Hello, Starting a new D&D campaign, especially online, can be an exciting but challenging idea. Time Zones and Scheduling: It's essential to consider the time zones of all players. For instance, if some of you are in the West Coast (PST) and others are in the East Coast (EST), you’ll need to find a suitable time that works for everyone. A common approach is to start the game in the evening in one time zone, which might be later in the evening in another. Always plan with everyone’s time zones in mind to ensure that the game sessions are convenient for all. For example, a game might start at 6 PM PST (9 PM EST) and conclude around 9 PM PST (midnight EST). As a DM, (Or if you find a DM and do not run it yourself) you might want to recruit players from time zones that align with your availability, particularly if you have commitments that restrict your schedule. Learning Resources: There are numerous resources available for learning how to play D&D. YouTube hosts a wealth of tutorial videos that can guide you through the basics of the game. Additionally, watching live or recorded D&D sessions on Twitch can provide valuable insights into gameplay and DMing. These resources are particularly helpful for understanding the flow of the game and various play styles. Online Play Platforms: For playing D&D online, you'll need a virtual tabletop platform. Options like Roll20, here (and others exist not sure if I can call them out by name) offer integrated tools for maps, character sheets, dice rolling, and more. These platforms enhance the online gaming experience by providing interactive elements. However, if your group prefers a more imagination-driven approach, you can simply use voice chat applications like Discord or Zoom, foregoing interactive maps and visuals. The choice depends on how visual and interactive you want your game to be. I run games with maps, sound FX music, game tokens, handouts, etc. Finding a DM: If none of you feel ready to take on the DM role, there are online communities where you can find someone willing to DM for new players. Roll20’s forums here, RIGHT HERE are one of the most active places. Be clear about your group's experience level and what you're looking for in a game, and you'll likely find someone enthusiastic about guiding new players. You are new, I am a DM with 46 years of experience, so I saw your post. it is a friendly community. Game Preparation: Once you have a DM and a (Online VTT) platform, the next steps involve character creation and understanding the basic rules. The DM will guide you through this process, but it's helpful to familiarize yourself with the basic mechanics of the game beforehand. The D&D 5e Player's Handbook is an excellent resource for this, and many online guides summarize key points for beginners. You might want to look at D&D Beyond, or Google "Make a 5e character." Communication and Expectations: Good communication is key in online D&D. Discuss with your group what everyone expects from the game in terms of themes, play style, and commitment. This will help ensure that the game is enjoyable for everyone. Not all DMs will run the regular JRR Tolkien-ish flavor, some like an undead campaign, some like a gritty sort of political houses game. be clear on what you want or clear on We'll try anything. Remember, the most important aspect of D&D is to have fun and create a memorable story together. You might also consider hiring a DM for a small fee for a few intro to D&D sessions if you want a very smooth experience. Literally, some Pro DMs just teach and run "how to play D&D For beginners." multiple sessions per week. Feel free to PM me if you found this helpful. I have been here since the site started. I run an average of 4 games a week. Best of luck. DM_Shroud
