Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus
Dungeons & Dragons 5e | Campaign
About the adventure
Right then, gather 'round, adventurers! Prepare yourselves for a descent into darkness the likes of which you've never imagined. Before we face the infernal horrors of Avernus, we'll first experience the tragic Fall of Elturel in a special introductory prequel adventure. This short campaign will set the stage for the dire events to come, offering a glimpse into the catastrophe that now threatens Baldur's Gate itself. Now, for the main campaign... You find yourselves amidst the imposing walls and bustling streets of Baldur's Gate, a city known for its shadowy underbelly and the ever-watchful Flaming Fist. Recent events have cast a pall over the city, however. Elturel, the shining beacon to the south, has vanished, pulled down into the Nine Hells without a trace. This cataclysm has sent waves of desperate refugees flooding into Baldur's Gate, straining its resources and sowing fear that the same infernal fate might befall them next. Amidst this chaos, you find yourselves drawn into a web of intrigue and desperation. Perhaps you are natives of Baldur's Gate, your lives and families intertwined with the city's fate. Maybe you bear the scars of a traumatic past, now finding new horrors rising to challenge you. Perhaps you are a respected Patriar in Baldur's Gate society, seeing your influence and the city's stability threatened by this infernal crisis. Or maybe you are a recent immigrant, your hopes for a new life overshadowed by the encroaching darkness. Even those with ties to the sea, familiar with Baldur's Gate's bustling docks, will feel the tremor of this catastrophe. Why should you brave the unknown dangers that lie ahead? The very fabric of your lives in Baldur's Gate might be at stake. Perhaps you feel a sense of social responsibility, especially if you have witnessed the plight of the Elturian refugees firsthand. Maybe a dark secret from your past now resurfaces as the infernal influence grows stronger. For those with connections to the fallen Hellriders, the shame and mystery of Elturel's demise might be a powerful motivator. Whatever your reasons, the path ahead leads into the very depths of the Nine Hells, where devils wage the eternal Blood War against demons, and where the souls of mortals are a valuable commodity. Prepare to face treacherous landscapes, powerful archdevils, and morally challenging decisions as you strive to save Elturel and protect Baldur's Gate from the encroaching darkness. The fate of two cities rests upon your shoulders.
Game style
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.
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.
Combat Heavy
“Combat Heavy” games emphasize the combat mechanics within their systems over roleplay or puzzle solving. There are frequent and longer battles with enemies and a greater emphasis on tactical game play.
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.
Dungeon Crawl
A “Dungeon Crawl” is a scenario where players navigate a dungeon or labyrinth-like environment for the entirety of the adventure. It emphasizes battling monsters, collecting loot, and avoiding traps to survive to the end!
A World of Adventure: Our campaign takes place in a vibrant and often dangerous world where your character's choices truly matter. We'll be embarking on quests, exploring mysterious locations, interacting with interesting non-player characters (NPCs), and facing thrilling encounters that could involve exploration, social interaction, or combat. Collaborative Storytelling: Dungeons & Dragons is a game where we create the story together. As a player, you'll be embodying your unique character, making decisions, and shaping the narrative alongside the Dungeon Master (DM) and your fellow players. A Supportive Environment: Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or brand new to D&D, you'll find a welcoming and supportive group here. The DM is here to guide you through the rules and the world, and experienced players are often happy to offer assistance. Text-based RP between Sessions: Got a few minutes to kill in a queue? Waiting for a pickup? Got a little RP itch you need scratched? You will have dedicated channels to RP to your hearts delight between sessions, such as getting to know your companions, shopping or the like.
4.8
(15)
Less than a year on StartPlaying
29 games hosted
Highly rated for: Creativity, Teacher, Inclusive
Average response time: Under 1 hour
Response rate: 100%
Additional details
How to prepare
What you will need to prepare: ✅ A Mic ✅ Discord ✅ DNDBeyond Account (I will share a link to the campaign/oneshot in which all my content will unlock for you.) ✅ Fill in the Supplied Google Forms ✅ Create your character within DNDBeyond ✅ A basic knowledge of the rules and how your character/class works. (if you are a beginner, don't worry, you will get the hang of it!)
What I provide
Tools & Resources: D&D Beyond: We'll use D&D Beyond for character creation and reference during the game. This makes it easy for everyone to track their stats, abilities, and spells. D&D Beyond Maps: Immerse yourselves in the adventure with dynamic maps on D&D Beyond Maps, complete with fog of war and interactive elements & initiative tracker. ABOVE VTT: Immerse yourselves in the adventure with dynamic maps on the Above VTT free Chrome Extension, complete with fog of war, line of sight and interactive elements & initiative tracker. Discord: We'll connect and communicate on Discord, sharing voice and text chat to keep the game flowing smoothly. Legendkeeper: Behind the scenes, I'll be using Legendkeeper to weave a rich tapestry of lore, track our progress, and build captivating maps for the world we explore together. Custom Content: I'll be creating plenty of my own content to bring the world to life, from unique NPCs and monsters to immersive descriptions and intriguing plot hooks & creative hand outs. My GM Style: Immersive Storytelling: I love to create a vivid and engaging narrative, using descriptive language, character voices, and ambient music to set the scene and draw you into the world. Tactical Combat: Expect exciting and challenging combat encounters, where strategy and teamwork are key to victory. Rule of Cool: While I respect the rules, I also believe in the power of the Rule of Cool. If you come up with a creative and awesome idea, I'll do my best to make it work within the game's framework. Collaborative Storytelling & Passion: As one of my players mentioned, I'm passionate about collaborative storytelling. My primary concern is for everyone to contribute to and enjoy an awesome story together. Lore Focused: I delve deep into the lore, crafting a world rich in history, secrets, and interconnected narratives. Overall, my games are a blend of: Immersion: I aim to create a world that feels real and alive, with rich details and memorable characters. Challenge: Expect to face tough choices, overcome obstacles, and test your skills in combat and roleplaying. Fun: Above all, I want everyone to have fun and enjoy the collaborative storytelling experience. What to Bring: Your Character: A fully created character on D&D Beyond, ready for adventure! Enthusiasm: Come ready to explore, roleplay, and have a great time! Open Mind: Be prepared for the unexpected and embrace the collaborative storytelling experience. I'm excited to embark on this journey with you!
Gameplay details
Safety Tools & Session 0: Lines and Veils: I'll share a link to a Lines and Veils document before Session 0, where you can anonymously list any topics or themes you'd prefer to avoid or approach with caution. Session 0: We'll dedicate time to discuss everyone's expectations, comfort levels, and playstyles. We'll also establish shared boundaries, review the Lines and Veils, and address any questions or concerns. Aftercare: If a session touches on sensitive topics or triggers any discomfort, I'll check in with everyone afterward to ensure they're okay. I'm also open to debriefing or discussing any issues outside of the game. X, N, & O's: We'll use a combination of digital and verbal cues for X, N, & O's, depending on what's most comfortable for the group. Gameplay Details: Character-Driven: I love to see characters grow and evolve, so expect plenty of opportunities for roleplaying and personal development. Player Agency: Your choices matter! The story will adapt and change based on your decisions, creating a unique and collaborative experience. Worldbuilding: I'll provide a rich and detailed setting to explore, filled with intriguing lore and hidden secrets. Getting to Know You: Before we begin our adventure, I'd like to get to know you a little better. Please take a few minutes to fill out a Google Form before our session. I'm curious about what you enjoy in games, what inspires you, and any specific boundaries or preferences you have. This helps me create a safe and enjoyable experience tailored to your interests. For example, I'm personally terrified of spiders, so I won't be including them in the game unless everyone is comfortable with it.
Content warnings
Safety tools used
• Aftercare
• Bleed
• Breaks
• Debriefing
• Deck of Player Safety
• Lines and Veils
• Monte Cook RPG Consent Checklist
• Open Door
• Session 0
• Stars and Wishes
• X, N, and O Cards
How will character creation work
All published 5E/2024 species, classes (Including third party like the Illrigger Class, etc), sub-classes (third party is allowed) are available in this campaign that are on DNDBeyond which would fit into the world of The Forgotten Realms. (Eberron Content is excluded) • About this Campaign: We will be making use of the newly released 2024 rules. • Character Concept and Collaboration: We'll start by discussing the tone and themes of the Descent into Avernus campaign. Given that Elturel has fallen into the Nine Hells and Baldur's Gate is threatened, your character concepts should ideally fit within this context of infernal danger and urban intrigue. We can discuss how your characters might know each other and what might motivate them to get involved in the unfolding crisis. • Levels All players start at Level 1. • Standard Array (15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8). Whatever brought you to these lands, has made you hardy and stronger than most of Faerun. • Available Backgrounds Once chosen, message me to share more details on your background or tweak it slightly. 💭 Hellrider (Specific to this Campaign) 💭 Flaming Fist (Specific to this Campaign) 💭 Order of the Gauntlet (Specific to this Campaign) 💭 Acolyte 💭 Artisan 💭 Charlatan 💭 Criminal 💭 Entertainer 💭 Farmer 💭 Guard 💭 Guide 💭 Hermit 💭 Merchant 💭 Noble 💭 Sage 💭 Sailor 💭 Scribe 💭 Soldier 💭 Wayfarer • Dark Secret: As part of character creation, and likely during our session zero or the initial part of the first session, the entire party will collectively choose a dark secret shared by all of you. This secret will entangle you all in some past event, regardless of your individual backgrounds or morals. We will work together to customise the specifics of this secret. • Remember to come to our character creation session with some initial ideas for your character's class, race, and background. We can then work together to flesh out the details and ensure everyone has a character they are excited to play in this descent into Avernus
Players can expect
Combat / Tactics
High
Roleplay
High
Puzzles
Medium
Experience level
Open to all
Platforms used
• D&D Beyond
• Above VTT
• D&D Beyond Maps
• Discord
$20.00
/ Session
Each player will be charged when a session starts.
Details
Bi-weekly / Friday - 4:30 PM UTC
3-4 Hour Duration
4 / 6 Seats Filled
Requirements
Experience required: Open to all
Age: 18+