What's included
5 live meetings
8 hrs 45 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
In this five week class, we’ll cover the basics of Dungeons & Dragons, create new characters, and play through an adventure designed for players who’ve just gotten started with the game. While this class is for beginners, it would be comfortable for anyone with zero to some experience with D&D. Students should have a general idea of what D&D is, but mastery is not at all expected. We’ll learn together! The Lost Mines of Phandelver is an exciting adventure and an excellent starting point for players who are new to the game and are looking to embark on a thrilling quest filled with exploration, combat, and mystery. The adventure is set in the world of Faerûn, a rich fantasy realm with diverse landscapes, cities, and dangerous creatures. The players take on the roles of heroic characters — brave warriors, cunning rogues, wise wizards, mystical druids — who find themselves in the small town of Phandalin, a peaceful settlement that has been recently plagued by a bandit group called the Redbrands. The town's residents are living in fear, and the players must uncover the secrets behind the Redbrands' activities and put an end to their reign of terror. Day 1: Introduction to Dungeons & Dragons and Character Creation In this first day of the class, we will introduce the world of Dungeons & Dragons and provide an overview of the Lost Mines of Phandelver campaign. Students will learn about the basic rules of the game, including dice mechanics, character sheets, and how to create their own unique characters. We will explore the different races, classes, and backgrounds available, discussing their strengths and weaknesses. By the end of the day, students will have their characters ready for the adventure that lies ahead. If time remains, we'll begin our campaign. Day 2: The Journey Begins - Goblin Ambush and Phandalin On the second day, we will dive into the Lost Mines of Phandelver campaign. Students will take on the role of their characters and start their journey to Phandalin, a small frontier town full of mysteries and quests. To survive, the party will need to work together to overcome myriad surprises and challenges. Day 3: Cragmaw Hideout and Exploration On the third day, students will venture into the Cragmaw Hideout, a dangerous dungeon infested with goblins. They will face various challenges, including traps, combat encounters, and potential role-playing opportunities. As the students progress through the hideout, they will need to use their wits, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. This session will focus on combat mechanics, exploration, and the importance of strategic decision-making. Day 4: Redbrand Ruffians and the Wave Echo Cave The fourth day will revolve around the exploration of Phandalin and confrontation with a mysterious enemy causing trouble in the town. Students will engage in social interactions, gather information, and potentially form alliances with various factions in Phandalin. Day 5: The Final Showdown and Conclusion On the final day, students will reach the climax of the Lost Mines of Phandelver campaign and will have to employ all their accumulated knowledge, skills, and teamwork to succeed in their quest and confront the final threat that awaits them. The day will end with a debriefing session, where students can reflect on their experiences, share memorable moments, and discuss the lessons they have learned throughout their journey. Note: The duration and content of each day may vary depending on the class schedule and the pace of the students. The above description is a general guideline to provide an overview of the topics covered during the class.
Other Details
Supply List
D&D Player’s Handbook — free to download; I’ll provide a link. Character sheet PDFs that I’ll send as attachments. Optional: character creator like DNDBeyond or Prism; also free to download.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree from George Washington University
Hello! Language nerd, history buff, culture geek -- whatever you call it, that's me! I'm obsessed with how people connect and what brings us together. I examine history, literature, language, travel, food and everything human, looking for the personal stories hidden between the lines and the social narratives lurking in the broader context. I love it, and I can't wait to share it with you.
A sample of the kinds of classes I teach:
D&D Adventures
Ancient History
Star Wars
Introductory Spanish
Spanish for Travelers
Speech Writing & Public Speaking
I am a former public relations professional with a masters in PR and bachelor's degrees in Spanish and theatre. In Washington, DC I honed my writing craft while working in think tanks to lead congressional relations teams, polling research programs and bilingual outreach initiatives. I did a little speech writing too. While earning BAs in Spanish, Portuguese and Theatre at the University of Texas, I pursued myriad interdisciplinary interests, minoring in French, Astronomy and History. Currently I have a niche interest and expertise in Classical Antiquity, particularly the geopolitical and military history of Mesopotamia, Greece and Rome. This has guided my current course of study and inspired the majority of classes I teach on Outschool.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$30
weekly or $150 for 5 classes1x per week, 5 weeks
105 min
Completed by 5 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-16
3-6 learners per class