Image by Calvin Gentz
Over Hill and Under Hill | The Lord of the Rings Roleplaying 5E
Goblins have raided the North Downs! Gather at the Prancing Pony, form your Company, and hunt a savage Warg-queen in this LOTR Play-by-Post.
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SYSTEM
LEVELS
LANGUAGE
EXPERIENCE
AGE
$25.00
/ Session
Details
Play by Post (Asynchronous)
Billed Weekly / Sunday - 5:00 AM UTC
Session Duration / 2–3 hours
Campaign Length / 50–150 Sessions
0 / 4 Seats Filled
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One of StartPlaying's top-rated GMs, a player favorite and highly recommended.
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About the adventure
Welcome to the Twilight of the Third Age. You and your Company are enjoying a rare quiet evening at The Prancing Pony in Bree when a hunter brings a dire message from your Patron, Lady Gilraen. A brutal raid has struck the reclusive Hill-folk of the North Downs. Those who survived have been dragged north to the caves of Mount Gram by Goblins and a savage Warg-queen, slated for a grim sacrifice under the light of the next full moon. The Free Peoples need brave souls willing to step off the safe paths and into the unknown. Will you answer the call? This campaign utilises The Lord of the Rings Roleplaying 5E ruleset to bring Tolkien’s masterpiece to life. Our adventure will be a carefully woven tapestry of the three pillars of Middle-earth: perilous Journeys across the wild, tense Councils with the Wise and Great, and desperate Combat against the creeping forces of the Enemy. You will manage your Company's Fellowship points to aid one another and fight back against the corrupting influence of the Shadow. To preserve the gritty, authentic feel of the lore, we will exclusively use the unique "Callings" of this ruleset—such as the Captain, Scholar, or Warden—ensuring your heroes feel as though they stepped right out of the books. Designed for busy folks and those who love rich, descriptive roleplay, this is an asynchronous Play-by-Post game hosted on a Level 3 boosted dedicated Discord server. If you enjoy diving deep into your character's thoughts and engaging in collaborative storytelling without the pressure of live scheduling, this is the table for you. My GMing style is all about providing a "dollop of everything"—a needlepoint balance of deep lore exploration, tactical text-based combat, and meaningful character growth. I run a permissive, encouraging, and trauma-informed game where the "Rule of Cool" and the story come first, and your agency shapes the world. Who is this game for? It’s for Tolkien enthusiasts, creative writers, and collaborative players who want to build a thriving community together. Beyond the adventure, you'll gain access to a vibrant, Level 3 boosted Discord server equipped with large file uploads where players share hobbies, pet pictures, and out-of-character banter in a safe, communal space. If you are ready to forge an unbreakable Fellowship, rescue the innocent, and push back the darkness—one post at a time—pull up a chair and join the Company!
Game style
Hexcrawl / Exploration
Roleplay Heavy
Theater of the Mind
Play By Post
Realm Building
Rule of Cool (RoC)
Rules as Written (RaW)
Meet the Game Master
4.9
(25)
2 years on StartPlaying
250 games hosted
Highly rated for: Creativity, Beginner Friendly, Inclusive
Average response time: 4 hours
Response rate: 100%
About me
Born and raised in Cape Town, I am a professional Dungeon Master and TTRPG writer dedicated to the art of collaborative, high-stakes storytelling. My life has been a long journey from a young adventurer in the Forgotten Realms to a full-time professional creator who believes that D&D is the ultimate form of community therapy. Drawing on my background as a Creative Manager and senior designer, I bring a professional design eye to the virtual tabletop and my worldbuilding, treating every session not just as a game, but as an immersive production. I am a lifelong storyteller who believes that the "Transmutation Rule"—Never say "No"—say "Yes, and here are the consequences"—is the key to unlocking a campaign that stays with you long after the session ends. I am deeply committed to a trauma-informed, inclusive table. I prioritise community over anonymity, fostering a space where 2SLGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and neurodivergent adventurers can find a home. When you join my table, you aren't just a player—you are a contributor to a living, breathing world. What My Players Say “I was beyond spoiled having Calvin as a DM. His infectious personality, encyclopedia of NPC voices, and deep care for the game and his players is evident in every session.” “Every arc and cliffhanger is an emotional rollercoaster; Calvin is the definition of collaborative and is very diligent in making sure players feel safe.” “A needlepoint balance of everything—collaborative, creative, and permissive.”
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
Character Creation Character creation will take place before the adventure officially begins, during an asynchronous "Session Zero" on our dedicated Discord server. This gives us plenty of time to weave your backstory into the setting, establish how you know your Patron (Lady Gilraen), and get your character settled at The Prancing Pony before the goblin raid occurs! Starting Level & Stats Starting Level: Level 1. Stats: We will use either the Standard Array or Point Buy to ensure a balanced Fellowship, or you can roll your 6 core abilities (Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, Charisma) using the dice bot directly in our Discord server. Where to create them: Characters can be built using standard 5E character sheets (PDF or digital tools) and ported into our Discord channels. Books & Allowed Content Allowed: You must strictly use The Lord of the Rings Roleplaying 5E core compendium for character options. Not Allowed: Standard D&D 5E Player's Handbook races, classes, and spells are not permitted. This is to preserve the authentic, low-magic, gritty feel of Middle-earth in the Twilight of the Third Age. Cultures & Classes (Callings) To fit the lore, you will build your character by choosing from the specific options provided in the LOTR ruleset: Heroic Cultures: Bardings, Dwarves of Durin's Folk, Elves of Lindon, Hobbits of the Shire, Men of Bree, or Rangers of the North. Callings (Classes): Captain, Champion, Messenger, Scholar, Treasure Hunter, or Warden. Pre-Generated Option If you prefer to jump right into the action without building a character from scratch, you may also choose one of the five beautifully crafted pre-generated Player-heroes included in the Starter Set (such as a Hobbit Treasure Hunter or an Elven Scholar).
What to expect
Preparing for the session
The adventure begins... What you will need to prepare: ✅ Play by Text ✅ Discord ✅ DNDBeyond Account (I will share a link to the campaign/oneshot in which all my content will unlock for you.) ✅ Fill in the Supplied Google Forms ✅ Create your character within DNDBeyond ✅ A basic knowledge of the rules and how your character/class works. (if you are a beginner, don't worry, you will get the hang of it!)
What Calvin brings to the table
Tools & Resources: D&D Beyond: We'll use D&D Beyond for character creation and reference during the game. This makes it easy for everyone to track their stats, abilities, and spells. VISUAL PLAY BY POST: Immerse yourselves in the narrative via Text by Post (PbP) on our very active Discord server. Engage with the world through a wealth of custom visual aids, maps, and handouts crafted to bring the party's adventure to life. Discord: We'll connect and communicate on Discord, sharing voice and text chat to keep the game flowing smoothly. Custom Content: I'll be creating plenty of my own content to bring the world to life, from unique NPCs and monsters to immersive descriptions and intriguing plot hooks & creative hand outs. My GM Style: Immersive Storytelling: I love to create a vivid and engaging narrative, using descriptive language, character voices, and ambient music to set the scene and draw you into the world. Tactical Combat: Expect exciting and challenging combat encounters, where strategy and teamwork are key to victory. Rule of Cool: While I respect the rules, I also believe in the power of the Rule of Cool. If you come up with a creative and awesome idea, I'll do my best to make it work within the game's framework. Collaborative Storytelling & Passion: As one of my players mentioned, I'm passionate about collaborative storytelling. My primary concern is for everyone to contribute to and enjoy an awesome story together. Lore Focused: I delve deep into the lore, crafting a world rich in history, secrets, and interconnected narratives. Overall, my games are a blend of: Immersion: I aim to create a world that feels real and alive, with rich details and memorable characters. Challenge: Expect to face tough choices, overcome obstacles, and test your skills in combat and roleplaying. Fun: Above all, I want everyone to have fun and enjoy the collaborative storytelling experience. What to Bring: Your Character: A fully created character on D&D Beyond, ready for adventure! Enthusiasm: Come ready to explore, roleplay, and have a great time! Open Mind: Be prepared for the unexpected and embrace the collaborative storytelling experience. I'm excited to embark on this journey with you!
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How Calvin creates a safe table
Safety Tools & Session 0: Lines and Veils: I'll share a link to a Lines and Veils document before Session 0, where you can anonymously list any topics or themes you'd prefer to avoid or approach with caution. Session 0: We'll dedicate time to discuss everyone's expectations, comfort levels, and playstyles. We'll also establish shared boundaries, review the Lines and Veils, and address any questions or concerns. Aftercare: If a session touches on sensitive topics or triggers any discomfort, I'll check in with everyone afterward to ensure they're okay. I'm also open to debriefing or discussing any issues outside of the game. X, N, & O's: We'll use a combination of digital and verbal cues for X, N, & O's, depending on what's most comfortable for the group. Gameplay Details: Character-Driven: I love to see characters grow and evolve, so expect plenty of opportunities for roleplaying and personal development. Player Agency: Your choices matter! The story will adapt and change based on your decisions, creating a unique and collaborative experience. Worldbuilding: I'll provide a rich and detailed setting to explore, filled with intriguing lore and hidden secrets. Getting to Know You: Before we begin our adventure, I'd like to get to know you a little better. Please take a few minutes to fill out a Google Form before our session. I'm curious about what you enjoy in games, what inspires you, and any specific boundaries or preferences you have. This helps me create a safe and enjoyable experience tailored to your interests. For example, I'm personally terrified of spiders, so I won't be including them in the game unless everyone is comfortable with it.
Content warnings
Safety tools used