How to be a Better GM

My crowd also, There are more of us around than the impression one would get reading the forums. Or the online DM advice. It is something to establish at the beginning. I suspect that this is why prewritten adventures sell so well, despite all the advice to the contrary.
This is why you have to be really clear if you want to use a different format for your campaign, for example some variety of sandbox. Have to push through player indoctrination.
 

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Everyone is indoctrinated by their training and experience. Pelor knows I've been indoctrinated into plenty of things.
Your use of the word 'indoctrinated' is pretty loaded in terms of this conversation, that was the point I think, whether or not you intended that word to be divisive.
 

Your use of the word 'indoctrinated' is pretty loaded in terms of this conversation, that was the point I think, whether or not you intended that word to be divisive.
Ok. Say that players may need to be persuaded to a different perspective. "Unlearn what they have learned" so to speak.
 


Frankly, we could use some indoctrination these days! When was the last time new players scooped up bat guano, count torches, or ask DMs leading questions???
Yeah. Too much "I'm a hero, I'm going to save the world whilst resolving my sad family backstory" right from the off. Whatever happened to spending the first 4 sessions in an Inn cellar killing rats - learning a trade?
Kids these days want it handed them on a plate. It wouldn't have happened in my day!
It all went wrong when they stopped 3D6 down the line in my opinion. Made 'em soft. Say what you want about Gygax: he made the wandering monsters show up on time.
And don't even get me started on Tabaxi! What's wrong with playing an elf. Just say you have a furry cloak and like milk.
I mean Tabaxi!!
 
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I'm going to add something that is obvious (for all things) but is not nearly enough mentioned, I certainly have not seen it mentioned on these boards ever.
Getting enough rest (as a GM) the night before really helps one with attitude, patience, clarity of mind and the ability to recall ideas you've been running through your head much easier.
I'd say, for me, it is probably more important than having anything prepared. I run through ideas while I'm driving to and from work, or just before I go to bed or when I'm brushing my teeth or showering...etc, I do not need masses of notes.
But nothing gives me that peace of mind before a game like a good night's sleep.

Has anyone else found this to be invaluable? I just feel I run a better game when I'm rested.
 
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Yeah. Too much "I'm a hero, I'm going to save the world whilst resolving my sad family backstory" right from the off. Whatever happened to spending the first 4 sessions in an Inn cellar killing rats - learning a trade?
Kids these days want it handed them on a plate. It wouldn't have happened in my day!
It all went wrong when they stopped 3D6 down the line in my opinion. Made 'em soft. Say what you want about Gygax: he made the wandering monsters show up on time.
And don't even get me started on Tabaxi! What's wrong with playing an elf. Just say you have a furry cloak and like milk.
I mean Tabaxi!!
I used the rat quest in my last game. Went over quite well with my group.
 

Then maybe "So You Want to Be a Game Master?" would be more up your sleeve??
Justin's been producing great GM advice for years and I'm hoping his book does well.
 

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