Diary of a new DM... who’s never played DND
Alright y’all, one small confession right quick. I’m DM’ing my first real game of DND (5th edition, of course) next week. I’ve got a group of experienced and new players, awaiting to embark on a pretty-much-homebrew campaign.
The most experienced of my players is actually picking up an Eberron race, just for some extra flavor.
The first chapter is outlined - I just need to plug in some of their details and finesse some of the plot to fit a group of their size and level.
Trouble is, I’ve never actually played Dungeons & Dragons.
How hard could it possibly be?
Ok kidding, I’m kidding. Jokes, kid.
I know it’ll be hard.
One of my players is a robot who knows the rules better than anyone, and I trust him enough to believe he won’t abuse that. He’ll definitely push the limits in order to make the coolest story possible - but that seems like a fair trade.
I’ve been reading the DM’s Guide and listening to live-play podcasts like crazy. I’ve started binging Critical Role. I scan the ‘basic rules’ website during my commute to work.
Seems to me I’ve developed a loose grip on the classes and races - and an even looser grip on how spells work. (God forbid the druid tries to pull any shenanigans in combat, I will absolutely not be able to call her out). Checks seem easy, encounter balancing seems hard.
All of that is to say I’m happy for any and every piece of advice.
Any resource, any passing thought, any helpful hints - send them my way. I need them more than you know.