So you want to save another village! | Sword Coast Adventures
A new terror has moved into the Phandalin region and claimed it as their own. You must learn your weapons & master your spells for the coming battle.
About the adventure
Beyond the Dragon: A New Darkness Rises in the Sword Coast! The icy terror of Cryovain has been thwarted, and Phandalin's courageous heroes, Phandalin's Phighters, have brought a fragile peace back to the Sword Coast. But even as the land begins to heal, new, insidious threats arise from the shadows, far more pervasive than a single beast. Whispers of fanatical cults dedicated to destructive powers ripple through the region: a sinister Cult of Death plots to plunge the land into an eternal, suffocating silence, while the followers of the Cult of Chaos seek to unleash raw, elemental fury upon the unsuspecting populace. The challenge has evolved from monstrous threats to a shadowy war against widespread fanaticism, threatening to unravel the very fabric of society. This ongoing saga delves deeper into the heart of these conspiracies, calling for brave souls ready for a more intricate struggle. Your journey will now involve investigating strange occurrences, uncovering dark rituals, and confronting dedicated zealots in their quest for unholy power. You'll navigate a world grappling with the aftermath of one major conflict while simultaneously facing an escalating war against these insidious factions. Expect challenging investigations, desperate skirmishes, and crucial decisions as you work to uncover the cults' true aims and sever their terrifying influence before their dark visions come to fruition. Our continuing campaign offers a thrilling entry point for both seasoned adventurers and aspiring heroes. Have you always wanted to explore the world of Dungeons & Dragons but didn't know where to start? No books? No problem – your DM has all the digital resources you'll need. We'll guide you through making a character using the exciting new 2024 D&D rules, ensuring you're seamlessly integrated with your new friends and adventuring partners. Your first session includes a dedicated "session zero" for character creation and a full campaign explanation, so you'll be fully prepared to face the complex challenges ahead. Come, forge your legend!
Game style
Rule of Cool (RoC)
Rules as Written (RaW)
Game themes
$25.00
/ Session
Details
Weekly / Tuesday – 4:30 PM UTC
Jul 15 / Session 29
3–3.5 Hour Duration
5 / 6 Seats Filled
GAME MASTER
Adam Hennebeck
he/him
5.0
(10)
Schedule
Each player will be charged when a session starts.
Meet the Game Master
5.0
(10)
Less than a year on StartPlaying
43 games hosted
Highly rated for: Inclusive, Teacher, Creativity
About me
Hail and Well Met! (That's the official greeting of the Forgotten Realms) I've been playing D&D since 1987. I've been DMing just as long, first with family and then friends. Started just before 2nd edition with Advanced Dungeons and Dragons, and have continued playing up through 5e and am excited about D&D 2024. I run mostly published adventures, but I enjoy adapting them for my players and seeing how far we can stretch them while still pursuing the main quest. My GM Style is probably more Rule of Cool than Rules as Written. I like to make sure characters can be heroic and players feel good about playing. I do not allow evil characters, because I've seen too many players use that as an excuse to be jerks and I don't want that at my table. I really focus on each player so you don't have to worry about being talked over or talked down to. I keep my games PG-13 with cut scene romances and relationships. It's a digital game not a dating app. I have always been in mixed-sex groups and I believe D&D and other RPGs should be a safe space for players and characters. I'm a strong ally for marginalized humans, and I'm always working to be better so I can make those around me better. You should feel safe and heard when playing a game, and I want to know right away if you feel differently. LGBTQIA+ friendly. BIPOC friendly.
View Profile →Reviews (10)
Proficiencies
Players say this GM is great at:
Inclusive
Teacher
Creativity
Lovisa
Played 27 sessions
Last year I joined my first ever DnD campaign. Having Adam as our DM has been fantastic as he is very knowledgeable and is great at explaining game play to beginners like me. He has also made the introductions of new players in an ongoing campaign incredibly smooth, it almost immediately felt like they had been there throughout. He is attentive to players preferred style of play and is very adaptable to our requests/wishes. The use of Foundry as the tabletop is great and really elevate the gameplay experience. I definitely recommend Adam as he is a skilled, respectful and fun DM.
Harry
Played 27 sessions
Adam has done a fantastic job of taking brand new players under his wing and helping us grow into and enjoy the game! They've helped both in sessions but also out in terms of helping us as beginners understand our options, characters and the wider rules of DND. He's also been incredibly flexible in terms of shifting sessions around when we've needed to (around holidays and such) which is great cos it allows the campaign to keep momentum rather than missing out on a few weeks. Sign up for a game with Adam, you'll have a great time!
Truman
Played 21 sessions
Adam has been a great DM for a couple newbie players excited to explore a new hobby! He did a great job introducing us mid-campaign without any awkwardness, story-wise or mechanically. He does a great job checking in to make sure everyone is enjoying themselves, and is smoothly leading an increasingly large group through our adventure, complete with gorgeous maps and visual effects on foundry. Highly recommended!
Thermik
Played 14 sessions
GM made it very easy to transition into an in-progress game. He is patient and great with beginners, knows the core rules and is thoughtful and collaborative with players about tweaking and experimenting with house rules to make sure everyone is challenged and having a good time. Good tools and resources help make the experience even more immersive and smooth. Great fun, highly recommend.
Ashley
Played 9 sessions
He welcomed me into a campaign that had already had a few sessions and helped my character integrate perfectly into the existing party. He answered all my millions of question and guided me through character creation on DND Beyond and how to use Foundry, getting on multiple calls with me to make sure everything worked prior to my first session. I am so excited weekly to get to pulled into the adventure he has laid out for us! 10/10 would recommend Adam!!
Anna Hennebeck
Played 1 sessions
Adam introduced me to D&D way back in the 90s, where he would hand-draw maps on those huge pads of graph paper. Now we're digital via a monitor built into the table, complete with music and sound for ambience. His adventures are well planned and challenging, with great mobs and loot and plenty of flexibility to explore. I recently had my level 8 monk take a level of barbarian, and while not the most tactically sound decision, Adam encouraged me to go with the right choice for my character and is very supportive in ironing out the mechanics of raging with mercy. It's a testament to Adam's ability that he can keep our crew of chuckleheads on task and having a blast every session. He is truly a master herder of cats.
Character creation
Creating your character
We will create your character together before our first session using DnDBeyond.com. We'll use an array for ability scores and you can choose any class or species from the 2024 Players Handbook. If there is something else you are interested in, let me know and we'll work on something together. You can play that fantasy hero you've always dreamed of. And, as an added bonus, to jump start you character mid-campaign, you'll start with 2 uncommon magic items and 3 minor consumables.
We have started our thrilling adventure, but there is an active desire for one more. The current party consists of: Goliath Barbarian (tank) Halfling War domain Cleric (healer) Halfling Sharpshooter (damage) Human Bard/Warlock (support/damage) Elf Wizard (damage) The group has run through Dragon of Icespire Peak. And will continue to protect the area between the Neverwinter Woods and the Sword Mountains, reaching level 13 or so with extended adventures. The adventurers are level 8 at this time. We will make your character one on one before your first session! You'll start with 2 uncommon magic items and 3 minor consumables, subject to DM approval.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
DnDBeyond.com account (free) Discord account (free) Foundry account (free) Working Microphone (Camera optional but highly encouraged.)
What Adam Hennebeck brings to the table
Automated modules for Foundry VTT. Access to all books available on D&D Beyond. Music & sound effects through Syrinscape. Custom Tokens using HeroForge. Some goofy voices, probably.
Homebrew rules
Some homebrew rules have been added to add interesting new mechanics, and increase tension/drama to resource management. Such as: More difficult identification of magic items; Creature knowledge checks; Rules for harvesting creatures and crafting magical items; Exhaustive combats; Longer long rests.
Equipment needed to play
Computer
Microphone
Internet
Webcam
Platforms used
Safety
How Adam Hennebeck creates a safe table
There will be time (session 0) for any questions or concerns in the Discord. There will be tools to avoid non-desired topics. And I will definitely be checking in on everyone after a session. Games are PG-13/12A/14A.
