![[New Player Friendly] D&D 2024: Heroes of the Borderlands](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fspg-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com%2Fb40c429a-7dd9-4649-bdb3-99ae35d74432&w=3840&q=75)
[New Player Friendly] D&D 2024: Heroes of the Borderlands
Master D&D 2024 in the legendary Caves of Chaos. Perfect for new heroes or returning vets. Grounded, classic adventure where every choice matters.
$20.00
/ Session
Details
Weekly / Friday - 1:30 AM UTC
Session Duration / 3 hours
Campaign Length / 10–15 Sessions
0 / 5 Seats Filled
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About the adventure
Whether you are picking up a character sheet for the first time or returning to the table after a twenty-year hiatus, there is a seat for you at the Keep. We are diving into the brand-new 2024 D&D ruleset using a classic setting: the rugged, dangerous frontier of the Borderlands. This campaign is specifically designed to be an on-ramp. For new players, I offer a patient, structured environment where the rules are explained as we play. For veteran players or those moving over from the 2014 rules, this is the perfect sandbox to stress-test the new mechanics in a setting that feels like home. As an educator with a PhD in rhetoric and decades of classroom experience, I specialize in facilitating clear, engaging, and inclusive games. We’ll focus on the meat-and-potatoes of great D&D: tactical combat, meaningful choices, and a story that grows out of your actions. No gatekeeping, no homework—just a solid, well-run game in the legendary World of Greyhawk.
Game style
Dungeon Crawl
Sandbox / Open World
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
5.0
(6)
4 years on StartPlaying
Highly rated for: Inclusive, Storytelling, Rule of Cool
About me
I’m a 50+year-old teacher with a PhD in Literature & Game Studies. My dissertation focused on how we build worlds through role-playing games. I’ve just spent a lot of time thinking about how to make imaginary places feel real, dangerous, and worth exploring. I’ve been behind the screen since 1983. I grew up in the "Metal" years of the hobby—the era of lethal dungeons, weird monsters, and high-stakes adventure. I’ve seen it all, from the rise of the first editions to the newest 2024 rules, and I still love every minute of it. My DM Style: 50/50 Role and Roll I believe the best games happen when we balance a great story with a great challenge: Role-Playing: I love creating fantastic worlds that encourage you to inhabit your character. I want your choices to matter and your narrative to feel epic. Roll-Playing: I’m a fan of tactical skirmishes. I love moving miniatures (virtual or real) and watching players use strategy, cunning, and a bit of luck to overcome impossible odds. New Players are Always Welcome Whether you’re a veteran or this is your first time picking up a d20, you have a seat at my table. I take pride in being a "Newbie-Friendly" GM. I love teaching the mechanics and helping people find their footing in the hobby. I’ll guide you through the rules so you can focus on the fun. The "Old School" Edge Even though I’m welcoming to new players, I still have that OSR soul. I believe a win feels better when you’ve earned it. Expect adventures that present real risks and genuine challenges. I’m not here for a "power fantasy" where success is guaranteed—I’m here to help you tell a story of survival and glory. If you’re looking for a professional, inclusive table run by someone who knows the history and the heart of the game, I’d love to have you. Just remember: the dice have no masters.
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
We will create characters together in a Session Zero session. Your characters will start at Level 1. We'll be using the basic Player's Handbook to make PCs.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
Preparation Checklist Create a Roll20 Account: We will use Roll20.net as our Virtual Tabletop (VTT). If you don’t have one, please sign up for a free account. Join the Discord Server: We will use Discord for our high-quality voice chat. Please ensure you have a working account and the desktop app installed for the best experience. Equipment Check: A reliable headset or a dedicated microphone is essential to ensure everyone can hear your hero’s exploits clearly without background noise. Character Readiness: You don't need to bring a finished character! Whether you want to use one of the classic pre-generated heroes or build a custom one using the new 2024 rules, we will handle the details together during our first session. No prior knowledge of the 2024 rules or the Borderlands setting is required. Just bring your curiosity and a spirit of collaboration!
What Apshai brings to the table
What You Can Expect at My Table Character-Driven Narratives: I utilize a range of character voices to bring the NPCs of the Borderlands to life, paired with a curated musical soundtrack to set the mood for every scene. A "Low-Fi," Punk Rock: I believe the best graphics happen in the "theater of the mind." I use Roll20 to provide clear maps and tactical positioning so the game stays organized, but we keep the focus on the story and the players, not distracting special effects. Expert Guidance for the 2024 Rules: This is a perfect "on-ramp" for the new ruleset. We follow the Rules as Written to build your confidence and understanding of the system, but we’ll always pivot if a creative, "Old School" solution makes the game more memorable. Earned Success: I bring an old-school sensibility to the table. The challenges are real, and the combat is tactical. I won't hand you a victory on a silver platter, but I will provide all the tools you need to achieve one. Professional Facilitation: My background in the classroom means I know how to manage a table, ensure everyone is heard, and keep the energy high for all three hours of play.
Homebrew rules
No homebrew rules - unless we make them together!
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How Apshai creates a safe table
A game only works when everyone knows where the boundaries are. To keep things professional and focused on the story, I use a standard toolkit: Session Zero: We’ll meet first to set the tone, discuss the adventure, and establish what everyone wants (and doesn't want) in the game. Lines & Veils: We’ll use a shared document to list off-limit topics and scenes we’d rather "fade to black." X, N, & O Cards: We use digital cards for instant feedback: X to stop and pivot, N to slow down or change intensity, and O to signal you’re enjoying the current scene. Scheduled Breaks: We take a 10-15 minute break mid-session to stretch, grab water, and check in.
Content warnings
Safety tools used