Summary

  • Understand why you want to DM – it's about players' stories, not just your own.
  • Think ahead about the kind of game you want to run and be flexible for players.
  • Be open to feedback, willing to make changes, and prepared to say no when necessary.

So you've decided you 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:want to be a Dungeon Master. When it comes to managing a game of 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:Dungeons & Dragons, it's not as easy or as hard as it may look. Confusing, right? But truthfully much like the freedom a player has to do or be anything they want in a game of D&D, you also have the freedom to create any kind of game you want to run.

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Whether it's one of political intrigue and espionage or a classic dungeon-delving adventure, there will always be different ways to DM. However, if you really want to delve into becoming a tabletop storyteller, then you should ask yourself a few questions to understand why you want to DM and, more importantly, what kind of Dungeon Master you'd be.

8 The Why

Why Do You Want To Be A DM?

Man leaning in with a token in Dungeons and Dragons
Tales From The Yawning Portal via Wizards of the Coast

It may sound simple but the first question always will be, why do you want to DM? Do you just have an exciting idea for a game that you haven't mapped out yet and want to try? Are you expecting to tell an epic story that you already have in your head? Although it's fun to fantasize, you have to be realistic and understand that D&D isn't just about telling your story alone, but opening the story to your players.

So try to make sure you realise just what being a Dungeon Master entails and that you likely will be a conduit for the players' stories. It's great to have a story in mind but be prepared to be flexible as the players work with you to tell the story together.

7 The What

What Kind of Games Do You Want To Run?

A Tavern Bard Performing The Lute To A Group Of People In A Tavern In D&D Artwork
Tavern Bard by Rob Rey

Now, this is very important and related to the first question. What 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:kind of games would you run? This isn't only important to get some groundwork for when you're actually going to plan your campaign but it gives you time to focus on whether you're okay with adjusting your game for your players.

After all, being a DM isn't the same as being a player, and it isn't just about your own experience with the game. So it's good to think ahead about multiple options when it comes to the games you can run.

6 The Who

Are You Doing This For Yourself Or Your Players?

Numerous adventurers are at a river bank pointing in different directions during a heated discussion in DND
You Come To A River by Viko Menezes

This leads us to our third question and perhaps one of the most important. Many first-time Dungeon Masters tend to go into running a game thinking that, much like being a player, they will get to experience it like them, too. This is why you have horror stories 🦩around DMs who try to be players by having things like a DM player character.

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Remember, the DM is your friend.

While joining as a player character is definitely an option, it won't be the same as playing with your friends in the campaign. However, don't forget that the game should be enjoyable for you too, even if you aren't an inserted player character. You'll be playing, just in a very different way. Once you realize that, your DM journey will be a lot easier.

5 The How

How Would You React If A Player Didn't Like Your Game?

Stranger Things characters playing Dungeons & Dragons

Although you're probably playing with friends, friends should be honest with each other. You may make a couple of mistakes that get called out. You have to really sit down and think to yourself how you would feel if a player or all your players said they didn't enjoy your game.

Of course, it's okay to be upset, but also think about ways you'd seek feedback and how you'd try to improve and prepare in case you feel like such feedback could discourage you from being a DM at all. It's important to be open to change as a DM and be receptive to constructive criticism.

4 The Will

Will You Make Your Own Homebrew?

Split image of DND characters - two engaged in discussion, one holding a goblet, and a character holding a glowing power

Ah yes, now we get to the fun stuff. A lot of Dungeon Masters form their own homebrew mostly through their own world. If you've never done worldbuilding before, then it's a 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:good idea to start now, even before yꦛou dip your toes into being a DMไ.

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But also consider if you'd create other homebrew options, such as monsters or cool weapons. There are plenty of resources to aid you in the creation of your own stuff and sites like D&D Beyond even have templates to help you create all sorts of hom🦋ebrew.

3 The Sꩲtyles

How Do You Feel About Changing Your DM Or Campaign Style?

D&D An Orc monk blasts an enemy with magic as they strike out
An Orc Monk Of the Four Elements Unleashes A Ki-Fueled Attack By Sam Keiser

This is more a question about the idea that not every player of yours will play like you. Perhaps you're 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:more of a roleplayer at heart and so you're used to having games that focus more on storytelling. But then comes along a player who wishes to "min-max" their character, making them optimal for skills, combat, and more.

You have to understand that your players may want differ൩ent things out of the game than you do. With that in mind, just be aware of asking your players for feedback ꦗand cater the game to what they may want to play.

2 The Tone

Is Your Campaign Going To Be More Serious Or Comical?

Dungeons & Dragons image showing two Flaming Fist members placing recruitment posters
Recruitment Drive by Diego Gisbert

A great and easy question to ask yourself before planning a campaign is whether it's going to be more serious at your table or slightly more comical. Of course, you can always have a balance. But you likely will never tend to have it be so balanced it doesn't lean one way or another.

If you want a lighter tone with jokes and gags that aren't taken so seriously, then great. But you should also prepare for what this campaign could be and check that your players are on board. Ask yourself whether you have the capacity to add serious moments and levity to certain situations, no matter which style you choose.

1 The No

Are You Okay Saying No To Your Players?

Adventurers brawl in a tarvern in Dungeons and Dragons
The Brawl at Yawning Portal Tavern by Scott Murphy

An important rule in Dungeons & Dragons is to be more open to saying yes to your players. However, 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:an equally important rule is s⭕aying no. T🍒he rule of cool is all fine and good but sometimes your players will ask to do something that you will have to put your foot down and say no to.

You should be prepared for disagreements with your players and get used to the idea that you have to make decisions like this almost every session, whether it's to do with rules, actions, or something else. It may be uncomfortable but your overall mission is to make the game fair and enjoyable for all, including yourself.

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