At Bomran, we’re more than just a friendly fantasy emporium – we’re your one-stop shop for tabletop games, miniatures, paints, and collectible joy! Whether you’re a battle-hardened RPG veteran or a curious newbie dipping your toes into the chaotic waters of dice-rolling destiny, we’ve got everything you need to launch your first epic campaign.
This blog post is your go-to guide for starting your first Dungeons & Dragons campaign. We’ll walk you through the must-haves, the optional shinies, how to get your crew together, and what makes a campaign tick. And because it’s Bomran – expect a little humour, lots of heart, and top-tier advice from folks who live and breathe tabletop games.
What is D&D?
If you’ve stumbled here fresh-faced and wondering, “What is D&D?”, let us break it down.
Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is a fantasy tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) where you and your friends take on the roles of adventurers in a shared storytelling experience. One player acts as the Dungeon Master (DM), who sets the scene, controls the non-player characters (NPCs), and guides the story. The others play heroes, rogues, wizards, and everything in between.
You roll dice (most famously the 20-sided die – the d20), make choices, and collaborate to navigate a world filled with monsters, magic, mystery and mead (optional).
Started back in 1974, D&D is now more popular than ever. With streaming shows, celebrities playing on Twitch, and a renewed love for tabletop games, it’s the perfect time to get involved.
Your First D&D Campaign: What You Need & Where to Start
Starting your first campaign can feel like being handed the keys to a dragon’s lair without a torch. But don’t fret – we’ve lit the torches for you. Here’s your step-by-step guide to planning and launching your first Dungeons & Dragons campaign — complete with all the excitement, creativity, and occasional chaos you’d expect from an epic adventure.
1. Choose Your Role – Dungeon Master or Player?
The very first step is deciding what kind of D&D experience you’re looking for. There are two main roles in any campaign:
The Dungeon Master (DM) is the narrator, worldbuilder, referee, and voice of all the monsters, shopkeepers, and gods in the realm. If you enjoy storytelling, improvisation, and keeping things organised, this role is for you. It’s more work – yes, but incredibly rewarding.
A player, on the other hand, is one character in the story. You’ll develop a persona, roleplay interactions, roll the dice to determine outcomes, and make decisions that affect the plot. You’re the hero in this fantasy epic.
Not sure which one to pick? Consider trying out both in short one-shot games before launching a full campaign. Remember, someone must be the DM to get things rolling. Luckily, Bomran has fantastic starter kits, DM screens, and campaign books to make it all easier than wrestling a displacer beast.
2. Gather Your Party (Before Venturing Forth)
D&D is a social game – so it’s time to assemble your fellowship of adventurers!
Ideal group size: 3 to 6 players, including the DM. Fewer than that, and combat can feel unbalanced; more, and it’s like herding tabaxi.
How to find players:
- Ask friends, family, or coworkers – you’d be surprised who’s curious.
- Post on social media or local community groups.
- Check online forums.
It’s not just about filling seats. You want people who are:
- Eager to collaborate
- Respectful of others’ time and creativity
- Willing to have a laugh (and occasionally cry over fictional characters)
Remember: chemistry matters. The right party can make a basic campaign legendary.
3. Get the Core Rulebooks
You don’t need an encyclopaedia of lore to start, but the Player’s Handbook (PHB) is a must-have. It’s the bread-and-butter of the D&D world, covering:
- Character creation
- Combat rules
- Spells and abilities
- Equipment
- Game mechanics
For DMs, the Dungeon Master’s Guide (DMG) gives you all the behind-the-scenes tricks, and the Monster Manual is packed with creatures to challenge and thrill your players.
Feeling overwhelmed? No problem. The Starter Set and Essentials Kit are brilliant, budget-friendly options. They come with:
- Pre-made characters
- Basic rules
- Dice
- A brilliant first adventure
4. Dice, Glorious Dice!
Dice are more than just a gaming tool — they’re a D&D ritual. When you roll a natural 20 (or a natural 1…), the whole table cheers (or groans).
You’ll need a full set of polyhedral dice:
d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, d20, and percentile dice (d10s marked 00-90)
Each die is used for different aspects of gameplay – from damage rolls to skill checks. The mighty d20 is the most iconic, used for all major decisions.
Why stop at one set? Dice collectors (yes, that’s a thing) often bring multiple sets for different characters or vibes. Bomran stocks metallic, glittery, and themed sets that feel as good as they look.
And yes, you’ll eventually blame your dice for your poor rolls. It’s part of the fun.
5. Create Characters (AKA Your Fantasy Alter-Egos)
Here’s where the magic happens – you build your hero.
You’ll choose:
- A race (like half-orc, elf, dragonborn) – which gives unique abilities
- A class (like rogue, barbarian, sorcerer) – which determines your role
- Background – your character’s backstory and personality flavour
- Stats – strength, dexterity, intelligence, etc.
You can roll stats (classic chaos), use point-buy (balanced), or standard array (easy). Then name your character, flesh out a personality, and add quirks and flaws.
Pro Tip: Make your character someone you’re excited to play. Even if they’re a cowardly bard with a pet chicken.
6. Pick or Build a Campaign Setting
A campaign without a world is like a dragon without wings.
Luckily, you’ve got options:
Pre-written modules provide a fully fleshed-out world, plot hooks, and challenges.
Homebrew campaigns let you build your own world from scratch — every tavern, kingdom, and cave is yours to invent.
If you’re just starting, go with a module. They’re balanced, well-structured, and packed with flavour. As you grow more confident, blend in your own ideas or create new arcs.
Bomran Bonus: We stock official campaign books, world guides, and accessories to expand any setting.
7. Get the Right Tools and Accessories
Sure, you can play D&D with just paper and pencils. But with a few clever additions, your campaign becomes truly immersive.
Essentials include:
- Battle maps and dry-erase grids – for tactical combat
- Miniatures – paint your heroes or use monster tokens
- Initiative trackers – to manage combat order
- Spell cards & tokens – quick access to abilities
- DM screen – for rolling in secret and keeping reference info handy
- Condition rings – track status effects like “stunned” or “poisoned”
- And of course, snacks. The universal fuel of tabletop sessions.
Browse Bomran’s accessories, minis, and terrain pieces to find that perfect finishing touch for your game table.
8. Schedule Sessions – And Stick to Them
Nothing kills a campaign faster than scheduling conflicts.
To keep the adventure alive:
- Set a consistent schedule (e.g., every other Thursday)
- Use tools like Doodle, When2Meet, or Google Calendar
- Communicate! Life happens. Just let the group know.
9. Learn to Improvise
Players are beautifully chaotic. No matter how well you plan, someone will:
- Befriend the villain
- Burn down the tavern
- Adopt the goblin instead of fighting it
As a DM, embrace the curveballs. Let players explore wild ideas, and don’t panic if they skip your carefully planned dungeon. D&D thrives on spontaneity.
As a player, lean into moments of surprise. Whether you crit fail or nail a persuasion roll, the story unfolds through shared decisions.
Improvisation is a muscle. Flex it often, laugh at the madness, and trust your group.
10. Session Zero – The Most Important Session
Before you slay a single character, run a Session Zero. It’s a pre-game chat where everyone gets aligned on:
- The campaign tone (dark fantasy, lighthearted romp, etc.)
- Themes or topics to avoid (consent and comfort matter!)
- House rules and mechanics
- Character dynamics (Do you all know each other? Strangers?)
- Scheduling and expectations
It sets boundaries, builds trust, and gets everyone invested. No surprises = smoother gameplay. It’s the difference between a good group and a great one.
Launching your first D&D campaign isn’t about perfection – it’s about connection. You’re building a world together, crafting characters that will become legends, and sharing laughs that echo long after the final boss falls. Whether you’re behind the screen as a world-weaving DM or rolling dice as a brave bard with questionable morals, you’re stepping into one of the most rewarding hobbies out there. Bomran is here to supply the books, dice, minis, and gear – but the story? That’s all yours.
Bomran’s Top Tips for a Successful (and Fun) D&D Campaign!
Embrace Mistakes
Don’t stress about getting rules wrong. Rule of Cool trumps Rulebook Page 42. Learn as you go, and always favour fun over strict accuracy.
Encourage Roleplay
Lean into your characters! Use voices, write backstories, and build relationships. It adds emotional weight and memorable moments.
Fuel the Table
Snacks are critical. Seriously. Food keeps energy high and spirits higher. Bonus points for fantasy-themed treats!
Visuals Matter
Miniatures, terrain, and maps spark imagination. Even hand-drawn maps or LEGO figures add flair.
Be Inclusive
Let every player shine. Spotlight-hogging and gatekeeping are monsters you can banish from the realm.
Stay Curious
Watch actual play shows like Critical Role or Dimension 20. Read forums. Join communities. The more you learn, the better you’ll play.
Your first D&D campaign won’t be perfect – but it’ll be magical. You’ll tell tales of goblins and glory, make friends, and laugh till your cheeks hurt. And when you need miniatures, books, paints, dice, or just a bit of encouragement, Bomran is here to help.
FAQ – First D&D Campaign Questions Answered
1. Do I need to read all the rulebooks to play D&D?
Nope! Start with the basic rules or a Starter Set. Learn as you go.
2. Can kids play D&D?
Absolutely! D&D builds creativity and teamwork. There are even kid-friendly versions.
3. Is it better to be a DM or a player?
Depends on your style. DMing is rewarding but requires prep. Playing is pure fun.
4. What’s the best class for beginners?
Fighter or Cleric – simple mechanics, but still powerful.
5. How long does a campaign last?
From a few sessions to years! You decide.
6. Can I run a campaign online?
Yes! Use Roll20, Zoom, Discord, or Foundry VTT.
7. Do I need to use miniatures?
Not required, but they enhance the experience. Theatre of the mind works too.
8. How do I make sure everyone enjoys the game?
Session Zero helps, as does open communication and shared storytelling.
9. Is homebrew better than official campaigns?
Both are brilliant! Start with official modules, then get creative.
10. What do I buy first from Bomran?
Start with a Starter Set, a set of dice, and a mini for your character!
Ready to Roll? Let’s Get You Set Up!
Your D&D journey begins now – and Bomran is right beside you for every campaign, character arc, and chaotic dice roll. Explore our full range of D&D gear, minis, accessories, and more here! Whether you’re prepping your first adventure or levelling up your table, we’ve got the tools of your trade.
