Looking for a pre-made 1st level adventure, but am a bit fussy

[LucyG92]

I'm supposed to DM a game for a few family members who are completely new to RPGs. My husband & I have been playing for one or two months (on our own), so we're quite new too, mind you.

I'm looking for a module or something that's made for first level characters, with lots of detail if possible, and won't take longer than a couple of hours to complete - since we don't know how much they will enjoy it yet (hopefully they will!).

There are, however, a few caveats. The first one is simplest to explain - no spiders, or preferably insects. My husband has a phobia, and it does tend to extend to 'similar' insects in his mind.

Um, as for the other:
My brother in law, who will be playing, was told he has cancer a few days ago. He's dealing with it quite well, considering. He's a very strong person... But I'm worried about upsetting him. I'm not sure what will or won't upset him, but I'm pretty sure themes around disease/undeath/necromancy/even immortality would be a problem. For all I know, other things could be as well.

So if anyone can recommend anything they think might be suitable, that would be great. Thanks.

[Eryx_UK]

I'd recommend taking a look at a PFS scenario called The Confirmation. I find it perfect for teaching new players.

[MeanMutton]

LucyG92 wrote:

I'm supposed to DM a game for a few family members who are completely new to RPGs. My husband & I have been playing for one or two months (on our own), so we're quite new too, mind you.

I'm looking for a module or something that's made for first level characters, with lots of detail if possible, and won't take longer than a couple of hours to complete - since we don't know how much they will enjoy it yet (hopefully they will!).

There are, however, a few caveats. The first one is simplest to explain - no spiders, or preferably insects. My husband has a phobia, and it does tend to extend to 'similar' insects in his mind.

Um, as for the other:
My brother in law, who will be playing, was told he has cancer a few days ago. He's dealing with it quite well, considering. He's a very strong person... But I'm worried about upsetting him. I'm not sure what will or won't upset him, but I'm pretty sure themes around disease/undeath/necromancy/even immortality would be a problem. For all I know, other things could be as well.

So if anyone can recommend anything they think might be suitable, that would be great. Thanks.

You're pretty awesome for thinking of them when planning your game.

Suggestions:

We Be Goblins is ridiculous and silly and fun.

The first book in the Skulls and Shackles adventure path has quite a bit of fun pirate stuff. The beginning is REALLY role-play intensive. There's a spot with bilge spiders at one point but you can easily change them out for giant rats.

Master of the Fallen Fortress is just pure dungeon-crawl for 1st level characters. You can easily swap out any offending baddies.

If you go here: Paizo Adventure Finder 1st Level then you'll find a very wide range of options including many free ones (sort price low-to-high).

[Ashram]

On the brother-in-law, that works both ways. Just ask him. Maybe an adventure about wiping out an evil disease might be cathartic for him?

[Mathius]

The confirmation has some undead in it that night be hard to swap out. It is great for introducing players though if he can deal with skeletons and zombies.

[coldvictim]

I would recommend Burnt Offerings, the first section of Rise of the Runelords. Has some quite zany Goblin fighting and a bit of village roleplaying and then some dungeon delving with no insects. Also, if you purchased the anniversary edition it is really well written for beginner GMs.

[Redneckdevil]

Believe it or not, the pathfinder starter box. It's easy and can be done in one sitting. We played the starter box and dove straight in with our starter characters into the rise of the rune lords campaign.

[GM Hands of Fate]

If you aren't completely fixed on Pathfinder, I would check out No Thank You, Evil!

[QuidEst]

We Be Goblins heavily features a giant spider. (No spoilers, as it's on the cover.)

[Hmm]

Why not do Murder's Mark? No undead, no bugs and it's a lot of fun. It's a cute little murder mystery centered around a circus. You'll want to level your characters half way through but it's a good one!

[LucyG92]

Thanks for the suggestions.

I meant to mention in my original post, I also think they would prefer something high-fantasy.

'We be goblins' would probably be great, but they've already created non-goblin characters :/ Oh, and if it requires a giant spider... probably not a good choice. Unless, could the spider be turned into a dire rat or something...?

Quote:

If you aren't completely fixed on Pathfinder, I would check out No Thank You, Evil!

I am, but thanks anyway :)

Quote:

Believe it or not, the pathfinder starter box.

My husband and I have played that several times already, otherwise that would definitely be my go-to.

[Paladin of Baha-who?]

The spider in WBG can be swapped out for pretty much any creature of similar CR.