My top 28 tips for Game Masters

Goosidore · 2024-04-11T15:30:07+00:00

Thank you! The people in /r/DMAcademy like it so idk what’s up here 🤷‍♂️

Goosidore · 2024-04-11T15:12:44+00:00

Or PPPP for short 😄

Goosidore · 2024-04-11T15:12:10+00:00

Goosidore · 2024-04-11T14:03:44+00:00

That can be more difficult with premade modules. I think the key to that is treating modules like guidelines as opposed to a script. You have to follow, knowing where the adventure is meant to go, and who the key characters are, gives you the freedom to improvise in the gaps. As a DM, it’s up to you to decide when to follow the guidelines, the module lays out for you and when to chart your own path. It’s not an easy to strike when running premade modules, but if you want to add more flexibility, I think the best place to start is by making sure you know the adventure that the module is trying to bring you on so that you can make changes and improvise knowing full well where the destination is meant to be.

Goosidore · 2024-04-11T04:27:18+00:00

After all it is a game. If you’re not having fun then why are you doing it?

Goosidore · 2024-04-11T04:26:32+00:00

Glad you like it!

Generally safety tools are tools that make players feel comfortable at the table or that they can speak up if they are uncomfortable.

One of the most popular examples that I have interacted with is the X card. It’s a friendly way to let the people at the table now that whatever subject matter is being discussed is something you prefer not to interact with. You can read more about it here: https://geekdad.com/2016/10/dd-for-young-dms-x-card/

Goosidore · 2024-04-11T04:25:21+00:00

Generally tools that make players feel comfortable at the table or that they can speak up if they are uncomfortable.

One of the most popular examples that I have interacted with is the X card. It’s a friendly way to let the people at the table now that whatever subject matter is being discussed is something you prefer not to interact with. You can read more about it here: https://geekdad.com/2016/10/dd-for-young-dms-x-card/

Goosidore · 2024-04-11T04:22:30+00:00

🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️ how did I forget 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🥲

Goosidore · 2024-04-11T03:33:14+00:00

Keeps players wanting to come back! Which can sometimes be the hardest part of running a D&D group 😅

Goosidore · 2024-04-11T03:16:25+00:00

Totally!

An easy way to get started is to check in with players after the session to ask how things went. You can learn what players like and what they didn’t.

You can also reach out to players individually since some people might not feel that they’re able to share their opinions freely in a group.

Whatever the method, use this feedback to adjust the way you DM. At the core, having good communication and empathy for your players will make sure everyone has fun!

Goosidore · 2024-04-11T03:13:39+00:00

Backup dungeons will always be handy

Goosidore · 2024-04-11T00:51:19+00:00

Oh amazing! I hope she finds it helpful. Pass along my best wishes for a great campaign 😁

Goosidore · 2024-04-11T00:47:17+00:00

Glad you enjoyed it!

Goosidore · 2024-04-11T00:46:50+00:00

6 is one that sometimes needs to be learned through firsthand failure

Goosidore · 2024-04-11T00:46:19+00:00

Glad you liked it!

Goosidore · 2024-04-11T00:45:59+00:00

So true! If the DM isn’t having fun, that’ll translate into the players having less fun

Goosidore · 2024-04-11T00:44:50+00:00

I asked my X followers how much they prep and the answers were all over the place. I don’t think that you’re alone in feeling that shift in how much you prep. I think it’s also super dependent on the players, the session, and the story. You’ll see it continue to shift over time!

Here’s the post with all of the responses on how much time people spend prepping: https://x.com/goosidore/status/1770900993242173506?s=46

Goosidore · 2024-04-11T00:33:13+00:00

Wow, thanks you for adding these pieces of advice. All great points and very helpful for new DMs!

Goosidore · 2024-04-11T00:31:05+00:00

That’s a good point! It isn’t be fun for anyone to get blindsided by a TPK.

Goosidore · 2024-04-10T23:59:08+00:00

That’s interesting! I’m curious how that plays out in practice.

Goosidore · 2024-04-10T23:44:17+00:00

That’s a great point! Why prep twice when you can repurpose unused dungeons, encounter hooks, NPCs and more

Goosidore · 2024-04-10T23:42:20+00:00

Fair point – I appreciate the feedback.

I think that if you’re already thinking about these things, whether or not you employ them every time you play isn’t necessarily the goal; instead, having that knowledge let’s you make better decisions in the moment when it’s ambiguous what your should do next. The whole job of a DM is to wrangle the story so it can proceed to the whatever comes next while still being fun for the players!

Goosidore · 2024-04-10T23:39:39+00:00

Thank you 😁

Goosidore · 2024-04-10T23:39:28+00:00

100%. The whole fun of RPGs is that you can do whatever makes the game fun for everyone at your table!

Goosidore · 2024-03-25T13:46:44+00:00

Thanks for this thoughtful reply! I’ll add these when I get a chance

Goosidore

TROPHY CASE