thaylich

D&D 5e Szass Tam’s Gambit Thay’s Reckoning (Faerun Adventure Session 2)

Dungeons & Dragons 5th ed

GM Playstyle

Balanced

Event Details

Dark FantasyFantasyLong Campaign

Technical

StreamyardTaleSpire
Next session:

$30.00 / week

All seats are full.
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About the Adventure

About the Adventure

Adventure Overview

Before the Red Wizards could cast their shadow over Faerun, there was one who rose from the ashes of forgotten crypts to challenge the very balance of the continent. “Szass Tam’s Gambit” is a campaign deeply woven into the fabric of Thay’s lust for power, following the chilling rise of the lich Szass Tam. As players, you will navigate a land rife with clandestine warfare, magical supremacy, and the restless dead. Join me each week and step into a saga where the stakes are as high as the spires of Thayan ziggurats.

 

Preparation (For Players)

Equip yourselves with a computer, a stable Wi-Fi connection, and a microphone to delve into the arcane depths of Thay. Utilize digital platforms like Tail spire for our virtual tabletop experience, D&D Beyond for character management, and Discord for our in-game strategizing and post-game debriefs. There is no cost to access these tools, but having your personal copy of the Player’s Handbook is recommended, although my digital library remains at your disposal.

 

Who Will Like This Game

Those enthralled by tales of dark ambition, set against a backdrop of a nation bathed in both literal and metaphorical scarlet, will find themselves at home. If you savor stories that pit survival against the machinations of immortal beings, and where the moral compass spins in a dance of power and sacrifice, then this is where your legend begins.

 

Character Creation

All classes and races are welcome, with a special invocation to embrace the arcane and the occult, the pillars of Thayan society. Our zero session will be our cauldron where characters are forged in consensus. Any system that kindles your role-playing flame is welcome. Craft your backstory with care—let it be a tapestry that intertwines your destiny with the dark dreams of Szass Tam and the fate of Faerun.

 

Gameplay

Our table is a covenant of cooperation, where fun is the highest doctrine. The campaign will course through the veins of adult themes, with the thrill of political intrigue, the dance of spell craft, and the clash of armies. Roleplay is the heart of our journey, encouraged but not mandatory. Bring your dice to summon the spirit of chance or let the digital dice of D&D Beyond roll as your fate. Here, we step out of reality and into the grand theatre of Thay, where the curtain rises on the epic of “Szass Tam’s Gambit.”

Game Master XP

5.0
5.0 out of 5 stars (based on 31 reviews)
Excellent100%
Very good0%
Average0%
Poor0%
Terrible0%

Could Never Have Imagined Having So Much Fun

February 17, 2024

I’m a first time D&D player and was unsure about getting started – but Jason made the experience more fantastic than I could have imagined. He brought together such a fun group of players, has patiently explained aspects of the game and has created such a vivid and wonderful fantasy journey. I look forward to the three hours of game play every week and can’t imagine having this kind of experience without Jason’s imagination and passion.

VictoriaCAi

D&D is accessible

February 17, 2024

You never have to worry your level of playing. You can play with veterans. You can be the newbie. And it’ll just be fun because Jason easily brings everyone onboard and helps you along. As well, he pays attention to your characters stories. You don’t just make a character and run through his own adventure. Your role is incorporated and the best part is you have no idea how! Just play already!

Glyde Weatherby Ben

The Storyteller is a great Game Master

February 17, 2024

Jason lives and breathes tabletop gaming. The campaign is well planned, described to the players, acted out and entertaining.

I’m participating in a home brew adventure of Jason’s creation. It’s designed for beginners allowing Jason to explain the game mechanics without impacting the fun of the adventure.

Beginner and advanced players will enjoy an adventure lead by The Storyteller Jason.

John Manion
© 2024 - RPG CLUB. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

All Reviews

5.0
5.0 out of 5 stars (based on 31 reviews)
Excellent100%
Very good0%
Average0%
Poor0%
Terrible0%
Attributes
teacher
1
engaging storyteller
1
voices and characters
1
thrilling battles
1
Avatar for Brianca
Brianca (Verified)

4 sessions played

November 6, 2024

Well I had only a few sessions with Jason, and I can say he is the best by far. He know how to keep you attention in the game, he has a lot of experience being a story teller/ GM he has this way of making feel comfortable in the group. I am a shy person and I am mostly quiet and have a hard time being comfortable in front of people that I don’t know. He knows how to navigate you in the right group that can make you feel welcomed and understanding of social interactions. If I get a chance after this campaign to be in another one I would definitely love to be part of this group I am currently in and have an amazing second chance with Jason as my storyteller/GM.

Avatar for Stephen
Stephen

21 sessions played

August 5, 2024

Jason is a stand up guy. As a brand new player he was patient and supportive in including me and made sure I was having fun. I feel like I know what I’m doing now and I’ll be in one of his campaigns for as long as I can.

Avatar for Lee
Lee (Verified)

50 sessions played

April 1, 2024

I am in two campaigns he's running and I look forward to playing both each week! He expertly crafts a compelling story with challenging but rewarding combat. Jason also listens to how you want your character to progress, and does a wonderful job at weaving those threads into the campaign! I leave each session wanting more and re-loving DnD! If you like a fair share of all the three pillers of TTRPG (RP, Combat, Exploration) then get a seat on one of Jason's tables! You won't regret it!

Avatar for Mario Provini
Mario Provini (Verified)

50 sessions played

March 7, 2024

Jason is an amazing person and extremely talented, skilled and knowledgeable game master/dungeon master. I used to enjoy playing DND. Now, I love playing DND. The story lines are entertaining, and engaging while the combat is challenging, never a cake walk but always rewarding and the RP is like a tv table read. This campaign will end one day, it will be a very sad day....... unless I can immediately jump into another one of Jason's campaigns. Thanks Jason!

Avatar for Kerri
Kerri (Verified)

75 sessions played

February 20, 2024

I have had the pleasure of playing 2 D&D campaigns and Candela Obscura with Jason. I was fairly new to D&D and very inexperienced with the role play aspect when I started playing with Jason. I have grown and improved so much as player at Jason’s tables. Jason is so good at what he does you get very invested in the story being created. He really knows how to balance combat extremely well. I am someone who likes strategy games & rising to the challenge Jason delivers it like no other. I don’t know how many voices Jason can do but it’s so many & so impressive I think he might have missed his calling as a voice actor. If you want compelling role play and difficult but rewarding combat grab a seat at one of his tables when you get the chance.

Avatar for Dustin
Dustin (Verified)

88 sessions played

February 17, 2024

Love the campaign! Challenging combat, fun RP, compelling story, and fully built out world!

Avatar for VictoriaCAi
VictoriaCAi

17 sessions played

February 17, 2024

I'm a first time D&D player and was unsure about getting started - but Jason made the experience more fantastic than I could have imagined. He brought together such a fun group of players, has patiently explained aspects of the game and has created such a vivid and wonderful fantasy journey. I look forward to the three hours of game play every week and can't imagine having this kind of experience without Jason's imagination and passion.

Avatar for Glyde Weatherby Ben
Glyde Weatherby Ben

20 sessions played

February 17, 2024

You never have to worry your level of playing. You can play with veterans. You can be the newbie. And it’ll just be fun because Jason easily brings everyone onboard and helps you along. As well, he pays attention to your characters stories. You don’t just make a character and run through his own adventure. Your role is incorporated and the best part is you have no idea how! Just play already!

Avatar for John Manion
John Manion
February 17, 2024

Jason lives and breathes tabletop gaming. The campaign is well planned, described to the players, acted out and entertaining. I’m participating in a home brew adventure of Jason’s creation. It’s designed for beginners allowing Jason to explain the game mechanics without impacting the fun of the adventure. Beginner and advanced players will enjoy an adventure lead by The Storyteller Jason.

Avatar for Liam Green
Liam Green

17 sessions played

February 17, 2024

I get up at midnight every Saturday (I live in Germany) and have three of the undoubtedly best hours every weekend. This is my third campaign but I’m still a bit of a newbie and the rest of the group are first timers. Jason provides a completely immersive world and always takes the time to pause and explain anything from the online enviroment (Talespire) and game mechanics to the fun of actual role play. This game is the absolute highlight of my weekend :D

Avatar for Cael
Cael

16 sessions played

February 16, 2024

In the symphony of voices that echo within the labyrinth of my mind, there exists a harmonious chorus of anticipation and excitement, all directed towards a singular focal point: Jason’s Dungeons & Dragons campaign. Week after week, Jason’s mastery as a Dungeon Master transcends the boundaries of reality, leading us on an odyssey through realms both familiar and fantastical. We truly look forward to these few hours every week

Avatar for Jake L
Jake L

15 sessions played

February 16, 2024

This is my first official D&D campaign and Jason provided a fun and immersive experience that gave us room to explore our options and shape our story. He's also always willing to listen to any issues we have while playing the game. I highly recommend him to any newcomers and veteran players!

Avatar for Alexa
Alexa

29 sessions played

February 16, 2024

I've been a player in one of Jason's D&D 5e campaigns for a little shy of two years. He is great! The worldbuilding he does is so rich and engaging (lots of mysteries to be unraveled and NPCs to play with), and combat is super fun and varied. Love the combat boards he sets up!

I'll also add -- I had watched a lot of D&D actual play before I started this campaign, but had never actually played before. Jason made me feel comfortable and welcome even though I was a newbie!

Avatar for The Jaalbatross
The Jaalbatross

30 sessions played

February 16, 2024

Been playing a weekly game with Jason as DM for ~2 years at this point. Great guy, knows how to keep it interesting and fun for all players.

Avatar for Tali Chais
Tali Chais

31 sessions played

November 5, 2023

I have been in Jason’s campaign for a little over a year, it was my introduction to the world of D&D – and I cannot recommend him enough! He was very thoughtful in the way he introduced me, and other new players, into the campaign, explaining things along the way all while creating an exciting and immersive world. Now the game is one of my weekly highlights! His campaigns are THE MOST fun, and have converted me to a lifelong fan :)

Avatar for Chris Mc
Chris Mc

23 sessions played

November 2, 2023

I have played through two full campaigns with Jason. The first was two years, and the second was just over a year.

Jason is welcoming and encourages the best in players' creativity. He cares more about the relationships groups have instead of getting every rule or decision perfect. I had the great joy to play two characters that helped me become the best player I could be: collaborative, humorous, and powerful.

I'm looking forward to joining a third adventure with him. Sign up and get in on the fun!

Avatar for Alex F
Alex F

32 sessions played

October 18, 2023

I did 2 years with Jason in a single campaign, and it was amazing! The story telling, the use of technology, the above-board discussion and compromise, the balance between common sense and the rules — it's all there. A perfect DM.

Avatar for Troy
Troy

19 sessions played

October 12, 2023

Jason is a Phenomenal DM. He works with you on the type of story you want for the game and your character while throwing in some twists and turns that you wouldn't expect. I have played in 3 of his games and each one feels completely different and each campaign is so memorable. If you ever get a chance to play in one of his games DO NOT! Hesitate on grabbing one of his seats.

Avatar for Kirsten A.
Kirsten A.

16 sessions played

October 12, 2023

This game is my favorite part of the week. I honestly can't think of anything I would improve.

Jason is an amazing GM. He's knowledgeable of the rules and knows how to make even failures entertaining. Sessions with him and the group are always a blast and I look forward to them every week.

Avatar for Michael C
Michael C

27 sessions played

October 11, 2023

Playing this game has become the highlight of my week. Not only has it provided an escape, but it's also a space where I, along with others, can freely express ourselves, be fun, crazy, and truly be in the moment, even on days when I'm not feeling my best.

One aspect I particularly admire is how each session feels like a complete episode – with a clear beginning, middle, and end. It's satisfying, immersive, and gives a sense of closure, making you eagerly anticipate the next session.

Thank you Jason for crafting such engaging storylines and for fostering a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued.

Avatar for Leslie B
Leslie B

34 sessions played

October 11, 2023

Jason is one of the best Storyteller's I've ever worked with. He creates this fun atmosphere where strangers become lifelong friends. Every session is a safe space for us, for our characters to have fun, to grow, to even possibly survive a TPK or the end of the world. I look forward to Jason's games. Each week they happen it's the only thing I talk about and look forward too, especially when real life sucks. As I said in my title, until Jason retires or gets sick of me, I'll be a lifelong player for any of his campaigns.

Avatar for Ben M.
Ben M.

20 sessions played

October 11, 2023

Playing with strangers that become your friends, and supporting each other’s play styles and character development is the kind of space Jason creates. We are all safe and respected and his priority is making the game fun for everyone. This is my second game with Jason. He asked everyone in the last day of our first campaign if we want to continue and join another and I signed up during the conversation. And I’ll do it again, and again, and again.

Avatar for Wendy B
Wendy B
October 11, 2023

Playing with Jason is a great experience. He is weaving intricate narratives that engage and captivate. His attention to detail and adaptability make every session successful. He obviously puts a lot of thought into every NPC, plot twist, and environmental challenge. If you are considering joining one of Jason´s campaigns, do it and don’t miss out.

Avatar for Rachel B.
Rachel B.
October 11, 2023

Jason is one amazing storyteller. One you'd most differently want to DM your game and the next. With his amazingly creative mind, he never leaves the game dull or wanting for something more. He puts his heart and soul into his craft and I promise it shows. ~ Happy Gaming.

Avatar for Percy B
Percy B
October 11, 2023

I’ve been playing with Jason for just around two years now, n’ I can safely say I have enjoyed every session from start to finish. His stress on the importance of character agency n’ inclusion creates a space where anyone can feel free to express themselves n’ enjoy riveting game play.

Avatar for Rob N.
Rob N.
October 11, 2023

Jason is a great DM and story teller. The level of work that he puts into his campaigns is clear when you play them. Excellent story! I definitely recommend his games.

Avatar for Heather G
Heather G

30 sessions played

September 22, 2023

It's my first campaign and I have really enjoyed the sessions. He makes players feel comfortable and supports new players as they grow. Always happy to explain mechanics. Great story telling!

Avatar for Curt M - Aerthan Yonwood - Horuk the Pale
Curt M - Aerthan Yonwood - Horuk the Pale

30 sessions played

September 21, 2023

I've been playing in Jason's Fool's Errand table for over a year now. It is my Sunday night fix, and has been a mainstay of my weekends. Jason has crafted a fantastic story, with intriguing characters and twists and turns throughout. There hasn't been a single night when we finished and I thought "well, that was a waste," (outside of a night of HORIBBLE rolls and completely misread situations that trashed our game plan, but we still had a blast!! LOL).

Jason is patient with n00bs, but also challenging for vets of the game. He seems to have a keen sense of intuiting your game ability and challenging you at a place that will be difficult but not insurmountable. He's also a great listener, and if you can think it, he'll try to think of a way to make it happen within game mechanics.

I had the pleasure of playing a lvl 20 one-shot with him a couple of weeks back in place of our standard game, and it was the most challenging and simultaneously rewarding night of DnD I can remember!

All in all, he's a fantastic GM, and I hope any new or veteran player can get a chance at the Storyteller's table!

Avatar for Xina
Xina
September 19, 2023

It was a awesome group with an great DM. The game was very newbie-friendly, and there was a nice variety of characters. I loved the run-down before game of expectations for game play. The adventure was tricky and I got to utilize some ball bearings with varying levels of effectiveness.

My only (very small) critique would be that I wish there was a little more hand-holding pre-game as I was coming into the game with zero idea of how online DND would work, and had limited experience with online character creation. The Discord assistance with my many questions was so very, very much appreciated.

I hope I get to play at one of your tables again! Thank you!!!!

Avatar for Z
Z
September 19, 2023

I played a one-shot with Jason. It was very challenging and fun. Jason was a great host in all regards, including in the support before the game. Big thanks! The game in it self help me a lot a getting a grasp on the action economy for a character I was creating.

My only gripe is that I do wish we missed one of those enormously high checks for some added drama - but our dice game was just too good! :D

Thanks Jason!

Avatar for Digital Prop
Digital Prop
September 15, 2023

Incredible adventure will return.

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