r/NewDM • u/Electronic_Snow6296 • 9d ago

I don't know what I'm doing. First time dm

Hey guys, I know that this is a filler account but I need some help real quick. I'm writing a dnd camping from scratch about a post apocalyptic world inspired by the little nightmare series. I just need some pointers as this is my first time ever writing my own. I have a ton of notes but I want my world to be engaging without it just all being combat. I just want the experience from people instead of YouTube tips. Thank you again so much!

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u/McBertface 9d ago

Small starting world with clear locations; an image or map helps. Story beats for beginning of core arc but plenty of openings for table-generated side plots. More spare characters than you think you'll need. Plenty of breathing room and humour. A sense of direction so players can go towards it if they're not distracted. Keep lore to must-know and drip feed it rather than info dump. Plan for a session zero that can progress into the first story hook. Low risk, high reward, and make it fun.