Ed Cha
Community Supporter
A lot of great advice here. I think one thing that's also very important is to know that killing the PCs of players new to D&D is not generally a good idea. I'd try to prepare encounters that are below the recommended EL.
For example, for a party of six 1st-level PCs, how about three or four goblins or kobolds at a time? You could also negate any critical hits by opponents because those can really kill a 1st-level PC pretty easily.
A good adventure, no matter what level, should have a good mix of combat, roleplaying, puzzle-solving, drama, suspense, and more. You've got to appeal to the player who might like a little bit of romance or mystery, but also the one who enjoys a lot of fighting.
But make sure your encounters are balanced and fun! That is essential.
I'd also like to add tip #3 from an article I wrote in "The Hamlet of Thumble" called "How to Avoid Killing 1st-Level PCs":
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3. Prepare balanced encounters and awards.
This is definitely one of the most important jobs of the GM, especially when handling 1st level PCs. Regardless of what level they are, you will have to possess knowledge about the power level of the PCs on a regular basis to get an idea of what kind of combat encounters to present to them.
I would suggest regularly asking for copies of their character sheets to be updated and shown to you. If you present encounters that are too easy, the players will not feel challenged. Throwing encounters that are too difficult could lead to total party kill. Do not be afraid to challenge the players, but always keep in mind a few bad dice rolls can lead to disaster for their characters.
On the same token, be careful about rewards. Players should feel their PCs deserve the treasures or experience points they earn. Do not throw rewards unless they deserve it. This is particularly crucial for 1st level PCs. I tend to emphasize a poverty period for beginning PCs for the first few levels so every gold piece is valuable to them. It is better to starve them now, so they may savor their success later.
Of course, the sense of new beginning and struggling with poverty can be a fun experience, but only if the PCs live to enjoy the difference in lifestyle once they reach higher levels. Do not deprive them of wealth for too long.
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I'd recommend picking up the book, of course, to read the rest!
"The Hamlet of Thumble" has a short basic adventure along with a fully-detailed hamlet (130 residents) and lots of great advice for running a good game (DM Tips, How to Encourage Better Role-Playing, etc.)
There are nine reviews right here at EN World:
http://www.enworld.org/reviews/index.php?sub=yes&where=currentprod&which=WoW1THoT
Good luck and let us know how it goes!
For example, for a party of six 1st-level PCs, how about three or four goblins or kobolds at a time? You could also negate any critical hits by opponents because those can really kill a 1st-level PC pretty easily.
A good adventure, no matter what level, should have a good mix of combat, roleplaying, puzzle-solving, drama, suspense, and more. You've got to appeal to the player who might like a little bit of romance or mystery, but also the one who enjoys a lot of fighting.
But make sure your encounters are balanced and fun! That is essential.
I'd also like to add tip #3 from an article I wrote in "The Hamlet of Thumble" called "How to Avoid Killing 1st-Level PCs":
---
3. Prepare balanced encounters and awards.
This is definitely one of the most important jobs of the GM, especially when handling 1st level PCs. Regardless of what level they are, you will have to possess knowledge about the power level of the PCs on a regular basis to get an idea of what kind of combat encounters to present to them.
I would suggest regularly asking for copies of their character sheets to be updated and shown to you. If you present encounters that are too easy, the players will not feel challenged. Throwing encounters that are too difficult could lead to total party kill. Do not be afraid to challenge the players, but always keep in mind a few bad dice rolls can lead to disaster for their characters.
On the same token, be careful about rewards. Players should feel their PCs deserve the treasures or experience points they earn. Do not throw rewards unless they deserve it. This is particularly crucial for 1st level PCs. I tend to emphasize a poverty period for beginning PCs for the first few levels so every gold piece is valuable to them. It is better to starve them now, so they may savor their success later.
Of course, the sense of new beginning and struggling with poverty can be a fun experience, but only if the PCs live to enjoy the difference in lifestyle once they reach higher levels. Do not deprive them of wealth for too long.
---
I'd recommend picking up the book, of course, to read the rest!
"The Hamlet of Thumble" has a short basic adventure along with a fully-detailed hamlet (130 residents) and lots of great advice for running a good game (DM Tips, How to Encourage Better Role-Playing, etc.)There are nine reviews right here at EN World:
http://www.enworld.org/reviews/index.php?sub=yes&where=currentprod&which=WoW1THoT
Good luck and let us know how it goes!
