Beginner Friendly D&D | Curse of Strahd

Creating your character

Your character will start at level 1, perfect for new players to learn the game without being overwhelmed. We’ll create your characters together during the first session, so no preparation is needed beforehand—just bring your imagination! I’ll guide you through choosing your species, class, and background, and we’ll generate your ability scores using the standard array (so everyone starts fairly without complicated rolling). You’ll also pick your starting equipment and spells with my help, making sure everything is easy to understand. We’ll be using the Player’s Handbook as the main reference, but you don’t need to own it—I’ll provide all the rules and options you need. If you want to use other official D&D 5e supplements, let me know in advance and I can confirm which options are allowed. By the end of character creation, your adventurer will be ready to jump straight into the story, with a clear understanding of their abilities and role in the party. This ensures you can focus on fun, roleplay, and adventure from the very first session!

Preparing for the session

To make sure our first session goes smoothly, here’s what you’ll need to do before playing: - Create a free Discord account – This is where we’ll communicate before and during the game. Make sure you can join voice calls and send messages. - Create a free Roll20 account – We’ll be using Roll20 as our VTT (Virtual Tabletop). I’ll provide the game link ahead of our first session so you can join and create your character. - Check your audio and video setup – Make sure your microphone works, and you have headphones if possible to reduce background noise. A camera is optional but highly recommended for the full experience. - Have paper and dice ready – If you want, you can use physical dice at home. Roll20 also has built-in dice if you prefer to play entirely online. - Join the game server – I’ll send you a Discord invite when you join, where you can meet other players, ask questions, and get any last-minute instructions. No prior experience with D&D, Roll20, or Discord is required—I’ll guide you through everything step by step. Completing these steps will make sure you can jump straight into adventure on day one!

What Kade Shiel brings to the table

As your GM, my goal is to create a fun, welcoming, and memorable adventure for everyone at the table. I’ll guide you through the story, explain rules as needed, and make sure everyone feels comfortable taking part, no matter your experience level. Here’s what you can expect from my games: - Character and Story Support: I’ll help with character creation, guide you through your abilities, and make sure your character ideas come to life. I love helping new players feel confident in their role. - Immersive Roleplay: I use character voices (badly at times), descriptive storytelling, and vivid scenes to bring the world to life. You’ll feel like you’re really exploring the frontier, meeting quirky NPCs, and facing dangerous foes. - Engaging Combat: Combat is exciting but approachable. I strike a balance between tactical challenges and cinematic “Rule of Cool” moments, letting players shine while keeping the action flowing. - Atmosphere Enhancements: I provide ambient music and custom artwork to enhance immersion and make encounters more thrilling. - Friendly, Supportive Table: I prioritize a welcoming, inclusive environment where everyone can roleplay freely, ask questions, and have fun learning D&D together. Ultimately, my games are about story, fun, and teamwork. You’ll leave the table feeling like your hero truly made a difference in the adventure—and maybe even make a few new friends along the way.

Homebrew rules

I run the game using standard Dungeons & Dragons 5e rules, so new players can jump in without learning anything unusual. That said, I’m happy to bend the rules in the name of fun or storytelling—if you have a creative idea, I’ll often let it happen, as long as it keeps the game exciting for everyone.

How Kade Shiel creates a safe table

Creating a safe and welcoming table is a top priority for me. Before the adventure begins, we’ll have a Session Zero to introduce everyone, discuss expectations, and talk through any boundaries. During this session, I’ll explain how we handle sensitive topics and answer any questions you have about the game. I use an X card system that allows players to pause or skip content they’re uncomfortable with—digital, messaged, or held up on video—so you can always feel in control. At the end of each session, we’ll spend 10–15 minutes debriefing to check in with players, share feedback, and make sure everyone had a positive experience. My goal is to make sure all players feel comfortable, included, and able to focus on fun and adventure. Everyone’s safety and enjoyment comes first, so you can immerse yourself in the story with confidence.