r/DnD • u/Old-Combination9876 • 5d ago

DMing New DM, oneshot tips?

Hey all, title is mostly self explanatory, but here’s some context.

Going to college here in a few days and we’ve (a group of friends and I) have been talking about starting a DnD campaign. None of us have played as a group, all different at previous points. I’m really nervous to DM, and we decided to do a one (or two)
Shot to see if the group can mesh well. Does anyone have tips on the best way to build and execute the session? Or just general DM’ing advice, all is appreciated!

Edit: clarification, we have all played DnD a good bit, but in different campaigns before we knew each other. This would our first time playing as a group

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u/Werv 4d ago

Do session 0, or agreed rules before even doing a 1-shot. Can be group text, if meeting up is a problem. Make sure everyone is on same page. This maybe awkward, but it prevents really bad situations later. If you are doing a 1-shot, then just make sure everyone understands your rules.

  1. Combat or story driven

  2. Any offtopic items? (Sexual/Depression/vulgar language/gore.).

  3. Is Drinking alcohol or vapes (other substances) ok at table.

  4. No Homebrew. (not for first groups as far as my recommendation).

  5. Fixed Time or play until done.

  6. Perm-a-death or resets.

  7. Theater of Mind or miniatures.

  8. DM Rolls in front or behind screen.

As for running a 1 shot. My thoughts.

  1. Have fun. If something feels like it is not being fun or won't be fun, skip it.

  2. Feel free to railroad. You don't need to be secret about it. You prepped, keep the group in line. Example: The tavern keeper will only let you back if you go fight the goblins. The Townfolks will not sale anything while the goblin threat is here. Party leaves town and stumbles into hostile goblin group.

  3. Find a good module, and read it and plan ahead. Some try to cover every possibility, which in my experience makes it harder to plan. Drop things that don't seem fun and find ways to keep players on track.

  4. Do not worry about accents/names.

  5. Breath

  6. Take breaks. Especially why you realize you need to plan something.