So my group of friends and decided that we were interested in trying to play DnD. I did research and downloaded the handbook, monster manual, and am buying the DM guide for the 5th edition. My thing is NONE of us have every played and I plan on being the DM. Could I get any tips on how to go about this? Should we start with an already made campaign to get our foot in the door or should I start by creating one by scratch? I have 5 months to put one together.
It's typically best to play D&D at least once before DM'ing. My advice for new DM's:
Step 1: play an Adventurer's League game in a game store (and think of how you could run it even better).
Step 2: download that same adventure, print it, prep it and sign up to run it at a game store for a small group (2 to 4 players). Tell the players this is your first time. You can mess up anything and they'll be cool with it (and the experienced ones will totally help you).
Step 3: run the same adventure for your home group.
I highly recommend starting with a pre-prepared campaign (as opposed to making one from scratch). 'Lost Mines of Phandelver' from the starter set is likely your best choice to start out with.
Seconding the Lost Mines of Phandelver, it is a really good campaign for a first time DM (and group). There are videos that might be interesting and helpful, including
That is just one, there are plenty of other tips and prep videos for this campaign on YouTube. Also, if you have a gaming store that has D&D sessions nearby, even if you don't play, most groups would probably be fine with you just observing a session, and I would think most players and/or the DM might be willing to answer specific questions afterward.
D&D can have a bit of a learning curve, but it's a great game, with endless possibilities for role playing, adventure and fun. I hope your new group has a great time!
Lost Mines of Phandelver or if you can get your hands on it, the Target Exclusive Essentials Kit.
Lost Mines of Phandelver is available here on DNDbeyond along with the starter set rules. It's a rite of passage to play through it for new groups/players. :3
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Hey Guys,
So my group of friends and decided that we were interested in trying to play DnD. I did research and downloaded the handbook, monster manual, and am buying the DM guide for the 5th edition. My thing is NONE of us have every played and I plan on being the DM. Could I get any tips on how to go about this? Should we start with an already made campaign to get our foot in the door or should I start by creating one by scratch? I have 5 months to put one together.
Thanks in advance!
If you have 5 month i would suggest the new starter kit that comes out in September.
From what i can see in the youtube previews it looks like great value for money.
Attack: [roll]3d20dl2+6[/roll] Damage: [roll](if([roll:-1:critical], =0, 1d8, 2{1d8}.expand()))+4[/roll] Sneakattack: [roll](if([roll:-2:critical], =0, 2d6, 2{2d6}.expand()))[/roll]It's typically best to play D&D at least once before DM'ing. My advice for new DM's:
I highly recommend starting with a pre-prepared campaign (as opposed to making one from scratch). 'Lost Mines of Phandelver' from the starter set is likely your best choice to start out with.
Seconding the Lost Mines of Phandelver, it is a really good campaign for a first time DM (and group). There are videos that might be interesting and helpful, including
Official D&D run through of the Mines of Phandelver:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgNRe76o4_8
That is just one, there are plenty of other tips and prep videos for this campaign on YouTube. Also, if you have a gaming store that has D&D sessions nearby, even if you don't play, most groups would probably be fine with you just observing a session, and I would think most players and/or the DM might be willing to answer specific questions afterward.
D&D can have a bit of a learning curve, but it's a great game, with endless possibilities for role playing, adventure and fun. I hope your new group has a great time!
Lost Mines of Phandelver or if you can get your hands on it, the Target Exclusive Essentials Kit.
Lost Mines of Phandelver is available here on DNDbeyond along with the starter set rules. It's a rite of passage to play through it for new groups/players. :3