D&D General What makes a good DM good?

[Zardnaar]

Lowkey come to snuff the rooster, aww yeah, hey yeah
Yeah here come the rooster, yeah
You know he ain't gonna die...

AiC great song. The rooster is his dad in Vietnam War iirc.

 

[Stoutstien]

I get that and I generally come down in the same line. I don't even expect players to speak in character if that's not their bag. I feel like if the game has interpersonal skills, you shouldn't let the smooth talking players run rampant without regard to their character's 6 Cha. And I don't think I would mind, say, an Intuition skill that was separate from Insight (which I see as a purely interpersonal skill) that does what you suggest. I just don't like Insight being used for that any more than, say, using Athletics to seduce because fit=hawt.

Which brings up another thing that helps to become a great GM. Always seeking ways to make the game better for everyone.

 

[Reynard]

Which brings up another thing that helps to become a great GM. Always seeking ways to make the game better for everyone.

I agree, although I think it is important to remember that the GM is also a participant and their enjoyment is important too.

 

[Celebrim]

What else?

Hard work.

There is no substitute. A DM has to be prepared. The published sweat of others can go a long ways, but even that can't come to life without effort.

 

[miggyG777]

Players that want to learn.