Rime of the Frostmaiden, Expanded

Creating your character

We will build level one characters as a group during session 0. I'll be there to answer questions and help anyone who needs it. Stats will be assigned using a standard array. Race and class options from most official sources are ok, with exceptions on a few ranger classes and Eberron content. 3rd party content is probably OK too but ask me first.

Preparing for the session

Technical preparation: • The big thing here is that you need a computer with a stable internet connection and a reliable way for us to hear your voice. We are using Discord for audio. You can download it for free if you don’t have it already. The computer version works great if you have a microphone, otherwise, you can put it on your phone and use earbuds. You will also need to make a free account on Roll20.net. This doesn’t require any additional downloads. All services will be provided through the browser Social Preparation: • This is a game that we are all playing to have fun. You should be excited to play and also be excited for other people to join you and have fun as well. Players should arrive with an attitude of friendly cooperation. • Previous Dungeons and Dragons experience is not a requirement to join. However, players can prepare for the game by familiarizing themselves with basic gameplay concepts such as rolling different-sided dice and using the 6 stats on your character sheet. One on one: • I’d like to schedule a short 5-10 minute conversation over Discord sometime before session 0. Just to introduce myself, answer any questions you might have, and smooth over any snags before we jump into the game.

What Emil brings to the table

I will bring the adventure, core DnD rules, official and unofficial supplemental materials, and a huge amount of enthusiasm. I love Icewind Dale as a setting, and Frostmaiden specifically has been my favorite official module to run. I have a lot of experience playing and developing the setting. I will bring technical knowledge as well as passion to every session. After you sign up, I'll send a link to the game and all you need to do is log on to have access to everything.

Homebrew rules

Custom adventures, NPCs, and story arcs grounded in player backstory. Strongholds, followers, and warfare rules inspired by MCDM. 3rd-party player options available with GM approval. 3rd-party items and rewards including content from Griffon’s Saddlebag and other trusted creators. 3rd-party dungeons and quests curated from reliable, high-quality sources. Influence from 4e, including bloodied mechanics and skill challenges. Influence from Blades in the Dark and Apocalypse World, including clocks and reactive GM techniques. Influence from Avery Alder, especially in how relationships, identity, and emotional stakes shape scenes and character choices.

How Emil creates a safe table

To me, Rime of the Frostmaiden is about finding beauty and hope in literal and metaphorical darkness. Because of that, it sometimes touches on grim themes. I think it’s possible to explore those darker places in an RPG in a way that is safe, accessible, and not overly graphic. However, it requires trust and clear communication between the DM and players. When you sign up, I’ll send a lines and veils document. When we meet for session 0 we can use those answers as a starting point to talk about my DMing style, the overall tone we want to set for the game, and additional safety tools that we will be using. It’s important to me that players feel comfortable using the X-card and open-door policy at any time and for any reason.