Help! I'm running a solo game!

[d'Anconia]

Hey guys,
Well, I've finally gotten my wife to agree to game with me. For convenience sake, we've decided run a solo game with me as the DM. This presents quite a number of problems First, although I've played for many years, I've rarely been behind the screen. Second, this is my wife's first game, and I want it to be memorable. And Third, it's a solo game, presenting many other kinds of difficulties.

Here is the general idea I have in my head. Inspired by a post in the plots and places section, I'm going to be using Redhurst Academy of Magic (she wants to play a wizard) as kind of a base of operations. I also have read drnuncheon's Freeport story hour, so I figured I'd combine the two, and have Redhurst on an extended stay in Freeport, with my wife's pc having to spend several afternoons and weekends a week working for the Freeport Guard, with her partner (whom I'll be running as kind of a DMs PC).This sets up perfectly to move into the freeport trilogy.

BUT

I know drnuncheon started his PCs out at 3rd level, because there were only two of them. While this might work, I really want to start her out at 1st level, being this is her first game and all. 2nd level at the most.

So, I guess I really have several questions. First, I know there have been tons of threads discussing each of my three major concerns, but lacking the search function I can't track them down. Could some kind souls link me to threads that have discussed these issues in the past:
1) advise for a new DM
2) advise for teaching a newbie to play
3) advise on 1 on 1 gaming

Also, what should I do to prepare for Death in Freeport. Should I modify the adventure to be suitable for smaller parties? If so, how would you do it? Should I run some preliminary adventures to gain enough experience to start DiF at 3rd level? If so, does anyone have any ideas for low level adventures that would be suitable for 1 or 2 pcs? Also, if any one has any other advise about this, your help would be much appreciated.

Thanks for the help,
d'Anconia

 

[Silver Moon]

Here is a prior thread on the same topic:

http://enworld.cyberstreet.com/showthread.php?t=39204

 

[d'Anconia]

Thanks for the reply!

Here's another question. How feasible would it be to have the player run 2 characters? It would help greatly to diversify the party's skills, but i think that this might be a bit much, considering it's her first game and all. What do you think?

 

[Larcen]

Thanks for the reply!

Here's another question. How feasible would it be to have the player run 2 characters? It would help greatly to diversify the party's skills, but i think that this might be a bit much, considering it's her first game and all. What do you think?

Since she is playing a wizard, I think there should be at least one or two NPCs in the party. If only one, make him/her a cleric, with strong combat skills. If two, make the second one a fighter. Use the NPC to guide her along in-game (again, a wise cleric is perfect) from time to time if necessary, but don't make all the decisions for her.

Good luck and have fun! (I wish my wife would play )

 

[Silver Moon]

You need to toss in a good selection of NPC's to help the story along, but let your solo play focus on the main PC. I've now played out over 300 hours of a solo game with my wife, and have started another solo campaign with my 10-year old daughter. I highly recommend this to anyone.