YOUR VERY FIRST SESSION: WHAT TO EXPECT
READY TO ROLL!
So, you’ve finally decided to dive into the world of Dungeons & Dragons. Congrats! Whether you’re joining a group of seasoned adventurers or a bunch of equally clueless newbies, your first session is bound to be a wild ride.
If you’re feeling a bit nervous or unsure about what to expect, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Here’s a rundown of what typically happens in a D&D session, how to prepare, and some tips to make your first adventure as smooth as a bard’s pick-up lines.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
Character Sheet:
This is where you’ll keep track of your character’s stats, abilities, equipment, and more. Make sure it’s filled out and ready to go.
Dice:
You’ll need a set of polyhedral dice, typically including a d20, d12, d10, d8, d6, and d4. Your DM or fellow players might have extras, but it’s good to have your own set.
Pencil and Eraser:
You’ll be making notes and updating your character sheet, so a pencil and eraser are handy.
Notebook:
It’s useful to have a notebook for jotting down important information, keeping track of quests, and making personal notes about the adventure.
Snacks and Drinks:
D&D sessions can be long, so bring some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up. Don’t be selfish, SHARE YOUR GOODIES!
MYTHIC ARCANUM:
If you have access to a mobile, there is nothing more helpful for quick reference, but don’t worry if you don’t have one. Your DM will guide you.
Click here for the: The Arcane Toolkit
Click here for: The Compendium
Let the Adventure Begin: Setting the Scene
Disclaimer: – D&D sessions come in all shapes and sizes, this guide gives you an insight into a typical session.
Your first D&D session usually starts with everyone gathering around the table (or virtual table, if you’re playing online). The Dungeon Master (DM) will set the scene, painting a vivid picture of the world you’re about to explore and the context behind the current situation you’re about to enter.
This could be anything from a dark and mysterious forest, with towering trees and the sounds of unseen creatures, to a bustling city floating in the sky, with streets filled with bizarre vendors and exotic wares.
The DM’s descriptions will be detailed, drawing you into the world with sensory details—what you see, hear, smell, and feel. Pay close attention to these descriptions—they’ll help you immerse yourself in the setting and get into character.
Introducing Your Characters!
Next, you and your fellow players will introduce your characters. This can happen in a few different ways:
All Together at the Beginning:
Sometimes, the DM will have everyone introduce their characters right at the start. You’ll share your character’s name, race, class, and a brief backstory. It’s like a quick round of speed dating, but with more dragons and fewer awkward silences.
Natural In-Game Introductions:
Other times, the DM might have your characters meet organically within the game. Maybe your character is sitting in a tavern when another player’s character walks in. It’s like your first day at a new job, except your co-workers might have swords and magical powers.
Pre-Established Relationships:
Some DMs like to have players create pre-existing relationships between their characters before the game starts. Maybe you’re old friends, rivals, or family members. It’s a great way to add some depth to your role-playing and skip past the “getting to know you” phase.
Flashback Scenes:
The DM might use flashback scenes to introduce each character. Imagine a short scene from your character’s past that highlights their personality, skills, or backstory. It’s like a mini-movie trailer for your character, setting the stage for their grand entrance.
Either way, don’t stress about having a perfectly crafted story from the start; your character will evolve as you play.
Wrapping Up the Session!
At the end of the session, the DM will usually find a good stopping point in the story. You might receive experience points, loot, or other rewards based on your achievements.
Here’s how different DMs might handle levelling up:
Experience Points (XP):
Some DMs award XP based on the challenges you overcome. Each monster defeated, puzzle solved, and quest completed earns you XP.
Once you reach a certain threshold, you level up. It’s a bit like a video game, and it can be satisfying to see those points rack up.
Milestone Levelling:
Other DMs prefer milestone levelling. Instead of tracking XP, you level up at certain points in the story. For example, after defeating a major villain or completing a significant quest, the DM might announce that everyone levels up.
This method keeps everyone on the same page and focuses on story progression rather than number crunching.
Session-Based Levelling:
Some DMs might decide to level up the party after a certain number of sessions, regardless of what happened in the game.
This can be a straightforward approach, especially for new players, ensuring that everyone progresses steadily.
Take a moment to reflect on the adventure, share your favourite moments, and discuss what might happen next. The end of the session is a great time to ask any lingering questions and prepare for the next exciting instalment.
Grab your character sheet, pack your dice, and get ready for a wild ride.
Congratulations on taking the plunge into D&D!
As you gear up for your future sessions, remember to bring your essentials, keep an open mind, and embrace the chaos.
Whether you’re deciphering ancient scrolls or trying to talk your way out of a troll’s dinner plans, every moment is part of the adventure.
First Session Down, Many More to Go!