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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Janx" data-source="post: 2274387" data-attributes="member: 8835">Lots of good points.The init cards will help, they hold all the skill#s you need for secret rolls (rolling for stuff the PCs won't know if they screwed up).However, for all the rest, as a new DM, it's best to let the players help you.  Meaning, let them roll their own checks, then describe what happened.  It' won't be bad, and the game will flow faster.  You admitted that they know more rules than you, put that to your advantage, let them help process them (and you'll learn the rules as they demonstrate their application).A one-short or limited term game is a good idea.  Don't try to do an epic storyline or anything.  Guarranteed, your first campaign will not be your best, so keep it simple, and you'll learn lots of stuff.  Your goal is to make it fun and playable, and learn the process.  Once you've got that, you can apply that to your current campaign, or reset to a new fresh one, using all the skills and ideas you've got.I'd actually suggest the first game be something like:1st level PCs, non-evil, all know each other (4 PCs max)start in small town/villagenearby small dungeon/cavesimple plot: bad guys took something, raiding merchants from their baseplayers affected (friend/uncle robbed/hurt)twist: head bad guy works for somebody else, clue that something else bad is happeningUse CR1 or less monstersThe above is a pretty stereotypical campaign start, but it will work.  Good PCs will likely bite on the plot-hook (gotta keep it simple for a new DM, nothing worse than no bites on the hook).  There's lead up for a 2nd adventure.  You don't need epic stuff in the beginning, these are 1st level PCs anyway, not worthy of it.Here's some quick Don'ts for a DM:Don't capture the party (pain in the arse and leads to railroading)Don't assume the party will go where you wantDon't run a DMPC (character that you run as member of the party)Don't setup the party as fugitives (keeping the party running with no base)Don't strip-search/rape the PCs (especially the female players' PCs)Don't do realistic wounds ("the sword cuts of 3 fingers" really makes short work of player fun)An experience DM might pull off things on the Don't list, however most new DMs will screw it up and break the game.</blockquote>

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