Baldurs_Underdark
Hero
So, in our group of friends, there is a sudden interest in D&D. We have an ongoing campaign with 3 players, and recently we talked in a restaurant about that campaign and now 3 others would like to join. But I don't have very good experiences when people join into an existing campaign. The group dynamics will be different and there is a real risk that the introduction will be rushed because everybody is eager to get going again.
So, taking earlier experiences into account, I'm considering to organize a one-off in the same campaign-setting so that all the newbies can get to know the game a bit, and get some introduction into the campaign setting as a bonus action. Then I want to organize another "session zero" where we align style and characters, and where we draft the 3 new characters. And then it's up to me as DM to merge the 3 new characters into the existing storyline. It's gonna take some time (i.e. 3-4 sessions) before we're doing "normal" sessions again, but the current players themselves are enthusiastic to expand the group, and it's in fact their idea, so I hope they'll be patient.
My main worries are:
Any thoughts or tips?
So, taking earlier experiences into account, I'm considering to organize a one-off in the same campaign-setting so that all the newbies can get to know the game a bit, and get some introduction into the campaign setting as a bonus action. Then I want to organize another "session zero" where we align style and characters, and where we draft the 3 new characters. And then it's up to me as DM to merge the 3 new characters into the existing storyline. It's gonna take some time (i.e. 3-4 sessions) before we're doing "normal" sessions again, but the current players themselves are enthusiastic to expand the group, and it's in fact their idea, so I hope they'll be patient.
My main worries are:
- When we're discussing new characters, the existing 3 players may also get inspired and want to make a new character. Should I allow that? Seems mean not to allow it. But if too many characters change, we might as well start a new campaign.
- I'm thinking to merge the new PCs into the story at level 1, and level them up really really fast to catch up with the group, who are approaching level 4. There's a danger in having squishy level 1s on a battlefield, but there's also a risk when you level up new players too fast (learning curve may be too steep). I may give the new level 1 PCs each one extra healing potion at the start of their existence in the game to avoid too many deaths.
Any thoughts or tips?