02/26/2026
Happy Thursday, and welcome back to Tabletop Thoughts.
February is the month of roses, vows, and whispered promises… so naturally, this week’s Thursday Drop-In leans into something darker.
The Crimson Courtship is a grimdark, low-level (1–3) adventure about obsession, devotion, and love that refuses to die. Set in a quiet village preparing for the Festival of Saint Liora, the story begins with a simple tradition: couples leave offerings at an old chapel to bind their love. This year, however, the prayers are answered.
Couples vanish. Others return pale and smiling too wide. A charming nobleman offers comfort to the grieving. And beneath the chapel, something ancient has awakened.
What’s Really Happening?
Lord Valemir, a centuries-old vampire entombed beside his beloved bride, has risen once more. He does not see himself as a monster. In his mind, he offers purity — devotion unmarred by doubt, jealousy, or time. Through charm, seduction, and blood, he grants something eternal.
Those who pray at the chapel become Marked. Their dreams fill with longing. Their affections sharpen into obsession. Some become willing protectors. Others would gladly die — or kill — for their dark benefactor.
Valemir isn’t simply feeding. He is rebuilding his lost court of lovers.
What Makes This Drop-In Shine
This adventure thrives on tension and roleplay. The vampire is elegant, soft-spoken, and disturbingly sincere. The villagers are not mindless thralls — they are devoted. The horror comes not from sudden violence, but from quiet, romantic corruption.
Players must decide:
- Do they destroy a monster who truly believes he loves?
- Do they save villagers who may not want to be saved?
- And what happens if Valemir offers them immortality?
Combat is sharp and dangerous, but the real weight comes from atmosphere and moral tension.
Why Run The Crimson Courtship?
If you’re looking for:
- A Valentine’s-themed adventure with teeth
- A social-heavy horror scenario for low-level characters
- A villain who is charming instead of snarling
- Or a grimdark story about devotion twisted into damnation
This Drop-In is ready to slide into almost any ongoing campaign.
Love, after all, is eternal.
Sometimes that’s the problem.
Keep on gaming!
2026 Goals Progress
- Minis Painted: 113 / 150
- Large Models / Terrain: 5 / 6
- YouTube Videos: 3/ 24
- Game Reviews: 3 / 4
- Games Played (TTRPG + Board Games): 0 / 4
- Thursday Drop-Ins Created: 2 / 12
- New TTRPG Systems Tried: 0 / 3
- Shadowdark Mini-Campaign Sessions: 0 / 3
- Shadowdark Release on DriveThruRPG: 0 / 1
tabletop-thoughts.com 