Image by Calvin Gentz
Learn to Play Dungeons & Dragons
Gundren needs your help to deliver goods to Phandalin. Adventure and danger await beyond Neverwinter. What secrets does the quaint town hold?
$20.00
/ Session
Details
Once / Wednesday - 8:00 AM UTC
Aug 26
Session Duration / 2 hours
0 / 5 Seats Filled
Top Game Master
One of StartPlaying's top-rated GMs, a player favorite and highly recommended.
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About the adventure
Campaign Introduction: Lost Mine of Phandelver A Mysterious Quest to a quaint little Town You find yourself in the bustling city of Neverwinter, a place of opportunity and intrigue. As you wander the bustling streets, you encounter a familiar face: Gundren Rockseeker, a dwarven miner with a twinkle in his eye and a glint of adventure in his heart. Gundren has a proposition for you. He needs a reliable team to escort a wagon of supplies to the small town of Phandalin. While he and his guard, Sildar Hallwinter, have traveled ahead, he trusts you to safely deliver the goods to Barthen’s Provisions. Why should you help Gundren? Perhaps you're drawn to the promise of adventure, the lure of treasure, or simply the opportunity to explore the untamed wilderness beyond Neverwinter. Or maybe you're intrigued by the mystery surrounding Phandalin, a town shrouded in ancient secrets. Whatever your reason, the road to Phandalin is fraught with danger. Bandits, goblins, and worse lurk in the shadows, ready to strike. Are you ready to face the challenges that await? The adventure begins...
Game style
Roleplay Lite
Combat Lite
Rule of Cool (RoC)
Rules as Written (RaW)
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
4.9
(21)
1 year on StartPlaying
185 games hosted
Highly rated for: Creativity, Teacher, Inclusive
Average response time: 1 hour
Response rate: 100%
About me
Born and raised in Cape Town, I am a professional Dungeon Master dedicated to the art of collaborative, high-stakes storytelling. My life has been a long journey from a young adventurer in the Forgotten Realms to a professional creator who believes that D&D is the ultimate form of community therapy. By trade, I am a graphic designer and illustrator. I bring this professional eye to the virtual tabletop, treating every session not just as a game, but as an immersive production. I am a lifelong storyteller who believes that the "Transmutation Rule"—Never say "No"—say "Yes, and here are the consequences"—is the key to unlocking a campaign that stays with you long after the session ends. I am deeply committed to a trauma-informed, inclusive table. I prioritise community over anonymity, fostering a space where 2SLGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and neurodivergent adventurers can find a home. When you join my table, you aren't just a player—you are a contributor to a living, breathing world. What My Players Say “I was beyond spoiled having Calvin as a DM. His infectious personality, encyclopedia of NPC voices, and deep care for the game and his players is evident in every session.” “Every arc and cliffhanger is an emotional rollercoaster; Calvin is the definition of collaborative and is very diligent in making sure players feel safe.” “A needlepoint balance of everything—collaborative, creative, and permissive.”
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
Calvin 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
D&D Beyond: We will use D&D Beyond for character creation and reference during the game. This makes it easy for everyone to track their stats, abilities, and spells, including the new options from the 2024 Player's Handbook and Heroes of Faerûn. D&D Beyond Maps: Immerse yourselves in the adventure with dynamic maps on D&D Beyond Maps, complete with fog of war and interactive elements & initiative tracker. • Discord: We will connect and communicate on Discord, sharing voice and text chat to keep the game flowing smoothly. My GM Style: • Immersive Storytelling: I love to create a vivid and engaging narrative, using descriptive language, character voices, and ambient music to set the scene and draw you into the frozen peaks of the Sword Mountains and the misty coasts of Leilon. • Tactical Combat: Expect exciting and challenging combat encounters. From facing a white dragon to siege battles, strategy and teamwork are key to victory. • Rule of Cool: While I respect the Rules as Written (RAW), I also believe in the power of the Rule of Cool. If you come up with a creative and awesome idea that fits the moment, I will do my best to make it work within the game's framework. • Lore Focused: I delve deep into the lore, crafting a world rich in history. We will explore the ancient secrets of the dwarves, the machinations of the Myrkul and Talos cults, and the specific backgrounds you choose from Heroes of Faerûn. Overall, my games are a blend of: • Immersion: I aim to create a world that feels real and alive, with rich details and memorable characters. • Challenge: Expect to face tough choices, overcome obstacles, and test your skills in combat and roleplaying. • Fun: Above all, I want everyone to have fun and enjoy the collaborative storytelling experience. What to Bring: • Your Character: A fully created character on D&D Beyond that fits into this stort, ready for adventure! • Enthusiasm: Come ready to explore, roleplay, and have a great time! • Open Mind: Be prepared for the unexpected and embrace the collaborative storytelling experience.
What Calvin brings to the table
D&D Beyond: We'll use D&D Beyond for character creation and reference during the game. This makes it easy for everyone to track their stats, abilities, and spells. D&D Beyond Maps: Immerse yourselves in the adventure with dynamic maps on D&D Beyond Maps, complete with fog of war and interactive elements & initiative tracker. Discord: We'll connect and communicate on Discord, sharing voice and text chat to keep the game flowing smoothly. Custom Content: I'll be creating plenty of my own content to bring the world to life, from unique NPCs and monsters to immersive descriptions and intriguing plot hooks & creative hand outs. My GM Style: Immersive Storytelling: I love to create a vivid and engaging narrative, using descriptive language, character voices, and ambient music to set the scene and draw you into the world. Tactical Combat: Expect exciting and challenging combat encounters, where strategy and teamwork are key to victory. Rule of Cool: While I respect the rules, I also believe in the power of the Rule of Cool. If you come up with a creative and awesome idea, I'll do my best to make it work within the game's framework. Collaborative Storytelling & Passion: As one of my players mentioned, I'm passionate about collaborative storytelling. My primary concern is for everyone to contribute to and enjoy an awesome story together. Lore Focused: I delve deep into the lore, crafting a world rich in history, secrets, and interconnected narratives. Overall, my games are a blend of: Immersion: I aim to create a world that feels real and alive, with rich details and memorable characters. Challenge: Expect to face tough choices, overcome obstacles, and test your skills in combat and roleplaying. Fun: Above all, I want everyone to have fun and enjoy the collaborative storytelling experience.
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How Calvin creates a safe table
Safety Tools & Session 0: Lines and Veils: I'll share a link to a Lines and Veils document before Session 0, where you can anonymously list any topics or themes you'd prefer to avoid or approach with caution. Session 0: We'll dedicate time to discuss everyone's expectations, comfort levels, and playstyles. We'll also establish shared boundaries, review the Lines and Veils, and address any questions or concerns. Aftercare: If a session touches on sensitive topics or triggers any discomfort, I'll check in with everyone afterward to ensure they're okay. I'm also open to debriefing or discussing any issues outside of the game. X, N, & O's: We'll use a combination of digital and verbal cues for X, N, & O's, depending on what's most comfortable for the group. Gameplay Details: Character-Driven: I love to see characters grow and evolve, so expect plenty of opportunities for roleplaying and personal development. Player Agency: Your choices matter! The story will adapt and change based on your decisions, creating a unique and collaborative experience. Worldbuilding: I'll provide a rich and detailed setting to explore, filled with intriguing lore and hidden secrets. Getting to Know You: Before we begin our adventure, I'd like to get to know you a little better. Please take a few minutes to fill out a Google Form before our session. I'm curious about what you enjoy in games, what inspires you, and any specific boundaries or preferences you have. This helps me create a safe and enjoyable experience tailored to your interests. For example, I'm personally terrified of spiders, so I won't be including them in the game unless everyone is comfortable with it.
Content warnings
Safety tools used