D&D 5E What is the best way to learn how to be a DM?

[Manbearcat]

I think I would put this under the "figure it out as you go" category

What I’m envisioning, and what I tried to convey, is more “a disciplined application of a fornula that has worked well for other endeavors.”

1) Understand paradigm at a conceptual level.

2) Build a substrate of sound fundamentals.

3) Put (1) and (2) together before you “go live.”

I felt “figure it out as you go” was more “art or anarchy or feel” vs what im depicting above, so that is why I didn’t go with that. Were you envisioning “figure it out as you go” captures that model?

 

[pointofyou]

It does.

My cousin put up a heck of a fight... but he was the DM and well, I needed to learn how to be a DM--it seemed the quickest way at the time.

I'm sure it has worked out well for you and that you miss your cousin dearly.

 

[DND_Reborn]

I'm sure it has worked out well for you and that you miss your cousin dearly.

It has--totally worth it--but yeah, there are times when I miss him. Fortunately, sometimes he channels his spirit through me, but then I end up yelling at myself. What can you do, right?

 

[niklinna]

I would like for there to be some sort of comprehensive book that I could read, that progressively laid down the fundamentals, addressed DM and player motivations from the start, talked about how D&D interfaces (and doesn't interface) with those motivations, and offered ways to tailor things to address varying motivations. Ways to apply general rules to specific situations that might not be obvious. When and what to handle transparently vs. hiding info (of whatever sort) from players...which can relate to motivations. How to scale things up from a simple adventure (easier for a beginner), to more involved adventure, to a series of related advantures, to a sprawling campaign. How and why to homebrew (or not, digital tech and league play being what they are these days). Stuff like that.

 

[TerraDave]

By DMing

 

[overgeeked]

Just dive in and figure it out as you go. Most of the options are great for hints, tips, tricks, etc. But the only way to really learn is by doing it. It’s probably better to play awhile first, but if that’s not an option, just dive in.

 

[Oofta]

Is murdering a good DM and consuming their flesh so their power transfers to you off the table?

Sadly it's very hard to get dice while in prison, so I hope you're good at arts and crafts. I hear origami can come in handy for those d20s.

 

[Malmuria]

What I’m envisioning, and what I tried to convey, is more “a disciplined application of a fornula that has worked well for other endeavors.”

1) Understand paradigm at a conceptual level.

2) Build a substrate of sound fundamentals.

3) Put (1) and (2) together before you “go live.”

I felt “figure it out as you go” was more “art or anarchy or feel” vs what im depicting above, so that is why I didn’t go with that. Were you envisioning “figure it out as you go” captures that model?

I think figuring it out as you go would be a kind of autodidactic process, so dependent on how people pick up new skills in general (and a host of other variables--age, language, etc). You sound very rigorous and mindful about your learning practice; not sure that would be the case for everyone (for a child, for example).

 

[Malmuria]

Sadly it's very hard to get dice while in prison, so I hope you're good at arts and crafts. I hear origami can come in handy for those d20s.

How Inmates Play Tabletop RPGs in Prisons Where Dice Are Contraband

In correctional facilities across America, inmates cluster around tables in the common room to play games like Dungeons & Dragons. And they do it without dice.

www.vice.com

 

[EzekielRaiden]

Hard disagree. While I don't think it should be necessary (as it was in the bad old days), I feel that your current DM is by far the best source of information for becoming a DM. They might be a jackwagon, but if you enjoy playing under them, then their style is probably similar enough to your own. If not... you should be looking for a new DM instead.

Assuming, of course, that you actually know what you definitely do enjoy doing and what you definitely don't enjoy doing. Also assuming you have the breadth of experience and contrast to be able to tell when you enjoyed things simply because you didn't know any better or didn't have any other options, vs when you enjoyed things because those things really were speaking directly to your interests.