So, Lost Mine of Phandelver. The pseudo-introductory adventure for D&D 5th Edition. I think it was the first campaign I played after the system came out of uhh... beta? Do TTRPG systems do betas? Since then I’ve played it maybe twice more and run it once before this latest campaign that you’ve all watched. Definitely the first time I’ve done it on stream though, and I think that has probably been evident. I hope I’ve come across as endearingly flustered rather than my own self-assessment which I probably shouldn’t get into...
Aaaanyway, I’m writing this out to give folx a bit of an overview of how it has felt to GM this campaign. I guess the overarching word would be ‘terrifying’ but somehow I still did it. I think a few really important factors made this happen. First up I have to thank Roll20 for giving me the opportunity in the first place. Things were a little weird a few months ago and I wasn’t sure what was going to happen, but when the conversations started back up the fact that they were willing to give me a chance to not only keep streaming for them but to run something was a little unbelievable (and I still haven’t quite processed it to be honest.) The ever wonderful Elf and Lauren were incredibly supportive throughout these early processes and encouraged me to give being in the big chair a shot.
So I guess that leads me to the next thing that made it possible: my castmates. I cannot overstate how encouraging and positive everyone has been. I hadn’t met Aabria or Aki or Gabe before but I am so glad that I have. The comfortable and relaxed vibe of the streams have only been possible because of them and their aggressive friendliness and energy. Thank you all so much, I literally couldn’t have done it without you.
The last thing is uhh Roll20 again? Or at least the fact that I was able to use the Lost Mine of Phandelver module itself. What could easily have been totally overwhelming to the point of not being able to manage for me to take on otherwise was mitigated hugely by the soft cushioning of having all the important bits there and ready for me. Don’t get me wrong, I still put in ridiculous frantic amounts of prep, but the bones of the adventure were all waiting, giving me a firm foundation from which to flail about with my own changes and alterations. You could absolutely have a fantastic time with the adventure out of the box, the changes were mostly there because of my own multiple playthroughs and attempts at incorporating the characters into the world which then quickly spiraled out of control. That aside, I really do mean it when I say that if I hadn’t had the module there to support me things would have been SO much harder. I never needed to make those changes, I just chose to!
Well then, it looks like my brief tenure GMing is at an end for now. I’m really glad that both D&D and Roll20 were so lenient with my initial episode count since we ran way over, but I think it actually lasted the perfect amount of time in the end! Finishing up perfectly in time for the release of Rime of the Frostmaiden and passing the reins over to one DistractedElf. She’s been working with Roll20 for almost as long as I have, and I’m really excited to see her GMing!
Dave Human is not their real name but is their real presence on the internet. They love TTRPGs and especially mechanics, systems and then messing with those. Also swords and videogames. You could find them sometimes at @dave_the_human on twitter if you want to say nice things to them or give them free stuff or be Influencered or whatever!
Roll20 Presents Recap:
Lost Mine of Phandelver had its heartfelt conclusion this week! Tune in Monday @ 1pm PT for their Rime of the Frostmaiden Session Zero and character creation.
Indoor Recess has closed on the first chapter of their story so you have time to catch up as they take a little break! They’ll be back Tuesday October 6 at 8pm PT.
Indie Showcase ended the season with the North Sea Epilogues. Go back and watch these great indie games in action and stay tuned for news on the next season.
First Look at Rime of Frostmaiden on Roll20! Writer Celeste Conowitch did a First Look at the latest D&D book – be sure to check it out.
Against the Stars continues their adventures near the Burn. Watch them live Tuesdays at 6pm PT.
Tabletop Tabletalk offers the best place to hone your GMing and Player skills. Be sure to join GabeJamesGames live Fridays at 10am PT and don’t miss an episode over on YouTube.
Follow us on Twitch so you don’t miss your favorite Roll20 Presents shows and find new creators.
Help us support Code2040! As a tech company, we are striving towards a more equitable industry and one of the ways we’re doing that is with matching donations to Code2040, “a nonprofit activating, connecting and mobilizing the largest racial equity community in tech to dismantle the structural barriers that prevent the full participation and leadership of Black and Latinx technologists in the innovation economy.” Learn more and donate through our Tiltify campaign here: http://roll20.io/Tiltify-Code2040.