Baldur’s Gate: Chains of Avernus [ Free Session | D&D 5e 2024 ]
A city on the brink, a holy champion missing, and a descent into hell itself—Baldur’s Gate teeters between salvation and damnation. Will your choices
About the adventure
"Baldur’s Gate eats the weak—so don’t be weak." This roleplay-heavy D&D 5e campaign starts in the gutters, where whispers of power and betrayal slither through the streets. What begins as street-level intrigue—corrupt nobles, missing souls, a city choking on its own secrets—will unravel into something far worse. Your choices will bend the story… and the world will push back. Your first session is completely free—no strings attached. Come try the table, meet the group, and see if you’re ready to make your mark in Avernus. I run this game with: Theater-of-the-mind immersion (Fantasy Grounds Unity + optional webcams). Zero plot armor (NPCs remember everything; brute force fails). A pace that balances tense RP, tactical combat, and gut-punch moments. All players welcome—just bring a sharp wit and a willingness to roll with the punches (and dice). 🎲 What to Expect ✔ Deep roleplay — NPCs with agendas, moral gray zones. ✔ Deadly stakes — Combat rewards creativity, not just stats. ✔ Weekly recaps — Campaign journal to track your messes. ✔ No drama off-table — We’re here to play, period. Come to leave a mark—or become one.
Game style
Combat Heavy
Roleplay Heavy
Sandbox / Open World
Theater of the Mind
Meet the Game Master
About me
I’ve been rolling dice and weaving worlds for over 26 years — since I was eleven years old. From the very start, I played my own way: bending rules, leaning on improvisation, and putting story above everything else. Over the years, I’ve run countless campaigns and one-shots, always striving to give my players more than just a game — I give them a living, breathing world that remembers every choice they make. For me, tabletop roleplaying is more than entertainment. It’s a training ground for the mind, a forge for creativity, and a way to connect people through unforgettable shared experiences. I specialize in dark fantasy adventures with high stakes where your actions have real consequences. My players have the freedom to shape the world, but they must also face the risks that come with that power. Whether you’re new to roleplaying or a seasoned adventurer, my table is a place where your character will matter, your story will grow, and every session will keep you coming back for more.
View Profile →Reviews (6)
Proficiencies
Players say this GM is great at:
Creativity
Teacher
Sets the Mood
Jose introduced me to TTRPGs, and thanks to him, I've fallen in love with these kind of games. He is an incredibly patient and kind GM. I played Descent into Avernus with him as a GM, and it was an awesome campaign. I had so much fun with the group and appreciated how he tailored the story to fit our characters. As a beginner in TTRPGs and a girl, I felt really comfortable; his tables are a safe space. Highly recommended, 100%!
Character creation
Creating your character
🧠 Session 0: Collaborative & Immersive We kick things off with a dedicated Session 0, where we build characters together inside Fantasy Grounds Unity. Backstory Weaving: Tie your character into the world with personal stakes and NPC connections. Party Synergy Chat: Align goals, tone, and relationships—or embrace chaos and conflict, if that’s your thing. 🎲 Stats & Rules Ability Scores: Group vote — choose between Point Buy (with optional +1 tweak) or Rolling (I’ll ensure no one gets shafted). Sources Allowed: All official 5e content (Player’s Handbook, Xanathar’s, Tasha’s, etc.) available on Fantasy Grounds. 🧭 Starting Level We usually start at Level 1 for that gritty, desperate early-game vibe—but the group may vote to begin at Level 3 if you want to dive straight into subclasses and unique mechanics. 🗡️ Character Vibes Bring the character you’ve always wanted to play—a cursed noble seeking redemption, a warlock on the run from their patron, a former Flaming Fist enforcer with a secret. This world rewards bold decisions, immersive roleplay, and clever survival instincts. “Be weird. Be tragic. Be brave. The story will meet you there.”
Looking for a campaign that blends meaningful roleplay, intense tactical challenges, and choices that truly matter? You've found it. This is a roleplay-forward game with high-stakes encounters, real consequences, and a living world that reacts to player decisions. New to D&D 5e or just the 2024 rules? No problem — this table is beginner-friendly, and I’ll walk you through everything. We’ll explore character arcs, forge bonds, and push through hell (literally) together. Sessions run on Fantasy Grounds Unity with voice through Discord. Come prepared to collaborate, commit, and have a blast.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
💻 Tech Requirements ✔ Fantasy Grounds Unity – Free demo account + app installed ✔ Discord – Mic required; webcam optional but welcome ✔ Stable Internet – Test your connection beforehand 📜 What to Bring ✔ No Rules Knowledge Needed – I’ll teach as we play ✔ Character Concept – Focus on personality, not just numbers ✔ Optional Lore Primer – Sent before Session 0 if you want a head start 🎙️ Table Culture ✔ Quiet Space – Background noise breaks immersion ✔ Respectful Vibes Only – Zero tolerance for real-world -isms ✔ We’re here to play, not perform – Come as you are ✨ My Promise Just show up excited—we’ll take care of the rest. Bring a grizzled sellsword, a starry-eyed idealist, or a mage with secrets carved in ash. This table is built for bold choices, heartfelt play, and unforgettable moments.
What José (FawkesGM) brings to the table
📜 Campaign Tools ✔ Fantasy Grounds Unity – Full Descent into Avernus module + complete 5e corebook access ✔ Dedicated Discord Server – Voice chat, session recaps, lore threads, and player feedback polls ✔ Living Campaign Journal – In-game notes and post-session story summaries (Google Doc shared) 🎭 Immersion Boosters ✔ Cinematic Ambience – Curated background music, ambient FX, and mood-setting narration ✔ Dynamic NPCs – 100+ voiced characters with unique motives and memories ✔ Theater of the Mind – Smooth flow in narrative scenes, grid used only when it enhances strategy ⚔️ Gameplay Style ✔ Tactical & Dangerous Combat – Reckless play has real consequences; cleverness is rewarded ✔ Living, Reactive World – Your actions shift alliances, reshape the city, and leave lasting scars ✔ Rule of Cool Meets RAW – I lean into cinematic moments while staying fair and consistent ✔ RP Encouraged, Not Required – Your level of roleplay is your choice—no pressure, just possibilities ✨ My Promise You’ll get a campaign where: 🎯 Your choices change the world ⚔️ Every fight matters 🎭 Every character has a chance to shine Whether you're diving into your first D&D game or looking for a deeper experience, I’ll meet you where you are—and help you write something unforgettable.
Equipment needed to play
Microphone
Internet
Headphones
Computer
Webcam
Platforms used
Safety
How José (FawkesGM) creates a safe table
🛡️ Safety at the Table This game does not use formal safety tools like X/N/O cards, veils, or content filters by default. Instead, we handle things like adults — with direct, respectful communication and a shared understanding of the story’s tone and intensity. What to Expect: ✔ Adult Themes – This campaign explores dark fantasy, infernal bargains, moral compromise, and moments of horror. ✔ Session 0 Calibration – We’ll discuss tone, taboos, and table expectations upfront, and I’ll outline key themes before we start. ✔ Open Communication – If something feels uncomfortable, I expect players to speak up, and I’ll always make time for breaks, adjustments, or a sidebar. ✔ No Forced Participation – You’re encouraged to engage at your comfort level — RP-heavy or strategic-minded, your place at the table is respected. This is a mature table. We don’t veil or fade — we explore the consequences of player choices fully, trusting each other to play in good faith.