How can i become a good DM?

Question

Hi, im Zach and i need help becoming a good DM, i have great ideas for quests but i need to get all the rules and stuff stuck into my head. I play as a Fighter normaly and my other friends tell me what to roll and stuff but i want to know how to run a game, are there any books or something that would help me learn pretty fast.

Answer 1

Well a good start would be to buy the DMG (Dungeon Masters Guide) if you haven't already. The DMG contains all the game based knowledge to help you get ideas for implementing your quests. I've been playing 2nd Edition AD&D since 1999 and my DM is amazing. Having taken a stab at DMing I recommend learning about all the other classes in the game so you will have good diversity in your selection of NPC's as well as being prepared to DM for any class your players may choose. The sessions run more smoothly when you know all the class rules and also the basic racial differences. A big help is to know a lot of wizard and priest spells by heart, i.e. knowing the common ones, what they do, area of effect, components, duration, etc... This will significantly speed up combat and you aren't looking in the players handbook every time someone casts a spell. Another good resource is the Monstrous Manual which contains an assortment of monsters and NPC race information that is vital to making diverse and interesting encounters. You can just sit and read the MM and find monsters that are interesting to you and then imagine ways of working them into your campaign. The manual comes complete with all the racial statistics you will need for each monster, but as DM you are free to change an details you wish. Always remember that as DM the rules exist as a guide to help you, but are in no way a straight jacket and you are encouraged to change any rules you dislike or modify them if you find better more efficient ways. Good luck, and have fun!

Answer 2

The other responders all have good advice. What I would suggest is starting small if you're a relative newcomer to RPGs. Worldbuilding is not a task for the beginner! I would suggest looking for premade adventures at first - your local game store may have a bin of secondhand ones for a relatively modest price. Even if you don't actually run players thru them, they'll give you a good behind-the-scenes look at what all is involved in putting together a game - plotline, NPCs, boxtext, player handouts, etc.

Answer 3

Along with all the great advice already posted, try to start with a smaller group of people. 2-4 is good enough that you'll be able to keep on top of things and still run a fun game for your players.

Good luck!

Answer 4

I agree with the previous answer. What I would add is to be a fair DM and not play favorites. I can't remember how many adventures I was in that I was singled out because I did not conform to what certain players wanted. Let players be true to there characters (Good, evil or neutral...even chaotic). And let the group understand that it is for the good of the many, ot the one. (Where have I heard that before LOL).

Answer 5

I think there is a book called DMing for Dummies that may help you out, but putting together an adventure can be a lot of work.  Maps to make, treasures to place, story and clues to place, and so on.  If you get a pre made module and start the players out at 1st level then you will have an easier time.  If you normally play fighters  then you will need to learn how the spells from the magic using classes work.  You also need to master combat.  I have been playing since 1986 and have tons of fun with the game.  Just have fun let the players have fun and you will keep your players to do it over again.  good luck.