Image by Yuliya Pauliukevich
Phandelver and Below | Beginner Friendly | PHB 2024 | Lvl 1-12
A simple job draws you to the frontier town of Phandalin, where goblins, bandits, and long-buried secrets awaken from deep within the mines...
$15.00
/ Session
Details
Weekly / Friday - 1:30 AM UTC
Session Duration / 2–3 hours
0 / 5 Seats Filled
Report Adventure
StartPlaying Money Back Guarantee
If your game doesn't happen, we guarantee a refund. Just reach out to StartPlaying Support. Refund Policy
About the adventure
The adventure begins as you travel to the frontier town of Phandalin, a young settlement on the edge of civilization where prospectors, farmers, and travelers gather in search of opportunity. What starts as a simple job quickly draws you into a world of goblin ambushes, rival factions, forgotten ruins, and long-buried secrets beneath the Sword Mountains. This is a classic Dungeons & Dragons story of exploration, danger, and rising from humble beginnings to true heroes. This campaign is designed to be beginner friendly, making it an ideal starting point if you’re new to D&D or returning after a long break. You’ll learn the rules naturally through play, with clear guidance and a relaxed pace that prioritizes fun and understanding over memorization. More experienced players will still find plenty to enjoy through meaningful choices, tactical combat, and a living world that reacts to your actions. My games focus on tactical, engaging combat without a “GM vs player” mindset. Encounters are designed to reward teamwork, creative thinking, and smart decision-making, while roleplay and character choices shape how the story unfolds. I use Foundry VTT to enhance play with dynamic maps, lighting, and smooth combat automation, helping keep the game immersive and easy to follow. Your first session is free, giving you a chance to meet the group, discuss expectations, build or finalize your character, and get comfortable with the tools before committing. Whether this is your very first tabletop experience or you’re joining an ongoing campaign, you’ll find a welcoming table focused on cooperation, clear communication, and memorable adventures.
Game style
Rule of Cool (RoC)
Tactical / Crunchy
Roleplay Lite
Meet the Game Master
Less than a year on StartPlaying
About me
I’m a beginner-friendly Dungeon Master who enjoys helping both new and returning players feel comfortable learning and playing D&D in a clear, supportive environment. I started playing tabletop RPGs in 2021, primarily with Dungeons & Dragons 5E, with some experience in Pathfinder 2E as well. I love running easy-going, “rule of cool” adventures where characters grow from zero to hero, with a strong focus on exciting, tactical combat and teamwork. I enjoy using Foundry VTT to enhance combat encounters with dynamic maps, lighting, and smooth gameplay, while still keeping the rules approachable and easy to learn. I also enjoy weaving player backstories into the story to create meaningful plot hooks and memorable moments throughout the campaign. To me, the table is a place where friendships are made, villains are defeated, and everyone is there to have fun. My goal is to create a welcoming table with good pacing, clear expectations, and plenty of opportunities for both roleplay and combat. A Session 0 is always included so players can get comfortable with the game, the group, and the tools before the campaign officially begins.
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
Characters will be created using D&D 5e (2024 rules) and will begin at Level 1. Character creation takes place during your first session, so no prior experience or preparation is required. If you prefer to prepare ahead of time, that’s welcome—but not required. You may create your character directly in Foundry VTT using a character builder module, or you can use D&D Beyond and sync your character sheet into Foundry. I’m happy to help with either option and will walk new players through the process step by step. For ability scores, we’ll use one of two methods: Standard Array, or Rolling for stats, with all rolls added to a shared party stat pool that players can choose from. This keeps character power balanced while still allowing some randomness for those who enjoy it. All official 2024 core rulebooks are allowed. If you’d like to use additional options or third-party material, please check with me first so we can make sure it fits the campaign and stays balanced.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
Before your first session, please make sure you have the following set up: A Discord account, as we use Discord for voice communication during the game A working microphone and headphones for clear audio A stable internet connection You will receive a web link to the Foundry VTT game before the session. No Foundry account or software download is required, everything runs directly in your web browser. If you’re new to Discord or virtual tabletops, don’t worry. I’m happy to help you get set up and answer any questions before the game starts so you can jump in comfortably.
What Ser C brings to the table
As your Dungeon Master, I focus on delivering a smooth, immersive, and well-run game where players can enjoy tactical combat, meaningful choices, and a welcoming table atmosphere. A Complete Foundry VTT Experience You’ll have access to a fully set-up Foundry VTT game featuring dynamic battlemaps, lighting, tokens, character sheets, and combat automation. No Foundry account is required. Everything runs through your browser. I also provide a dedicated Discord server for voice and table communication. Tactical, Engaging Combat Combat is a major pillar of my games. Encounters are designed to be challenging, fair, and tactical, rewarding teamwork, positioning, and smart decision-making. I run combat using the rules as written as a foundation. Rule of Cool, Applied Thoughtfully Creative play is encouraged and rewarded at my table. If you describe a bold, cinematic action that fits the moment, I’ll work with you to make it happen in a way that enhances the story, respects the rules, and doesn't break the game. Immersion and Storytelling I use ambient music, sound effects, and descriptive narration to bring the world to life. NPCs are distinct and memorable, and player choices meaningfully shape how the story unfolds. Character backstories are woven into the campaign when possible, giving your character a real place in the world. A Supportive, Beginner-Friendly Table Whether you’re brand new or returning to D&D, I make sure the table remains clear, respectful, and approachable. Rules are explained as they come up, questions are always welcome, and the goal is for everyone to feel comfortable and engaged.
Homebrew rules
I keep homebrew rules light, consistent, and clearly communicated, with the goal of enhancing gameplay rather than complicating it. Potion Use (Always in Effect) Drinking a healing potion as a Bonus Action restores hit points by rolling the dice Drinking a potion as an Action restores the maximum possible healing This rule is always used and helps keep combat fast and exciting. Session 0 / Table-Agreed Rules The following optional rules are discussed and agreed upon as a group during the first session, so everyone is on the same page before they come into play: Critical hit rules Hidden death saves Encumbrance Last Stand / death-related mechanics
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How Ser C creates a safe table
Before the adventure begins, we will review Lines and Veils during the first session using a shared document that includes common themes and boundaries. This ensures everyone understands expectations and can opt out of any content they are uncomfortable with—no explanations required. During play, I provide anonymous safety tools, including: A digital X-card system that players can activate privately at any time to immediately pause or redirect the scene An anonymous feedback form that can be used during or after sessions to raise concerns, suggest adjustments, or share thoughts without pressure I also check in regularly between sessions and after intense scenes to make sure everyone is comfortable with the tone and pacing of the game. Feedback is always welcome, and adjustments are made with care and respect.
Content warnings
Safety tools used