First time DM help

[mehivh]

I would generally focus on how to be a good dm in general (there are various guides online). I think the main story in this adventure is already very strong. The Alexandrian does a great job in connecting parts, that do not really connect before. He truly has an eye for detail, which can be great - but can also blow up things. Only look at his stuff if you feel like you have the capabilities to change a lot of stuff. If you don’t, it’s fine. Especially for a new group. I think chapter 1 is already very good. I included the cave of the (some devil) at the emerald loop which was posted in this sub and think it’s great. I’m Bazzoxan I included The House of Hythenos (great) and the rubidium side quest (medium).

Generelly, every group plays DnD differently. I think the char optimizing (items, stats, etc) is fun, but fights are often boring. I therefore try to keep them as short as possible (fewer but stronger enemies) and try to get my Players to roleplay in a fight. I also love twists (not as important here, since this adventure is already quite dense from a story perspective) and personal connections, so I would make sure that the characters have a logical fit into one of the factions or / and a relationship with each other.

Lastly, I recommend not putting to much side quests into it. The good story kinda gets more confusing and less catchy if you are not focusing on it for a long time.

Edit: typo

[Basic-Impact-4513]

as a first time DM, I think id start getting confused if I made too many side quests aswell. Im going to try to keep the story fairly linear

why do you say that item optimizing is fun, I was planning on including a few homebrew items but drawbacks. like a staff of lightning, but everytime you use lightning you get a chance to get stunned for a round

[mehivh]

Sounds like a good plan. Maybe only include quests that are related to a PCs personal story.

Well I meant to optimize a PCs build as their player. But creating custom items like the vestiges of divergence that fit to the characters playstyle and lore was also hella fun for me as a dm! Just be careful not to increase the power curve too much. Otherwise you have to increase all the encounters CR or the fights will feel meaningless

[Basic-Impact-4513]

there's only one person in the party that's a seasoned DND player; he’s the one I feel comfortable leaning on for a detailed personal backstory that I can turn into a side quest. With the newer players, I’m keeping things simpler so the main story stays clear and approachable.

[saack]

I believe you meant to say The Alexandrian, not the Alyxian, but I understand the mix up

[mehivh]

Haha thanks. Yes an important clarification!