A carriage rides with speed on the edge of a rocky cliff that leads down into a valley. At the end of the coach driver can see a small township that exist at the end of the road. He slaps at the horse with a whip giving speed to the beasts as he drives his shouts home.
The sky darkens above him and behind him trees crackle and snap giving way to fear. The man knows something is cashing him but he doesn’t have time to stop and fight. His quiver has only a handful of arrows and those would likely fail him for whatever chased him.
He continues to slap the horses as the carriage wheels spin almost off the cliff side down to the rocky abyss below. Suddenly there is snap from the side of the carriage and forest goes dark and silent except for the sounds of the carriage. A wheel flies off in the darkness and the carriage tilts first towards the edge of the cliff. The man pulls the reins hard as it crashes against the ground pulling one horse underneath and shredding the creature.
When the carriage comes to a final halt the carriage lands in the middle of the road with a thud. The horses which are let loose from the carriage run down the road into the darkness. The driver is left be himself and what remains of the horse that was pulled under. He readies his bow and arrow jumping off the carriage and looking into the darkness of the forest next to him.
The sky above opens up with a trickle of rain which begins slowly with a drop here and there. The man knows that something is in the woods but he needs shelter. He takes a small torch with bow and arrow ready and heads off into the forest.
Just then a creature steps forward from the darkness, its growls low and feral. The torch drops to the ground as the man readies his arrow and fires into the air landing a killing blow between the creature’s chest. The creature falls back, and the driver readies another arrow not sure if the beast is dead.
The man kicks the creature with an arrow ready to fly again but the beast does not move. It is dead from the wound inflicted by the driver. The man wastes no time and turn around to gather the rest of his supplies but when he does; more creatures surround the carriage behind him. Their blood thirsty eyes give way to more primal impulses as they leap on the driver killing him where he stands.
——
The story above is meant to illustrate what Darkholme is. The region of Darkholme is unlike anything you’ve seen. In fact, below you find that the rules for Darkholme while they follow traditional D&D 5e rules there are several rules which are give a grittier side of the story.
If you ever wanted to play in a world similar to Darkest Dungeon or The Witcher series, then you are in the right spot. If I had to label Darkholme, I would consider it much grittier than what traditional fantasy games talk about.
Certain things will be clear by playing Darkholme.
Racism is rampant. Some human cities only cater to humans and not non-humans such as Dwarves, Elves or Halfling. Still many of these races try to live hand in hand with humans but they are often the poorer people of a city.
There are different categories for monsters. Some monster such as Orcs, Goblins, and Kobolds are less monsters and more annoyances. Most humans consider these the beast races which means they follow less traditional means to survive but are very savage.
True monsters such as Liches, Beholders and Deities are so rare that when they appear they cause fear among the general races.
Wounds and Sanity are two things that Darkholme introduces that normal D&D players never see. Another thing is to resurrect someone you must travel to a city of the damned to get people’s souls back.
Players can use the Players handbook, Dungeon Master and Monster Guide are all accepted. Additional classes and races from other books maybe allow depending on the rules (I would need a copy or to see them).
—-
I do not give experience by the number of things you kill but by the following:
- Clever actions can grant similar if not greater experience - example stealthing past a fight offers similar experience rewards. Beating someone in a social party is just as important as killing a goblin.
- I will hand milestones out at the end of certain events. These milestones will aid in leveling you up quicker.
- Good roleplaying, a hero which shows good roleplaying and acts out things such as fears, backstory or adds more flavor to the game will be given bonuses which allow them to advance quicker.
——
DarkHolme is a dark place filled with lots of nasty background which feel darker than traditional D&D. Players will begin their adventure in the city of Narshe which lies on the edge of the Sea of Junitper. Players will come from one of the many slave ships. Your background can be almost anything of your choosing, I recommend getting creative and asking the DM for advice if you have questions.
A small writing sample is required to join. Pick one topic below and write about it - one paragraph is fine.
1. The first time you met a real monster and nearly died.
2. Explain a time in your past where you had to survive.
3. Talk to a certain stereotype that your character has for a certain race, could even be one of the more savage races like Orcs, goblins, etc.
====
Request to Join
Character Name:
Character Concept:
Character Race:
Character Fear:
Include a writing sample.
More character information will be included once we pick you to play.
