Well the first thing I'd see is about if you want to use the 2014 or 2024 rules. And reading up a bit on them is useful. Link to 2014 basic rules. Link to 2024 basic rules. Both are free and accessed without payment.
If you're looking to be a DM the site DMs Guild has some free adventures that are nice. A Most Potent Brew is a good one. I was a player in a play-by-post on these forums that was using it. And while that group fell apart before we got too far, it was fun. I've also heard good things about Grammy's Country Apple Pie and am planning to use it myself pretty soon. (Players are excited and one even created his own religion devoted to Isaac Newton on account of the apples.) With Grammy's I also found this map which works perfectly with Owlbear Rodeo, a free VTT (virtual table top) I personally like.
If you want to play in person Adventurer's League is a thing you can try where various shops will have D&D hosted. (I believe it's using the 2024 rules now.) Can search to see if there's any openings near you.
For online play this site has the Play-By-Post forum where people play campaigns online. Different experience from live play but it's fun. You can filter by the Recruiting Prefix to narrow down to threads where people are actively looking for players.
I've always found that the number one thing that helps a new player get into D&D is keeping it simple and light. If they enjoy it and feel like they've gotten to understand it, they'll build on that first experience, and they'll grow to find their level.
A few years ago we had a new player join my ongoing campaign where the party was all level 5 or 6, and I ended up starting the new player at level 1. She was able to advance quickly through levels, but always at a pace where she could take in the new mechanics of the character. At the same time I'd asked advice on doing this and got internet shouted at for several days because grognards lack perspective.
Similarly, for a group of new players, starting at level 1 goes a long way. Pre-made intro adventures bring in mechanics, are kinder to the DM, and overall make life a lot easier. I'd start there.
Breathe, dragons; sing of the First World, forged out of chaos and painted with beauty. Sing of Bahamut, the Platinum, molding the shape of the mountains and rivers; Sing too of Chromatic Tiamat, painting all over the infinite canvas. Partnered, they woke in the darkness; partnered, they labored in acts of creation.
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Looking to start a campaign and could use a guide!
Well the first thing I'd see is about if you want to use the 2014 or 2024 rules. And reading up a bit on them is useful. Link to 2014 basic rules. Link to 2024 basic rules. Both are free and accessed without payment.
If you're looking to be a DM the site DMs Guild has some free adventures that are nice. A Most Potent Brew is a good one. I was a player in a play-by-post on these forums that was using it. And while that group fell apart before we got too far, it was fun. I've also heard good things about Grammy's Country Apple Pie and am planning to use it myself pretty soon. (Players are excited and one even created his own religion devoted to Isaac Newton on account of the apples.) With Grammy's I also found this map which works perfectly with Owlbear Rodeo, a free VTT (virtual table top) I personally like.
If you want to play in person Adventurer's League is a thing you can try where various shops will have D&D hosted. (I believe it's using the 2024 rules now.) Can search to see if there's any openings near you.
For online play this site has the Play-By-Post forum where people play campaigns online. Different experience from live play but it's fun. You can filter by the Recruiting Prefix to narrow down to threads where people are actively looking for players.
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I've always found that the number one thing that helps a new player get into D&D is keeping it simple and light. If they enjoy it and feel like they've gotten to understand it, they'll build on that first experience, and they'll grow to find their level.
A few years ago we had a new player join my ongoing campaign where the party was all level 5 or 6, and I ended up starting the new player at level 1. She was able to advance quickly through levels, but always at a pace where she could take in the new mechanics of the character. At the same time I'd asked advice on doing this and got internet shouted at for several days because grognards lack perspective.
Similarly, for a group of new players, starting at level 1 goes a long way. Pre-made intro adventures bring in mechanics, are kinder to the DM, and overall make life a lot easier. I'd start there.
Greetings Msjamazzella97,
Welcome to the Forums!
In additions to the information above, if you are looking to find a group, there is also the following links:
Cheers!
Breathe, dragons; sing of the First World, forged out of chaos and painted with beauty.
Sing of Bahamut, the Platinum, molding the shape of the mountains and rivers;
Sing too of Chromatic Tiamat, painting all over the infinite canvas.
Partnered, they woke in the darkness; partnered, they labored in acts of creation.