Getting Started with ArcAide

Welcome to ArcAide! This guide will help you get started with managing your D&D campaigns using our arc-based storytelling approach.

Creating Your First Campaign

Sign up or log in to your ArcAide account
Set up your profile by choosing a username (optional now, required for publishing)
Click “Get Started” or navigate to the dashboard
Create a new campaign by clicking the ”+” button
Enter your campaign name (e.g., “Lost Mine of Phandelver”)
Start creating arcs to structure your storylines

Understanding Campaigns

Campaigns are the top-level containers for organizing your D&D adventures. Each campaign can contain:

Multiple story arcs
Campaign entities (NPCs, locations, items)
Custom entity types
Rich text descriptions and notes

The Arc Framework

ArcAide uses a structured six-part framework to help you create compelling storylines:

1. Hook

The opening scene or inciting incident that draws your players into the story.

Example: Lost Mine of Phandelver Hook

“While traveling to Phandalin, the party discovers an abandoned wagon with signs of a struggle and goblin tracks leading into the woods.”

This hook immediately presents a mystery and potential danger, giving players a clear reason to investigate.

2. Protagonist

The main character(s) or heroes of this particular story arc. Note: This doesn’t always mean the player characters! Sometimes the protagonist is an NPC the party is helping, like a local temple priest trying to save their community.

Example: Lost Mine of Phandelver Protagonist

“The adventuring party, hired by Gundren Rockseeker to escort supplies to Phandalin.”

In this case, the party are the protagonists. But it could also be: “Gundren Rockseeker, a dwarf merchant trying to reclaim his family’s lost mine.” - with the party as allies helping the true protagonist.

3. Antagonist

The opposition, conflict source, or “villain” of the arc.

Example: Lost Mine of Phandelver Antagonist

“Klarg, the bugbear leader of a goblin tribe that has captured Gundren and his escort.”

A specific, named threat that creates meaningful opposition to the protagonist’s goals.

4. Problem

The central challenge or conflict that needs to be resolved. This should be specific and have clear stakes - what happens if it’s not solved?

Example: Lost Mine of Phandelver Problem

“Gundren has been captured and his location is unknown. Without his expertise and the supplies, the town of Phandalin will be vulnerable to threats and unable to rebuild.”

A clear problem statement that explains both the immediate issue and why it matters.

5. Key

The crucial discovery, revelation, tool, or insight needed to solve the problem. This is often a twist or piece of information that changes everything - the one thing the protagonists need to find out or obtain.

Example: Lost Mine of Phandelver Key

“Learning that the goblins are working for someone called ‘the Black Spider’ and discovering the location of their hideout through captured goblin interrogation.”

The specific knowledge or revelation that unlocks the path to resolution.

6. Outcome

The resolution and consequences of the arc’s events.

Example: Lost Mine of Phandelver Outcome

“Gundren is rescued and reveals the location of Wave Echo Cave. The party learns about the Black Spider’s involvement.”

How the arc concludes and sets up future story developments.

7. Notes

Additional notes and supplementary information that doesn’t fit into the other categories.

Example: Lost Mine of Phandelver Notes

“Player feedback: loved the goblin ambush tactics. Next time, add more environmental hazards to the hideout.”

Meta-information for improving future sessions.

Next Steps

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, explore:

Advanced Features - Arc hierarchies, linking, view modes, and publishing
Content Creation - Creating Things and organizing content
Publishing System - Share content with players (Premium feature)
Search and Discovery - Finding and connecting your content

Publishing Your Content (Premium Feature)

ArcAide’s publishing system allows premium subscribers to share campaign content with players:

Set up your username (required for publishing - prompted automatically)
Toggle Publishing: Use the publish button on any Arc, Thing, or Campaign
Control Visibility: Mark specific paragraphs as “secret” to hide from players
Share Links: Send username-based URLs to players (e.g., /{username}/campaign/{slug}/)
Update Anytime: Changes to published content are reflected immediately

Publishing is perfect for:

Sharing character backstories and world lore
Providing location descriptions and maps
Creating player-accessible campaign wikis
Distributing session summaries and story updates