The Icespire Saga: A Heroic Journey from Level 1 to 13

Creating your character

How to Build Your Hero for the Icespire Saga We will dedicate our first meeting to a Session Zero, where we will create characters together, discuss campaign expectations, and establish party bonds. This collaborative process ensures your character fits the setting and has immediate connections to the group. The Basics • Starting Level: All characters begin their journey at Level 1. • Stats: We will use the Standard Array (15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8). This ensures a balanced party where every hero has strengths and weaknesses. • Hit Points: Take the maximum possible Hit Points for your class at Level 1. Platform We will use D&D Beyond for character creation and digital character sheets. I will provide a campaign link that shares all my purchased content with you, unlocking necessary sourcebooks for your use. Approved Sources We will use the 2024 Player’s Handbook rules for core mechanics, classes, and species. Additionally, we will utilize Forgotten Realms: Heroes of Faerûn for setting-specific options that ground your character in the world. Backgrounds Your background defines where you came from before you became an adventurer. You may choose standard backgrounds from the 2024 Player’s Handbook or unique options from Heroes of Faerûn. • From Heroes of Faerûn (Regional): Tie your character to a specific location. Options include Chondathan Freebooter, Dead Magic Dweller, Flaming Fist Mercenary, Genie Touched, Ice Fisher (perfect for the frozen north), Moonwell Pilgrim, Mulhorandi Tomb Raider, Mythalkeeper, Rashemi Wanderer, and Shadowmasters Exile. • From Heroes of Faerûn (Factions): Start with ties to a major organization. Options include Dragon Cultist, Emerald Enclave Caretaker, Harper, Knight of the Gauntlet, Lords’ Alliance Vassal, Purple Dragon Squire, and Zhentarim Mercenary. Classes & Species All published 5E species and classes that fit within the Forgotten Realms setting are available. Whether you are a human fighter from Phandalin or a drow bard from the Underdark, your story belongs here.

Preparing for the session

D&D Beyond: We will use D&D Beyond for character creation and reference during the game. This makes it easy for everyone to track their stats, abilities, and spells, including the new options from the 2024 Player's Handbook and Heroes of Faerûn. • Foundry VTT: Immerse yourselves in the adventure with a high-performance tabletop experience. Enjoy dynamic lighting, atmospheric soundscapes, and a highly customizable interface featuring automated combat and a seamless initiative tracker. • Discord: We will connect and communicate on Discord, sharing voice and text chat to keep the game flowing smoothly. • Custom Content: I will be bringing the world to life with unique NPCs, monsters from the Beyond Icespire Peak trilogy, and immersive descriptions that bridge the gap between Phandalin and Leilon. My GM Style: • Immersive Storytelling: I love to create a vivid and engaging narrative, using descriptive language, character voices, and ambient music to set the scene and draw you into the frozen peaks of the Sword Mountains and the misty coasts of Leilon. • Tactical Combat: Expect exciting and challenging combat encounters. From facing a white dragon to siege battles, strategy and teamwork are key to victory. • Rule of Cool: While I respect the Rules as Written (RAW), I also believe in the power of the Rule of Cool. If you come up with a creative and awesome idea that fits the moment, I will do my best to make it work within the game's framework. • Lore Focused: I delve deep into the lore, crafting a world rich in history. We will explore the ancient secrets of the dwarves, the machinations of the Myrkul and Talos cults, and the specific backgrounds you choose from Heroes of Faerûn. Overall, my games are a blend of: • Immersion: I aim to create a world that feels real and alive, with rich details and memorable characters. • Challenge: Expect to face tough choices, overcome obstacles, and test your skills in combat and roleplaying. • Fun: Above all, I want everyone to have fun and enjoy the collaborative storytelling experience. What to Bring: • Your Character: A fully created character on D&D Beyond that fits into this stort, ready for adventure! • Enthusiasm: Come ready to explore, roleplay, and have a great time! • Open Mind: Be prepared for the unexpected and embrace the collaborative storytelling experience.

What Calvin brings to the table

D&D Beyond: We'll use D&D Beyond for character creation and reference during the game. This makes it easy for everyone to track their stats, abilities, and spells. D&D Beyond Maps: Immerse yourselves in the adventure with dynamic maps on D&D Beyond Maps, complete with fog of war and interactive elements & initiative tracker. FOUNDRY VTT: Immerse yourselves in the adventure with a high-performance, self-hosted tabletop experience. Enjoy cutting-edge dynamic lighting, atmospheric soundscapes, and a highly customizable interface featuring automated combat, advanced line of sight, and a seamless initiative tracker. Discord: We'll connect and communicate on Discord, sharing voice and text chat to keep the game flowing smoothly. Legendkeeper: Behind the scenes, I'll be using Legendkeeper to weave a rich tapestry of lore, track our progress, and build captivating maps for the world we explore together. Custom Content: I'll be creating plenty of my own content to bring the world to life, from unique NPCs and monsters to immersive descriptions and intriguing plot hooks & creative hand outs. My GM Style: Immersive Storytelling: I love to create a vivid and engaging narrative, using descriptive language, character voices, and ambient music to set the scene and draw you into the world. Tactical Combat: Expect exciting and challenging combat encounters, where strategy and teamwork are key to victory. Rule of Cool: While I respect the rules, I also believe in the power of the Rule of Cool. If you come up with a creative and awesome idea, I'll do my best to make it work within the game's framework. Collaborative Storytelling & Passion: As one of my players mentioned, I'm passionate about collaborative storytelling. My primary concern is for everyone to contribute to and enjoy an awesome story together. Lore Focused: I delve deep into the lore, crafting a world rich in history, secrets, and interconnected narratives. Overall, my games are a blend of: Immersion: I aim to create a world that feels real and alive, with rich details and memorable characters. Challenge: Expect to face tough choices, overcome obstacles, and test your skills in combat and roleplaying. Fun: Above all, I want everyone to have fun and enjoy the collaborative storytelling experience.

Homebrew rules

A Blessing from Bhaal: Players who provide a recap of the previous session at the start of a new session or submit notes in the Journal Channel by the Friday before the next session will receive a free reroll token. This token can be used once per session on any check, save, or attack roll, as well as on damage, healing, or Hit Die rolls (When Leveling up). This benefit is limited to one token per player per session.

How Calvin creates a safe table

Safety Tools & Session 0: Lines and Veils: I'll share a link to a Lines and Veils document before Session 0, where you can anonymously list any topics or themes you'd prefer to avoid or approach with caution. Session 0: We'll dedicate time to discuss everyone's expectations, comfort levels, and playstyles. We'll also establish shared boundaries, review the Lines and Veils, and address any questions or concerns. Aftercare: If a session touches on sensitive topics or triggers any discomfort, I'll check in with everyone afterward to ensure they're okay. I'm also open to debriefing or discussing any issues outside of the game. X, N, & O's: We'll use a combination of digital and verbal cues for X, N, & O's, depending on what's most comfortable for the group. Gameplay Details: Character-Driven: I love to see characters grow and evolve, so expect plenty of opportunities for roleplaying and personal development. Player Agency: Your choices matter! The story will adapt and change based on your decisions, creating a unique and collaborative experience. Worldbuilding: I'll provide a rich and detailed setting to explore, filled with intriguing lore and hidden secrets. Getting to Know You: Before we begin our adventure, I'd like to get to know you a little better. Please take a few minutes to fill out a Google Form before our session. I'm curious about what you enjoy in games, what inspires you, and any specific boundaries or preferences you have. This helps me create a safe and enjoyable experience tailored to your interests. For example, I'm personally terrified of spiders, so I won't be including them in the game unless everyone is comfortable with it.