Newbie GM

[LibraryLass]

But it might be good to have a twist of some kind to make them want to find out more. Maybe they find evidence that the rats have a goblin master who trained them to rob the inn's guests, for example. Or maybe one of the other guests at the inn is a rich merchant who was robbed on the way to town and promises half his profits to anyone who can retrieve it from the bandits.

[Delver]

Take a simple one shot module . . . and just wing it as best you can. Remember its about fun not about sticking exactly to the rule.

This is excellent advice. Especially considering your players are newbies as well. They won't have any preconceived notions based on how their "other GM did it". Keep it fast and fun and the big secret is that you rarely need rules! Let them slip into the background as you draw out the characters within the players. Have fun and remember that as GM you don't have to stick to the script. If something doesn't make sense, or if a change would make more sense, do it! Don't feel obligated to stick strictly to the adventure you chose.

You'll find that once you get past that by having the basic framework of the adventure in mind but flexibility with the details, your adventures will flow much better and you'll have much more freedom to react to your players. Beeecaaaaause, your players will never do what you expect them to do!

If you find they are floundering, start revealing bits by bits until the lightbulb comes on. The first few games, you'll need to give helpful suggestions, because they won't even know options and tactics. Paint your hints in the beginning in bold colors and big fonts! You can always clam up later if you need to. The player's essentials document is a great way for them to learn and generate questions.

Keep an open mind and be nimble. Shuffle and stir as needed, salt to taste.

Good luck!

[Hywaywolf]

Yeah, in the beginning help the players out if it looks like they are floundering, but don't just come out and say "you haven't checked the cupboard." instead say, "just as you decide the room is empty and begin to leave, Zafron the elf hears a scratching noise coming from inside the cupboard." or "as you turn to leave, your torch light reflects oddly from the hinges of the cupboard door." If they ask "like odd how" say, "like it has been used more than the other cupboards, shinier."

Also, don't be afraid to let a newbie PC die if thats how the dice roll, especially if they just did something stupid to make it happen. Just have a couple spares made up already to give to the player so they can jump right back in.