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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Nemio" data-source="post: 6489158" data-attributes="member: 6775814">Hey there, I was recently in your situation.I was new to DnD and DM for the first time so I hope you can benefit from my advice.1. My players went right to the Cragmaw Hideout after the ambush and we played until that part was completed.They defeated Klarg after talking to Yeemik and were able to free Sildar.We stopped with them on the road to Phandalin with a cart full of treasure and found supplies. This took about 5 and a half hours with a few small breaks in between.2. I can't remember exactly how I handled it but I remember the rogue scouted ahead.I think she made a Stealth check which I checked against the passive perception of the enemies.Since she didn't have darkvision I told her she only had a bit of light of the low burning fire and saw a few figures around it.Since there was no sign of Sildar or Gundren and there were alot of enemies she headed back and they decided to take another path.3. Here's what happened in my playthrough.I'm copying it from a Reddit topic where I posted it before.4. I would try out the Theatre of The Mind (ToTM) approach which is the default for 5e.You describe the surroundings, everyone's positions, distances etc without going into too much detail.You (and your players) might be surprised about how easy and flexible this is.It also uses more of your imagination.You can use it for the ambush part and see if you like it.Keep in mind that it is important to repeat each combat round where everyone is to keep things alligned.For the Cragmaw Hideout I wanted to use the map in the DM booklet.Off course that one has spoilers on it so it can't be used.I bought the spoiler-free Player version from the artists website on <a href="http://mikeschley.zenfolio.com/p856083253" target="_blank">http://mikeschley.zenfolio.com/p856083253</a>It doesn't cost much and is a nice way to support a great artist (who proclaimed he needs this income to make a decent living)I printed it on A3 paper and cut it in different parts.As the players explored I put more and more on the table.This seemed to work well.I didn't use miniatures or exact distances though.I used it to indicate everyone's position.In doubt I tried to rule in the PC's favor. I have to say recognise myself in you.I had the same trouble figuring out the math behind the numbers (your combat thread) and also wanted to be super prepared for my first session.In the end it went really well for me and I'm now preparing the 2nd session.I wish the same to you and I hope this helps <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />Let us know how it went, I'm very interested.</blockquote>

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