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Learning How to Be a DM
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<blockquote data-quote="IronWolf" data-source="post: 5340317" data-attributes="member: 21076"><p>To get the feel of the rules it can be beneficial to setup a short scenario to run a group of PCs you build against some monsters, an example combat. This will help you get experience building PCs which can lead to answering some rules questions and letting you see what PCs can do and learn about their abilities.</p><p></p><p>The test combat will let you get the feel for how combat flows, even if it is just you running the PCs and the monsters. Take the time to look up anything that is confusing as you go through this exercise. Also make sure to do more than just swing and attack and do some of the special attacks that need CMB/CMD checks to get familiar with that mechanic.</p><p></p><p>Modules can be helpful to get started, either as something to read to get a feel for how one is laid out or to actually run it. There are pros and cons to both approaches. Reading through a few doesn't hurt though to see what a typical adventure and encounter looks like.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Every group is different - some will want to be roleplay heavy, some focused on combat and others somewhere in-between. There are groups that will be very exploration and combat focused, just make sure the group you form knows that will be the focus and their expectations are set accordingly and you should be fine!</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Different DMs will do it differently. Some want the PCs to be back in town or at least out of the dungeon to level up. Some will let them level as soon as they hit the right XP amount. It's really up to you and what you think fits the feel you are after.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>If you have all of those you have everything you need to get started for sure. Maybe a module to either run (Crypts of the Everflame is a good one) or use for an example of building your own adventures.</p><p></p><p>After that one of the best ways to learn to DM is practice, practice, practice. Or in addition to that if you have a game store near you that plays Pathfinder Society Games you could join some of those as a player and get an example from a GM in action. Local conventions can work for that as sell.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="IronWolf, post: 5340317, member: 21076"] To get the feel of the rules it can be beneficial to setup a short scenario to run a group of PCs you build against some monsters, an example combat. This will help you get experience building PCs which can lead to answering some rules questions and letting you see what PCs can do and learn about their abilities. The test combat will let you get the feel for how combat flows, even if it is just you running the PCs and the monsters. Take the time to look up anything that is confusing as you go through this exercise. Also make sure to do more than just swing and attack and do some of the special attacks that need CMB/CMD checks to get familiar with that mechanic. Modules can be helpful to get started, either as something to read to get a feel for how one is laid out or to actually run it. There are pros and cons to both approaches. Reading through a few doesn't hurt though to see what a typical adventure and encounter looks like. Every group is different - some will want to be roleplay heavy, some focused on combat and others somewhere in-between. There are groups that will be very exploration and combat focused, just make sure the group you form knows that will be the focus and their expectations are set accordingly and you should be fine! Different DMs will do it differently. Some want the PCs to be back in town or at least out of the dungeon to level up. Some will let them level as soon as they hit the right XP amount. It's really up to you and what you think fits the feel you are after. If you have all of those you have everything you need to get started for sure. Maybe a module to either run (Crypts of the Everflame is a good one) or use for an example of building your own adventures. After that one of the best ways to learn to DM is practice, practice, practice. Or in addition to that if you have a game store near you that plays Pathfinder Society Games you could join some of those as a player and get an example from a GM in action. Local conventions can work for that as sell. [/QUOTE]
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