Learn To Play D&D! - Lost Mine of Phandelver - 5 Sessions
Learn to play D&D 5e while rescuing your childhood friend - who holds to map to the lost mine of Phandelver and its coveted forge of spells!
About the adventure
More than five hundred years ago, clans of dwarves and gnomes made an agreement known as the Phandelver’s Pact, by which they would share a rich mine in a wondrous cavern known as Wave Echo Cave. In addition to its mineral wealth, the mine contained great magical power. Human spellcasters allied themselves with the dwarves and gnomes to channel and bind that energy into a great forge (called the Forge of Spells), where magic items could be crafted. Times were good, and the nearby human town of Phandalin (pronounced fan-duh-lin) prospered as well. But then disaster struck when orcs swept through the North and laid waste to all in their path. A powerful force of orcs reinforced by evil mercenary wizards attacked Wave Echo Cave to seize its riches and magic treasures. Human wizards fought alongside their dwarf and gnome allies to defend the Forge of Spells, and the ensuing spell battle destroyed much of the cavern. Few survived the cave-ins and tremors, and the location of Wave Echo Cave was lost. For centuries, rumors of buried riches have attracted treasure seekers and opportunists to the area around Phandalin, but no one has ever succeeded in locating the lost mine. In recent years, people have resettled the area. Phandalin is now a rough-and-tumble frontier town. More important, the Rockseeker brothers — a trio of dwarves — have discovered the entrance to Wave Echo Cave, and they intend to reopen the mines. Unfortunately for the Rockseekers, they are not the only ones interested in Wave Echo Cave. A mysterious villain known as the Black Spider controls a network of bandit gangs and goblin tribes in the area, and his agents have followed the Rockseekers to their prize. Now the Black Spider wants Wave Echo Cave for himself, and he is taking steps to make sure no one else knows where it is.
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
Less than a year on StartPlaying
2 games hosted
Highly rated for: World Builder, Teacher, Creativity
Average response time: Under 1 hour
Response rate: 100%
About me
I am a Florida-man, tabletop game enthusiast, and hobbyist board game designer with a deep love for fantasy storytelling. I've been immersed in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition for over 6 years, serving as the Dungeon Master for a weekly in-person group for 4 of those years. With two full campaigns under my belt and many one-shot adventures, I strive to bring rich narratives, engaging worlds, and immersive roleplay to every table. Inspired by fantasy classics like The Lord of the Rings, The Inheritance Cycle, The Wheel of Time, and shows like Critical Role, I enjoy blending deep lore knowledge with creative game design to craft unforgettable adventures. Ready to roll? Worlds await.
View Profile →Reviews (11)
Proficiencies
Players say this GM is great at:
World Builder
Teacher
Creativity
Character creation
Creating your character
I will teach you how to create a good character in session 0 (1st session)
What to expect
Preparing for the session
Players should prepare for session 0 by: -> Accessing D&D Beyond and creating a free account -> Joining Discord server (instructions forthcoming) ---> Headphones + Microphone required -> Reading free 2024 basic rules (for best experience) ---> Zero D&D rules familiarity required At FREE Session 0, we will: - QUICKLY go over the rules + structure of D&D - Teach character creation + finalize characters! - Begin your epic in session 1!
What A.J. brings to the table
Roleplay: - Players - Speak in 1st or 3rd person / character voices optional - Roleplay choices matter! -> Uncover rewards & loot -> Create advantageous alliances -> Investigate villain's strengths and weaknesses - GM Roleplay -> NPC voices -> Setting includes roleplay situations & moral quandaries -> Reaction to player roleplay is semi-randomized with a d20 test. Combat: - High Stakes Combat - Player choices matter! ---> Character death is possible ---> Dynamic combat - 1+ Combat planned for each session ---> May be resolved via successful roleplay - Plot-driven dungeon crawl sessions Sources - D&D Core Rulebook Access on D&D Beyond VTT - D&D Beyond Maps VTT Comms - Discord
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How A.J. creates a safe table
In Session 0, go over the content warnings to establish any no-go's. The following sessions will be tailored to fit players individual needs. Breaks are given each hour in which any player can private message me, if uncomfortable. Players always have open door to break from the table if needed.