Best DND5e module for new FG DM

[QuiGonJay]

Hi,

I'm a pen and paper DM who is new to FG - want to try and start a game for my group to keep things going until we can get together in person. I'm sorting through the various FAQs and tutorials, but I'm having a hard time finding reviews of actual adventures. I am new, so would prefer to start with something already there rather than trying to build my own from scratch. As this would be my first FG game as a DM (after I complete the demos, etc) so looking for something fairly simple but fun. Ideally it would be for around 5th level PCs - since the normal pen and paper campaign is going on hiatus I wanted them to have some fun creating new mid level characters.

Appreciate any advice!

J.

[Fear Grounds]

I can highly recommend the Curse of Strahd module. It is a fairly low magic campaign, so it will simplify the over-all game a bit, for new players. There are plenty of maps, and handouts included in the game, so it's pretty easy for players to feel involved in the game. This module is designed for low level characters, but you can easily "beef it up" to suit a party of fifth level characters by adding/subtracting monsters from the encounters. There is even a "Demon Strahd", available on-line, that you could use. He is an absolute monster! In this game, player actions and decisions play a big part in how the story unfolds.

If you are wanting something more on the Combat Heavy side of things, then there's always the Tomb of Annihilation. A straight up fight for survival, with wave after wave, of nasties coming at you. Players really have to cooperate, just to be able to make it to one of the few "safe areas" in the game.

[Zisse]

Lost mine of Phandelver worked very well for me as a first adventure. It's low level and well prepared.

One thing that I found difficult is the following: As in almost all adventures there are encounters without battle maps. Either prepare some additional maps from the web or use theatre of mind.

[Relampago]

I wholeheartedly +1 Zisse!! Not just the easy low level module to DM but also have some extra battle maps prepared if you want this to go well. You can improvise but if you really want it to go well read through and prepare battle maps. For example the first encounter having a battle map for the goblin ambush a road flanked by 2 sides by forest and dead horses blocking the road would be clutch.

[Karnas]

There's a bunch of options - Lost Mines of Phandelver are one of the first "intro" modules, but there were others, recently like Dragon of Icespire Peak. Although personally I'd probably recommend getting a smaller module from Tales from Yawning Portal, like Sunless Citadel, it's relatively short dungeon crawl adventure with no fuss.

[Relampago]

Key thing about Phandelver, in many eyes it might not be as good as Dragon of Icespire but it is on sale right now and is about 1/3 the price of the essental kit that has Icespire (noting that Icespire has more modules and takes the party to higher levels i.e. more content) that is another reason why i snatched it up this week. This stuff gets pricey so i try and hold out for sales as much as i can (obviously just speaking for myself here).

Mainly a heads up that Phandelver is on sale now for $12

[LordEntrails]

One thing that I found difficult is the following: As in almost all adventures there are encounters without battle maps. Either prepare some additional maps from the web or use theatre of mind.
Remember, FG only includes the maps the printed product does. BUT, always check on the forums as often their is a map pack put together by the community that has supplemental maps. For 5E, these are general listed in the Resources sticky at the top of the 5E forum :)

[NuclearMonkey]

Either of these adventure league modules would be great since they are short, cheap, and simple to run:
https://www.dmsguild.com/product/189132/DDAL0501-Treasure-of-the-Broken-Hoard-5e
https://www.dmsguild.com/product/170384/DDEX101-Defiance-in-Phlan-5e

[LordEntrails]

AAW Also has some modules in the store. I haven't run them, but they too seem simple and enjoyable.

[QuiGonJay]

Thanks for the ideas everyone - I appreciate it. I'm still trying to figure out how to run combat. FG seems like a very powerful tool but a little tricky to learn. Thanks again!

[vegaserik]

Thanks for the ideas everyone - I appreciate it. I'm still trying to figure out how to run combat. FG seems like a very powerful tool but a little tricky to learn. Thanks again!

It does have a bit of a learning curve, but once you got it down - usually by the end of a session - it's amazing.

[Nebulous]

I have to also agree with Lost Mine of Phandelver, it holds a high spot among best modules ever for DnD in any edition. Furthermore, you can take the new Essentials boxed set, which is in the same region, and introduce whole new scenarios and encounters and maps.

[Honken]

Well, i was gonna mention LMoP too, but he said he wanted mid range level, and the previous mentioned module is from lvl 1 to 5 (maybe a tad higher if you adapt to player backstory too.)

[LordEntrails]

Thanks for the ideas everyone - I appreciate it. I'm still trying to figure out how to run combat. FG seems like a very powerful tool but a little tricky to learn. Thanks again!
Take a free class at Fantasy Grounds College. Like this one that starts in about 19 hours; https://fantasygroundscollege.net/events/new-user-introduction-to-fantasy-grounds/