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Learn to Play Dungeons & Dragons 5e
Heroes gather in Phlan’s Tea Kettle to aid the factions battling chaos and cults rising in the city’s shadows. Each mission shapes the fate of Phlan.
$20.00
/ Session
Details
Once / Saturday - 8:00 PM UTC
Apr 11
Session Duration / 2 hours
5 / 6 Seats Filled
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Meet your party members
5/6
About the adventure
Defiance in Phlan: A Hero’s First Roll Welcome to Phlan, a city on the edge of legend and the edge of disaster. Brave souls gather in Madame Freona’s Tea Kettle, where rumors boil hotter than the teapots and adventure waits just beyond the door. From crumbling ruins to bustling markets, every corner hides a secret, and every hero starts somewhere. In this fast-paced Learn-to-Play adventure, you’ll take your first steps into the world of Dungeons & Dragons. You’ll learn how to roll dice, work as a team, and shape your story in real time while fending off monsters, uncovering mysteries, and maybe even saving the city before dessert cools. Each quest introduces a new rule, a new challenge, and a new chance to feel like a hero. This adventure is built for players who are completely new to D&D. There’s no experience needed, no pressure, and plenty of fun. You’ll choose who you'll play, what you stand for, and how you’ll make your mark on a city that’s waiting for champions. Whether you’re the cautious thinker, the daring warrior, or the one who always tries the weird idea first, there’s a place for you in Phlan. So grab your dice, take a deep breath, and step into the story. The tea is hot, the city is calling, and fate is waiting to see how you roll.
Game style
Combat Heavy
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
5.0
(19)
4 years on StartPlaying
128 games hosted
Highly rated for: Creativity, Knows the Rules, Storytelling
Average response time: Under 1 hour
Response rate: 100%
About me
Hello, adventurers! I’m Mat, though some of my TTRPG friends have playfully nicknamed me “Diamat”—there’s a pun behind it that I might share one day. I’ve been immersed in TTRPGs for over 20 years, starting with classics like GURPS and Dungeons & Dragons 3rd Edition. Most of the games I have played in the last few years have been in D&D 5e, so I am well versed in that system. I also have plenty of experience with systems like Fate, Genesys, and Cypher. I particularly enjoy Genesys and Cypher for their focus on player agency in shaping the outcomes of rolls. In my games, storytelling and role-playing take center stage. If you join my table, expect your character’s story to weave seamlessly into the overarching narrative. Your character’s history and choices will have meaningful impacts. If you love TTRPGs for their storytelling and character development, we’ll be a perfect match—I promise to reciprocate with richly detailed worlds and vibrant, lifelike NPCs. While D&D holds a special place in my heart, I also have a passion for science fiction and science fantasy, drawing inspiration from authors like Jack Vance and Gene Wolfe. I enjoy putting unique twists on classic RPG genres, bringing fresh and imaginative perspectives to the table. I primarily run games on Roll20, where I’ve built an extensive library of assets. I invest time in creating immersive maps and handouts to enhance the atmosphere and bring my worlds to life. If all this sounds like your kind of adventure, reach out! I look forward to seeing you at one of my tables.
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
Diamat (Mat) will provide pre-made character sheets for you to choose from after you sign up or at the start of the game.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
Please have a Roll20 account and a Discord account. All rolls and maps will be done through Rol20, communication will happen through Discord. Please join the discord link here: https://discord.gg/Wj5h7VtVmK Link to the game will be provided in the Discord server.
What Diamat (Mat) brings to the table
I’m a storyteller, a teacher, and a lifelong D&D enthusiast who believes every player deserves a heroic first adventure. I bring characters to life through expressive voices and vivid narration, and I use a rich library of ambient music and soundscapes in Roll20 to deepen immersion. My goal is to make the world feel alive — from the rattle of dice to the murmur of tavern chatter. Combat at my table is tactical and precise, but always welcoming to new players. I take time to explain the “why” behind the rolls, helping everyone understand not just how the game works, but how to make it shine. The rules are our foundation, but I’m not afraid to bend them when an epic idea deserves the spotlight. When something cool happens, we celebrate it — dice rolls and all. As a GM, I value respect, teamwork, and learning by doing. I use safety tools to establish tone, and I let the group decide together how “mature” the story will feel, keeping things heroic and fun for all. With two-hour sessions, I keep the story moving while still leaving room for laughter, questions, and spontaneous player moments. My table is a place where new adventurers can take risks, make mistakes, and grow into heroes — one roll at a time.
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How Diamat (Mat) creates a safe table
I use the Deck of Player Safety and the X,N,O feedback format for player safety. Details can be found in the Discord pinned posts. X,N, and O's can be communicated anonymously to me through the "whisper" command on Roll20.
Content warnings
Safety tools used