Why do you DM?

[Shadeus]

I've been a player and DM off and on over the last 15 or so years. I love to read modules and sourcebooks to get other DMs perspective. In the last few years, I've decided I don't enjoy being a DM nearly as much as being a player. I love to write adventures. I love to create new characters. But I just don't typically send players through my adventures (unless I'm submitting them for publication and need playtesting).

I guess I'm asking why you like to DM. Do you like challenging a group of your friends? Do you like to build the world in which they live? What's your motivation for being a DM?

 

[Maraxle]

I like to build the worlds. Also, while as a Player, you're stuck with one character, I get to play many characters. Finally, I consider myself very perceptive when it comes to the general feel of how the game is going. As DM, I can put that to use, and try to make it enjoyable for everyone.

 

[Furn_Darkside]

Salutations,

Ha, because I am the only competent one willing to do it.

I really have no interest in dm'ng, and would prefer to play.

There is noone else in my group who is capable or willing to be a regular dm.

FD

 

[Psychotic Dreamer]

I enjoy running games because I love telling stories. I love coming up with an idea and seeing where it goes in the hands of the players. I'm an amatuer writer (although my writing never goes anywhere) and running games is a good place for me to get my ideas out. So basically because it's fun.

 

[Corinth]

Because I've yet to encounter anyone who can runs games to my satisfaction.

 

[candidus_cogitens]

From the time that I started playing, I found that I wanted to be able to "play" between sessions. I wanted to be able to do stuff with my character. So, I would mess around with creating new characters that I might use in the future, figuring out all the rules, etc. But I was always frustrated that there was not very much that I could really do. So then it occurred to me that if I was the DM, I could spend my spare time coming up with a whole array of plots and characters. Lots more opportunity to use my imagination!

I guess if I felt competent to write publishable adventures I would do that too.

 

[Orco42]

I DM so I can be mean to all of my friends and at the end of the night they still like me (well most of the time).

Plus I like to have control.

 

[Uller]

Why I like to DM:

...for the same reason I liked to pull the wings off of flies as a child...

Seriously...I like to DM out of a love for the game. If I don't DM, most others in the group wouldn't even be playing (there is one other player who will DM. He and I take turns DMing two seperate campaigns).

Among my group, I have the greatest understanding of the rules and how the game works. While the other players are struggling to figure out the rules that apply to their own characters, I am able to understand the rules as a whole. Even the other DM in our group often is on shaky ground when it comes to the rules (he's getting better, but he is often stuck in a 2e mindset and has to be reminded that it doesn't work that way anymore).

I have a short attention span. To be "stuck" with the same PC for a year or more is sheer torture. I like to DM because it gives me the greatest opportunity to play around with a variety of class, race, feat, skill and item combinations. If I come up with an interesting character, you betcha the PCs will meet it in the next few sessions.

Mostly...I just enjoy it.

 

[John Crichton]

Fun, fun, fun

It satisfies my need to create and entertain.

I'm a huge control freak (I am of the firm belief that this is a prerequisite of being a DM). I like to know that I'm the one running the show. I like to be responsible for everyone having a good time. I don't mind taking the blame if something goes badly. But it's a huge rush when things go well and everyone enjoys themselves. When the players are happy, I am happy.

As someone mentioned before, the acting aspect is a great draw as well. I can play a dozen different NPC's a night and have them all be different. When I'm a PC, I only get to play one crazy personality that evening.

I think there is an art to it, and I like trying my hand at this art (er, most of the time).

And as a final thought, I started playing D&D as a DM. I didn't really play a stable PC until many years after I ran almost 2 full campaigns. So, it's really what I know best.

 

[brak1]

Why do I like to DM?

I love the story that comes about as a collaberation between you and your players. Neither group would have come up with the story as it unfolds, it's something only available to you as a group. It's that synergy when things get going really good and you're all having a great time and things start to happen that you end up talking about every time you play; "Remember that time when you sat on the Gnome merry-go-round?!"

That's the main reason. Other than that, it's always good when the group tries to bribe you with gifts of junkfood.