Lost Mines of Phandelver | D&D 2024 (ideal for beginners!)
A simple escort quest takes an unexpected turn, what lies beneath the town of Phandelver? Find out in this beginner friendly campaign for D&D 2024.
$20.00
/ Session
Details
Weekly / Monday - 7:00 PM UTC
Session Duration / 3–4 hours
Campaign Length / 5+ Sessions
0 / 5 Seats Filled
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About the adventure
Journey to the Sword Coast in Dungeons and Dragons' famous Forgotten Realms setting, the same setting as Baldur's Gate and the Honor Amongst Thieves movie, in this fun-packed short campaign. Ideal for beginners wanting to learn D&D for the first time or for players of previous editions who want to learn 5th edition. Playing via Discord (for voice and video) and D&D Beyond Maps VTT. Suitable for between 3 - 5 players. You are welcome to create your own character, or I have a choice of pre-generated characters if you prefer.
Game style
Roleplay Heavy
Rule of Cool (RoC)
Rules as Written (RaW)
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
5.0
(5)
Less than a year on StartPlaying
1 game hosted
Highly rated for: Creativity, Storytelling, Inclusive
About me
I’m James, a UK‑based professional storyteller and long‑time GM who has been running TTRPGs since the mid‑1990s. I specialise in atmospheric, character‑driven games with a strong sense of mood, identity, and emotional depth, drawing on decades of experience with D&D, Call of Cthulhu, Vampire: The Masquerade, and Werewolf: The Apocalypse. I run games between 7pm and 11pm UK time (2pm - 6pm EST). I’m also proudly neurodivergent, and that naturally shapes the way I run games. I tend to pick up on details others might overlook, I build worlds with real texture and depth, and I love creating stories that feel personal and emotionally grounded. My tables are inclusive, queer‑friendly spaces built on collaboration, where every player is valued and every character has room to shine. I run games with curated soundscapes, evocative visuals, and tightly‑woven narrative arcs that make every session feel like stepping into a living world. If you want a GM who blends atmosphere, nuance, and player‑centred storytelling, you’ll feel right at home at my table. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me or join in the discord! (Link below) https://discord.gg/bXemksRZhq My GMing Style Players describe my style as: - Atmospheric — curated music, visuals, and tone - Narrative‑focused — character arcs matter - Collaborative — your choices shape the story - Inclusive — LGBTQ+ friendly, safe, respectful tables - Professional — clear communication, reliable scheduling, polished prep I don’t railroad, but I also don’t leave you wandering. I build stories around your characters’ desires, flaws, and ambitions What You Get When You Book Me - Fully prepared Foundry VTT setup - Custom handouts, maps, and moodboards - Session summaries - Safety tools (Lines & Veils, X‑Card, Open Door) - A welcoming table for beginners and veterans alike - A GM who genuinely cares about your experience Who My Games Are Not For - People who want pure combat‑grind - Players who dislike narrative depth or emotional stakes - Groups who prefer chaotic, meme‑heavy tables
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
Character creation will be done during session zero, but you are welcome to bring a character you have previously created (please speak with me about it first), or I have some pre-generated characters if you prefer. Characters start at level 2. If you have read the 2024 Player's Handbook or the free rules available from D&D Beyond, that's great, if not, you can learn as you play.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
You will need a free account on Discord and to join the Scalewatch Discord channel (a link will be provided). You will need a stable internet connection, a headset, microphone and ideally a webcam. You will need a free account on D&D Beyond.
What James brings to the table
- This game includes combat but focuses on roleplay. - There is music and sound effects as well as visual scenes throughout the game. - Most of this game is played in the theatre of the mind, however combat maps are used for some areas. - This is played rules as written, but the rule of cool is also used when it benefits the narrative.
Homebrew rules
- Drinking a potion counts as a bonus action. - Heroic Round is used (if your character fails their final death save, go out in a blaze of glory!).
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Headphones
Webcam
Platforms used
Safety
How James creates a safe table
- During session zero, you'll be asked to complete a quick RPG consent checklist, which will be confidential between you and me. This will establish your lines and veils. - Please take note of the content warnings, if the content warnings make you uncomfortable, then this game may not be for you. - During the game, we will take a break about halfway through. - Debriefing is available after the game at your discretion. - I take bleed very seriously and will steer the story away from difficult material if I see someone is uncomfortable.
Content warnings
Safety tools used