Phandelver and Below (Beginner's best choice!)

Phandelver and Below (Beginner's best choice!)

This classic campaign is the perfect start if you are a first time player of DnD. Expect an epic story full of surprises. :)

TYPE

Campaign

EXPERIENCE

Beginner

AGE

18+
About the adventure

If you are new to roleplaying games, then this campaign and this Game Master (GM) are the right choice for you: The road to Phandalin is in surprisingly good condition. You and your friends enjoy the warm sun and the mild wind on this beautiful morning. You are not in much of a hurry. Yes, you are hired to protect a cart of goods on their way to Phandalin - but even your employer didn't seem to worry. Instead he drove off without and told you to catch up with him in the morning. You walk for a few hours and finally you see: The cart that you are hired to protect. Broken down. The horse gone. Blood everywhere. And no sign of your employer, the dwarf Gundren Rockseeker. You turn around to your friends and open your mouth - and the first arrows slice the air right were your head used to be a second ago. Roll for initiative! It's up to you now to rescue your employer, find the Lost Mines of Phandalin and their precious secret – and defeat the evil plans of a powerful enemy. Are you the hero that will bring a new age of prosperity to the good citizens of Phandalin? ADDITIONAL DETAILS HOW TO PREPARE Internet Access, a free Roll20.net account and a Microphone will be required for play during the session time for game access and communications. You will also require a competent web browser (ideally Chrome), to access the game during the session. WHAT I PROVIDE Gameplay interface, maps, & dice rolling will be provided via Roll20. Access to game materials and links will be provided in the Prep Materials section after you join. GAMEPLAY DETAILS Players can expect session zero to cover introductions, the group dynamic (alignment/character preferences, lines and veils, etc.), explanations for what the adventure entails as well as expectations for what the players are looking to find. Any house rules or game settings, such as XP leveling, will also be discussed at this time. During sessions they can expect quick flow into or out of combat, some occasional voice work, good knowledge of the rules, and a sharp keeping of start and stop times so we can keep to schedule. Each session will end with a period of questions and comments so I can better gauge how things are going and apply course correct as needed. Every few sessions will also end with a special variation of feedback so we can really hone in on that best game that everyone will enjoy and remember. I will also be available outside of session times for questions and comments if needed. CONTENT WARNING • Alcohol Use • Blood • Death • Violence SAFETY TOOLS USED • Session Zero • Debriefing • Open Door • Aftercare YOU SHALL BE COMFORTABLE! In Session Zero we will discuss if there is content that you don't want to see in this game. I will make sure that they will not be included. For example: I will never create a situation in which children are hurt.

3 NEEDED TO START
$29.00

/ Session

Details

Weekly / Sunday – 4:00 AM UTC

3–3.5 Hour Duration

0 / 5 Seats Filled

GAME MASTER

Chris Pyak

he/him

4.9

(86)

This game will begin once 3 players have joined

Each player will be charged when a session starts.

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Meet the Game Master

4.9

(86)

Published Writer
Multi-lingual

1 year on StartPlaying

303 games hosted

Highly rated for: Teacher, Creativity, Inclusive

Average response time: 3 hours

Response rate: 82%

About me

I will make sure that you have a great time playing Dungeons & Dragons. Together we will create an wonderful world and experience great adventures. I run beginner friendly campaigns that allow you to pick up the rules as you play along. We will play Dungeons & Dragons by the rules - with stress on the very FIRST RULE: Fun comes first! - If you have the chance to do something cool, but it would break the rule: Then the rule will break. I am here for you - not the rulebook. ;) I enjoy new discoveries, adventures and a good laugh. Diversity in all it's forms makes our lives richer and more interesting. As a European writer and coach I have lived in seven different countries within Europe. Originally from Düsseldorf in Germany, I now live in Santander, Spain. I speak several languages, but my games are mostly in English. (If you want me to run a game for your friends & family in a different language: Please reach out.) I offer D&D 5E games. (Dungeons & Dragons) We play on Roll20.net - or if you live near Santander, Spain: Live. Languages in which I can host games: - English (fluent) - German (native speaker) - Spanish (A2) - Estonian (A2)

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Reviews (86)

Proficiencies

Players say this GM is great at:

Teacher

Creativity

Inclusive

Stasia Le avatar

Stasia Le

Played 36 sessions

Chris is great! I am enjoying our campaign a lot! He is very friendly and easy to talk to, has proficient knowledge about DnD and is amazing and patient at explaining it to beginners (like myself). Moreover he has a great sense of humor, and creates a nice and accepting atmosphere in a group. I would recommend Chris to anyone who wants to start playing, or has experience!

Jaden avatar

Jaden

Played 31 sessions

Played my first game ever with Chris and had an amazing time

Colin Penley avatar

Colin Penley

Played 25 sessions

Chris did a great job explaining game mechanics and the technical aspects of Roll20 to a crew of beginners. He was concerned with our enjoyment and helping us to figure out what we were doing. I would high recommend him.

Aaron Wyrd avatar

Aaron Wyrd

Played 17 sessions

Chris runs wonderfull games and ensures a fun and inclusive environment for all players. Beginner friendly and very helpful.

adam avatar

adam

Played 15 sessions

It was my first time playing DnD and Chris was patient and thorough with teaching me how to play the game. He made sure we were comfortable and had a enjoyable experience.

Isabelle Clara avatar

Isabelle Clara

Played 15 sessions

Chris was and still is very accomodating and very nice and I very enjoyed his style as a DM. He is a very good teacher of the game, very patient with beginners (and with the Roll20 system, ha!) He allows room for player creativity and Rule of Cool and knows the rules very well! His descriptions of actions were also very entertaining!

Character creation
Creating your character

Character Creation will occur during Session Zero. I use discord for this conversation. You will find a calendar to schedule your Session Zero right after you signed up for this game. We will use DNDBeyond for your character - I give you access to all my books. So, you will have a lot of choice for classes, weapons, magic etc. Characters will start at level 1. If you have never played D&D: Don’t worry I walk you through the character creation in season zero. Players are welcome to make their characters on Roll20. You can port an existing character from D&D Beyond over to Roll20 if you wish. We will discuss all your questions in regards to character creation during Session Zero. If you are a late joiner, I will be available to work with you to make your character so they can fit within the campaign. Regardless, everyone will know what everyone else is playing before anyone sits down to play. If issues arise with your character during play, I can work with you to implement changes, up to and including creating a new character if it comes to that.

What to expect
Preparing for the session

Internet Access, a free Roll20.net account and a Microphone will be required for play during the session time for game access and communications. You will also require a competent web browser (ideally Chrome), to access the game during the session. Here is the TECH you need: - Roll20.net (Free Account) - Chrome - Microphone - Speaker - Internet - Discord (Free Account)

What Chris Pyak brings to the table

Gameplay interface, maps, & dice rolling will be provided via Roll20. Access to game materials and links will be provided in the Prep Materials section after you join.

Homebrew rules

- Giving a potion of healing is always a bonus action. - Critical hits are simply double damage.

Equipment needed to play

Computer

Internet

Microphone

Headphones

Platforms used
Safety
How Chris Pyak creates a safe table

In session zero we discuss if there are topics that you feel uncomfortable with. For example: I will never create a situation where children are hurt in my games. I will do everything to make you feel comfortable in our game. Because in the end this is our shared hobby and I want you to enjoy.

Content warnings
Alcohol Use
Blood
Death
Kidnapping
Violence
Fire
Safety tools used

Additional tables

3 available

2 SEATS LEFT

Weekly / Sunday – 7:00 PM UTC

Jul 27 / Session 13

4 / 6 Seats Filled

2 SEATS LEFT

Weekly / Monday – 7:00 PM UTC

Jul 28 / Session 4

3 / 5 Seats Filled

3 NEEDED TO START

Weekly / Friday – 7:00 PM UTC

0 / 5 Seats Filled

Frequently asked questions

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