Tales from the Neither: Fallen Empire | A D&D Dark Epic Fantasy
Welcome to the empire of Praxi, where all is not as it seems and a dark evil older than the gods themselves threatens all life.
$15.00
/ Session
Details
Weekly / Sunday - 5:00 PM UTC
Session Duration / 2–3 hours
0 / 5 Seats Filled
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About the adventure
This game will blend an unraveling mystery against an ancient threat to all life itself. Almost all of my maps have been carefully crafted by hand in order to directly add to the narrative. And Ive written a wide sprawling world for you to play in. Expect both roleplay/investigation elements, and lots of tense combat. I try to go all in in creating an immersive setting. Relevant source material provided on Roll 20. --SETTING-- You were saved as a young child from a gruesome fate by one of the Praxi Legions. You were found alone deep within the Neither, a swirling miasma that surrounds the empire and holds within it great evil. The Neither has left its mark on your body, a strange but powerful mutation has manifested, separating you from the average citizen. Since then, all you've ever known is the training halls of the Ludis, or the cold stone of the academies. 10 grueling years have passed since that day, and you emerge a new graduate, and newly commissioned soldier of the Proximi 3rd Legion, 2nd scout group. A recent war between the Empire of Praxi and the Eastern Nomad Tribes has broken out, and the players join the action during the aftermath of the most recent and pyric of battles. --PC CHARACTERS WILL CONSIST OF-- This game is set for 4 or 5 milestone characters, starting at level 3, point buy attributes, using the D&D 5.5 ruleset, expect an epic campaign with well over 40+ sessions and a relatively fast leveling curve. I prefer to have characters rolled ses 0. ---CHALLENGING ROLEPLAY ELEMENTS--- The citizens of Proxemi and the surrounding townships all behave strangely. To the people within each day that comes is considered the best day so far. Ever happy and obedient what remaining dwindling population works to the benefit of the whole, and the emperor. Few question the will of the emperor or the good of the land, those that do, often lose their train of thought, gain splitting headaches, or simply lapse into a deep slumber. Stranger still no one seems to think anything of these symptoms. This implies a level of soft mind control that will be prevalent for the first chapter or so of the story. (10-15 sessions) This will not be hard control or loss of player agency and will not last beyond the first chapter of the campaign. Frankly, hard control of players is not something I take lightly and only reserve such things for specific rare encounters that warrant it. Players will Immediately start unraveling the mysteries of the world around them through a series of events that will threaten all life itself. META NOTE: as I understand this can be challenging, expect playing these elements well to be rewarding through both xp bonuses and Heroic Inspirations. --CHALLENGING COMBAT ELEMENTS-- I typically cater the Challenge to the group. A group of newer players can expect an easier time then a squad of vets. My default mode is on the side of crunchy tactical combat, so experienced groups can expect a challenge.
Game style
Combat Heavy
Hexcrawl / Exploration
Realm Building
Rule of Cool (RoC)
Sandbox / Open World
Tactical / Crunchy
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
5.0
(10)
Less than a year on StartPlaying
Highly rated for: Beginner Friendly, Knows the Rules, Rule of Cool
Average response time: Under 1 hour
Response rate: 100%
About me
I still remember walking into my first game store in 1984. I bought the complete Battletech collection and the rest was history. From redbox D&D, to Ad&d, to 2nd ed and on, Ive been a gamer since water was wet. When people talk about being a forever DM, let's just say i get it. Kidding aside. I never thought I'd ever try my hand at running professionally; however, a spinal injury brought a 25-year bartending career to a close. So here I am, taking my passion for writing fun stories, and fleshing out homebrew worlds and bringing them to you. So join me and let us build an adventure together, epic tales to keep you dreaming sweetly of the next session to come.
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
Characters will be made via the D&D 5.5 format on the Roll 20 platform starting at level 3. Making character at the table session 0 is encouraged. Characters races are encouraged to roll among the "fellowship" races: human, elf, dwarf, halfling, and backstory will be established at the table. But ultimately, it's your story we're telling here, play what you want. Part of the players tale will be about overcoming mistrust and establishing fame and reputation and using their influence to shape the world around them. An exotic race will lean more heavily into this aspect.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
Players should have access to a mic and discord, as well as set up a free account on roll 20. Sessions, world maps, handouts, and battle maps will all be hosted via roll 20. I also provide all relevant source books for 2024 on roll 20 so no buy in necessary.
What Paul Kalargiros brings to the table
The game will provide a good mix of roleplay, problem solving, tactical planning, and crunchy combat encounters. I will provide maps and handouts (90% Ive made myself), mood and environmental audio, some voice acting, and a good story. I'm well versed in D&D 5.5, so I can also bring my expertise to those needing help understanding mechanics or class options. Ill be available to answer questions before and after sessions, however I ask that we try to limit table talk during the sessions. If an easy rules interpretation isn't clear, Ill opt for the rule of cool to keep the action going and determine exact rulings after the session. That said, if you're a rules lawyer type player I ask you reign it in till we can talk after session, and just roll with it during the game. I'm big on the zero to hero trope, I want your power level, reputation, and influence in the game world to grow with your character. I love when my players feel like they are part of a living world and not just waiting for the next chance to roll initiative. If this sounds appealing to you, let's build some adventures together!
Homebrew rules
These can be established session 0 however my personal favorites are: Getting downed gives 1 level of exhaustion. Downed in 5.5 is far too trivial. ASI plus feat at level 4 (its high fantasy, and you're goanna need it.) The free hunter's marks via the class ability (ranger) are not concentration. To be clear upcast mark still requires concentration.
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How Paul Kalargiros creates a safe table
I intend to have a FREE session 0, so we can establish expectations on all sides of the table. If we determine that the theme and setting is agreeable, we can get into the character creation and begin unfolding the adventures to come. I have x card available, but I am also very responsive to players needs and sensitivities. Help me work with you if there are things that make you uncomfortable. Keep in mind this is a horror adjacent setting so expect horror elements. Also, I'm an adult, I'm easy to talk to after or before a session. If you have concerns or issues, please reach out. I know we all have our own boundaries, and if Ive crossed yours, I'd sure like to know about it and how to remedy the situation.
Content warnings
Safety tools used