Chawin Posted:

and if being high level gets a bit confusing for new players, then just nerf the dragon a bit

One of my games started with the low leave group of avengers coming upon a VERY young blue dragon getting money from a town. They, of course, charged in a killed the dragon…

Turns out the dragon’s very old mother was using the town to baby sit her son. (blue dragons are lawful evil so she thought he might have fun playing ‘tyrant’ for a bit)

Anyway, the long adventurer then was the party trying to stay one step ahead of the blue dragon that wanted them all dead. Her enemies would help them and she went crazy with the death of her son.

I like having the players first game set up the end game, but an experienced group would not fall for something as simple as “there is a baby dragon yelling at townsfolk in front of you, what do you do?”

Also, I do think running a pre-made adventurer is a very good idea. Gives you a feel for the game and your group. Whenever I start a new roleplaying system I like at least READING a pre-made to get a sense of the ‘world’ an a feel for the game setting itself.

Also, what KIND of people are playing your game is very important. The 4th ed dungeon masters guide has a very good section identifying kinds of players. Its worth a read, took me years of playing to get all of the info they just HAVE in that section. Great for new DMs.