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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Shades of Eternity" data-source="post: 9463930" data-attributes="member: 10869"><h3>I did some stewing and this is what I'm thinking as a breakdown.  Open to any and all suggestions on how to tweak:</h3><h3>For the Player’s Book (Solo Adventure)</h3>This section is designed for new players to go through a solo adventure that teaches them basic mechanics.<ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Create a Character<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Guide the player through character creation step-by-step: rolling ability scores (Strength, Intelligence, etc.), selecting a class (Fighter, Magic-User, Cleric, etc.), and choosing basic equipment.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Keep it simple, focusing only on the essential mechanics (combat, spells, saving throws) to avoid overwhelming new players.</li> </ul></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Introduce the Adventure Premise<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Start with a short narrative, placing the player’s character in a simple dungeon or quest (e.g., entering a cave to rescue someone or recover a treasure).</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Use interactive storytelling with choices (like a choose-your-own-adventure book) to give the player a sense of agency and set up simple encounters.</li> </ul></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Introduce Basic Mechanics in Phases<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Combat: The player faces a low-level monster (like a goblin or kobold), allowing them to learn how to roll for attacks, damage, and armor class.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Skill Checks: The player might face challenges like disarming a trap or avoiding danger, using a simple die roll to succeed or fail.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Spellcasting (if applicable): If the character is a magic-user or cleric, introduce basic spells and how to cast them, using simple situations.</li> </ul></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Use a Reward System<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">The player should find treasure or other rewards to give them a sense of accomplishment and show how the game rewards exploration and combat.</li> </ul></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Conclude the Solo Adventure<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Bring the player to a resolution, like successfully defeating a mini-boss or escaping the dungeon with treasure. Provide some form of closure and reward in experience points and items.</li> </ul></li> </ol><h3>For the Dungeon Master’s Guide (Group Adventure)</h3>The DM's guide includes a group adventure that walks a new DM through how to run a session for a party of players.<ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Walk the DM Through the Basics<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Explain the role of the DM: storytelling, running NPCs, describing scenes, setting up challenges, and ensuring the game is fun.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Introduce the core rules: combat, saving throws, and how to balance encounters. Keep it focused on key rules the DM will use frequently.</li> </ul></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Provide a Pre-Made Adventure<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Present a short, structured adventure with encounters, treasures, and NPCs. This adventure should be straightforward, with clear instructions on what to describe and how to react to players’ decisions.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Ensure the DM has room for improvisation but guide them through the main plot (e.g., rescuing a villager, fighting a group of monsters).</li> </ul></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Teach Encounter Management<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Use a series of pre-planned encounters, ranging from a small combat (against weak creatures like goblins) to a simple puzzle or trap.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">The DM can learn how to control pacing, handle player actions, and manage a basic battle using the adventure’s guidelines.</li> </ul></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Introduce Role-Playing<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Encourage the DM to role-play NPCs in the adventure, giving them basic personalities and objectives to interact with the players.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Include dialogue prompts or motivations for NPCs to make it easier for the DM to engage in role-playing.</li> </ul></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Explain Player Rewards<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Walk the DM through rewarding players with treasure and experience points. Explain the leveling-up process and encourage ongoing campaigns.</li> </ul></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">End with a Cliffhanger or Open Ending<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Leave the adventure open-ended so that the DM has the option to continue running more sessions, but provide clear closure on the main goal to give a sense of achievement.</li> </ul></li> </ol><h3>Additional Considerations</h3> <ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Gradual Introduction of Advanced Rules: Avoid overwhelming new players or the DM with too many advanced rules. Slowly introduce more complex mechanics (like multi-character combat, advanced spellcasting, etc.) after the basics are mastered.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Sample Dialogue and Prompts: Just like the Red Box, provide sample interactions and prompts for both the DM and the players to keep the game moving and engaging.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Glossary of Terms: Make sure both players and the DM have access to a basic glossary of key D&D terms (like initiative, hit points, armor class, etc.).</li> </ul></blockquote>

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