The Story Set-Up
In the bustling city of Manshaka, where dreams clash with desperation, a group of broke adventurers stumble upon a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: The Crucible. This prestigious fighting tournament promises wealth, glory, and a chance to change your prospects. Will you risk everything to change the trajectory of your future?
Can you unravel the sinister plot lurking behind the tournament, or will you become the next victims in a game where survival is not guaranteed? Gather your strongest allies, sharpen your swords, and prepare for a thrilling adventure. In The Crucible, every choice could be your last!
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 Mini-Campaign (4-5 sessions depending on play style) is designed with a balance between combat, exploration, and roleplay. The intense exploration and combat drive the adventure, but the roleplay of the players determine the direction of the story and outcome.
Player choices not only determine this story, but they have ramifications in the world around them should they choose to continue the adventure.
If you like intrigue and story twists, you will like this game.
If you like exploration, puzzle solving, and roleplaying to determine allies and enemies, all while your character’s life is in jeopardy, 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 2 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.
The Crucible and the follow-up campaign take place in the Forgotten Realms, so you may prefer to stay within that realm for continuity 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.
John’s creativity, world building and attention to detail never cease to amaze me. If you haven’t already, you need to participate in one of his games. You won’t be disappointed! I first participated in his in-person games that he runs in our area and then joined in on this game that he runs on RPG club.
This was a great game. I enjoyed the world building leading up the a ton of combat at the end. The GM was phenomenal at creating the setting and I followed easily with my imagination. So much fun, looking forward to additional plays with him. Definitely recommended as a GM, you will not be disappointed.
I’ve been playing with John for over a year in one of his in-person games. He is a masterful world builder who engages every character during each session. He does an amazing job of creating content that can engage the least and most experienced in our group. The details and story building that come out of the campaigns that he has written are impressive and always fun to play out!
1 session played
John's creativity, world building and attention to detail never cease to amaze me. If you haven't already, you need to participate in one of his games. You won't be disappointed! I first participated in his in-person games that he runs in our area and then joined in on this game that he runs on RPG club.
This was a great game. I enjoyed the world building leading up the a ton of combat at the end. The GM was phenomenal at creating the setting and I followed easily with my imagination. So much fun, looking forward to additional plays with him. Definitely recommended as a GM, you will not be disappointed.
I've been playing with John for over a year in one of his in-person games. He is a masterful world builder who engages every character during each session. He does an amazing job of creating content that can engage the least and most experienced in our group. The details and story building that come out of the campaigns that he has written are impressive and always fun to play out!
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Join the RPG Club! Registration and site usage are subject to the sites’ Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
