The Spectacle - A Tournament of Turmoil (A Level 8 One-Shot)

About the adventure

The Spectacle, a secret event meant to showcase the efficiency of illegal and deadly magics, is about to commence. As one of this year's competitors, you are expected to face many terrifying creatures and perilous hazards - combat and action aplenty, all for the entertainment of the gathered audience! However, you are not alone in this endeavour. As you awaken in a stone chamber, shortly before the first round, you are joined by 3 more individuals. Together, you will have to survive longer than the other competing teams if you wish to see the Sun ever again. Enjoy the festivities!

Additional Details

How to prepare

Audio is the main requirement, so a decent mic quality would be appreciated. Video is not a required component, but people can choose to use it, if they so wish (and the connection allows it). I will personally more than likely be using a webcam during play. You should also consider what you'd like to use to represent your character on a map - the token you choose doesn't need to be a professionally done portrait, you may use any image of your choice (as long as it isn't something distasteful, of course). An important note to consider for character creation is the following - Because it’s a tournament-style situation, you are probably correct in assuming that combat and strenuous challenges are imminent. I can tell you right now that a long rest simply won't be possible during this adventure - expect multiple rounds of trials in quick succession. This event was designed to be both deadly and dramatic.

What I provide

While there will not be a designated map for every circumstance, most of the combat portions will have original, custom made maps to visually accompany them. In addition, if the Discord Gods allow me to do so, I'll also be providing music through a music bot to attempt to enhance certain scenes. People are obviously allowed to keep any and all custom content I share with them in their own personal games, but I would appreciate if you didn't reproduce it in any way.

Gameplay details

This a DnD 5e One-Shot game that focuses on a tournament-style premise, with a 4-person party fighting their way through several deadly challenges. As such, I can immediately tell you that this lil' game will feature more combat and action, rather than something like wilderness exploration or social intrigue, being designed more so to just have fun with creating and showcasing characters and their crazy powers. It is a one-off adventure, after all, so things ought to be kept dynamic, I say. But don't think that that means "no role-playing". I'm the type of DM that sees combat as just an extension of the narrative, not a distraction from it, so don't be afraid to RP your butts off. My role as DM is to reward your creativity and effort.

Content warnings

(none)

Safety tools used

Breaks
Debriefing
Open Door

How will character creation work

Characters are expected to be made by the players beforehand on roll20, or the a player can choose to play one of 9 pre-generated characters. Regardless of what the player chooses, I offer the option of making the character sheet in their stead, should they prefer such an arrangement. I am generally making myself available to converse with individual players through Discord to assist them through character creation. While backstories understandably don't need to be robust for this type of experience, any notes you can give me will be taken into account. Starting Level: 8 Stat Array: 8 / 10 / 13 / 14 / 15 / 15 Determining HP: max health for the first 3 levels, average for the rest (ex. an average of a d8 is 5) Character Options: Most published content is available, but chances are that there are additions or alterations to what you'd find familiar, as well as completely custom options. Starting Gear: 1 Uncommon magic item (no stat-raising items or items that grant flight) + 1 Potion of Greater Healing (4d4+4) + your basic starting equipment + a budget of 100 gold pieces as part of your Background (it is suggested that you spend as much of this as possible on additional gear, such as adventuring gear and spellcasting materials)

Players can expect

• Find a game to join solo or search for a professional game master for you and your friends/coworkers/family.
• Book your session and wait for the Game Master to approve you.
• If you don't have a blast with your first game, your next game is on us.