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What was your first year of DMing like? Mistakes new DM's can avoid..
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<blockquote data-quote="doghead" data-source="post: 2931148" data-attributes="member: 8243"><p>For new DM, I would suggest the following.</p><p></p><p>Keep it simple to start. Using the core rules only and playing the lower levels make getting a handle on the basic mechanics much more managable. Be up front about why you want to keep things simple as well.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Definately. I didn't initially. Going back and doing so helped me see what others were doing, and understand why. Then I started modifying things a bit, then moved back to creaeting things from scratch. Starting with smaller one-off adventures allows you to reset things if they aren't working out.</p><p></p><p> </p><p></p><p>I haven't read these materials, but agree that new DM's should do a little reading before jumping in. The DMG guides have been mentioned a few times as a good resource. Then re-read the material after a session or two. Points that didn't register initially may do so the on the second or third reading. The process of analysis and evalution is foundation of learning. Reading articles like those above will help kick that process along.</p><p></p><p> </p><p></p><p>Absolutely. And if you don't know something, be up front about it. </p><p></p><p>Some of the other advice I would hold off giving until the DM has got their feet and taken a few steps. Stuff like <em>scenario vs story</em>, know your players and what they want, know the characters and give everyone a chance to shine, avoid a DM vs player mentality etc, I would leave until later. I know when I came back to DM'ing after quite a few years off, I tried too hard to incorporate all of this all at once, and ended up getting tied in knots. Small steps.</p><p></p><p>thotd</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="doghead, post: 2931148, member: 8243"] For new DM, I would suggest the following. Keep it simple to start. Using the core rules only and playing the lower levels make getting a handle on the basic mechanics much more managable. Be up front about why you want to keep things simple as well. Definately. I didn't initially. Going back and doing so helped me see what others were doing, and understand why. Then I started modifying things a bit, then moved back to creaeting things from scratch. Starting with smaller one-off adventures allows you to reset things if they aren't working out. I haven't read these materials, but agree that new DM's should do a little reading before jumping in. The DMG guides have been mentioned a few times as a good resource. Then re-read the material after a session or two. Points that didn't register initially may do so the on the second or third reading. The process of analysis and evalution is foundation of learning. Reading articles like those above will help kick that process along. Absolutely. And if you don't know something, be up front about it. Some of the other advice I would hold off giving until the DM has got their feet and taken a few steps. Stuff like [I]scenario vs story[/I], know your players and what they want, know the characters and give everyone a chance to shine, avoid a DM vs player mentality etc, I would leave until later. I know when I came back to DM'ing after quite a few years off, I tried too hard to incorporate all of this all at once, and ended up getting tied in knots. Small steps. thotd [/QUOTE]
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