Beginning DM

[vixenofRPGs]

I'm planning on beginning a campaign in a month. I have a story, long term and a few short term ideas. However, I have no idea where to start preparing for things. I'm beginning a map. What else should I prepare statistically, are there any passages I should read in the books? Even if you just direct me to a page number I'd be grateful. I wish there was a checklist for a DM >_>.

 

[kreynolds]

Honestly, Chapters 1 through 5 of the DMG are a great place to start. There is a lot of great information in there.

 

[Bad Paper]

erm, I would lay off the map for now. A map will put boundaries on your imagination at this point. If anything, take notes for drawing your map later. For example,

• arctic mountains, for that dragon-worshipping yeti cult I always wanted
• swampland to the east, for that dragon-worshipping lizardman cult I always wanted
• desert to the south, for that dragon-worshipping ankheg cult I always wanted
• et cetera

The DMG is fantastic, and if you can get your hands on a DMG2, then read that as well. The first four chapters kick ass. It has waaaaay more detail than you will need at this point, so don't try to be Superman. Come to think of it, I'll say that again:

Don't try to be Superman.

You'll be a good DM in a few years. You won't be perfect right away. Start small! This is why I told you to lay off the map. If you map things out, only map out like a ten-mile radius, beyond which you write on the edge of the map: "Here there be dragons."

good luck!

 

[vixenofRPGs]

Thanks. As for the map I'm working on the map of the first town currently. Nothing major. But it looks as though I have some heavy reading to do.

 

[Patlin]

Most importand and hardest won DMing skill:

Try to listen to all of your players equally, even the ones that aren't making much sense. It's way too easy to favor a particular player just because they happen to problem solve in a manner that's similar to your own. If the party needs to get from A to C in your adventure, make sure to pay as much attention to the player urging Q as to the one urging B, even though you understand the second player more and his suggestion is the surest way to keep the plot moving.

 

[Stormborn]

Second the DMG2. I wish I had read those chapters years ago. It also has Saltmarsh, a great town for you to use and play around with if you need it.
My only other suggestion is to regularly post around here (probablly in General) about your plans and elements of your campaign world. Even long time DMs miss things and can be blindsided by player actions. Getting help ahead of time can help, but when it happens dont feel bad and just do the best you can.