• The characters have been hired by Garaele, a priestess of Tymora, to escort her to the country of Semphar. She intends to meet contacts and conduct research in the city of Iliphanar.
• The characters all know each other. Some (the ones who went through Act I) have adventured together for some time. Some are good friends; others are just comrades; none are strangers.
• It will make the story more personal if there is at least one planetouched in the party.
• It will help you if someone has proficiency in INT (Religion).
Start the game at level 6.
Since the campaign started I have added rules from the Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide. If you want to rebuild you character to use some of the new rules then go for it.
Wizards of the Coast have downloadable character sheets.
ENWorld has some nice ones in their D&D 5E character sheets section.