Waterdeep: Dragon Heist - Spies & Intrigue - Beginner Friendly
Engage in spycraft and larceny in the city of Waterdeep, making connections and - more importantly - money.
About the adventure
Welcome to Waterdeep Famed explorer Volothamp Geddarm needs you to complete a simple quest. Thus begins a mad romp through the wards of Waterdeep as you uncover a villainous plot involving some of the city's most influential figures. A grand urban caper awaits you. Pit your skill and bravado against villains the likes of which you've never faced before, and let the dragon hunt begin!
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
3 years on StartPlaying
508 games hosted
Highly rated for: Creativity, Storytelling, Inclusive
Average response time: 21 hours
Response rate: 57%
About me
I've been playing D&D for the last 20 years, and the last 8 of that have been as a DM. For the past 5 years, I have been professionally organizing and running D&D events for local businesses and communities. I use Foundry VTT for my sessions, with a big collection of animated maps and tokens to bring the game to life. I like to get my players invested in whatever world they're playing in, so I'm always happy to work with you on character creation and weaving in backstories. The game isn't fun for me unless everyone else is having a good time. And yes, I do voices.
View Profile →Reviews (29)
Proficiencies
Players say this GM is great at:
Creativity
Storytelling
Inclusive
Mike is absolutely fantastic. He does an incredible job of creating an atmosphere for his games through music, storytelling, and voices. Your character's choices matter, your character's backstory matters, and your character's actions matter. He knows the rules well and does a great job of allowing rule of cool when it fits best. Mike is also collaborative and will work with the players on their ideas and talk through options to ensures everyone understands. He's patient and also checks in with his players regularly. I cannot say enough good things about Mike. Sign up for his games. You won't regret it.
I've played with mike through three campaigns over the course of a year or so now, and every game has been a blast from the get go (my wednesday nights in particular are a big highlight of my week). VTT setup (e.g. maps, music, effects) are incredible, voice acting and gestures are always unique and top notch, and some of his personal additions to these campaigns have been my favorites in particular. Outside of playing, Mike has also helped give me some starter advice as a new DM and is overall a very approachable person in-game and out-of-game.
Mike has been a blast from word go I've been in his steinhardts game from session 0 and its been a roller-coaster of players and he just keeps on making it fun for all of us it's suprising to watch the enthusiasm and effort he puts into prepping for each game with great visuals and tons of voices enjoyed him from go. love his humour.
Character creation
Creating your character
Come up with multiple character concepts. Before session zero, you'll have access to discord channels to discuss character ideas and party composition. Character will be created/finalized during session zero.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
Minimum requirements: - A laptop or desktop computer capable of supporting Foundry VTT - A microphone - A stable internet connection Preferred: - A webcam and the willingness to use it for games - The desire to work with a group and have a great time Grognards, main characters, and min-maxers need not apply.
What Mike brings to the table
I use Foundry VTT with both static and animated maps, a full soundscape of both ambient and combat music, and years of experience with the VTT. I try to give each NPC their own voice, incorporate backstories, and challenge my players while simultaneously playing into the power fantasy of the game. I'm big on the rule of cool (within reason, of course).
Homebrew rules
- Potions are a bonus action, unless feeding a potion to a downed character. - No flanking - Critical damage die are maxed
Equipment needed to play
Computer
Internet
Microphone
Webcam
Platforms used
Safety
How Mike creates a safe table
I run a session zero that ends in introductory gameplay for the party, and go over expectations of both myself and players that also includes a crash course in using the Foundry VTT platform.