r/WaterdeepDragonHeist

I'm a new DM (well, not technically, I did DM some AD&D 2nd Edition in middle school but I don't think that counts) running Waterdeep: Dragon Heist for a group of new players (well, not entirely, two of them have played a short adventure on Roll 20). Yes, I know, probably ill-advised.

In preparing for the campaign, I've done a fair bit of research and determined that some form of the Alexandrian Remix is probably more to my liking, and more to my players' liking. Yes, I know, probably a lot more work.

We've played through Chapter One in three sessions, and honestly things have gone fairly well. My players seem to really take to the puzzle-solving and also clearly enjoy fighting.

But I'm feeling overwhelmed, both at the thought of how much preparation seems required for the later chapters of the remix, and by wanting to run chapter 2 in the most engaging possible way. I want to keep my players engaged in the main storyline (they're already curious about the apparent rift in the Zhentarim, and what could have been stolen from Ranaer's locket) but I don't know if I'll be ready to dive into tracking faction response teams and creating a massive gala any time soon.

So I'm asking for advice:

* Broadly, I would love suggestions for how to run an action-oriented chapter 2 with some faction missions that lean into puzzles and grid combat, while maybe sprinkling in plot elements so my players don't lose the thread before the fireball. Recommendations of some supplements would especially be appreciated -- I already have the Expanded Faction Missions and am planning to use at least a few.

* More specifically, should I run the beginning of chapter 2 straight from the remix running files or is there a really excellent, not too in-depth Trollskull Manor supplement that folks would recommend? I know the real answer is obviously that I should be creative with the material I have, but I'm still learning and it's intimidating.

* Beyond that, I'm open to hearing that the idea of running an only partially complete and very complex remix of an already complex campaign is too much for a DM who is basically re-learning the game from scratch. Especially if there's any source material that helps avoid the "your princess is in another castle" encounter chains without involving multiple spreadsheets, I'd love to learn about it.

Thanks in advance, sorry for the novel!

As the title suggests... I have one of these extremely rare out of print box sets that is quite possibly looking for a new home! This is box #309 out of the 1,000 unit print run. Would anybody here be interested?

It includes the entire module split into 9 softcover books for ease of use during gameplay

22 unpainted miniatures

40 encounter cards to hang over the DM screen (art on front, stats on back)

12 handouts (newspapers, letters, legal code)

24 art pieces to show your players

5 pre-generated characters

5 bonus quests not included in the base module

7 physical jewelry pieces to handout to your players

4 real shot-glasses themed after Trollskull Tavern

A custom DM screen with important info pertaining to the module

And a lot more I'm probably not thinking of right now.... so message with any questions!

Me and the player joining my group are struggling to come up with reasons that he might seek to join this random adventuring party which just obtained troll skull manor.

His back story is your run of the mill seeking revenge for killing his family back story. It was a criminal gang that killed them. Maybe I link that to Xanathar?

Any ideas?

I'm collecting all the books of DND and am still looking for those. I am resided in the Netherlands but I can't find the books anywhere!

I've come across a few posts on "How do I introduce my party to Waterdeep?" or "What kinds of things might the guards ask when entering Waterdeep?"

I've published a short adventure for 1st level characters that get them from their small town to Waterdeep and help introduce them to the city. It's got some fun guard / gate questions of new travelers, some rules for signet rings (highly recommended for signing contracts), and other bonus content. Includes a map of the small town of Peebles.

I hope someone finds it valuable. https://www.dmsguild.com/en/product/562701/a-road-to-waterdeep

So I need some help/ ideas to give the chase a fighting chance, (Setting summer so spines devils) (Party level 5 and 5 players)

My main problem is that one player is playing a flying race that after the mobility feat (so no Opportunity attacks for me) has a flying speed of 45ft (there also playing a rouge so cunning action dash)

Now as is these spined devils don’t stand a chance, understandably but to my dismay all the roll tables only acount for ground encounters

Now I don’t want to ruin the fun and completely hard block/counter them, I feel like that be bad DMing

I’d like to challenge the party but if I don’t do something the chase will be over in one 2 rounds,

I mean there’s the major flaw of the “chase” where the book tells you that the spinner devils need to get away in order for the carriage portion to happen (which I feel is contradictory to the chase mechanical rules and fun because a guaranteed loss)

One other player artificer having a flying speed of 20 (also has a steel defender she can mount and has equipped with wall climbing cleats attachment some home brew she really wanted)

And a bard having the boots of speed

1 warlock that can sticky climb up buildings as if he where walking

And 1 paladin (35ft movement ) that has been busy damaging a lot of ever growingly concerning amount of stuff as of late

(I have had the hind sight of splitting the stone in to 5 separate pieces (1 obtained by party)

Any tips :’) plz

Meloon Wardragon is a former member of Force Grey who has been implanted with a Xanathar intellect devourer.

The Xanathar would like to get even with the party. The Xanathar has taken full control of the 1st layer since my players killed the flesh golem in a earlier delve. How far in will Meloon go with them before turning on them? As soon as they go down? Their first encounter with the Xanathar forces? Or will he help them for a couple encounters before turning on them?

The evil part of me wants him to turn on the party as soon as they encounter Xanathar. But I can also see some merit in Meloon waiting until the party is tired and tries to take a rest.

I've created maps of homebrew locations and some official ones. I'd like to publish them and give them to the community for free. What site do you recommend for uploading them without losing image quality? So I can link them here on Reddit.

I am running that the stone of Golor has three eyes and that whoever has the stone can see through the eyes if they are not in the stone. (This provides a mechanic for leading the players to specific locations.) One such location is Xanathar's lair, they will get a view of the inside of a goldfish bowl complete with goldfish.

So once they know they need to find the lair, how have you guys gone about that? entrances, reasons to get in, that malarkey?

And once there what steps did you take to make it feel like the lair of a paranoid beholder?

Ta