Legends of Etharis | A Player Goal-Driven Grim Hollow Campaign
In the godless lands of Etharis, your own ambitions shape a dark fantasy world. Forge your path and claim your destiny today!
$30.00
/ Session
Details
1 player following this game
Weekly / Wednesday - 2:00 AM UTC
Oct 7 / Session 0
Session Duration / 3–3.5 hours
Campaign Length / 45–60 Sessions
4 / 6 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
Step into Etharis, an unforgiving dark fantasy continent where the gods are dead, divine aid is a distant memory, and civilization teeters on the edge of total collapse. Across these blood-soaked lands, the crumbling Bürach Empire rots under the shadow of cosmic dread, the vampiric aristocracy of the Crimson Court exacts a horrific blood tax over Ostoya, and the zealots of the Arcanist Inquisition hunt mages through a paranoid, superstitious world. Survival here is never guaranteed, and standard paragons of virtue rarely endure the horrors lurking across the landscape... or within themselves. However, you will not be sitting in a tavern waiting for a GM to throw you quest breadcrumbs or waiting around for a villain's plot to force you into action- Powered by a proactive roleplaying framework, this campaign places the narrative steering wheel directly in your hands. Instead of passively reacting to pre-written story beats, you will define your character's own short-, mid-, and long-term goals; whether that means seizing power, breaking an ancient curse, or pursuing a personal vendetta. As you actively execute your ambitions, dynamic factions, opportunistic allies, and scheming villains will react in real time, creating high-stakes encounters and moral dilemmas shaped entirely by your choices. Whether you are a tabletop veteran craving genuine agency or a new player looking for a deeply personal, immersive story where your decisions alter the fate of the realm, your story begins here. Determine what you are willing to sacrifice, lay out your ambitions, and step into the dark to claim your destiny today.
Game style
Hexcrawl / Exploration
Rules as Written (RaW)
Roleplay Heavy
Combat Heavy
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
About me
Hi, I’m Dylan! I’ve been a Dungeon Master since 2017, creating unforgettable adventures for players of all experience levels. My games emphasize immersive storytelling, vibrant NPCs, and a nuanced, open world where every choice matters. Whether you’re navigating political intrigue in Eberron, battling dragons on the Sword Coast, or just sharing laughs with friends, my goal is to provide a safe, inclusive space where creativity and fun thrive. Let’s roll some dice and bring your next epic tale to life!
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
***THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE 2024/5.5 RULES ONLY*** Character creation will occur initially on DnDBeyond and can occur either before or during Session 0. Everyone will be starting at level 1. Sources/ to enable during character creation: - 5.5e Core Rules - 5.5e Expanded Rules - Subscriber Content is optional but allowed. Partnered Content: - Ghostfire Gaming must be enabled to access Grim Hollow Races and Subclasses Optional Class Features will be enabled. Advancement will be Milestone. Hit Point type will be Manual. Prerequisites will be enabled. Encumbrance will tracked using Standard Rules, NOT Variant. - Coin weight will count and will not be ignored. Stats will be generated using the Point Buy method. If you are unfamiliar with this method, D&D Beyond is extremely helpful during the Character Creation process and I am happy to assist you during Session Zero as well.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
To ensure that everyone has the best experience possible, here are a few simple requirements for joining our games: Accounts you will need: - D&D Beyond (optional, but helpful.) Character creation can occur completely within Foundry if you wish to not use a D&D Beyond account. - Discord is required for communication and joining the voice chat. No account is needed to access Foundry VTT. -Computing Device: Please use a computer (laptops or desktops) as Foundry VTT, our virtual tabletop platform, does not currently support mobile devices like tablets or phones beyond a rudimentary 3rd party mobile companion app. -Internet Connection: A stable and reliable internet connection is crucial; WiFi or Ethernet is preferred, as mobile data or hotspot connections can be spotty. -Web Browser: Foundry Virtual Tabletop is designed for use in Google Chrome, but Firefox can work fairly well. -Microphone: Good audio is key for interaction, so please have a microphone ready. This could be through your phone if you choose to use the Discord mobile app, or via a built-in or external microphone on your computer.
What Dylan - Stolen Velvet brings to the table
Relaxed and Engaging Gameplay: At the heart of every session is the goal of fun. Dungeons & Dragons is collaborative storytelling at its finest, and I strive to keep the atmosphere light and encouraging. While respecting the gravity of our adventure’s dramatic (or horrific) moments, I ensure a welcoming environment where everyone can role-play at their comfort level without pressure. The horror is in the narrative, it should NOT be above the table. Premium Game Resources: -DnDBeyond Master-tier Subscription: All players in my campaigns gain access to all sourcebooks, ensuring you have every tool at your fingertips. -An extensive catalog of supplementary resources from the Dungeon Master's Guild and Drive Thru RPG. -Foundry Virtual Tabletop: We will use this advanced platform for most sessions, known for its robust features that enhance gameplay. -Exquisite Maps and Ambience: Enjoy hundreds of detailed maps from The MAD Cartographer, enhanced with ambient lighting and sounds for deep immersion. -Rich Audio Landscape: A vast catalog of music, environmental sounds, voice lines, and foley effects from Monument Studios and Michael Ghelfi brings our world vibrantly to life. Dynamic Gameplay Elements: -Combat: Expect combat to be swift yet accommodating. I’m here to answer any mechanics or rules questions you may have, making sure everyone remains engaged and learning. -Puzzles and Riddles: Challenges are designed to be stimulating but never game-stopping. Every puzzle and riddle has multiple solutions, ensuring the story keeps moving. -Social Interactions: Prepare for rich, immersive interactions. I love bringing characters to life with distinct accents and personalities—feel free to laugh along with my attempts! -Balanced Experience: Players can anticipate an even blend of combat, puzzles, and social interactions, ensuring a well-rounded adventure. -Rule of Cool: I value the rules as written, but I love diving into the wording of rules to find loopholes and just like Captain Barbosa, I treat the 'rules' more as 'guidelines.' If you have a daring idea, let’s make it happen!
Homebrew rules
Drinking a potion costs a bonus action, OR a full action if you want the guaranteed maximum healing. Modified Critical Hits - Max base rolls, roll crit (ex. a d10 critical would be 10 + 1d10 + Modifiers) The first "Hat Trick" of Natural 20's (Three in a row) from the party results in automatic level up for the party, effective at the end of the next long rest. Any further Hat Tricks grant inspiration for the entire party - DOES NOT STACK if you already have inspiration so use it or lose it!
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How Dylan - Stolen Velvet creates a safe table
Commitment to a Safe and Enjoyable Experience -Respectful Session Timing: All sessions are designed to be concise, never exceeding 3 hours, unless there's unanimous agreement to extend. Each session includes a 15-minute break to ensure comfort and focus. - Pre-Game Preparation with Session 0: Before diving into our adventures, a complimentary Session 0 is provided. This is a crucial time to align on player expectations, establish boundaries, and assist with character creation. This session ensures everyone starts on the same page and feels prepared and confident. For those who prefer privacy when discussing boundaries or any concerns, I'm available for direct messages on Discord. - Ongoing Communication: I believe in the power of feedback to create the best gaming experience. Over the course of the campaign, I periodically reach out to every player individually via Discord to gather insights and ensure satisfaction with the campaign's progression. - Handling Boundaries with Care: We treat each other with respect, and any breach of established boundaries is taken seriously. Minor issues may result in a brief timeout for reflection, while significant or repeated breaches might lead to a group discussion regarding potential removal from the campaign. Your comfort and safety are my top priorities. - Zero Tolerance for Discrimination: While our adventures explore complex themes within the world of Crooked Moon, including societal injustices, there is absolutely no tolerance for out-of-character discrimination or hate speech. This includes racism, homophobia, xenophobia, and any form of sexual violence. Breaching these principles leads to immediate removal from the session and potentially the campaign, depending on the severity of the offense. - Join Us for a Respectful and Thrilling Adventure: Together, we'll navigate the rich and intricate world of The Crooked Moon, ensuring a memorable and respectful experience for all adventurers.
Content warnings
Safety tools used

