Delving the Lost Mines of Phandelver. Learn to play D&D!

Creating your character

Characters will be created at level 2, giving them the base abilities of the class and some more hit points to work with. I'll arrange a free chat with players individually to go through character creation using dndbeyond, a user friendly website that helps to go through the creation process with minimal fuss. I will then import the character to Foundry. Stats are going to be applied using a standardised, easy to use form referred to as "standard array", set scores for you to apply to your character (it'll make sense when we're doing it... mostly :D). If you don't have the handbook, don't worry. It'll be shared with you on the campaign page so everything will be available as needed. As for any concerns over party makeup or playstyles, there will be a free session zero to introduce the players to one-another and ensure we're all playing the same game style. There will be a tech demo and comms check and we can go over any elements of the game you're uncertain of. As this is a beginner friendly game, homebrew (rules outside of the rulebook) will be minimal just to avoid confusion but I'm happy to talk minor additions. Core materials only, no theoretical or unearthed arcana (playtests or made-up stuff) without chatting first so watch out for online character creators. If character creation is not your thing, there are pre-generated characters at the ready. Backgrounds will be worked in to the story if possible and there are several background options given in the module. Just be aware at level 2 you're at the very early stage of adventuring. The region is rich with history so you'll fit into the lore nicely. I would say, keep to characters that want to be there. Murderhobo's and lone wolves are fun, but better saved for other settings :D

Preparing for the session

Characters will be created on Dndbeyond or other suitable software if you prefer. An account is useful so I can link you to the campaign page there. If this is not an option, we can work around it. We'll be using 2024 rules so we'll talk through the elements there and have a character ready before first session to limit confusion. The game itself will be run on Foundry and no account will be needed for this. When you follow the game link, you'll find a player listing in your name with the password you provided, follow that to get to the game and your character. Foundry provides the game maps and mechanics but if you want to roll manually, you just need a set of dice. Video chat will be held over Discord so a Discord account will be needed. A headset would be preferred for the sake of easy audio and if you have a noisy background, push to talk is a good option. Playing the game on a PC, or at least a device with a mouse is advisable as Foundry can be prickly on tablets or phones. Naturally, a decent internet connection is a must. A notepad and pen always helps for note-keeping but not compulsory.

What Loonequine brings to the table

I will provide a patient and fun session focussed on ensuring all players learn the mechanics as we go and get to enjoy the story and adventure in full. There will be combat from the off but the style will be tailored to suit you aiming for a mixture of exploration, rp, and combat. Above all we want to see all the different parts of d&d. There are many NPC's in this setting that I will be portraying with voices and mannerisms. I love playing villains so expect me to get into the spirit with them, while the villagers and less overt npc's will react according to your behaviour. If you're short or abrasive with them, expect fewer deals or gifts. If you're kind to nature, the druid will be more willing to aid you, and so forth. I'm not a pro voice actor but I will play with voices and encourage everyone to be comfy trying new or fun stuff. There is no pressure to put on a show, voices and accents are all optional and should not be expected to be professional standard, just fun. If you want to roll a dice instead of talking, absolutely fine. Same goes for singing if you're a bard, there's all sorts of ways to inspire someone. I like running cinematic style combat focussed on RP and teamwork. I will take some time to go over the system and how to use it, but if you choose to just swing that also works. It's your game, have fun! Player death is possible unless the group requests otherwise. If you want to face death at every corner, fun, but I also give the option of long-term injuries for your first death so don't worry too much about being taken out early. There are wolves, owlbears, and other beasts and monsters in the game. I generally limit killing blows and such so they are brief with no sound effects or over the top descriptions of harm to animals, evil or otherwise. Music and sound effects will be used throughout to add to the scenes. Foundry's soundtrack can be adjusted on your end to balance the audio as you need to keep it comfortable.

Homebrew rules

Drinking a potion as a bonus action. Lingering wounds can replace killing blows.

How Loonequine creates a safe table

There will be a session zero free introduction where safety and comfort will be discussed. Red flag options will be provided through Foundry, Discord, and with an on camera option discussed. A pre-game document will be sent out asking for any Lines (Absolute No) or Veils (fade out and imply with a discretion shot) so it is up to you how the scenes are played. The first 10 minutes of gameplay will be spent ensuring safety tools are known and adhered to and everyone is on the same page for gameplay and character work. There should be no cause for PVP, but if it happens both sides must consent to it. As described earlier, character flaws are all well and good, but discrimination and abusive behavior will not be tolerated. There will be no depictions of sexual assault or other inappropriate behaviour. Whispers to the GM through Foundry or Discord will be available to report poor behaviour or request breaks, no judgement. I want everyone to feel safe and to enjoy exploring Faerun together.