Sorry for the super long title! But, I am playing a campaign next month with six of my friends. All of us have either played before once, or never played, and we are all super excited! I offered to DM, for the sole fact I love to come up with stories and ideas and they all were cool with it. I am currently reading the basics of what to do and where to get started, but any extra help would be great!
I've had really good luck with doing things in the style of Brennan Lee Mulligan from Dropout/Collegehumor. Starting off by describing the world and getting things started, then focusing on each individual player and where they are at with the goal of bringing them all together to one point.
It's tough to run with so many people so it becomes a balancing act, and some of your players may not be as into role-playing as others. For me I've paired those people with the people who do like role-playing. Not to make them role play but so they can hide behind the role players and be more comfortable.
I suggest you go with one of the starter campaigns rather than trying to start everything from scratch. You can learn the basics that way and have a much easier time with preparation.
I suggest you go with one of the starter campaigns rather than trying to start everything from scratch. You can learn the basics that way and have a much easier time with preparation.
Or even start with an introductory scenario rather than a full campaign.
Everybody (including the new players) gets to try out the rules and see what they like or don't like playing - some might like the idea of playing a wizard, but then find that the mechanics just aren't a fit for them.
Then they can start with building new characters for the real campaign.
Run a session 0. This is the first session where everyone makes characters and you give a broad outline of what the campaign is going to be and your personal expectations of the players. This will also provide them a chance to tell you what they are hoping for so you can try to work that into the story. I set the expectation with players that we won't actually be campaigning during the session 0.
There are some fantastic resources on youtube that can give you some advice for new DMs. I personally like the "Dungeon Dudes" as well as critical roles "handbooker helper" video series.
Finally, don't be too hard on yourself, be willing to admit a mistake, and if something isn't working, don't be afraid to drop it. You're gonna do fine.
Sorry for the super long title! But, I am playing a campaign next month with six of my friends. All of us have either played before once, or never played, and we are all super excited! I offered to DM, for the sole fact I love to come up with stories and ideas and they all were cool with it. I am currently reading the basics of what to do and where to get started, but any extra help would be great!
Thanks!
I've had really good luck with doing things in the style of Brennan Lee Mulligan from Dropout/Collegehumor. Starting off by describing the world and getting things started, then focusing on each individual player and where they are at with the goal of bringing them all together to one point.
It's tough to run with so many people so it becomes a balancing act, and some of your players may not be as into role-playing as others. For me I've paired those people with the people who do like role-playing. Not to make them role play but so they can hide behind the role players and be more comfortable.
I suggest you go with one of the starter campaigns rather than trying to start everything from scratch. You can learn the basics that way and have a much easier time with preparation.
Or even start with an introductory scenario rather than a full campaign.
Everybody (including the new players) gets to try out the rules and see what they like or don't like playing - some might like the idea of playing a wizard, but then find that the mechanics just aren't a fit for them.
Then they can start with building new characters for the real campaign.
Run a session 0. This is the first session where everyone makes characters and you give a broad outline of what the campaign is going to be and your personal expectations of the players. This will also provide them a chance to tell you what they are hoping for so you can try to work that into the story. I set the expectation with players that we won't actually be campaigning during the session 0.
There are some fantastic resources on youtube that can give you some advice for new DMs. I personally like the "Dungeon Dudes" as well as critical roles "handbooker helper" video series.
Finally, don't be too hard on yourself, be willing to admit a mistake, and if something isn't working, don't be afraid to drop it. You're gonna do fine.
Good luck!