Fantasy Grounds - Dinner with the Spirits - Level-4 is a tabletop RPG adventure module designed for the Fantasy Grounds virtual tabletop platform on PC. It places players in the role of mercenaries hired to protect a village from a corrupted seasonal event involving fey creatures and undead threats. The experience centers on narrative-driven exploration and combat encounters set in a small settlement and its surroundings during the approach of winter holidays.
Gameplay
The core loop revolves around guiding a party of characters through a self-contained story that begins with the arrival of winter spirits from the Fey Realm. These spirits, normally playful, fall under the control of the trickster Snickel, who introduces necromantic elements that raise undead from a nearby crypt. Players investigate the affected areas around Cloverleaf Manor and the Village of Panshaw, interact with villagers, and confront the resulting dangers. Combat proceeds through standard D&D 5E rules supported by Fantasy Grounds tools, including automated initiative rolls and skill checks via one-click macros. Maps include dynamic lighting and wall boundaries to enhance visibility and tactical positioning during sessions.
Character progression starts at level 4, with encounters scaled for a short play window of three to five hours. The module supports customization to fit different campaign settings and includes tokens for light sources to aid in managing visibility mechanics. Sessions emphasize investigation of the village threat, resolution of the spirit incursion, and decisions around the offered reward for restoring the holiday season.
Game Modes
Play focuses on a single-session adventure format that can integrate into ongoing campaigns. The structure supports both new groups and existing parties by providing adaptable content for D&D 5E, with noted compatibility for systems like Shadowdark through minor adjustments. Fantasy Grounds features such as shared maps and automated dice handling facilitate group coordination whether participants join remotely or in person. The adventure does not include separate competitive or persistent modes beyond the primary narrative path of defending the village and addressing the source of the corruption.
Story and Setting
The narrative opens with the wealthy residents of Cloverleaf Manor abandoning their home after winter spirits turn hostile under Snickel's influence. Undead emerge from the family crypt and assault Panshaw, resulting in the loss of four villagers despite the community's successful defense. Local leaders respond by posting a substantial bounty for capable mercenaries to eliminate the threat and safeguard the Winter Solstice celebrations. The setting blends fey mischief with necromantic horror in a rural environment, highlighting the contrast between expected seasonal cheer and the sudden emergence of danger.
Is It Worth Playing?
This module suits groups seeking a concise, self-contained D&D 5E experience centered on village defense and fey-undead conflict. Its short length makes it suitable for one or two sessions, and the built-in Fantasy Grounds support streamlines combat and map management. Availability as a paid add-on on platforms like Roll20 and direct sources provides access without requiring additional core purchases beyond the Fantasy Grounds client. Players who enjoy tactical encounters with environmental elements and a focused holiday-themed plot will find the content aligns with those preferences. No ongoing seasonal updates or expansions are associated with this specific release.
