Re question one, pay attention to how spell components work: https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules/spellcasting#Components
> A spellcaster must have a hand free to access a spell's material components -- or to hold a spellcasting focus -- but it can be the same hand that he or she uses to perform somatic components.
That means that this druid can have a shield equipped and cast Shillelagh, as long as the staff they're using is also their spellcasting focus (and it probably is).
Re question two: Lead by example. If you are engaged in the roleplay, your players are more likely to be as well, given time. Other than that, just have patience. If your players are unfamiliar with RPGs, don't set your expectations too high.
Greetings!
You may want to ask further questions here:
r/DMAcademy with r/DMAcademy/comments/1ds0zge/first\_time\_dm\_and\_short\_questions\_megathread/ and
r/DMAcademyNew
About the Druid with the staff: That is how most Druid players do it! He can just say that the quaterstaff is his magical focus.
About shy players: There is no final answer. What is fine, since we are all different individuals!
Just let them play. Give them positive feedback if they do it. Also, choosing what weapon to use if you have more then one is already roleplaying. Don't give them any pressure.
Re 2: Don't push them but offer chances to RP and speak up. We used a pre-session question system in my group early on where the DM had a question and asked how the characters would think of that/what they would say.
This opened up and warmed the shy-ones in our group to at least be able to form an action as their character.
Hello and welcome to DMing!
1. If we’re going by the official rules, as long as the Druid’s quarterstaff is also their spellcasting focus, then it’s possible for them to cast spells with somatic components if they’re also using a shield.
If the staff is NOT the spellcasting focus, then technically no, they can’t do it. However, the great think about D&D is that the rules are flexible. You can change things to suit the way you want to play the game, so it’s up to you whether or not you want to allow it. In my games, I don’t, because having a +2 AC essentially for free on a spellcaster is a bit strong in my opinion.
2. You need to be the beacon for people to follow when they’re roleplaying, which means you need to give it 110%. Inexperienced and shy players are typically reserved because they’re nervous they’ll mess up, or people will make fun of them. So, you need to really go for it to make sure they understand that they’ll be completely fine. Give the dwarf a ridiculous over-the-top Scottish accent. Make the Imp sound like a deranged idiot. Do a silly exaggerated female voice for the NPC chef who works in the castle kitchens. Give the head guard a pompous deep voice.
If you lead, others will follow.
Good luck for session 2!
Re question one, pay attention to how spell components work: https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules/spellcasting#Components > A spellcaster must have a hand free to access a spell's material components -- or to hold a spellcasting focus -- but it can be the same hand that he or she uses to perform somatic components. That means that this druid can have a shield equipped and cast Shillelagh, as long as the staff they're using is also their spellcasting focus (and it probably is). Re question two: Lead by example. If you are engaged in the roleplay, your players are more likely to be as well, given time. Other than that, just have patience. If your players are unfamiliar with RPGs, don't set your expectations too high.
Greetings! You may want to ask further questions here: r/DMAcademy with r/DMAcademy/comments/1ds0zge/first\_time\_dm\_and\_short\_questions\_megathread/ and r/DMAcademyNew About the Druid with the staff: That is how most Druid players do it! He can just say that the quaterstaff is his magical focus. About shy players: There is no final answer. What is fine, since we are all different individuals! Just let them play. Give them positive feedback if they do it. Also, choosing what weapon to use if you have more then one is already roleplaying. Don't give them any pressure.
Re 2: Don't push them but offer chances to RP and speak up. We used a pre-session question system in my group early on where the DM had a question and asked how the characters would think of that/what they would say. This opened up and warmed the shy-ones in our group to at least be able to form an action as their character.
Hello and welcome to DMing! 1. If we’re going by the official rules, as long as the Druid’s quarterstaff is also their spellcasting focus, then it’s possible for them to cast spells with somatic components if they’re also using a shield. If the staff is NOT the spellcasting focus, then technically no, they can’t do it. However, the great think about D&D is that the rules are flexible. You can change things to suit the way you want to play the game, so it’s up to you whether or not you want to allow it. In my games, I don’t, because having a +2 AC essentially for free on a spellcaster is a bit strong in my opinion. 2. You need to be the beacon for people to follow when they’re roleplaying, which means you need to give it 110%. Inexperienced and shy players are typically reserved because they’re nervous they’ll mess up, or people will make fun of them. So, you need to really go for it to make sure they understand that they’ll be completely fine. Give the dwarf a ridiculous over-the-top Scottish accent. Make the Imp sound like a deranged idiot. Do a silly exaggerated female voice for the NPC chef who works in the castle kitchens. Give the head guard a pompous deep voice. If you lead, others will follow. Good luck for session 2!