Can You Survive the Frostmaiden’s Curse? | Beginner Friendly!

Creating your character

This campaign is all about survival, mystery, and tough choices in a frozen land that doesn’t forgive mistakes. I want characters that feel like they belong here—or that at least have a reason to be stuck in Icewind Dale. Maybe you’re a local who grew up knowing the dangers of the tundra, or maybe you’re an outsider who wandered too far north and found yourself trapped under the Frostmaiden’s shadow. Either way, your character should be someone who can face fear, hardship, and secrets without breaking apart at the first storm. Backstories Tied to the Dale – Are you a fisher, a hunter, a sellsword, a scholar, a smuggler, or just someone unlucky enough to end up in Ten-Towns? Think about what keeps you here when leaving isn’t really an option. A Secret to Keep – Every character starts with a hidden secret (I’ll help with this, or you can write your own). Build it into your backstory like a scar—something you carry that might come back to haunt you. What Drives You – Survival comes first, but beyond that, what do you want? To protect people you care about? To uncover forbidden truths? To hunt down monsters in the dark? To spit in the Frostmaiden’s face?

Preparing for the session

Create a free Discord account (if you don’t already have one) – that’s where we’ll handle voice chat and table communication. Have a Discord mic setup (no video required, but clear audio helps). You’ll get a link to my personal Discord server after joining the game. I run the game on FoundryVTT (no need to buy anything). I’ll send you the link so you can join directly through your browser. Make sure you have a stable internet connection and a browser that works well with Foundry (Chrome or Firefox recommended). Bring a character idea! I’ll work with you to shape it into the world and tie it to Icewind Dale.

What Nótt brings to the table

🎭 Collaborative Storytelling – I love weaving your backstories into the plot so your characters truly matter in the story. ❄️ Atmospheric Play – expect descriptions that bring the frozen setting to life, plus handouts, maps, and moody visuals. ⚔️ Cinematic Combat – tactical and challenging, but always with space for creative “Rule of Cool” moments. 🔎 Player-Driven Mystery & Exploration – your choices steer where the story goes and what secrets are uncovered. 🕯️ Safe and Inclusive Space – LGBTQ+ friendly, beginner-welcoming, and with safety tools available.

Homebrew rules

🧪 Potions as a Bonus Action – you can drink a healing potion on yourself as a bonus action (but giving one to another is still an action). 💥 Modified Criticals – when you crit, you roll all damage dice and add max damage once, making crits feel more impactful. 🎲 Rule of Cool – creative, cinematic ideas are encouraged and may grant advantage or other small boosts, even if the rules don’t cover them.

How Nótt creates a safe table

📝 Session 0 – we’ll go over expectations, set the tone, and discuss character creation together. This includes Lines & Veils and other safety tools so everyone knows what’s on- and off-limits. ❌ X, N, & O Cards (digital) – I use a simple system through Discord/Foundry where players can flag if they’re uncomfortable (X), need a scene adjusted (N), or are enjoying something and want more of it (O). 🛡️ Lines & Veils Document – you’ll get a written copy to fill out privately, so everyone has control over what themes they’re okay with. 💬 Aftercare – at the end of each session, we’ll check in quickly to make sure everyone is leaving the table comfortable, not stressed. 🌈 Respect First – this table is inclusive and welcoming. No harassment, no discrimination, no exceptions.