FIRST SESSION FREE***Intro to D&D | Lost Mine of Phandelver

Creating your character

Character creation will be beginner-friendly and fully supported. We’ll use D&D Beyond to build characters and play online, which makes everything easy to manage and accessible for new players. If you’ve never made a character before, no worries! I’m happy to walk you through the entire process step by step. Characters will start at Level 1, making this an ideal entry point for new players to learn the game as their characters grow. Ability scores can be created directly in D&D Beyond using the standard options (such as standard array or rolled stats), and I’m happy to explain what each choice means and help you decide what fits your character concept best. All races and classes from the Player’s Handbook are allowed for this campaign. This keeps character options clear, balanced, and easy to learn while still offering plenty of variety. We’ll keep things simple and classic so everyone can focus on learning the game and telling a great story together. Character creation can happen before the first session or during Session 0, depending on player comfort level. If you’d like help, we can build characters together live. The goal is to make sure everyone starts the adventure feeling confident, excited, and ready to play.

Preparing for the session

Before the game begins, players will need to complete a few simple setup steps to ensure everything runs smoothly: • Create a free Discord account. We’ll use a private Discord server for voice chat, game coordination, and session updates. A working microphone and stable internet connection are strongly recommended. I’ll send an invite link before the first session. • Create a free D&D Beyond account. This will be used for character creation, leveling up, and managing character sheets. No purchases are required. I have shared content that will be available to all members of our campaign. • Create or prepare your character. Characters can be built ahead of time or during Session 0, depending on your comfort level. I’m happy to help at any point! That’s it! No paid software or advanced setup required. Just a willingness to learn, have fun, and go on an adventure together.

What Ash brings to the table

As your GM, I’ll provide a welcoming, supportive, and beginner-friendly experience where everyone feels comfortable learning and playing at their own pace. I focus on clear explanations, patience, and making sure no one feels left out. You can expect a story-driven game with a strong sense of adventure. I use light character voices, expressive NPCs, and ambient music to help set the mood without overwhelming the table. Exploration, roleplay, and combat all get time to shine, with encounters designed to feel exciting rather than punishing. I strive to make combat engaging but approachable. In other words, I try to make sure it’s tactical enough to be interesting, but never so complex that it slows the game down. Questions are always welcome and encouraged! I generally follow the Rules as Written, especially for clarity and learning, but I’m happy to embrace the Rule of Cool when a creative idea makes the moment more fun or cinematic! Above all, I aim to create a table that’s collaborative, respectful, and fun. Player choices matter, character backstories are welcomed and woven into the world when possible, and the goal is always for everyone to leave the session excited for the next one. Whether you’re brand new to D&D or returning to a classic adventure, you can expect a game that’s immersive, friendly, and full of memorable moments.

How Ash creates a safe table

Player safety and comfort are a top priority at my table. Before play begins, we’ll have a Session 0 that focuses on expectations, tone, boundaries, and communication. During this session, I’ll provide an anonymous safety survey where players can share their personal lines and topics they’d like to avoid, ensuring everyone can participate comfortably. Throughout the campaign, I maintain open and ongoing communication. Players are always welcome to message me privately if something feels uncomfortable or needs adjusting. Boundaries are respected without question, and safety tools are treated as normal, judgment-free parts of play. At the end of each session, I use a Stars and Wishes check-in, allowing players to anonymously share what they enjoyed and what they’d like to see more (or less) of going forward. This serves as both aftercare and a way to continuously improve the game in a way that supports everyone at the table. My goal is to create a space that is inclusive, respectful, and emotionally safe, where players can fully immerse themselves in the story knowing their comfort comes first.