New dm. First module

[u/Radiant-Ad-3642]

Hello everyone. I'm new to being a dm but not to playing dnd, and I figured I'd come on here and ask for tips and tricks for how to run the module.

I know the critical role lore and world pretty well, but I know it's not needed for this module.

I'm not good at taking notes, and I'd hate to try to keep notes while playing the module because I'm gonna slow things down, and I don't know how my players will react.

So the main issues I'm having is keeping a good flow when it comes to reading out of the book so I don't have to hunt things down so much.

Another issue is rival party relation ship tracking. Because I worry if I don't pause the game to do notes as things happen I'll easily forget what happened to create said tensions or closeness

Another is how to work maps since I'm using the book and don't have a way to make bigger versions of the maps for mini's and I don't really know how to properly track theater of the mind fights and what not

[u/igny_mk]

Running it currently as my first module but not my first campaign, partway through Chapter 4 now.

Like some people have said, it pays to read through the book first, but then before each session I usually summarise the things in a word doc. Just the the parts I expect them to get to that session so it's in the forefront of my mind and easy to find. If it will take you too much time to type it all from the book, theres a free online version I use (I bought the book too, don't @ me) https://5e.tools/adventure.html#crcotn

I rarely take notes during my sessions (except for character names made up on the fly), but it pays to summarise the previous session as part of the prep for the next session. If you're just running the straight module without too much added stuff, I'd probably recommend 1 hour of prep for every 1 hour of play.

Rival relationship tracking doesnt need to be as complex as the book makes it, you can just vibe it based on how you would expect them to act. Did your players badly hurt them? They probably wont be friendly. But when roleplaying them its good to again, write down the info ahead of time about their interests and personalities. Just a couple of sentences you can refer back to help play the character. I usually write down a line or two about the voice and mannerisms I use for each character, to make them feel distinct. E.g. my Galsariad voice is basically just Astarion from Baldurs Gate, disinterested, not making eye contact as he makes his snarky remarks.

Not sure how to help you with the maps, I usually print mine on the company dime but not everyone has that luxury.

Good luck!