A Night of Masks and Mystery 

The Story Set-Up 

In the city of Ibrido, there is a clear division between the wealthy and the poor. While the poor toil just to survive, the nobles enjoy a life of splendor and frivolity. Every week, a lavish ball is held at Castle Maschera, hosted by the Marquis Prospero di Maschera, who has a reputation for being a generous party-thrower and avid patron of the arts. The party is highly exclusive, receiving an invitation is coveted in Ibrido, and those who enter his social circle never leave it. 

But the Castle, party and social circle hold many secrets. Just last week a strange, hybrid creature — half bird, half man — was found dead in Ibrido’s city square, tattooed with the Marquis’s symbol of two masks. Rumors have begun to swirl throughout the small town that something more sinister may be at play. 

Did Marquis di Maschera’s party just get out of hand, or is there a real danger to the town and people of Ibrido? 

This is an ‘Evolving One-Shot’ meaning if you continue in my one-shot series, you can maintain the same character allowing skill development and leveling! 

What you need to play 

Please ensure that you have a working mic/headset and webcam (optional but encouraged). 

You will need D&D Beyond (FREE version is fine).  

Next, search for “abovevtt” in your browser and get the app from the Chrome Store (also FREE). It will attach to your D&D Beyond account adding a blue Join with Above VTT button to your character.  

Lastly, please join the Discord server upon registration. 

Materials Provided 

The GM will provide you with access to all needed materials on D&D Beyond, AboveVTT and Discord.  

Why you will enjoy this game 

It relies on collaborative storytelling about fantasy heroes adventuring in a world of magic, mystery and fantastical creatures.  

This One-Shot is designed with an emphasis on roleplay culminating in a combat situation.  

Player choices not only determine this story, but can have ramifications in the world around them should they choose to continue the adventure.  

If you like roleplay, intrigue and story twists, you will like this game. 

If you like puzzle solving, and roleplaying to determine allies and enemies you will like this game. 

If you enjoy instances of “didn’t see that coming” combined with occasions of “I get to determine where this story goes” you will like this game. 

Character Creation Guidelines 

You will need a Level 3 character using the D&D 5e or 2024 ruleset (Legacy and Expanded). Try to align your choices with the Story Set-Up but leave room for character growth. This is a mini campaign but could easily become a full campaign with the right group of adventurers. As a team, the group can finalize character choices and ideals as we begin the adventure. I will ask you why your character is with this group and why they have a common goal. 

This one–shot takes place in the Forgotten Realms, so you may prefer to stay within that realm for continuity’s sake. We can discuss exceptions that won’t unbalance the campaign.  

Backstories and character concepts are encouraged. Keep it simple! A paragraph is usually enough to give you something to start with while allowing your character room for growth during the adventure.  

Gameplay Themes/Content Warnings 

This campaign includes violence, treachery, betrayal, and evil. Romance is kept PG-13, with a fade-to-black style when it becomes intense. Know that if you have specific lines and veils they will be heard and handled respectfully.