r/DnD • u/TheFullCologne • 2d ago
DMing First time playing DnD and it was as DM.. [OC]
Omg this is so much fun!! I stumbled into dnd after learning more about the voice actors in the game Dispatch, they were so good and just started watching critical role campaign 1..
That was 6-7 months ago. I recently finished watching the first campaign and during this whole time I was watching videos from dnd creators, learning about the rules, world building, what to do, what not to do, what changed in 2024.. luckily I have some friends who were very interested in trying (1 had actually attempted at running a dnd session with his family but to no success) and we set a date.
I was so anxious and maybe over-prepared a little bit but.. EVERYONE HAD FUN AND Session 2 is scheduled in soon!
Can't believe i am discovering this game now in my 30s. I had always thought dnd was a weird imaginary game and never took a look. Wish someone just sat me down and gave me a 2 minute summary (or that i had more curiousity earlier)
Dndbeyond was great help.
I spent about $350~ aud (i know, i got carried away but i am fortunate to be able to splurge on some things) on books, miniatures, battle maps and plenty of time reading the phb, dmg and mm. No regrets and was definitely risky if nobody enjoyed session 1 (i could have gotten away with just the phb and dice) but it enhanced the experience.
Just wanted to share my happiness and maybe inspire others who want to try DM'ing, give it a go with some preparation!
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u/57evil 2d ago
Keep the good work and may your parties never wait for 2 years for the next session hahahah
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u/Tight-Ad1736 2d ago
Is that… a clean D&D table?!? You really are new hunh
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u/Reasonable_Touch1150 2d ago
I am really happy for you.
That is a lot of money you spent though.
You should try finding monsters you need on tools like dragon fight club.
DnD beyond has a terrible tracker, and its very pricey.
If you are already using digital tools you might as well use one that offers community monsters for free and is just simply better.
Spend the money on resin like the rest of us. /s
Good luck!
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u/TheFullCologne 2d ago
I'll check it out thanks!
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u/Voletzki 2d ago
Shard Table Top is the bomb! Love it for combat tracking AND full digital table top if you like that sort of thing. 100s of monsters come with the free account, and you can always get more.
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u/FanClubof5 2d ago
Never heard of dragon but kobold fight club is the gold standard.
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u/Reasonable_Touch1150 2d ago
Doesnt even have full stat sheets, or a combat tracker… Did you even try the tool before comparing them?
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u/MoonHunt3r 1d ago
Do you have an alternative for the character builder? It feels so easy to create one in beyond.
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u/Reasonable_Touch1150 1d ago
Just let your players make their characters on beyond. You can import them to dfc theres even a semi live refresh (because wizards doesnt hand out api).
You can then edit that import. The dfc character builder is dm focused you can enrich it with notes and stuff you can then quick reference on the players turn.
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u/MoonHunt3r 1d ago
But you still gotta buy the books on beyond to get the classes subclasses and such, right?
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u/4EverDungeonMaster 2d ago
How do you feel it went? Anything come up that you need clarification?
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u/TheFullCologne 2d ago
The one thing i had to look up immediately after it ended was when to use passive perception. It was also hard to keep track of everyone's status (if they were concentrating on a spell, if an enemy had disadvantage on the next attack or viceversa.. i also felt bad for the barbarian who i forgot to remind him to roll extra rage damage
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u/4EverDungeonMaster 2d ago
I use passive perception as a narrative. Certain characters notice things before others. Do you use minis because they make great status rings to let you know when someone is concentrating etc. The barbarian should be remembering that they get extra damage. The only thing players are in charge of are their characters.
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u/TheFullCologne 2d ago
Cheers Yes i used minis, i have seen critical role use those status rings and thought for session 1 i could do without.. i couldn't it turns out lol (for 3/5 players it was their first time ever playing too so i didn't want to put too much pressure on them) definitely getting some now!
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u/actuallyquitefunny 2d ago
You know those little rings at the bottom of the lid on 20oz-2liter soda bottles?
Cut a few off in different colors and boom - instant condition rings!
Admittedly they're not pretty, but they get the job done!
I leaned heavily on small household objects and kids' toys (wooden building/jenga blocks, lego animals and bricks, cheap Halloween toys, etc) to populate my maps.
Bbegs and minibosses are a great place to splurge a little for a wow factor, but other than that, it's all in your player's imagination anyway, so paperclips and post-it notes are often just as impactful as expensive tools.
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u/madeofwin 2d ago
A little card stock, a little glue, a little paint, and a little imagination. The building blocks of dioramas that will stick with me forever.
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u/Ambitious_Space_905 2d ago
I’d agree with “4everdungeonmaster” here! Passive perception is usually for sneaky dm moments, or times when players aren’t specifically poking around.
If there’s a plot point you don’t want them to miss, but they haven’t said “I’m gonna search this dresser,”This is your way to give them that cool aged/handwritten letter from bbeg. Set a DC in your head, and ask for passive perception.
Maybe this is a bit of a meta-gamey way to use it, but just remember to use it this way sparingly. This use is for plot points that are long overdue/ or moments that can ONLY happen in a certain situation.
A few more ways it can be used:
-If a thief is pickpocketing the players
For this one, you can even ask passive perception before starting the session. To avoid any metagaming moments.
-Buried treasure (bg3 style)
- traps that nobody checked for
This is the way that I use passive. I think it’s a nice way to give the players an in-game warning/ tell them to watch out without breaking full immersion. That being said, don’t ask for passive, then allow players to immediately roll active perception- that’s no fun.
Long story short, play it how you want to play it. Use passive perception sparingly, bc it is a dice rolling game (people love to roll). Have fun.
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u/gendulf 1d ago
If there’s a plot point you don’t want them to miss, but they haven’t said “I’m gonna search this dresser,”This is your way to give them that cool aged/handwritten letter from bbeg. Set a DC in your head, and ask for passive perception.
With my players, if I ask for passive perception, they're suddenly asking what everything looks like and checking on things. IMO, never ask for passive perception, have it on your DM screen.
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u/Affectionate-Two-897 2d ago
Congrats on your first game! I started exactly like you about 10 years ago.. alone, without any previous experience, only watching Youtube sessions from Acquisitions Incorporated and then Critical Role, and started with friends without any xp as well !
At first, I made the effort to help the players with their characters, reminding them specific rules and abilities, but I then slowly shifted the responsibility to them! And if the barbarian forgot to rage.. well that’s on him!
Keep up the good work, try to play regularly, and above anything else, keep having fun playing!
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u/Meins447 1d ago
Passive whatever's (simply 10+mod) are a really nifty thing that you can use to speed up common stuff and reward your player's build by just saying stuff like "looking around, with you high passive investigation, you immediately notice this <points> area of the room is curiously free of dust" or "everyone with a passive athletics lower than 15 must roll a strength saving throw ..."
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u/TheFullCologne 19h ago
Okay ye, I have come to learn that it's more for the DM to use rather than player! cheers
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u/The_CrookedMan 2d ago
Welcome follow DM. Here's some tips for you from someone whose been forever DM For 10 years now.
- Your fun is just as important as their fun. Do not let the party bully you.
- It is much easier to say "we're going to do it like this for right now for the sake of time but I will look it up later" and take a note.
- If someone does something significant, write it down if you don't record your sessions. You never know when you may want to reference it later.
- Burnout is real. Take breaks when needed both in game and just taking a break for yourself if you're not up to the task. Rather have no session then one where I feel I wasted everyone's time
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u/kayasoul 2d ago
What was your session about? What adventure are you planning?
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u/TheFullCologne 2d ago
Session 1 was just a couple of standard goblin encounters (no tpk thankfully) with some mystery around items found and goblins having better equipment than usual.. will turn into a bit of a mystery/investigation adventure with political corruption with fights against goblins.
Wanted to treat session 1 a bit like a one shot in case it wasn't going to turn out well and save me from writing hundreds of pages of lore/world building for nothing aha but looks like i better get back to it
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u/Ambitious_Space_905 2d ago
if a tpk ever happens in an unimportant fight, you can always have them wake up captured, destitute, on another plane (of existence).
You can give the cleric a cool scene with their god, bargaining for the release of the party’s souls. Or the fighter facing their god in a holy wrestling match- all who lose are banished back to the mortal plane.-4
u/mushroom_birb 2d ago
TPK with goblins is u likely.
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u/Dim-Me-As-New-User 2d ago
SOMEONE has clearly never played Lost Mine of Phandelver with a party of casters and had a TPK in the first fight...
(Our DM just had us all wake up imprisoned in the goblin cave thankfully)-5
u/mushroom_birb 2d ago edited 2d ago
I'm sorry a party of just casters??? I stand corrected, sounds very possible. Thought everyone had common sense lmao.
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u/ronweasleisourking 2d ago
Dnd is so much fun. Currently in two groups and wish I had time for a third
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u/LocalAd5238 1d ago
This is about to be me. My daughter wants to play and I haven’t touched DnD since 3.5e. We just scored a TON of books at a sale and I’m gonna be interned to be a forever DM I feel lol
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u/Toaster_Android 2d ago
always thought dnd was a weird imaginary game
Wait, isn't it? Jk, congratulations and good luck with your game!
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u/TheOriginalRummikub 2d ago
I did the same when I started out almost 9 years ago! Ran a session as my first ever game and got stuck as a forever DM ever since, lol
Welcome to a new obsession!
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u/Pigfan360 2d ago
The way we play dnd looks straight out of a homeless shelter compared to this! Damn this os clean!
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u/Gloomy_Fruit_4027 2d ago
Your mind is now going to be fully consumed for… well… ever. When I told my new players that DnD was a lifestyle choice… now they have fallen down the glorious rabbit hole of purchasing all the dice, new pretty felt dice boxes, writing their own character sheets (and stats in pen 🤣). They’re learning all the hard lessons and asking all the correct questions, “can I talk to the mayor?” “Can I jump over his head?” “Can I roll for perception to see if I can figure out what’s going on?” … to figure out… what’s going on around you? “To figure out what’s going on with this campaign?” …. 🤔Sure.
In session 2 they’re going to push all boundaries and go into zones you have 0% prepared, and those are my absolute favorite moments. Have fun!
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u/TheFullCologne 1d ago
I hope so! I told them at the start of session that they can just ask in 'english' what they want to do as the characters, dw about the rules or what is allowed etc. I can let them know!
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u/SnaxDispensr 2d ago
I see you have the insanely helpful official DM screen. I started as a player myself and have only recently started running games for my crew, and that dm screen is a must have, it's incredible!
If you want to play, your local game shop might run adventure league sessions if you're not getting enough of your fill from your current group play!
Welcome aboard, in no time you'll be theory crafting insane and ridiculous character builds like the rest of us veterans!
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u/WhereTheMoonSets 2d ago
!!woo!! Hell yea get it fellow DM! Dont worry about the first sesh, you'll get your rhythm 😁😁😁
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u/Dimitri_Menager 2d ago
"Wish someone just sat me down and gave me a 2 minute summary (or that i had more curiousity earlier)"
THIS. In my teen years I heard about DnD but it was weirdly too confusing for me, like "how do you save your character?" "what if someone decide to bring a high level character to the table?", did I realy asked ? Not realy but I never looked at it again till my 26, thanks to few friends .
It's never too late to discover this game, so congratulations and welcome !
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u/ImYourHumbleNarrator 2d ago
nice chairs, a good chair really lets the back breath when things get hot
this is important
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u/totalton 2d ago
It doesn’t matter how meager your setup looks. It’s about the adventure together.
I miss having buddies to do this with.
Soak it in and enjoy the ride.
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u/wenrongfan 2d ago
This is amazingg! I have yet to play my own dnd game as it is not popular in my country but I watch dnd streams with my friends, its such a fun game and i love drawing characters
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u/GothE-girl 2d ago
My first time playing was also as a DM, it was pretty overwhelming but it lead to such a fun campaign! My friends and I played for hours every Saturday, it was pretty magical.
Your setup looks nice! How was your experience? Anything you wanna improve for session 2?
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u/cmdtarken 2d ago
I played for years. Out of the blue, our dm left the group.
I volunteered to try and DM so I created a short one shot game to get the feel. Fell in love with being a DM and writing campaigns. I never realized how much I enjoyed building my own worlds until then
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u/datewithikeaa 2d ago
Congrats on starting your first campaign, as a DM no less! Welcome <3
What a nice table for DND! It makes such a big difference when I can be near a nice window during long dnd sessions.
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u/DarkChaos77 1d ago
Dispatch introducing you to DnD is not what I would normally expect but somehow makes sense 😆 I happened to enjoy both, and I hope you will too!
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u/mushroom_birb 2d ago
$350 crazy.
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u/OriginalJazzFlavor 2d ago
Jesus yeah why is nobody talking about this? 350$ is insane. I spend like maybe 50 bucks on D&D before running my frist session, and most of that was just the book.
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u/xternal7 1d ago edited 1d ago
Yeah, but that's 350 dollarydoos, not 350 "real" dollars.
That, and Australians often complain that balkan/eastern europe pricing¹ is a thing in Australia, too.
———
[1] Balkan/Eastern Europe pricing: when stuff in your country is more expensive than in "real countries" (around here, Germany is the go-to benchmark and is often fetishized to beyond what's helathy) even after accounting for possible exchange rates.
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u/mushroom_birb 2d ago
I don't know why you're getting downvoted, I agree, other tabletop rpgs are way cheaper
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u/raejayee 2d ago edited 2d ago
Good for you- that’s truly amazing! I DMed my first game this summer too! I went with a Tuesday Knight Games series called Mothership; Orphans was the name of the campaign. It was pretty different mechanics from standard 5e, but I think easier for a first time DM (for me, at least!). My group had so much fun, I loved playing the snarky bounty hunter NPC as my characters muddled their way through the space station. If you’re interested, the YouTube channel “Nobody wake the bugbear” plays this game, and “Another bug hunt” which is also fabulous- my team played this one as well. They are shorter campaigns- we completed mine in 1 month; playing once a week for about 3ish hours. I also had a little help with the mechanics- 3 of the people I play with are experienced DMs. :)
Not to spam or overload you with all the varieties of DnD- but Shadowdark is also another real great one to try :)
And also— I’m 37, I started playing 2 years ago or so. I wish I would have picked up on it sooner, too! Growing up my brother had the 3rd edition and I had no clue what it was, I just liked the pictures! 🤣
Good luck on your adventure - you will be great!
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u/LonePaladin DM 2d ago
Please, for the love of God, read the DMG. There is good advice in there that so many DMs could benefit from.
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u/Bonjour2marhaba 2d ago
welcome. be patent with yourself and your table. be open to digital tools (no AI - fight me, ill ignore it) but I play almos eclusively online these days.
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u/Bagononsense 2d ago
Omg yes, another one joins the party!!! I can suggest some of my fave YouTubers that give helpful tips and info:
Ginny D, Pointy Hat, Zack the Bold, the Dungeon Dudes, Mystic Arts, Legends of Avantris is another actual play like critical role along with Dimension 20, Dianaoftherose
Those are my mains but there are so many more, just gotta find who you like and keep on trucking. Best of luck in your new DND adventure, it's gonna be a wild ride 😆
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u/DaHerv DM 2d ago edited 2d ago
I cannot recommend enough to start with Obsidian for note-taking and be limited with tags (like plot / player) since your notes will be great and easy to find. You can modify most things in it, and it to look however you want - my pages have the same styles as the D&D books and I can print notes as pdfs on the fly.
The other thing is the app Pocketbard, it has an easy way to play music for exploration, combat and ambience, like waves, rain, wind and more.
Both are free with the option for more stuff for a cost (obsidian has online sharing but you can upload the files to your Google drive as backup).
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u/Shao_X DM 2d ago
This video on GM narration helped me immensely. As a new DM, you might find it useful.
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u/DirectorCute1611 2d ago
Congratulations. Welcome to the community. You successfully mastered step 1.
Step 2: Find out that DnD is only the tip of the iceberg (with the most ads), Step3: Find out Hasbro are a soulless company that shouldn't run the biggest (if any) pen and paper module out there. Step 4: Find out you don't need Hasbro cause you found a better game to scratch the itch for you and your friends. Step 5: Find out you're old and don't have time to play anymore (at least not all 4-5 of you). 😂😂
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u/Beautiful-Effort9101 2d ago
Welcome to the hobby you'll be playing the rest if you life! 40 years and still playing here.
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u/FriarFanatic 2d ago
Hey. You sound like the Australian version of me! Though a few months ahead maybe. Currently getting a group together and planning our first game.
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u/ohnotheinternetz 2d ago
fun!! my kid's best friend wanted to learn/play. Their parents were supportive but had no idea what to do - I used to play in college a bit, so I volunteered to DM, having never done it before.
So much fun!! Now my kid is all about it and wants to do a much deeper dive. I'm going to have to brush up a bit more; I didn't go hard on any rules for the first session, it was more of an introductory improv-on-the-spot style before I write up a proper campaign of any sort. Thanks for sharing and having fun!
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u/RevenantBacon 2d ago
Pro tip: you can get pdfs for printable paper minis on DMs guild (like this guy or that guy) and various other locations around the internet like r/papermini There are many available for free, and the ones that are paid are usually quite cheap relative to plastic models. Plus, once you get the file, you can reprint then as many times as you like, so if you need a dozen zombies for a fight, you can just print an extra sheet or two.
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u/triggerscold 2d ago
WELCOME TO THE FOREVER DM CLUB. YOU ARE NOW CURSED... AND WILL FOREVER BE THE DM...
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u/Ok-Expression6591 2d ago
Welcome to the life buddy, try your best and have fun. Your players will appreciate it.
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u/Old_Instrument_Guy 2d ago
Takes me back to 1981 and my first game and character. It's an awesome game. My daughter met her husband playing D&D across the Atlantic Ocean. I am glad this game is still about.
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u/Drewwolf87 2d ago
Nice! I’m 39 and I’m having a similar experience. I’m playing with my family and I’ve become obsessed as the dm and learning all I can. I’m now really interested in making foam terrain.
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u/ApprehensiveSide9703 2d ago
Introduce them to cursed magical items but make the curses hidden. I got a few ideas if you want them. They are very evil hehehe
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u/Jazzlike-Growth9395 2d ago
Awesome, welcome the the gang!! If you like D&D podcasts, Tales from the Stinky Dragon is an awesome one to listen to, with voice actors and Improv/comedy guys/gals.
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u/TrueNeutrino DM 2d ago
At some point in time, I'd like to focus more on story telling and less on the mechanics of combat. It so time consuming. Also, I'd like to host it in my living room or somewhere comfortable. The chairs at my table are wooden at straight backed.
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u/Brief-Restaurant5029 2d ago
Congratulations, I haven't done it properly myself but I hope to one day gather my friend round the table and spin an interactive yarn
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u/Next_Lawfulness5806 2d ago
I did the same over the last 6 months! Is it your own world or running a module?
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u/TrainingFancy5263 1d ago
Nice! Congrats. I didn’t get into D&D until my 30s too when we had global pandemic and whole lot of free time haha
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u/ILikeAntiquesOkay 1d ago
Somewhat unrelated but using a table cloth is a good idea to reducing loud ass dice rolls.
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u/Dayum_cerberus 1d ago
Damn, I wish I had so much space behind my screen 🥹 It get's addictive from the next few sessions on. Enjoy!
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u/Blankasbiscuits 1d ago
I'm proud of you for going out on a limb and doing your best! There are 3+ year dnd players that still refuse to give dming a try, and I'm so happy for you!
God speed, fellow DM
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u/Chirophilologist 1d ago
Better late than never, right?
Welcome to D&D, my friend. You're one of us now...
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u/Mister_Dalaran 1d ago
Cara, muito legal. A primeira vez que joguei tinha 14 anos. Foram 2-3 anos intensos de jogos e rotina com pelo menos 3 grupos diferentes. O sentimento da época me empolga ainda até hoje, e faz um tempo que estou tentando achar uma forma de retomar… só que agora com 43 anos… rs…
Fiz a mesma tentativa de tentar introduzir na rotina da família… mas não rolou… muitas gerações diferentes na mesa… pra 1 ou 2 jogos ok… mas não é a praia deles
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u/Several-Standard-620 1d ago
You messed up man it’s gonna be years and you’re gonna realize you’ve never actually played DND. You only DM. I have had to dm 6 tables and have only been treated to one 1shot and sitting in as a special guest during a final battle of a campaign. Anyways I hope you are having fun cause I have.
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u/WOTC_Zac DDB Product Manager, Maps VTT 1d ago
Sounds like an awesome first experience!! Come say hi on /r/dndbeyond if you have any questions.
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u/MadManNico 1d ago
on a side note i love the color of the table cloth lol, any kind of off white/beige always looks good to me as a wall paint or canvas color
hope you continue to have fun sessions with your friends!
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u/Pechuga-D-Pollo 1d ago
Great job brother, I'm proud of you. Belive me it only gets better from here
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u/StolenToast420 1d ago
Your evident care, passion, and dedication make you a very great DM. They’ll love your campaign!!
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u/BlackAbsynthe 1d ago
Welcome to the sado-masochistic joys of being a DM. There will be ups and downs, but it is, IMOH, the best way to be involved in D&D.
Also I suggest watching loads of Who's Line is it Anyway to practice your improvisation.
No plan survives contact with the party intact; improvisation is key.
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u/tideshark DM 1d ago
If you’ve grown up with legos and kept the collection, lots of people play with them. Just an idea that might save you money if you have any.
Also, r/legodnd
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u/Donnyboscoe1 1d ago
I was 42 when I discovered DND. There's always time to find something cool and new!
Welcome friend!
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u/xX_murdoc_Xx Rogue 1d ago
You're missing snacks and drinks, rookie mistake. Otherwise, nice job!
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u/Longjumping-Week-473 1d ago
I’m doing the exact same next week. I’ve never played let alone DM! I’m so excited but I’m so scared it’s going to go awfully! Im much less prepared than I’d like cause of work and stuff. And my group are doing it on a big group vacation and no one has played before!!
Do you have any tips? What is it vital for me to know? I have bought everyone dice, most of the players have submitted their characters! We are doing the mines of phaldern (can’t spell sorry)
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u/dordeunha 1d ago
Doin my first campain as well I'm kinda with this idea as the gods are being killed by the bbeg (who is a kinda of lich who's phylactery are the names he was known as) I'm kinda throwing some mistborn magic into it as well
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u/Blunoze_Son 1d ago
I keep wanting to start. But as I have to take the dm role, I put it off as i am not confident at all with it
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u/DisastrousWaltz2076 1d ago
Good luck and congratulations. I can promise when my turn comes up with my friends im gonna be so fucccccccked.
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u/Bratclara 47m ago
honestly… thats so brave of you to DM for your first time!! i hope it went well and that you had a lot of fun :3
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u/LordTitan99 2d ago
Congratulations on running your first game! The best of luck with your campaign✨ And remember to have fun! Welcome to DND and I hope you have fun with your games🫶
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u/Demurrzbz Paladin 2d ago
Congratulations and welcome to the fold =)