Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

Creating your character

Character creation will take place during a free Session Zero, held before the campaign officially begins. This session will be dedicated to building characters together, aligning expectations, and ensuring everyone is comfortable with the rules and tools. The Session Zero will be run in Foundry VTT, with voice communication via Discord. Characters will start at Level 1 (or at the level appropriate to the campaign). Ability scores will be determined using standard array or point buy, to keep the party balanced and fair. All characters will be created directly in Foundry VTT, where I will provide guidance and technical support throughout the process. Players may use official D&D 5e sources such as the Player’s Handbook, Xanathar’s Guide to Everything, and Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything. Homebrew content is not permitted unless discussed and approved in advance. This process ensures that everyone begins the campaign prepared, aligned, and ready for a smooth and immersive first session.

Preparing for the session

Players are expected to have a computer capable of running Foundry VTT smoothly, with a stable internet connection. While Foundry runs in a web browser, a desktop or laptop PC is required; mobile devices and tablets are not supported. A working microphone and headphones are mandatory for voice communication via Discord. Clear audio is essential for immersion, coordination during combat, and overall table experience. Background noise should be kept to a minimum.

What GM Phill brings to the table

My GM style focuses on immersive storytelling and clear, consistent rulings. I frequently use ambient music and soundscapes to enhance mood and tension, and I occasionally use character voices (only occasionally). Combat at my table is challenging and tactical, with enemies that think, adapt, and use the environment intelligently. I value meaningful choices and consequences. I follow the rules closely to ensure fairness and consistency, but I also embrace the Rule of Cool when it enhances the story without breaking balance or immersion.

Homebrew rules

• Lingering Exhaustion: If a character drops to 0 HP and later regains consciousness, they gain 1 level of exhaustion. • Potions as Bonus Action: Drinking a healing potion is a bonus action(administering one to another character remains an action). • Resting Requirements: Resting requires appropriate conditions. Short and long rests can only be taken with proper camping gear and in reasonably safe locations. • Healing Limits on Long Rest: A long rest does not automatically restore all hit points; recovery follows variant healing rules. Variant Rules (Dungeon Master’s Guide) • Sanity & Madness: I use the Sanity ability score and Madness rules from the DMG to reinforce psychological tension. • Healing & Hit Dice: Spending Hit Dice requires a healer’s kit, and healing during rests follows the DMG’s variant healing system. Third-Party Supplements • I regularly use third-party random tables (such as The Game Master’s Book of Astonishing Random Tables) to enrich atmosphere, locations, NPCs, and events. These rules are clearly explained during Session Zero to ensure transparency and shared expectations.

How GM Phill creates a safe table

During the free session zero, we will review table expectations, tone, safety tools, and communication guidelines, ensuring everyone feels aligned and comfortable before play begins. I use the X, N, and O safety system in a digital format, allowing players to message me privately on Discord at any time during or after a session if something feels uncomfortable. I regularly check in with the group, and after intense scenes, I offer aftercare by pausing, debriefing briefly, and making space for players to share feedback or concerns.