Tavern Talk Thursday: Spooky TTRPG Adventures for Halloween

Julia Roth

The Tavern Talk Thursday logo next to the Horror of the Necrodarlings' logo.

Welcome to Tavern Talk Thursday! We are expanding! What started as a column dedicated to chatting with members of the TTRPG community is growing to talk about all things TTRPG. We aim to continue sharing all the things we love about the community and all the content within. So, consider this a little peek into our favorite worlds and creators as we explore everything we love.

October is here, and spooky season is in full swing. One of our favorite things about TTRPGs is being able to play out scenarios that aren’t always possible in real life. And what could be better than a spooky adventure without the repercussions of being cursed by a ghost or finding yourself locked in a murder house? No matter what scares you and your crew, we have something for everyone to enjoy.

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Spooky TTRPG Adventures

Curse of Strahd

We couldn’t kick this list off with anyone other than the Vampire lord himself. Curse of Strahd is the Ravenloft update for Dungeons and Dragons 5e. Dive deep into Barovia as you face monsters from your worst nightmares. If your crew has already played through the adventure, there is more than enough material within to craft your own. It’s classic, nostalgic and perfect for Halloween.

Strahd sitting in his chair drinking blood.
Curse of Strahd

The Madhouse of Tasha’s Kiss

If you are looking for a Halloween night spooky TTRPG one-shot, look no further than The Madhouse of Tasha’s Kiss. This is an incredibly spooky adventure from Remely Farr and Jeff Steven’s Freakshow Trilogy. It features one of our favorite story hooks as a door just magically appears one day to lead adventurers on a terrifying journey. It’s also utterly workable as an ongoing adventure.

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Happy Jack’s Funhouse

Clowns. Is there much more we have to say? Happy Jack’s Funhouse is the second one-shot on our list by Remely Farr, Jeff Steven and another member of the Freakshow Trilogy. Clowns aren’t the only thing waiting to terrify your crew, but they sure are ready to do the job. Tie this with an ongoing adventure or dive into it on the side and we promise your crew won’t be disappointed. Scared definitely, but never disappointed.

An upclose shot of Happy Jack from Happy Jack's Funhouse.
Happy Jack’s Funhouse

Horror of the Necrodarlings

Horror of the Necrodarlings is a three-part D&D module by Corey Mann. Players will face everything they fear and more as they uncover the mystery haunting them. It does a terrific job of building on the suspense from module to module. And while your crew might think they have it all figured out, there is enough surprise to keep them guessing. Set the spooky mood and watch your crew face their darkest fears one step at a time.

The Spookiest Night Ever

Our final spooky TTRPG definitely lives up to its name. Samuele’s The Spookiest Night Ever will be an incredible journey for your crew. It opens up one of our favorite questions: what happens when a group of intoxicated adventurers find themselves in the domain of dread? It’s a hangover adventure mixed with absolute horror. Give your crew the liberty to really lean into this idea, and it will be as hilarious as it is scary. 

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Julia Roth
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