Trouble on the Triboar Trail | A Learn-to-play D&D One-Shot

Creating your character

Character Creation Process Premade Characters Provided To streamline the session and focus on teaching the game, I provide Level 1 premade characters. Each character comes with: A backstory tied to the town of Phandalin (e.g., a blacksmith fighter, an herbalist druid, or a tavern bard). Fully filled-out character sheets on D&D Beyond, ready to use with no setup required. These premade characters are perfect for new players who want to jump straight into the action. Custom Character Creation (Optional) If you’d like to create your own character, here’s how we’ll handle it: When: Custom characters should be created before the session. I’m happy to help guide you through the process over Discord in advance. Level: All characters will start at Level 1. Stats: Use Standard Array (15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8) or Point Buy for balanced character stats. Allowed Books: Core rulebooks Player’s Handbook 2014 & 2024 are allowed. If you want to use something outside these, let me know! Starting Equipment: Use the equipment provided by your class and background.

Preparing for the session

What You’ll Need: A Microphone: A working mic is required for voice communication over Discord. A webcam is optional but not necessary for this session. A Free D&D Beyond Account: If you’d like to view and use your character sheet online or create your own character, you’ll need a free D&D Beyond account. I’ll provide a campaign link for you to join before the session. Discord: Our game will be hosted on Discord for voice chat and communication. Please join the server ahead of the session to ensure your setup works smoothly. Dice (Optional): You’re welcome to roll physical dice if you have them, but D&D Beyond’s built-in dice roller will also be available. Do You Need to Know the Rules? No prior knowledge of the rules is required! This is a learn-to-play session designed to teach new players everything they need to know. If you’re curious and want to prepare, feel free to: Review the Basic Rules on D&D Beyond (optional). Think about what kind of character you’d enjoy playing—e.g., a warrior, a spellcaster, or a sneaky rogue. Character Creation: Using a Premade Character: If you’re using one of my premade characters, no preparation is needed—I’ll provide everything. Creating Your Own Character: If you want to make your own character, please complete it on D&D Beyond before the session (Level 1, Standard Array/Point Buy for stats). Let me know if you’d like help building your character!

What Trisden brings to the table

What I Bring to the Table Tools and Resources D&D Beyond: I provide access to digital character sheets, monster stats, and rules reference, making it easy to follow along. Premade Characters: Choose from carefully crafted Level 1 characters, each with their own backstory tied to the adventure, perfect for new players. VTT Maps on D&D Beyond: Detailed, interactive maps for exploration and combat, hosted directly on D&D Beyond. Discord Server: Our primary hub for communication, featuring dedicated channels for voice chat, session updates, and post-game discussions. Ambient Music and Sound Effects: I’ll set the mood with curated background music and sounds to immerse you in the world of Phandalin. My GM Style Character Voices: I bring NPCs to life with unique voices and personalities, adding depth and humor to your interactions. Balanced Play: I focus on roleplay, exploration, and combat equally, ensuring everyone gets a chance to shine in their preferred style. Beginner-Friendly Guidance: I take extra time to explain mechanics and encourage creativity, fostering a supportive and relaxed environment for new players. Rule of Cool: I lean into creative solutions and exciting moments. If a player comes up with something fun or clever, I’ll work with them to make it happen—even if it means bending the rules slightly. Dynamic Combat: I keep combat tactical but straightforward, using environmental elements like terrain and hazards to make battles exciting without overwhelming new players. What You Can Expect from My Games Whether you’re a first-time player or a seasoned adventurer, my games are tailored to create memorable experiences. Expect vibrant storytelling, approachable mechanics, and a fun, collaborative session where everyone’s ideas matter.

How Trisden creates a safe table

Safety Tools My top priority is ensuring everyone at the table feels safe, respected, and comfortable. Here’s how I manage safety during the session: Lines and Veils Document: Before the game, I’ll provide a Lines and Veils form via Google Forms or a similar tool. This lets players share topics they wish to exclude entirely (Lines) or handle with a fade-to-black approach (Veils). The document is reviewed before the game begins to respect everyone’s boundaries. Session 0 Discussion: At the start of the game, I’ll explain the tools we’ll use and check in with the group. I encourage players to share preferences for tone and themes. For example: “Do you prefer combat-heavy, roleplay-heavy, or a mix of both?” X, N, & O Tools: X-Card: If something is uncomfortable, players can privately message me “X” or say “Pause,” and we’ll adjust or skip the content. N-Card: Players can say “Not now” if something is heading in an uncomfortable direction, signaling that we’ll redirect. O-Card: To check in, I may ask “O?” during intense moments to ensure everyone is comfortable. Players can respond “O” (all good) or privately message if adjustments are needed. Aftercare: After the session, I’ll check in with players to see how they felt about the game, what they enjoyed, and if there’s anything they’d like to see adjusted in future sessions. I encourage feedback through StartPlaying’s review system or privately if preferred. Gameplay Details Beginners Welcome: This is a learn-to-play one-shot. I’ll guide you through the rules, mechanics, and options, so no experience is needed! Virtual Tools: We’ll use platforms like Roll20 or DNDBeyond(for maps and combat) and Discord (for voice chat). No additional tools are required on your end. Premade Characters: Provided to streamline setup, but you can create your own if you prefer.