Lost Mine of Phandelver
A simple escort job along the rugged frontier road spirals into a tangled mystery of lost mines, hidden factions, and a rising darkness.
$20.00
/ Session
Details
Weekly / Saturday - 10:00 AM UTC
Session Duration / 4 hours
Campaign Length / 5–8 Sessions
0 / 5 Seats Filled
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About the adventure
More than five hundred years ago, clans of dwarves and gnomes made an agreement known as the Phandelver’s Pact, by which they would share a rich mine in a wondrous cavern known as Wave Echo Cave. In addition to its mineral wealth, the mine contained great magical power. Human spellcasters allied themselves with the dwarves and gnomes to channel and bind that energy into a great forge (called the Forge of Spells), where magic items could be crafted. Times were good, and the nearby human town of Phandalin (pronounced fan-duh-lin) prospered as well. But then disaster struck when orcs swept through the North and laid waste to all in their path. A powerful force of orcs reinforced by evil mercenary wizards attacked Wave Echo Cave to seize its riches and magic treasures. Human wizards fought alongside their dwarf and gnome allies to defend the Forge of Spells, and the ensuing spell battle destroyed much of the cavern. Few survived the cave-ins and tremors, and the location of Wave Echo Cave was lost. For centuries, rumors of buried riches have attracted treasure seekers and opportunists to the area around Phandalin, but no one has ever succeeded in locating the lost mine. In recent years, people have resettled the area. Phandalin is now a rough-and-tumble frontier town. More important, the Rockseeker brothers — a trio of dwarves — have discovered the entrance to Wave Echo Cave, and they intend to reopen the mines. Unfortunately for the Rockseekers, they are not the only ones interested in Wave Echo Cave. A mysterious villain known as the Black Spider controls a network of bandit gangs and goblin tribes in the area, and his agents have followed the Rockseekers to their prize. Now the Black Spider wants Wave Echo Cave for himself, and he is taking steps to make sure no one else knows where it is.
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
Less than a year on StartPlaying
Highly rated for: Inclusive, Storytelling, World Builder
About me
I have been adventuring in Dungeons & Dragons since 2007, guiding heroes through perilous dungeons, strange realms, and stories that linger long after the dice stop rolling. With nearly two decades at the table, I bring the instincts of a seasoned storyteller and the calm hand of a director shaping an unfolding narrative in real time. I began my adult life as a filmmaker, learning how to craft tension, pacing, character arcs, and cinematic moments. That background still shapes every session I run: battles feel dramatic, discoveries feel meaningful, and the world feels like a living story rather than a static game board. I have a PhD in the arts, deepening my understanding of narrative, performance, and collaborative creativity. The result is a style of Dungeon Mastering that blends theatrical storytelling, improvisation, and thoughtful worldbuilding with the unpredictability of the dice. Mechanics exist to support the story, not suffocate it. Clever ideas, bold risks, and heroic nonsense are welcome at his table. If a player comes up with something brilliant, absurd, or spectacular, chances are the answer will be yes. Whether you’re a brand-new adventurer or a veteran hero, mygames are designed to be welcoming, dramatic, and unforgettable.
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
Premade Characters are available. You can also make your own character at dndbeyond.com
What to expect
Preparing for the session
Please have a D&D beyond account, and Discord
What Brad brings to the table
I run games that feel like a living storybook you get to scribble in. Expect a strong focus on character-driven storytelling, where your backstory actually matters and the world reacts to your choices. I lean into immersion with character voices, distinct NPC personalities, and ambient music that shifts with the mood, from quiet tavern murmurs to the tension of a torchlit dungeon. Combat has weight, but it does not drag. I aim for encounters that are tactical and meaningful without becoming a slog, where positioning, teamwork, and creative thinking shine. I sit somewhere between Rules as Written and Rule of Cool. The rules provide structure, but if you come up with something clever, cinematic, or just plain fun, I will usually find a way to make it work. Above all, I prioritize a welcoming and collaborative table. New players are absolutely supported, questions are always encouraged, and I make sure everyone has space to contribute. Think of it as a guided adventure where you are free to wander, but never left behind.
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How Brad creates a safe table
“Lines and veils” is a simple safety tool used in tabletop RPGs to make sure everyone at the table feels comfortable with the story being told. Lines are hard boundaries. These are topics or content that will not appear in the game at all. If something is a line, it is completely off the table, no exceptions, no fade-ins, no surprises. Veils are softer boundaries. These are things that can exist in the world, but we do not describe them in detail. If they come up, the scene “fades to black” or cuts away. The idea is that the content is acknowledged without being lingered on. For example, a group might set a line on graphic violence toward children, meaning it never appears. They might set a veil on romance or intimacy, meaning it can happen but is not described explicitly. The goal is not to limit creativity. It is to build trust. When players know their boundaries will be respected, they are far more willing to engage, take risks in roleplay, and invest emotionally in the story.
Content warnings
Safety tools used