[NEW CAMPAIGN] Icewind Dale: Surviving the Rime

Creating your character

You can either: Choose a pre-generated character I provide in D&D Beyond, tuned specifically for this campaign (with built-in ties to the setting). OR Immerse your own character in the campaign with a $10 Character Creation Session, where we can collaborate on incorporating your character idea into the theme and stories of Icewind Dale. I’ll also offer an optional “character secret” draw during Session Zero, inspired by the module, to add some juicy drama to the campaign. The party works best if characters are ultimately willing to cooperate, even if they argue along the way.

Preparing for the session

We’ll play online using: + Discord for voice (video encouraged, never required). + D&D Beyond for character sheets and dice. + Owlbear Rodeo or theatre of the mind for maps and key combats, depending on the scene. You’ll need: + A computer or laptop + A webcam + A microphone (headset preferred) + A reasonably quiet space; push-to-talk or good noise suppression Before our Session Zero you’ll receive: + A brief onboarding note with tone, themes, and any adventure-specific lines/veils ready to build on if necessary. + A D&D Beyond campaign link to either claim your pre-gen or add your own character. + An invite to the Discord server we'll use for video conference. + A short setting primer on Ten-Towns and the Everlasting Rime so you can hit the ground running.

What Ian (Unfound Fables) brings to the table

+ Story-first, character-driven play – Roleplay is the engine. I build arcs around what your characters want, fear, and fight for, not just what’s in the chapter heading. + Player-centred spotlight – I make sure everyone gets meaningful scenes, from the face in tense negotiations to the quiet ranger tracking shapes in the snow. + Welcoming to beginners & veterans – Never played 5e or survival horror? I teach as we go. Long-time players get rich setting detailed and layered situations to chew on. + Paced, polished sessions – Scenes move with intent; combat is there to raise tension, not eat the whole night. We keep the story flowing so each session feels complete. + Professional prep & atmospheric tools – I bring structured prep, evocative descriptions, ambient music, and thoughtful use of the module’s secrets and setting to make Icewind Dale feel alive and hostile. + Open, collaborative play – I say “yes, and…” to bold ideas, weave your backstories into Ten-Towns, and let your decisions reshape how this published adventure actually unfolds. TESTIMONIALS Sam and Alisha were part of my recent games last year. I run local games in Melbourne where I have been running TTRPGs for two dozen regular players. Find more of my local reviews on unfoundfables.com. “He makes sure everyone’s character gets to shine in their own way.” – Sam K. “I found myself completely immersed and comfortable, even as a first-time player.” – Alisha J.

Homebrew rules

I keep house rules light and story-focused. For this campaign: +Gain DM inspiration every time you explicitly roleplay an adventure-specific quirk or flaw (determined in character creation. DM Inspiration can be spent to: + Swap initiative with another player. + Gift your Inspiration to another character. + Maximise your damage on a critical hit. If a rule call would stall the table, I’ll make a quick, fair ruling to keep the story moving and look it up between sessions if needed. Survival elements (cold, travel, blizzards) will matter, but I’ll always telegraph danger and give you meaningful choices rather than “gotcha” deaths.

How Ian (Unfound Fables) creates a safe table

Icewind Dale is harsh, and this campaign touches on themes like isolation, sacrifice, cults, and environmental danger. To keep the players safe while the characters suffer, I use: + Open Door Policy – You can step away or leave the session at any time, no explanation needed. I’ll catch you up when you return. ++ X / N / O tools – Quick, low-friction ways to say “stop”, “slow down”, or “more of this” in play (via chat or camera). + Lines & Veils check-in – Before we begin the campaign we’ll agree on hard lines (no-go topics) and veils (fade to black) tailored to this group. + Tone calibration & debrief – We’ll align on how grim you want the game to feel, and after intense sessions there’s space to decompress, share highlights, and flag anything we should adjust.