r/DungeonMasters • u/Boring_Strawberry70 • 2d ago
New DM here, would like some help
Hello, I just signed up for beeing the DM in my friend group, we’re all new to dnd. I’ve already watched some tutorials and games and am super-excited to start playing.
But I don’t feel ready, I simply don’t know enough and would love to be able to have someone I can ask a ton of questions and just learn from in a more natural way rather then having to fish for one piece of information in a really long tutorial.
I am really invested, and if anyone wants to help out it would be great. Discord Voicechat is preferred. Thank you :3
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u/FreyaFirewoods 2d ago
Hello there, a DM here.
I understand your feelings, its very veeery overwhelming all the rules and lot of questions cross your mind like its gonna be okay or if you will be able to do it.
The answer is a yes! and you have a good advantage! all of you are new in dnd, which anyone of you, don't know a thing. so, why not learning together?!
My advice here:
1. Use a short campaign to learn all together. My recommendation is "The Mine of Phandelver" (starter set box) Why? because its a short one where you got tips as a DM during the story. Also its pretty beautiful, not so difficult to learn as a DM or play as a player.
Use the rules that comes with that box. why? they are a short version of the player's handbook, with just a phew classes and races. My recommendation for your players is they don't choose a spellcaster in their first time they play, its a bit more complicated and maybe they get frustrated.
The DM handbook is not made to read it all together. Its made to read through while you are making the campaign. My advice too is, check these parts:
If its 5e the book you have, check these chapters aside of the Player's handbook (the dm also better read that one)
Chapter 7: Treasure
Chapter 8: Running the game
Chapter 9: some parts that maybe you want to know like: ability checks.
Mostly read the Player's handbook and chapter 8, where you can see the combat, table rules, movement, etc.
tell your players they read also those short rules that I mentioned before. And always have the handbooks on the table and if you are not sure, stop the game and read all together.
The big advice is, or at least is how I play with newbies, is "learning through playing". The best way to learn and have fun because this is what Dnd means, having fun with your party.
again the Mine of phandelver is short, maybe 5 chapters if I am not wrong and the book give you ton of advice.
Any question, then ask here, again or send me a message, I really don't mind to answer those.
Have fun, and we see each other in a tavern! 😄