Learn Daggerheart: A Beginner Friendly One-Shot
Durnvail’s arcane street lamps are failing. Strange sigils are being reported. Can investigators uncover the truth before magic collapses?
$18.00
/ Session
Details
1 player following this game
Once / Thursday - 6:00 PM UTC
Oct 15
Session Duration / 2–3 hours
0 / 5 Seats Filled
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About the adventure
The industrial port city of Durnvail runs on magic. Arcane street lamps burn through the fog, enchanted machinery powers the docks, and ancient sigils quietly maintain the delicate balance of magical forces beneath the city. But something has begun to go wrong. Street lamps flicker and fail across the district of Cinderlock. Strange sigils are appearing in places they should not exist. Some say it is sabotage. Others whisper that something older has begun to stir beneath the city itself. In this beginner-friendly one-shot adventure, a small group of investigators follows the trail of these disturbances through the fog-filled streets and hidden corners of Durnvail. What begins as a simple investigation soon reveals a deeper mystery connected to the city’s ancient magical foundations. This game is designed to welcome new players while still offering a rich experience for experienced roleplayers. The rules of DaggerHeart will be introduced as we play, so no prior knowledge of the system is required. Expect a collaborative table where player choices shape the unfolding story. There will be moments of investigation, character interaction, and tension as the group works together to understand what is happening to the city’s magic. Combat may occur when the story demands it, but the focus of the session is on story, character decisions, and shared discovery. Many of Rusty’s players are experienced Game Masters themselves who enjoy the opportunity to sit on the other side of the screen and simply play. Beginners, curious newcomers, and forever GMs alike are welcome at the table. If you enjoy mystery, atmospheric fantasy, and stories where the party truly becomes a party, you will feel at home in Durnvail.
Game style
Theater of the Mind
Roleplay Heavy
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
Less than a year on StartPlaying
About me
What you’ll find in Rusty’s games: a table where everyone belongs. Rusty runs games for players who want story, agency, and shared ownership of the experience. Whether you are new to tabletop role-play or highly experienced, you are invited to contribute at your own pace. You can expect clear invitations to take part, respect for boundaries and comfort, and space to explore character, emotion, and consequence without judgement. Collaboration sits at the centre of play. The story is built with you, not performed at you. Your choices matter. Your ideas shape the world. Quiet players are valued as much as bold ones. Discretion is a given. Trust comes first. Sensitive themes are handled with care, spotlight is shared, and no one is put on the spot for the sake of drama. Inclusion is intentional. Different play styles, neuro-types, identities, and levels of confidence are welcomed by design, not as an afterthought. If you are looking for a GM who helps a group become a party, connected, creative, and safe enough to be brave, you will feel at home here.
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
This session is designed to be beginner friendly, so pregenerated characters will be provided at the start of the game. Players can choose from a selection of ready-to-play characters and customise small details such as name, personality, and backstory if they wish. If you are already familiar with Daggerheart and would prefer to bring your own character, that is welcome too. Characters should be created at starting level (Tier 1) and fit the tone of a story-driven mystery set in the city of Durnvail. Characters made using the test materials on "The Void" are very welcome. Character selection and quick introductions will take place during the first few minutes of the session so everyone can get comfortable before the adventure begins.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
1. Create a free Demiplane account We will use Demiplane for character sheets and dice rolling. https://app.demiplane.com/home 2. Join the game Discord server Voice chat and table coordination will happen through Discord. A link will be provided after you join the game. 3. Test your microphone and audio A working microphone and stable internet connection are required so everyone can communicate easily during the session. 4. Optional: Watch a quick overview of Daggerheart You don’t need to know the rules to play, but if you’re curious about the system this short introduction from the publisher is a great place to start: https://youtu.be/5vSRTC4m9GU?si=3Qd8RyIKD554z2x1
What Rusty brings to the table
My games focus on story, character, and collaborative play. Players are encouraged to shape the unfolding story through their decisions, ideas, and interactions with the world. Sessions are run primarily using theatre of the mind, which keeps the focus on imagination, atmosphere, and character moments rather than complex digital battle maps. Character sheets and dice will be handled through Demiplane, with Discord voice chat used for communication during the game. You can expect a table where collaboration comes first. Quiet players are welcomed, spotlight is shared, and everyone is invited to contribute at their own pace. Non-player characters are fully roleplayed as part of the story, with their motivations, emotions, and choices shaping the unfolding events. The emphasis is on meaningful interactions and shared storytelling rather than theatrical performance. Combat appears when it serves the story, but it is not the sole focus of the session. Creative ideas and cinematic moments are encouraged when they enhance the shared adventure.
Homebrew rules
For beginner one-shots I keep house rules to a minimum so new players can learn the core Daggerheart system as it is written. My general approach is a light-touch application of the rules, with an emphasis on clarity, pacing, and keeping the story moving. If a creative idea clearly serves the moment or improves the shared experience at the table, I’m happy to lean into the spirit of the rules rather than interrupt the flow of play. For longer campaigns I do introduce small table conventions once the group is comfortable with the system, but beginner sessions focus on learning the game in a straightforward and welcoming way.
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How Rusty creates a safe table
Creating a table where players feel safe, respected, and comfortable participating is a core part of how I run games. At the start of the session we briefly check in on tone and expectations so everyone understands the style of play and feels ready to step into the story together. During play I pay close attention to the group dynamic and use my experience as a facilitator and coach to notice when energy or comfort levels shift. Players are always welcome to signal if something is approaching their limits. Simple check-ins such as green / amber / red signals or a quick message in chat can be used if anyone needs to pause, redirect, or adjust the scene. Breaks provide another opportunity for players to check in privately if needed. My goal is to make sure everyone feels able to participate at their own pace without pressure. The stories I run focus primarily on mystery, adventure, and collaborative storytelling. If something unexpectedly moves toward uncomfortable territory, we simply pause and adjust so the table remains a place where players feel safe enough to be creative and brave. Many players at my table are new to online roleplaying games, so I make sure everyone understands that their comfort and enjoyment come first.
Content warnings
Safety tools used