After my group finishes Ghosts of Saltmarsh in a few sessions, I will be DMing my first legit campaign and the rest of the group decided on WD: Dragon Heist. I have Dmed one beginner campaign for some of my wife’s family, but it was mostly theater of the mind and messing around without much weight on strict rules. It also was fairly linear, because I was worried I’d mess something up by deviating too much from the story.
Anybody have tips on how to keep the game going smoothly without accidentally railroading? I have tweaked a few parts of the module to fit the groups play style and I think I have things set up to be a fun world, I am just worried about improvising if(when) the party undoubtedly tries some silly hoodrat nonsense.
Honestly just go for it. I had no idea what I was doing the first time that I dm’d. Just let people know going in that “hey this is new to me, there might be some hiccups and slow downs but we will figure it out.”
If you don’t know just say that. I’ve been a dm for like 15 years and I still have to stop the game sometimes and be like “look I have nothing planned for this you guys have to give me a minute.” Also worst comes to worst, just do what all great dms do, steal from other content.
That makes me feel better haha I figured I was overthinking it. Thanks.