The original PCs of my first D&D game, from left to right, courtesy of the PortraitWorks app (beta version): Aseir Rein (aasimar paladin of Torm, later Sune); Lance Daymar (human paladin of Hoar), Thorik Wyvernbane (dwarven cleric of Moradin), and Tika Frostdale (halfling rogue).
When I first started to run D&D in early 2001, I had no previous DMing experience and few models to work from. I had only seen a few relatively fun D&D sessions and I had never gotten close to seeing a successful D&D campaign. I was not entirely lost in the dark because I had the light of inspiration to guide me, and that light was able to carry me far. Not everyone is so fortunate, however, and DMing is a complex undertaking. I realized quickly that I wanted to build this web site so I could explore D&D and share what I found. I also wanted to offer information on my campaign as it progressed, not just for entertainment or exploration, but to give people an idea of how a campaign can be developed.
My first campaign developed regularly for over four years, though we took breaks to allow for for real life and other games. We had our fair share of fussing (as every group seems to), but we had a great time overall and always had what we called "the main campaign" on standby. The story grew as the PCs built their own stakes in the world and engaged a couple hundred NPCs. It shifted as some of the original characters were retired and new ones were brought on board. It even survived a months-long split of the party into different adventure paths, and the fall of one of its paladins.
Ultimately, the campaign was not brought to a proper end, but with so much of our old group missing, I don't know that I'll ever have the heart to run it again. So I'll leave these articles up as an example, as a fun read, and as a pleasant reminder of how far we got. If you decide to use Thandell or any of the characters in your game, I'd love to hear about it.
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