I'm looking for what people think is the best campaign for first time players. I'd like a setting that's well-established and doesn't require me to do a lot of work between sessions. We tried Storm King's Thunder and it was one giant sandbox that required A TON of work since they could go anywhere and they never felt a pending sense of dread or a real call to adventure. What do people think of the Baldur's Gate one or maybe Ghosts of Saltmarsh or Strahd?
At the end of the day I'm just a busy guy that loves D&D but just doesn't have the time to sink hours between sessions setting every little thing up. The more done for me in the book, the better.
Best option is the Starter Set/Lost Mines of Phandelver; if you choose this one, I have a few tips I can offer you.
Another good option is the Essentials Kit/Dragon of Icespire Peak--especially if the new players want to make their own characters. If you go that route, buy the physical boxed set, and use the coupon codes inside to get a free copy of the adventure on here.
These first two can be combined if you spend a bit of prep time doing so. (there may even be guidelines for doing so somewhere on the internet)
My third suggestion is the first adventure in Tales From the Yawning Portal, The Sunless Citadel.
Lost Mines of Phandelverif they are unsure of what they want; like a complete lack of role playing experience whatsoever. LmoP has a great intro encounter (Goblin Ambush a Caravan) that leads into a short dungeon. This "opening scenario" is great for helping people learn the mechanics and the concepts of tabletop RPGs in a natural way. It also helps people figure out their class abilities or what play style they have early on. It's just a great litmus test all around. The module is way too long for a one-shot and is in my opinion, a bit complicated later on. I liked The Adventure Zone's take on it to make it more simplistic.
Edit: I just read you guys attempted another module before. LMOP ties into Storm King's Thunder as a prequel. It's also much more linear and has clear goals. There are side-quests you can do, but you can also just leave them off the table. There is a section in the game that allows them to go level grind and do sidequests but you can just guide them back onto the golden path by telling them exactly which order you want them done in.
Dragon of Icespire Peakfor those who are new to D&D but roleplay saavy. From my experience, even experienced players like Icespire Peak. It's also a great module for young groups since it's mostly light-hearted with a focus on exploration. You do have to go over character creation, but the Essentials Kit walks you through it and presented Basic Rules options to make it less difficult. It's not "sandbox" per say but a group that wants more freedom and choice will enjoy this, as it's not quite as linear as LmoP. It's also a little easier for a first time DM to run.
I'm looking for what people think is the best campaign for first time players. I'd like a setting that's well-established and doesn't require me to do a lot of work between sessions. We tried Storm King's Thunder and it was one giant sandbox that required A TON of work since they could go anywhere and they never felt a pending sense of dread or a real call to adventure. What do people think of the Baldur's Gate one or maybe Ghosts of Saltmarsh or Strahd?
At the end of the day I'm just a busy guy that loves D&D but just doesn't have the time to sink hours between sessions setting every little thing up. The more done for me in the book, the better.
Thanks!
Best option is the Starter Set/Lost Mines of Phandelver; if you choose this one, I have a few tips I can offer you.
Another good option is the Essentials Kit/Dragon of Icespire Peak--especially if the new players want to make their own characters. If you go that route, buy the physical boxed set, and use the coupon codes inside to get a free copy of the adventure on here.
These first two can be combined if you spend a bit of prep time doing so. (there may even be guidelines for doing so somewhere on the internet)
My third suggestion is the first adventure in Tales From the Yawning Portal, The Sunless Citadel.
Trying to Decide if DDB is for you? A few helpful threads: A Buyer's Guide to DDB; What I/We Bought and Why; How some DMs use DDB; A Newer Thread on Using DDB to Play
Helpful threads on other topics: Homebrew FAQ by IamSposta; Accessing Content by ConalTheGreat;
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Lost Mines of Phandelver if they are unsure of what they want; like a complete lack of role playing experience whatsoever. LmoP has a great intro encounter (Goblin Ambush a Caravan) that leads into a short dungeon. This "opening scenario" is great for helping people learn the mechanics and the concepts of tabletop RPGs in a natural way. It also helps people figure out their class abilities or what play style they have early on. It's just a great litmus test all around. The module is way too long for a one-shot and is in my opinion, a bit complicated later on. I liked The Adventure Zone's take on it to make it more simplistic.
Edit: I just read you guys attempted another module before. LMOP ties into Storm King's Thunder as a prequel. It's also much more linear and has clear goals. There are side-quests you can do, but you can also just leave them off the table. There is a section in the game that allows them to go level grind and do sidequests but you can just guide them back onto the golden path by telling them exactly which order you want them done in.
Dragon of Icespire Peak for those who are new to D&D but roleplay saavy. From my experience, even experienced players like Icespire Peak. It's also a great module for young groups since it's mostly light-hearted with a focus on exploration. You do have to go over character creation, but the Essentials Kit walks you through it and presented Basic Rules options to make it less difficult. It's not "sandbox" per say but a group that wants more freedom and choice will enjoy this, as it's not quite as linear as LmoP. It's also a little easier for a first time DM to run.