Lost Mine of Phandelver | Secrets Beneath the Sword Coast

Creating your character

Character creation will be discussed during Session 0 so everyone starts on the same page. The campaign will begin at **Level 1**, and we'll go over what character options are allowed before anyone finalizes their character. This gives everyone a chance to ask questions, discuss party composition, and make sure their character fits both the campaign and the group. We'll also decide on things like ability score generation, approved sourcebooks, and any homebrew content during Session 0. My goal is to make the character creation process collaborative, giving players the freedom to build the character they want while ensuring everyone has a balanced and enjoyable experience.

Preparing for the session

Before the first session, please have a Discord account and a working microphone, as we'll be using Discord for voice communication throughout the campaign. During Session 0, we'll decide as a group whether we'll use Roll20 or D&D Beyond for character sheets, maps, and gameplay, so there's no need to create accounts on both beforehand unless you already have them. I also encourage players to come to Session 0 with a few character ideas and any questions they may have. My goal is to make the setup process simple and help everyone get ready so we can focus on having a great time together.

What Tommy brings to the table

My goal is to create a game that fits the group while staying immersive and engaging. I enjoy using character voices, ambient music, maps, and roleplaying NPCs and creatures to bring the world to life. I also like to balance meaningful storytelling with exciting combat, making sure both roleplayers and tactical players have opportunities to shine. I'm also open to using optional rule sets if the group is interested. During Session 0, we'll discuss whether everyone would like to include rules such as lasting injuries instead of the standard knockout mechanics, or using levels of exhaustion when a character drops to 0 hit points. Another optional rule I enjoy is what I call a **Hero's Last Stand**. If a character reaches the point where they would make their final death save, they can instead choose to make one final attack that automatically counts as a double critical before their fate is decided. These optional rules are never required—they're simply tools to help shape the tone of the campaign based on what the group enjoys. Above all, I want my players to feel like they're part of an exciting, memorable story where their choices matter and everyone is having fun.

Homebrew rules

I like to keep my homebrew rules fun, simple, and easy to understand, and I'll always go over them during Session 0 before the campaign begins. Some of my favorite optional rules include: * **Potions:** Drinking a healing potion on yourself is a bonus action. Throwing a healing potion to an adjacent ally causes it to shatter and heal them as well. * **Favor of Fate:** I like the idea that fate is watching the party's journey. Every time a player rolls a natural 1, the party gains one **Favor of Fate** die. When a player rolls a natural 20, they may choose to spend all accumulated Favor of Fate dice, adding that many d6s as bonus damage to the attack before the pool resets to zero. It turns unlucky moments into opportunities for incredible heroic moments later in the adventure. I'm always open to discussing these rules with the group, and I want everyone to be comfortable with any homebrew before we begin. My goal is to use house rules that add excitement, encourage teamwork, and create memorable moments without slowing down the game.

How Tommy creates a safe table

Player comfort and safety are a priority at my table. During Session 0, we'll have an open discussion as a group about everyone's boundaries, comfort levels, and expectations before the campaign begins. We'll talk through any topics that players would rather avoid or have handled off-screen, and we'll agree on those boundaries together so everyone feels respected and included. I encourage open communication throughout the campaign, not just during Session 0. If a player ever becomes uncomfortable, they can let me know privately through a direct message or speak up during the session, and I'll adjust the game accordingly without putting anyone on the spot. My goal is to create a welcoming environment where every player feels safe to roleplay, have fun, and enjoy the story. By setting expectations early, checking in with the group, and maintaining open communication, I can make sure everyone has a positive experience at the table.