The Story Set-Up

The holy city of Elturel has vanished from the Forgotten Realms, plunging into Avernus, the first layer of the Nine Hells. This catastrophic event is the result of a sinister pact between the archdevil Zariel, ruler of Avernus, and the duplicitous High Overseer of Elturel, Thavius Kreeg. Zariel, intent on bolstering her forces for the Blood War—a relentless conflict between demons and devils—is capturing cities and enslaving their citizens as soldiers. Elturel’s descent marks a significant victory for Zariel, but her ambitions do not end there. Baldur’s Gate, Elturel’s neighboring city, is next on her list.

In this dire situation, heroes must rise. The characters have the opportunity to descend into the infernal depths of Avernus, confront the horrors that await, and rescue Elturel from its doomed fate. Their bravery and cunning could also thwart Zariel’s plans, sparing Baldur’s Gate from a similar destiny. The fate of two cities hangs in the balance, and only the most courageous adventurers can alter the course of this dark chapter in the Forgotten Realms. Will they succeed in their perilous quest, or will the infernal forces of Avernus claim yet another victory? The adventure awaits.

What you need to play

Please ensure that you have a working mic/headset and webcam (optional but encouraged).

You will need D&D Beyond (FREE version), the AboveVTT app added to your D&D Beyond Account (FREE), and Discord.

Materials Provided

The GM will provide you with access to all materials needed on D&D Beyond including content sharing on D&D Beyond.

What to Expect (if you are new or experienced):
🎭 You will drive the story
🌐 You will explore amazing settings
🤝 You will learn to work as a team in solving problems
📚 You will learn to roleplay and tell compelling stories
🤖 You will have fun interacting with unique and interesting characters

Why you will enjoy this game

This campaign relies on collaborative storytelling about fantasy heroes adventuring in a world of magic and mystery complete fantastical creatures.

This campaign is designed with a balance between combat, exploration, and roleplay. The intense exploration and combat drive the adventure, but the roleplay of the players determines the direction of the story and outcome.

Player choices not only determine this story, but they have ramifications in the world around them in this immersive campaign.

If you like intrigue and story twists, you will like this game.

If you like exploration, puzzle solving, and roleplaying to determine allies and enemies, all while your character’s life is in jeopardy, you will like this game.

Whether you are looking to learn the game or you are an experienced player willing to help others learn you will enjoy this game.

Character Creation Guidelines

You will need a Level 1 character using the D&D 5e or 2024 ruleset (Legacy or Expanded). Try to align your choices with the Story Set-Up but leave room for character growth. This is a mini campaign but could easily become a full campaign with the right group of adventurers. As a team, the group can finalize character choices and ideals as we begin the adventure. I will ask you why your character is with this group and why they have a common goal.

The Descent into Avernus campaign takes place in the Forgotten Realms, so you may prefer to stay within that realm for continuity’s sake. We can discuss exceptions that won’t unbalance the campaign.

Backstories and character concepts are encouraged. Keep it simple! A paragraph is usually enough to give you something to start with while allowing your character room for growth during the adventure.

Gameplay Themes/Content Warnings

This campaign includes violence, treachery, betrayal, and evil. Romance is kept PG-13, with a fade-to-black style when it becomes intense. Know that if you have any specific lines and veils they will be heard and handled respectfully.