The Phandalin Chronicles: A Beginner-Friendly D&D Adventure

Creating your character

Character creation will be done as a group during a session 0, where other rules and expectations are discussed. Premade characters will also be available. We will use DnD Beyond for character sheet management. Creating Your Hero: The Guidelines As you build your character, remember: You aren't a lone wolf. Your hero is part of an established adventuring party that has been working together for some time. D&D Beyond Settings In the D&D Beyond character builder, set your "Home" tab to the following: Leveling: Milestone (We level up after major story beats). Hit Points: Fixed (Simple and consistent). Sources: Turn ON 2014 Core Rules, Expanded Rules, and Legacy Content. Partnered Content: Turn OFF. Race, Class, & Ability Scores Level: Start at Level 1. Class: Any official class is welcome. Race: Choose from the Basic Rules, Player’s Handbook (PHB), or Monsters of the Multiverse (MPMM). Ability Scores: Use Standard Array (15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8 assigned as you'd like). Alignment: Please choose a Non-Evil alignment. Equipment & Gear Starting Items: Choose the "Equipment" option from your Class and Background. Gold: Use the standard starting gold from your background; we do not roll for gold. Trading: You can sell starting gear or buy new equipment/spell components using the prices in the Player's Handbook. Free Starter Feat To make your hero unique, everyone gets one free Feat at Level 1. Choose from: Alert: React quickly and avoid being surprised. Healer: Use bandages to save lives without magic. Magic Initiate: Gain a few basic spells or cantrips. Savage Attacker: Deal more reliable damage in melee. Skilled: Gain proficiency in three extra skills. Tavern Brawler: Master the art of brawling and improvised weapons. Tough: Gain extra health to stay in the fight longer. ------------------------------ Need help? No problem! We will walk through these steps together during Session 0, and I will have premade characters available if you'd prefer to jump right in!

Preparing for the session

My games will use a Discord for voice/video calls during the session, as well as any digital handouts (maps, items, info, etc.). You can create a free account on www.discord.com Character sheet management will be handled through DnD Beyond. This will also serve as our VTT (virtual tabletop). You can create a free account on https://www.dndbeyond.com/

What D. Robert (EMTMAN) brings to the table

What I Provide: An Immersive Journey to Phandalin When you join my table for Lost Mine of Phandelver, you are getting more than just a dungeon crawl—you are getting a living, breathing world. Here is what you can expect from my GM style: Atmosphere & Immersion: I use ambient soundscapes and music to set the mood, from the clinking of mugs in the Stonehill Inn to the dripping echoes of a goblin cave. I enjoy bringing NPCs to life with distinct voices and personalities to make your interactions feel real. The "Rule of Cool" vs. Tactics: I favor the Rule of Cool. If you have a creative, cinematic idea that isn't strictly in the rulebook, I will almost always find a way to let you roll for it! While combat is tactical and exciting, the goal is always to tell a great story together. Complete Digital Toolkit: You will have full access to my D&D Beyond library, meaning you can use all the premium player options and digital dice without spending a dime. My Table Expectations To ensure everyone has the best possible experience, I run a respectful and focused table. My philosophy is built on a few core pillars: The Golden Rule & Wheaton’s Law: Simply put, treat your fellow players with respect and don't be a jerk. We are here to be a team! PG/PG-13 Rating: This game follows a "Broadcast TV" rating. While there is fantasy violence and peril, we keep the content appropriate for a general audience—no explicit gore or sexual content. Player Agency: This is your story. I have a strict rule: Don’t tell others what to do or how to play their character. Every player at my table has the right to make their own choices. Safety First: We use a "Stop" policy. If a topic or scene makes someone uncomfortable and they ask to stop, we pause, pivot, and move on immediately—no questions asked.

How D. Robert (EMTMAN) creates a safe table

Session 0 will cover character creation, expectations and rules, and player safety (I generally use the lines and veils system). All my games are ran as PG-13. Players are also encouraged reach out to me with personal concerns.