Lost Mine of Phandelver – Beginner-Friendly Adventure!

Creating your character

For new players we will be creating characters before first session starts. You can take the standard or we can roll 4 D6 drop the lowest reroll ones DNDbeyond characters are perfect Non-official books must be approved by me

Preparing for the session

Make sure you have accounts on the following platforms if required: Discord — for voice, chat, and game coordination Roll20 — for virtual tabletop gameplay DNDBeyond - for Character Builder

What Zac brings to the table

When you play in my game, here’s what you can expect from me as your GM: Immersive Atmosphere: I use ambient music, sound effects, and sometimes character voices to bring the world and NPCs to life. Expect a rich, immersive experience that pulls you into the story. Balanced Gameplay: Combat is tactical but fast-paced — I value clever tactics and creativity. I encourage the Rule of Cool — if your idea makes the game more fun or cinematic, I’m open to bending the rules when it makes sense. Story-Focused: I prioritize player agency and story development. Your choices matter and will shape the narrative and world around you. Clear Communication: I’m open and transparent about the game’s tone, pacing, and mechanics. I’ll help you understand the rules and support you with any questions. Respectful & Inclusive: I foster a safe and welcoming environment where everyone can enjoy the game, share their ideas, and roleplay comfortably. Flexible Sessions: Whether you prefer intense tactical combat, social intrigue, exploration, or a mix, I’ll tailor the game to what the group enjoys most.

Homebrew rules

Homebrew Rules To keep the game flowing smoothly and add a little extra flavor, here are some homebrew rules I use: Potions: Drinking a potion is a bonus action, but giving a potion to another player requires a full action. Critical Hits: When you score a critical hit, you maximize damage on one damage die (for example, a d6 deals 6 damage), then roll the other damage dice normally and add the results together.

How Zac creates a safe table

Creating a safe, respectful, and enjoyable space for everyone is my top priority. Here’s how I keep players comfortable at the table: Lines and Veils: I use a Lines and Veils document to help everyone communicate their boundaries and topics they want to avoid (Lines) or prefer to keep off-screen or subtle (Veils). I will share the link before the first session and encourage everyone to review it. Session 0: We’ll have a Session 0 to discuss the tone, content, and expectations for the game. This is your chance to voice any concerns, set boundaries, and ask questions. X, N, & O’s System: We’ll use the X (stop), N (pause), and O (okay) safety tools. Players can signal X to immediately stop if something is uncomfortable, N to take a brief pause, and O to indicate they’re okay continuing. We can do this digitally in chat or by raising hands on video, whichever feels best for the group. Aftercare: After sessions, I’m available for follow-up chats if anyone needs to talk or decompress about anything that happened during the game. Respect & Confidentiality: Everything shared at the table stays at the table. I foster an environment of trust and respect, where everyone feels free to express themselves safely.