Beginner-Friendly D&D 5e Adventure: The Lost Mine of Phandelver

Creating your character

We will create characters together during Session Zero so that everyone starts on the same page. This will be a relaxed and beginner-friendly process where we go through everything step by step. Characters will be created using D&D Beyond, which makes it easy to manage stats, abilities, and inventory during play. We will use Standard Array or Point Buy for ability scores, whichever you prefer. This keeps things fair and balanced for everyone. We will begin at Level 2, which gives you a few fun abilities to start with while still keeping things simple to learn. You do not need to come in with a fully built character. Just bring a general idea of who you want to play, such as a curious bard, a stoic fighter, or a mischievous rogue. I will help you bring that idea to life. All official content from the Player’s Handbook and other official D&D 5e sourcebooks is welcome, but we will keep things simple for our first adventure. If you are new to D&D, I will offer suggestions and help you build a character that fits your playstyle. By the end of Session Zero, you will have a complete character, a clear understanding of how to play them, and a reason for your hero to set out toward Phandalin.

Preparing for the session

Getting ready for the game is easy! You only need a few simple things before we begin. Join the Discord Server You will receive an invite to the Gryffin and Badger Games Discord. This is where we will chat, share updates, and play through voice. Please make sure your microphone is working and that you are comfortable using Discord’s voice channels. Create a D&D Beyond Account Go to D&D Beyond and make a free account. This is where we will create and manage your character sheet. You do not need to know how to use it yet. I will walk you through everything during Session Zero. Make a Roll20 Account Visit Roll20 and sign up for a free account. This is our virtual tabletop, where you will see maps and explore the world during our sessions. Check the Schedule and Announcements Keep an eye on the Discord for any updates, reminders, or announcements about our sessions. Bring Your Imagination You do not need to memorize any rules or come with a full character sheet. Just think of a general character idea and what kind of story you want to tell. I will help with the rest. Optional but Recommended - A snack or drink for the road - Headphones for clear audio - A sense of humor and curiosity

What Hannah brings to the table

I strive to create a warm, immersive, and story-driven game where everyone feels comfortable exploring, learning, and having fun. My goal is to make each session feel like stepping into a living story, filled with memorable characters, creative choices, and a few laughs along the way. I use Syrinscape, Spotify, and YouTube to set the mood with ambient sounds and background music. Whether it is the hum of a busy tavern, the rustle of the forest, or the quiet tension before battle, the soundscape helps bring the world of Phandalin to life. I am not a professional voice actor, but I do my best to make each NPC stand out through personality, tone, and quirks. Some will be heartfelt, some will be ridiculous, and all will be unique in their own way. My style leans toward storytelling and collaboration rather than strict rule enforcement. I follow the Rule of Cool, meaning if an idea is clever or fun and makes sense within the world, we will find a way to make it work. Combat will happen, but I keep it flowing and focus on keeping everyone engaged rather than bogged down in mechanics. You can expect a game that mixes roleplay, exploration, and combat, with plenty of opportunities for creativity and character moments. Mistakes are welcome, questions are encouraged, and the most important rule at my table is to have fun.

Homebrew rules

- Drinking a potion as a bonus action - Death saves are rolled by the DM, and the results are kept secret until the right moment. (What's a death save? Don't worry-we'll talk about it when we get there!)

How Hannah creates a safe table

Player comfort and trust are a top priority at my table. During Session Zero, we will go over a Lines and Veils document together to identify what content players would prefer to avoid or handle gently. Lines are topics that will not appear in the game at all. Veils are topics that may exist in the world but will fade to black or be handled off-screen. I will provide a private digital version of this document before we begin, so players can share their preferences confidentially. These boundaries will be respected throughout the campaign, and they can be updated at any time.