Rime of the Frostmaiden: The Frigid North

About the adventure

A chill has come to Crewel Valley. Once an idyllic land for those seeking refuge from society, escaping justice, or building a new life, the valley is losing its luster. Snow builds in the north. Strange creatures roam the land. A frost has descended which can't be thawed. An unlikely band of heroes will come together to learn the secrets of the cold, uncover the mysteries of the land, and hopefully return warmth to the valley. We'll begin prior to the land being frozen over, giving the players an opportunity to explore and learn prior to the dangerous environmental effects setting in. As with all of my games, this will be modified to fit into the setting I've made. I will also modify maps, hooks, and some structure to allow the game to be fresh for those that have played it before but want a similar experience. The basic plot and structure of the original campaign is the foundation. This adventure is focused on exploration and features themes of man vs environment. Therefore we'll use a modified version of the environment rules, allowing for more opportunities to explore this aspect of the campaign. During our Session Zero we'll discuss this change and how it will impact the experience. For additional details you can join my discord. This game is geared toward players new to the game or with minimal experience. However, all are welcome as once we conclude this adventure, players are invited to continue exploring the setting and build upon the experiences of their characters.

Additional Details

How to prepare

Players will need a discord account and a Forge-vtt.com account. Both are free. A microphone is needed. A headset is preferred. Webcams are optional. I will use a webcam.

What I provide

Players that attend 10 sessions will receive an illustration of their character. This will be a shoulders up portrait. The timing of this will depend on the artist's ability to complete the portrait. All the tools needed to play the game and learn in a friendly environment.

Gameplay details

There are many content warnings because this is Dungeons and Dragons and creative freedom reigns. Since Content Warnings include things that "Could" happen, I've added them here. Prior to beginning the game we can discuss anything that should be off-limits. I include six factors in my games as follows: * Combat level 2 indicates monsters and NPCs will fight intelligently but not necessarily brutally. They might target weak party members, fight with some tactics, or attack downed allies. Generally players will be expected to make reasonable choices based on their characters. Optimization is not expected. * Roleplay level 2 indicates characters should have basic motivations and defined personalities. Players aren't expected to be professional actors. Playing a character that is essentially you is okay, because you have motivations and a personality. Generally assumed that you are making choices in character unless stated otherwise or if it doesn't make sense contextually (example "Hey, the pizza arrived I'll be back in a sec") * Exploration level 3 indicates a high threat level of both 'overland' and 'dungeon' level threats. Food and Shelter are considered (ie characters caught in storms without proper protection are in danger). Travel times are tracked. Directions and routes to locations will impact characters' ability to travel. Overland encounters are likely (but not random). * Danger level 2 indicates a medium threat of character death in any given situation. Characters might die due to poor choices, bad tactics, or a quirk of the dice. NPCs are not likely to 'go for the throat' in a given situation but exceptions for some NPCs will make sense within the game. If a character dies there is likely resurrection magic available without fear of unusual side effects * Puzzle level 2 indicates riddles and puzzles which have a layer of complexity requiring some consideration. These may be real life puzzles which have been modified to fit the game world. They also include environmental puzzles which may require understanding the larger set piece of the dungeon and therefore can't be solved when first encountered. Intelligence checks (or other checks appropriate to the puzzle) will provide clues to the puzzle's answer. * Experience level 1 indicates low to no experience with table-top RPGs or Dungeons and Dragons. Players will receive advice when requested and rule reminders when attempting actions which the character would be knowledgeable about. This level is meant for newer players that might still be learning the game or those that know the rules but might not have mastered them. A break will occur approximately one and a half hours into each session. Due to the nature of the game, the timing will vary.

Content warnings

(none)

Safety tools used

Breaks
Open Door
Session 0

How will character creation work

Character Creation will occur during session 0. As this game is meant for new and/or low experience players, there is no need to know the rules prior to starting. If you are familiar with the game concepts, please come up with some ideas before we meet. However, this is not required. Please reach out prior to Session Zero and a character prompt will be provided. We will discuss the game, expectations, and what D&D is/isn't. During session 0 we will also talk about the Foundry virtual tabletop and its functionality. This will include a crash course of the application.

Players can expect

• Find a game to join solo or search for a professional game master for you and your friends/coworkers/family.
• Book your session and wait for the Game Master to approve you.
• If you don't have a blast with your first game, your next game is on us.