What IF...? Phandelver Edition
Dungeons & Dragons 5e | Campaign
About the adventure
Rediscover the Lost Mine of Phandelver in an entirely new way! This reimagined version of the classic adventure is perfect for experienced players who are already familiar with the original tale. While the setting and maps remain the same, the story has been retooled with new and upgraded monsters, unexpected enemies, and surprising twists to keep you on your toes. Your character's backstory and motivations will shape the narrative, creating a dynamic and personalized adventure that feels fresh yet familiar. Whether you’re seeking nostalgia with a twist or simply a new challenge, this campaign offers a thrilling take on a beloved classic. We’ll play using simple tools: *D&D Beyond: I’ll provide a shared campaign link for character creation and management. *Owlbear Rodeo: Our virtual tabletop for maps and tokens, accessible via any web browser—no downloads required. *Discord: We’ll use voice chat for clear communication and immersive roleplay. This mini-campaign will run for 3 to 6 sessions (its up to the group how long this goes!), offering the perfect balance of depth and pacing. Are you ready to revisit Phandelver and discover what’s changed—and what still lurks in the shadows?
Game style
Rules as Written (RaW)
Games that are ran “Rules as Written” emphasize realism and stick to the letter of the rules, allowing players to explore creative solutions while still operating under a consistent rule set. Players have the ability to utilize the rules in creative ways to create awesome characters and moments in the game.
Rule of Cool (RoC)
“Rule of Cool” emphasizes creative story beats over sticking to a system’s rules as written. Players have the ability to push the limits of the rules or even break core rule mechanics at times if the Game Master thinks it is interesting, fun, or cool enough.
Roleplay Heavy
“Roleplay Heavy” games place the focus on the story, the characters, and the world they live within, and tend to lean hard into the various roleplaying elements of the game. These games will frequently find the party talking with NPCs, exploring the personal elements of their backstories, or even having emotional moments around the camp fire.
When last we left our heroes…. The party uncovered a hidden tunnel beneath Tresendar Manor, leading to an underground lair teeming with kobolds and corrupted plant creatures practicing dark druidic rites. They’re searching for missing townsfolk, including a boy named Carp, while unraveling the growing threat posed by mysterious forces in Phandalin and beyond. As session 4 begins, we resolve a cliffhanger! One hero, caught in the clutches of a monstrous vine trap deep within the Verdant Claw’s lair, is about to discover his fate! -Start at Level 3 -Standard Array OR Point-Buy -Starting Equipment or Gold Per standard character creation rules! -Custom Back Story tie-in will be developed as we begin, so go ahead and create your background however you'd like, and I'll adapt to it.
5.0
(8)
Less than a year on StartPlaying
21 games hosted
Highly rated for: Inclusive, Teacher, Knows the Rules
Average response time: 12 hours
Response rate: 100%
Additional details
How to prepare
1. You should have a free profile created on D&D Beyond, but not required. 2. You'll need a microphone plugged into your device. No camera necessary, but I'm always happy to appear on camera...or hide my hideous visage. 3. Technically, Owlbear Rodeo and Discord, and D&D Beyond can be accessed from tablets and phones....HOWEVER...The most comfortable setup will be for you to have either a Chromebook, Macbook, or PC Laptop, or Desktop PC. (When I'm a player, I tend to use my Desktop PC for Discord, and for whatever Virtual Tabletop the DM is using. Then I use an iPad for D&D Beyond.)
What I provide
1. Owlbear Rodeo and D&D Beyond Maps for the VTT (Fantasy Grounds available upon request) 2. D&D Beyond custom campaign sharing. (2024 PHB and DMG) 3. During play, I've found that still images and verbal descriptions tend to help players visualize the story best. When combat happens, I break out the map, tokens, and its time to roll dice and push lead! 4. Role Play means different things to different people. I will adapt to whatever the group consensus is. I tend to lean towards thinking of the game as a shared movie in our heads. So I will switch between narrative description of and summary of what NPC's do and say to actually speaking in character. My default setting is definitely to be the nerd who tries to flex his theater kid muscles...but I don't have to be. 5. I've played in organized play at conventions, in game stores, and home games. I'm comfortable with the rules and sticking to them, but I think all good DM's follow that often abused phrase: "rulings, not rules."
Gameplay details
1. Open Door-always feel free to take a step back if and when you need to! 2. Breaks--I will ask the group how often and how regular they would like breaks. In a 4 hour session, I usually will have at least 2 to 3 breaks built in. 3. Debriefing--I always ask that at the end of the session, players discuss something they enjoyed and/or something they'd like to see less of! I feel like my ability to listen to feedback is a strength!
Content warnings
Safety tools used
• Breaks
• Debriefing
• Open Door
How will character creation work
1. Once you join the game, I'll send you the link to the custom Campaign. 2. You can create your character. If you're familiar with the Setting of The Sword Coast and Neverwinter/Phandalin, feel free to come up with your own creative backstory. If you prefer I give you some seeds for a backstory, please let me know! 3. We will start at LEVEL 3! 4. You can make your character using ANY source! Let me know if you'd like to use a source I don't have shared. 5. The first session will start with the same scenario you're familiar with from Lost Mines of Phandelver: Chapter 1: Goblin Arrows....but WILL they be Goblins?
Players can expect
Combat / Tactics
Medium
Roleplay
Medium
Puzzles
Medium
Experience level
Intermediate
Platforms used
• D&D Beyond
• D&D Beyond Maps
• Discord
• Owlbear Rodeo
$15.00
/ Session
Each player will be charged when a session starts.
Details
Weekly / Friday - 10:30 PM UTC
May 9 / Session 9
3-4 Hour Duration
5 / 6 Seats Filled
Schedule
Requirements
Experience required: Intermediate
Age: 18+