ll create characters together and weave them into the world of Ember. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or brand new to Dungeons & Dragons, I’ll guide you through every step of the process to ensure your character feels at home in the setting. Ember expands upon the 2024 D&D rules with its own rich collection of custom ancestries, backgrounds, subclasses, cultures, equipment, and world-specific character options. You’ll have the opportunity to explore these unique choices while crafting a hero that is truly your own. Character Guidelines * Starting Level: 1 * System: Dungeons & Dragons (2024) with Ember’s custom rules and character options * Character Options: Official Ember content is encouraged, including its unique ancestries, subclasses, and backgrounds. Additional official options may be approved where appropriate. * Ability Scores: Point Buy or Standard Array * Starting Equipment: Determined by your chosen class and background. * Party Expectations: Create a character with a reason to adventure, cooperate with the party, and engage with the world around them. Ember is a world built around exploration, discovery, and meaningful choices. Your character’s origins, ambitions, and relationships won’t simply be backstory; they’ll influence the journey ahead as you uncover ancient mysteries, forge new alliances, and shape your own legend. No prior experience is required. Whether you arrive with a fully realized character concept or only a spark of an idea, we’ll bring your hero to life together before the adventure begins.
Welcome to the Frontier The Frontier is a land of opportunity, danger, and discovery—a place where forgotten ruins hide ancient secrets, ambitious factions compete for power, and every road leads to a new adventure. In Ember, the world doesn't simply wait for heroes to arrive. It grows, changes, and remembers the choices you make. This is a story-driven campaign where your actions have lasting consequences. Every alliance you forge, mystery you unravel, and challenge you overcome helps shape the future of the Frontier. Your victories won't just complete quests- they'll become part of the world's history. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or sitting down for your very first game of Dungeons & Dragons, you'll find a welcoming table here. Rules can be learned, but curiosity, teamwork, and a willingness to tell a great story together are what truly make an unforgettable campaign. Characters should have a reason to work together and become invested in the world around them. While disagreements in character can lead to memorable roleplaying moments, disruptive behavior, player-versus-player conflict, or characters who refuse to cooperate aren't a good fit for this adventure. No matter how you enjoy playing, there's a place for you in Ember. You might spend one session negotiating peace between rival factions, another exploring forgotten ruins in search of lost relics, and the next standing together against overwhelming odds. Whether your favorite moments come from roleplay, exploration, tactical combat, or uncovering hidden lore, every character will have opportunities to leave their mark. The challenges of the Frontier reward more than strength alone. Clever plans, diplomacy, resourcefulness, and teamwork are often just as powerful as steel and magic. Success isn't measured by how many enemies you defeat; it's measured by the stories your party creates and the legacy you leave behind. Above all, this is a game about having fun together. Celebrate each other's victories, embrace the unexpected, support your fellow adventurers, and don't be afraid to take risks. The Frontier is waiting. The greatest legends won't be discovered; your party'll forge them. party. Why Join My Table? I'm committed to creating a welcoming, immersive experience where every player has opportunities to shine. I enjoy rewarding creative ideas, weaving character backstories into the campaign, and using Foundry VTT to bring the world of Ember to life with cinematic maps, dynamic lighting, immersive audio, and seamless automation. Whether you're brand new to D&D or a veteran adventurer, my goal is the same: to make every session feel like the next chapter of an unforgettable story.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
Your only job is to bring your imagination—I’ll take care of the rest. Before Session 0, you’ll receive an invitation to our Foundry Virtual Tabletop server, along with any resources you’ll need to get started. We’ll create characters together, learn the unique features of Ember, and make sure everyone is comfortable with the game before the adventure begins. To get the most out of the experience, I recommend: * A computer or laptop with an up-to-date web browser (Chrome is recommended). * A stable internet connection. * A quality microphone for voice communication. * A free Discord account for voice chat and session announcements. * A willingness to explore, collaborate, and embrace the unknown. No prior experience with Dungeons & Dragons, Foundry VTT, or Ember is required. I’ll guide you through the interface, explain any unique mechanics, and answer questions along the way. Ember is an expansive, living world filled with secrets, hidden paths, memorable characters, and meaningful choices. Curiosity is often rewarded, and the greatest adventures are rarely found by following the obvious road.
What GM: Vale brings to the table
Every session is carefully prepared to deliver an immersive, high-quality adventure. As your Game Master, I will provide: * A fully configured Foundry Virtual Tabletop experience with automation designed to keep gameplay smooth and intuitive. * High-quality maps featuring dynamic lighting, ambient audio, visual effects, and interactive environments. * The complete Ember campaign, including its custom ancestries, subclasses, backgrounds, equipment, monsters, and setting-specific mechanics. * A living world filled with memorable NPCs, meaningful choices, and stories shaped by your actions. * Tactical, engaging combat balanced with exploration, roleplay, and discovery. * Curated music and atmospheric soundscapes that enhance every location and encounter. * A dedicated Discord server for voice chat, campaign updates, scheduling, and between-session discussion. * A Session 0 focused on character creation, learning the world, and establishing party connections. * Guidance for new players and support with both the game rules and Foundry VTT. * A respectful, welcoming table where teamwork, creativity, and roleplay are encouraged. My goal is to provide a polished, immersive experience where you can focus on exploring the world, developing your character, and creating unforgettable adventures with your fellow players.
Homebrew rules
Ember introduces its own unique character options, creatures, equipment, and mechanics designed specifically for the setting. These are considered part of the campaign and will be used throughout the adventure. In addition, I use a few table rules to keep the game moving smoothly and ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience: * Player enjoyment and collaborative storytelling always come first. * Rules questions are welcome, but to maintain the pace of the game, I may make a temporary ruling during the session and revisit it afterward if needed. * Creative solutions are encouraged. If you have an unconventional idea, I’ll do my best to find a fair way to make it work. * Character actions have meaningful consequences, and the world will respond to your choices. * PvP, theft from party members, and actions intended to disrupt the group’s enjoyment require the consent of everyone involved. * Respect for fellow players is expected at all times. This is a cooperative game where everyone deserves the opportunity to contribute.
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Headphones
Platforms used
Safety
How GM: Vale creates a safe table
Creating a fun, welcoming, and respectful table is my highest priority. I use the following safety tools to help ensure everyone enjoys the adventure. Open Door Policy Players are welcome to step away from the table at any time, for any reason, without needing to explain themselves. Whether you need a short break, need to leave early, or simply need a moment away, your well-being always comes first. Scheduled Breaks A 10–15 minute break will be taken approximately halfway through each session. Additional breaks can be taken whenever the group needs them. Communication If a scene or topic makes you uncomfortable, please let me know privately or during the session. We’ll adjust the game as needed so everyone can continue enjoying the adventure. Session 0 Discussion Before the campaign begins, we’ll discuss expectations, table etiquette, character concepts, and any topics players would prefer to avoid. This helps establish a comfortable, collaborative environment for everyone. My goal is to create an immersive adventure where every player feels respected, heard, and excited to return each week.
Content warnings
Safety tools used