A DM's main priority is...

[rounser]

I'm interested in what DMs consider their main priority when running a D&D campaign, at a more specific level than "make sure the players and I are having fun", which I'm sure most campaigns have as a default goal...

 

[Hejdun]

My goal is to have fun. That basically means doing whatever the players want to do, and have fun doing it. It doens't particuarly matter what we are doing, the players basically decide that.

 

[Crothian]

I went with enjoying the story arc. There were quite a few choices that are important. The story is the biggest thing as a DM I do. I make sure that each of the many arcs are enjoyible and fun in a variety of ways.

Any reason for this poll other then a burning curiosity?

 

[rounser]

Any reason for this poll other then a burning curiosity?

Not really. You suspect an ulterior motive?

 

[Cedric]

Other...

Trying hard to make sure as many people in the group as possible have fun...

Cedric

 

[Crothian]

Not really. You suspect an ulterior motive?

There is always an Ulterior Motive.

Many peopel ask questions with a specific reason envolved, but they don't state the reason. And the reason is ussually very important to the question.

 

[smetzger]

I chose other because I think it should be all of the above. The more of those points that a DM can hit the better he is.

 

[rounser]

Many peopel ask questions with a specific reason envolved, but they don't state the reason. And the reason is ussually very important to the question.

Wise words indeed.

Apart from the reason given in the initial post, I suppose the motive is to compare my views on what is important to a campaign with those of others (and in doing so, perhaps challenge my own views), and also to catch a glimpse of the "DM priority zeitgeist" of the moment (assuming it changes over time).

 

[Cyronax]

I chose PC and NPC characterization and relationship, but I have to say that any really good campaign must draw from a bit of all of the given choices. I strive to make the PCs feel like they're really in the campaign world.

I also like to bring out a few D&D stereotypes like good ole' dungeon crawls and a few pointless random encounters (not necessarily combat based brw). That kind of thing is essential in all of the extended campaigns I've run, just b/c I use those kinds of devices to help break up some tension and also give myself a bit of fun.

C.I.D.

 

[Umbran]

I choose "other" because a few of those are too close to choose between them. Not everything in that list is of prime importance to all games, but many things are. I don't think I could focus on just one of those as prime, and expect to have a good game.