u/Wild_Swan592

I'm currently running ToA for my group of players; I hate it. I hate almost everything about it. I didn't really see it as fun or interesting until I started running it. But I LOVE being a DM. I really want to run DoIP, but I don't know how to communicate to my players that I want to switch, and I don't know what to do about their level and magic items. But I LOVE their lore for their characters, and it feels so fun to run for them. I don't like ToA, and it makes me disinterested in doing it all. So how do I tell them that I want to switch but keep their characters?

I'm currently running ToA for my group of players; I hate it. I hate almost everything about it. I didn't really see it as fun or interesting until I started running it. But I LOVE being a DM. I really want to run DoIP, but I don't know how to communicate to my players that I want to switch, and I don't know what to do about their level and magic items. But I LOVE their lore for their characters, and it feels so fun to run for them. I don't like ToA, and it makes me disinterested in doing it all. So how do I tell them that I want to switch but keep their characters?

I’m planning a tougher, more survival-focused 5e campaign for my group and I’m looking for ideas to make it more challenging.
Some rules I’m considering:
- Coin weight
- Variant encumbrance
- Long rests require 7 days in a safe settlement
Short rests take 8 hours
- Tracking rations, water, ammunition, and other supplies
Expanded foraging and wilderness survival mechanics
- My goal is to make travel, resource management, and preparation feel important.

I want players to think about what they carry, where they travel, and how they use their resources.
For those who have run or played in harder campaigns, what house grules or mechanics worked well? What would you add, change, or remove?
Any advice is appreciated.

Ive never played D&D before! I'm looking for a small group to play with a DM that can help me with learning this TTRPG!

Edit: Specifically Fridays at 7PM GMT-7!

I’m going to be playing a one-shot in 5e, and we are level 6. I really want to play a ranger, except I’ve heard how weak they are, and I don’t want to play something that doesn’t bring me joy because I feel like I’m not really doing anything. So, I was wondering if there are any good combinations with feats, weapons, races, etc. I’m going to assume he doesn’t want us to use Variant Human or anything similar to that. I’d also rather play a humanoid or something very close to one, like an elf, for example. So please help with the build idea! Optional features and races do seem to be allowed.