My group consists on new players to DND. The only person that had experience was our DM. He played with another group and this was his first time as the DM. We all thought he was doing a great job and told him so and we were all having fun. When we meet up at our last session none of us had heard from the DM in about 2 weeks. We called and texted and complete radio silence (still haven't heard from him and its been 4 days.) It appears he just ghosted us and because of that me and another player took turns running some 2 hour adventures. It also appears that moving forward we will be the future DMs just taking turns. I was hoping some of you could give me some advice and maybe some good short adventures to run. We don't want to get into a long campaign just yet. And help is appreciated.
Sorry about your DM, getting ghosted is never fun.
But hey consider it a good thing, now you get your shot and are going to do great. Do stress yourself and know that the expectations aren’t super high for a brand new DM.
Focus on combat and dungeons for starters- those are the two most important things for a game of D&D. Practice with the monsters and fighting with them in tactically challenging way that keeps the players on their toes- combining ones with different strengths and weaknesses along with varying the combat terrain is the key to interesting and fun combat. With dungeons, just try your best to make simple ones and slowly add complexity as you get better. Try to get a systematic process down for you go about making them, to make each successive one faster and easier without sacrificing quality.
Afterwards start expanding towards making towns and the wider world. Work on some lore and whatnot, and soon you will be well on your way.
Other than that just have fun and treat the players fairly and with respect, and you will do just fine. Good luck to you.
I want to recommend Matthew Colville and Mike Shea (aka SkyFlourish) for really getting the info on becoming a new DM. They both have YouTube Channels, though I myself gained more from Mike Shea’s web articles (https://slyflourish.com/). For running monsters I recommend checking out The Monsters Know What They’re Doing. I personally don’t run short adventures or one shots myself, but I can recommend Candlekeep Mysteries. Are you running your game IRL or virtually via Discord and a Virtual Tabletop? I can provide a number of resource recommendations for virtual but I haven’t done IRL for a LOONG time.
An obvious one I feel, but feel free to take inspiration from your favorite books, media, and video games. The DM’s job is to provide entertainment, not to be wholly original.
I myself am a new DM and would love to get some resource recommendations for a virtual game. I have a pretty straight forward campaign on DDB but I know little to nothing about virtual tabletops. Any advice would be appreciated.
When it comes to online play, for me it really comes down to Voice, the Virtual Tabletop, and Map Makers. Obviously with Voice I only use Discord. For the VTT there are a greater number of options. For a free VTT (no purchase price and no subscription needed) I highly recommend Roll20. It’s not great (that designation is for the paid versions) but it’s relatively easy to use depending on how much you want out of it, and has a truly amazing community with tons of support. When it comes to paid VTT’s I have no higher recommendation than Foundry (the Foundry Website). It is incredibly easy and intuitive to use and has a massive library of modules that can add incredible color, depth, and stream lined use to your game. It’s also perfectly connected to D&D Beyond, allowing an easy transfer (no manual anything required) of all your Characters, Monsters, Spells, and Magic Items (official and homebrewed alike). It’s a one time purchase price and you don’t need to pay any more than that if you don’t want to, serving as your own hosting service. If you want to, and it’s not required, you can visit the Forge which is a gaming platform and hosting service for Foundry among other things. It has a free 14-day trial if you’re on the fence.
For Map Makers I have 2 recommendations. First is the one I initially started off with, Dungeondraft for battle maps. Be advised the assets you start off with for free are VERY basic, so I recommend visiting the Patreon for Forgotten Adventures. The assets they make available for creating maps are absolutely gorgeous and you can download all of the current library for a single months subscription. Take a look at their main website here to see all of the assets (and top down tokens!) they have available. Personally I remain subscribed because supporting amazing creators like this is a must for me. If you want assistance with creating battle maps, as well as to see the amazing things possible, visit BaileyWiki’s YouTube Channel for incredible tips and tricks (seriously, this guy is amazing). And Reddit, obviously.
My second recommendation may be superior for you and a lot of people though: Inkarnate. This is an all in one browser based map making utility. It’s not just battle maps, but City, Regional, and Worlds as well. There is a free version for the most basic of things, and if you want to go premium, it’s just $25 USD per year, no joke. Look to Reddit again, I love the City maps you can make myself. They have a dedicated YouTube Channel, Discord, and Reddit as always. Personally I’m still learning a lot about it (extreme novice) but the end results are amazing to look at.
That’s really it for me, I think. Feel free to ask if it seems I left anything out.
Edit: I must have used “amazing” at least 50 times in this post, don’t hate me.
I would highly recommend Dragon of Icespire Peak from the essentials kit to run as a new DM. I found that the Starter set was a little too thin for me (though haven't played the new starter set). Dragon of Icespire Peak for my money is the set that makes it all very much easier on the DM and players. It allows for a good amount of customisation, is easy to follow, relatively cheap, comes with more dice, maps, and pretty much everything you need to run a nice starter adventure. It is a better starter set imo than the actual starter set.
Note: I didn’t realize this but BaileyWiki has moved on to custom assets that by appearance and description seem to use AI (Midjourney?) for creation, so for his current maps (and probably even older) don’t consider them to be the best examples of what you can do: they are a bit beyond what even an exceptional map maker in Dungeon Draft can hope to create.
I would highly recommend Dragon of Icespire Peak from the essentials kit to run as a new DM. I found that the Starter set was a little too thin for me (though haven't played the new starter set). Dragon of Icespire Peak for my money is the set that makes it all very much easier on the DM and players. It allows for a good amount of customisation, is easy to follow, relatively cheap, comes with more dice, maps, and pretty much everything you need to run a nice starter adventure. It is a better starter set imo than the actual starter set.
Seconding this recommendation. While it's ostensibly made for a duo (one player and the DM), it can easily accommodate larger parties. It's perfect for groups that want to complete a mission each session while learning the game.
I would highly recommend Dragon of Icespire Peak from the essentials kit to run as a new DM. I found that the Starter set was a little too thin for me (though haven't played the new starter set). Dragon of Icespire Peak for my money is the set that makes it all very much easier on the DM and players. It allows for a good amount of customisation, is easy to follow, relatively cheap, comes with more dice, maps, and pretty much everything you need to run a nice starter adventure. It is a better starter set imo than the actual starter set.
Seconding this recommendation. While it's ostensibly made for a duo (one player and the DM), it can easily accommodate larger parties. It's perfect for groups that want to complete a mission each session while learning the game.
I don't know that it's designed for only two people (player and DM). I've run it six times, each time for groups between 4 and 8. I think the sidekick aspect allows it to work for smaller groups certainly. It's I guess part of the benefit, it's flexible enough irrespective of group size (within reason).
I think it explicitly says it's designed for a duo like that though it can easily accommodate larger groups.
Regardless, it is good for duos but more importantly to this thread, I heartily echo your recommendation of the box for the OP's needs.
ETA: I misremembered...slightly. It's explicitly designed for both, as the introductory chapter has notes for running parties with multiple characters and running the game when there's only one player.
I think it explicitly says it's designed for a duo like that though it can easily accommodate larger groups.
Regardless, it is good for duos but more importantly to this thread, I heartily echo your recommendation of the box for the OP's needs.
ETA: I misremembered...slightly. It's explicitly designed for both, as the introductory chapter has notes for running parties with multiple characters and running the game when there's only one player.
I really have to know: what does ETA mean here? Traditionally it’s an acronym for Estimated Time of Arrival, which doesn’t seem to apply?
I think it explicitly says it's designed for a duo like that though it can easily accommodate larger groups.
Regardless, it is good for duos but more importantly to this thread, I heartily echo your recommendation of the box for the OP's needs.
ETA: I misremembered...slightly. It's explicitly designed for both, as the introductory chapter has notes for running parties with multiple characters and running the game when there's only one player.
I really have to know: what does ETA mean here? Traditionally it’s an acronym for Estimated Time of Arrival, which doesn’t seem to apply?
Sorry about your DM, getting ghosted is never fun.
But hey consider it a good thing, now you get your shot and are going to do great. Do stress yourself and know that the expectations aren’t super high for a brand new DM.
Focus on combat and dungeons for starters- those are the two most important things for a game of D&D. Practice with the monsters and fighting with them in tactically challenging way that keeps the players on their toes- combining ones with different strengths and weaknesses along with varying the combat terrain is the key to interesting and fun combat. With dungeons, just try your best to make simple ones and slowly add complexity as you get better. Try to get a systematic process down for you go about making them, to make each successive one faster and easier without sacrificing quality.
Afterwards start expanding towards making towns and the wider world. Work on some lore and whatnot, and soon you will be well on your way.
Other than that just have fun and treat the players fairly and with respect, and you will do just fine. Good luck to you.
I appreciate the advice. Right now I am running the Harried in Hillsfar adventures. ITs really basic with 1-2 encounters and some basic checks. MY entire group has only been playing for 6 months but we also have a brand new person and he first time was after our DM ghosted us. So I feel these adventures are good for teaching him some of the rules that we all had to learn the hard way.
I want to recommend Matthew Colville and Mike Shea (aka SkyFlourish) for really getting the info on becoming a new DM. They both have YouTube Channels, though I myself gained more from Mike Shea’s web articles (https://slyflourish.com/). For running monsters I recommend checking out The Monsters Know What They’re Doing. I personally don’t run short adventures or one shots myself, but I can recommend Candlekeep Mysteries. Are you running your game IRL or virtually via Discord and a Virtual Tabletop? I can provide a number of resource recommendations for virtual but I haven’t done IRL for a LOONG time.
An obvious one I feel, but feel free to take inspiration from your favorite books, media, and video games. The DM’s job is to provide entertainment, not to be wholly original.
Thanks for the links. I was looking at the Candlekeep mysteries as well for my next time as DM, and we are playing IRL.
I would highly recommend Dragon of Icespire Peak from the essentials kit to run as a new DM. I found that the Starter set was a little too thin for me (though haven't played the new starter set). Dragon of Icespire Peak for my money is the set that makes it all very much easier on the DM and players. It allows for a good amount of customisation, is easy to follow, relatively cheap, comes with more dice, maps, and pretty much everything you need to run a nice starter adventure. It is a better starter set imo than the actual starter set.
I will definitely be looking at that set. We have some things that our previous DM left behind (still haven't heard from him) but we can definitely use more things.
I would highly recommend Dragon of Icespire Peak from the essentials kit to run as a new DM. I found that the Starter set was a little too thin for me (though haven't played the new starter set). Dragon of Icespire Peak for my money is the set that makes it all very much easier on the DM and players. It allows for a good amount of customisation, is easy to follow, relatively cheap, comes with more dice, maps, and pretty much everything you need to run a nice starter adventure. It is a better starter set imo than the actual starter set.
I did some research into Dragons of Icespire peak. Does it need to be ran with the Lost Mine of Phandelver? Some of what I read stated that it was kind of like an expansion to that adventure.
Also has anyone heard of the Cult of Flesh bundle by Cult Adventures? While I was researching I came across that bundle that had 2 adventures tied in to it. Just seeing if anybody has any experience with it.
I would highly recommend Dragon of Icespire Peak from the essentials kit to run as a new DM. I found that the Starter set was a little too thin for me (though haven't played the new starter set). Dragon of Icespire Peak for my money is the set that makes it all very much easier on the DM and players. It allows for a good amount of customisation, is easy to follow, relatively cheap, comes with more dice, maps, and pretty much everything you need to run a nice starter adventure. It is a better starter set imo than the actual starter set.
I did some research into Dragons of Icespire peak. Does it need to be ran with the Lost Mine of Phandelver? Some of what I read stated that it was kind of like an expansion to that adventure.
Not at all. I'd always suggest Dragon of Icespire Peak over Lost Mine of Phandelver, but it's up to you really. I'm running them currently merged and it's been really fun and easy to bring to a close if you want to.
My group consists on new players to DND. The only person that had experience was our DM. He played with another group and this was his first time as the DM. We all thought he was doing a great job and told him so and we were all having fun. When we meet up at our last session none of us had heard from the DM in about 2 weeks. We called and texted and complete radio silence (still haven't heard from him and its been 4 days.) It appears he just ghosted us and because of that me and another player took turns running some 2 hour adventures. It also appears that moving forward we will be the future DMs just taking turns. I was hoping some of you could give me some advice and maybe some good short adventures to run. We don't want to get into a long campaign just yet. And help is appreciated.
Sorry about your DM, getting ghosted is never fun.
But hey consider it a good thing, now you get your shot and are going to do great. Do stress yourself and know that the expectations aren’t super high for a brand new DM.
Focus on combat and dungeons for starters- those are the two most important things for a game of D&D. Practice with the monsters and fighting with them in tactically challenging way that keeps the players on their toes- combining ones with different strengths and weaknesses along with varying the combat terrain is the key to interesting and fun combat. With dungeons, just try your best to make simple ones and slowly add complexity as you get better. Try to get a systematic process down for you go about making them, to make each successive one faster and easier without sacrificing quality.
Afterwards start expanding towards making towns and the wider world. Work on some lore and whatnot, and soon you will be well on your way.
Other than that just have fun and treat the players fairly and with respect, and you will do just fine. Good luck to you.
I want to recommend Matthew Colville and Mike Shea (aka SkyFlourish) for really getting the info on becoming a new DM. They both have YouTube Channels, though I myself gained more from Mike Shea’s web articles (https://slyflourish.com/). For running monsters I recommend checking out The Monsters Know What They’re Doing. I personally don’t run short adventures or one shots myself, but I can recommend Candlekeep Mysteries. Are you running your game IRL or virtually via Discord and a Virtual Tabletop? I can provide a number of resource recommendations for virtual but I haven’t done IRL for a LOONG time.
An obvious one I feel, but feel free to take inspiration from your favorite books, media, and video games. The DM’s job is to provide entertainment, not to be wholly original.
I myself am a new DM and would love to get some resource recommendations for a virtual game. I have a pretty straight forward campaign on DDB but I know little to nothing about virtual tabletops. Any advice would be appreciated.
When it comes to online play, for me it really comes down to Voice, the Virtual Tabletop, and Map Makers. Obviously with Voice I only use Discord. For the VTT there are a greater number of options. For a free VTT (no purchase price and no subscription needed) I highly recommend Roll20. It’s not great (that designation is for the paid versions) but it’s relatively easy to use depending on how much you want out of it, and has a truly amazing community with tons of support. When it comes to paid VTT’s I have no higher recommendation than Foundry (the Foundry Website). It is incredibly easy and intuitive to use and has a massive library of modules that can add incredible color, depth, and stream lined use to your game. It’s also perfectly connected to D&D Beyond, allowing an easy transfer (no manual anything required) of all your Characters, Monsters, Spells, and Magic Items (official and homebrewed alike). It’s a one time purchase price and you don’t need to pay any more than that if you don’t want to, serving as your own hosting service. If you want to, and it’s not required, you can visit the Forge which is a gaming platform and hosting service for Foundry among other things. It has a free 14-day trial if you’re on the fence.
For Map Makers I have 2 recommendations. First is the one I initially started off with, Dungeondraft for battle maps. Be advised the assets you start off with for free are VERY basic, so I recommend visiting the Patreon for Forgotten Adventures. The assets they make available for creating maps are absolutely gorgeous and you can download all of the current library for a single months subscription. Take a look at their main website here to see all of the assets (and top down tokens!) they have available. Personally I remain subscribed because supporting amazing creators like this is a must for me. If you want assistance with creating battle maps, as well as to see the amazing things possible, visit BaileyWiki’s YouTube Channel for incredible tips and tricks (seriously, this guy is amazing). And Reddit, obviously.
My second recommendation may be superior for you and a lot of people though: Inkarnate. This is an all in one browser based map making utility. It’s not just battle maps, but City, Regional, and Worlds as well. There is a free version for the most basic of things, and if you want to go premium, it’s just $25 USD per year, no joke. Look to Reddit again, I love the City maps you can make myself. They have a dedicated YouTube Channel, Discord, and Reddit as always. Personally I’m still learning a lot about it (extreme novice) but the end results are amazing to look at.
That’s really it for me, I think. Feel free to ask if it seems I left anything out.
Edit: I must have used “amazing” at least 50 times in this post, don’t hate me.
I would highly recommend Dragon of Icespire Peak from the essentials kit to run as a new DM. I found that the Starter set was a little too thin for me (though haven't played the new starter set). Dragon of Icespire Peak for my money is the set that makes it all very much easier on the DM and players. It allows for a good amount of customisation, is easy to follow, relatively cheap, comes with more dice, maps, and pretty much everything you need to run a nice starter adventure. It is a better starter set imo than the actual starter set.
DM session planning template - My version of maps for 'Lost Mine of Phandelver' - Send your party to The Circus - Other DM Resources - Maps, Tokens, Quests - 'Better' Player Character Injury Tables?
Actor, Writer, Director & Teacher by day - GM/DM in my off hours.
Thank you for all of this. I might be back with more questions.
Note: I didn’t realize this but BaileyWiki has moved on to custom assets that by appearance and description seem to use AI (Midjourney?) for creation, so for his current maps (and probably even older) don’t consider them to be the best examples of what you can do: they are a bit beyond what even an exceptional map maker in Dungeon Draft can hope to create.
Seconding this recommendation. While it's ostensibly made for a duo (one player and the DM), it can easily accommodate larger parties. It's perfect for groups that want to complete a mission each session while learning the game.
I don't know that it's designed for only two people (player and DM). I've run it six times, each time for groups between 4 and 8. I think the sidekick aspect allows it to work for smaller groups certainly. It's I guess part of the benefit, it's flexible enough irrespective of group size (within reason).
DM session planning template - My version of maps for 'Lost Mine of Phandelver' - Send your party to The Circus - Other DM Resources - Maps, Tokens, Quests - 'Better' Player Character Injury Tables?
Actor, Writer, Director & Teacher by day - GM/DM in my off hours.
I think it explicitly says it's designed for a duo like that though it can easily accommodate larger groups.
Regardless, it is good for duos but more importantly to this thread, I heartily echo your recommendation of the box for the OP's needs.
ETA: I misremembered...slightly. It's explicitly designed for both, as the introductory chapter has notes for running parties with multiple characters and running the game when there's only one player.
I really have to know: what does ETA mean here? Traditionally it’s an acronym for Estimated Time of Arrival, which doesn’t seem to apply?
Edited to add
Awesome, thank you.
I appreciate the advice. Right now I am running the Harried in Hillsfar adventures. ITs really basic with 1-2 encounters and some basic checks. MY entire group has only been playing for 6 months but we also have a brand new person and he first time was after our DM ghosted us. So I feel these adventures are good for teaching him some of the rules that we all had to learn the hard way.
Thanks for the links. I was looking at the Candlekeep mysteries as well for my next time as DM, and we are playing IRL.
I will definitely be looking at that set. We have some things that our previous DM left behind (still haven't heard from him) but we can definitely use more things.
I did some research into Dragons of Icespire peak. Does it need to be ran with the Lost Mine of Phandelver? Some of what I read stated that it was kind of like an expansion to that adventure.
Also has anyone heard of the Cult of Flesh bundle by Cult Adventures? While I was researching I came across that bundle that had 2 adventures tied in to it. Just seeing if anybody has any experience with it.
Not at all. I'd always suggest Dragon of Icespire Peak over Lost Mine of Phandelver, but it's up to you really. I'm running them currently merged and it's been really fun and easy to bring to a close if you want to.
DM session planning template - My version of maps for 'Lost Mine of Phandelver' - Send your party to The Circus - Other DM Resources - Maps, Tokens, Quests - 'Better' Player Character Injury Tables?
Actor, Writer, Director & Teacher by day - GM/DM in my off hours.