Hey all! I just had a few random questions about random things in d&d. So my first one is about lore. I've seen a few titles get thrown around to demogorgon like demon lord, but I've also seen demogorgon get the title of demon prince. My main question is, is there a difference between demon lord and demon prince or are they the same thing. My other question is way off topic, but do you think starting a campaign in a tavern is at this point way overused and will bore veteran players? Or do you think starting a campaign in a tavern is still a good way to start a game.

Two very different questions you have here.

To the first - the distinction between a "demon lord" and a "demon prince" has varied throughout the various editions of D&D. In Forgotten Realms lore, demon princes are generally more powerful and well-known than demon lords and may control several layers of the abyss, whereas demon lords might only control one. This is discussed in more detail here. Demogorgon is definitely a demon prince, and is known as the "prince of demons."

To the second - starting a campaign in a tavern is a classic and familiar choice; it can be a good way to help the PCs meet each other and build comradery. I'm not sure it's necessarily even true that it's overdone, as you'll find most adventures don't start in a tavern these days. This is a case where it helps to remember that original doesn't necessarily mean good. The best advice I can give you is that you should start your campaign or your adventure when it starts. So if it makes sense for the story you have in mind to start in a tavern, then by all means do it. But if it would make more sense for it to start in another location, go with that instead.

I feel like starting a campaign in a tavern is overused because it works. Also, it’s kind of a wink and a nod to a D&D tradition. I use it a lot with full knowledge of the fact that it can be eyeroll-inducing. I suppose my advice would be to pick something else if something else works equally or better, but don’t be afraid to start in a tavern.

My current campaign started with everyone being thrown together randomly in a fight against goblins because they all happened to be in the right place at the right time for whatever reasons. “Roll initiative and tell everyone else at the table what they see as you engage the enemy”” was the introduction. Names and handshakes came later.

Taverns and Inns make a kind of sense as a place to start since we so often place our adventurers at the edge of the unknown. At the edge of the unknown, people need a place to sleep and get a meal, which makes it easy to bring PCs together for the first time. (Maybe too easy, but what the hell.) So use it if it makes sense to you and feel no guilt.

That said, I REALLY like TexasDevin's entry point above, which I intend to deploy at the next opportunity. (It may not be goblins, but something like that.) It might even happen in a tavern!

"The common room reeks of sweat, tallow, and ale. The boisterous group of drunken miners at the center table argue loudly about whose turn it is to buy a round. Suddenly one miner shoves the one beside him off his stool, and the other miners at the table leap to their feet and begin throwing punches at random patrons. The inn keeper screams "No!" as a tossed stool knocks ales off tables. A drunken miner wheels toward you and knocks your table over, his face a mask of ale-fueled glee. "Loser buys," someone shouts. Roll initiative."

Thanks for posting that, TexasDevin.

I started my campaigns in a tavern because the players were first timers. I told them it was cliche and iconic and they thought it was both fitting and funny.

A group of people are likely going to be in a place where groups of people meet. Taverns are great and it can start you off in a similar relaxed setting to where you are in the real world. A table of players can be talking as the table of characters in that moment. I find it engaging.