No one becomes a seasoned DM or D&D player without playing for the first time! In this week’s episode, Zach Drej and Stephen discuss issues around bringing new players into the hobby, starting with how to find people to join your games, and adjustments to make that will help newbies find the spark of magic that keeps us all coming back for more.  You’ll get plenty of tips for streamlining the experience at the table, and a teaser for a very special Design of the Week: a PACKAGE of ten item conversions from Baldur’s Gate 2, ready for use in 5th Edition D&D! To get the full bundle, you just have to subscribe to our email list on beyondthematerialpodcast.com.

Episode Points of Interest:

0:23 Welcome
0:52 Surprise Round! How would you describe D&D in one sentence?
2:50 D&D Stigma and Preconceptions
5:20 The Matt Mercer Effect
10:24 Grapevine Power
13:55 Online, Game Shops
15:30 Start small!
17:20 You don’t have to know all the rules!
20:00 Dealing with combat
24:14 TEASER: The Job Interview for New Players
28:19 Design of the Week. BG2 Nostalgia Pack!

• Beyond the Material Homepage
• DMZM.net, Zach's homepage
• Combat Action Guide for New Players
• Critical Role Videos for New Players

Beyond the Material is unofficial Fan Content permitted under the Fan Content Policy. Not approved/endorsed by Wizards. Portions of the materials used are property of Wizards of the Coast. ©Wizards of the Coast LLC.