The Secrets to Being a Better Dungeon Master
What I Would Tell Past Me About Dungeon Mastering
So, I have been Dming for the last 10 years now and wish I knew what I know now when I first started. As I can’t help past me out, short of time travel, I thought I would help any Dungeon Master out there willing to try an improve themselves. I am going to share some of the things I learnt along the way of running Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition games.
Make sure you know your players and their characters.
Now, I don’t just mean their name or their character’s class. I mean what interests the player? Why have they come to your game? What do they want to get from DND? These questions are a must for a DM to know. As for their characters, what is their goal? What drives them? Knowing the answers to these questions can help you create a personalise sessions that your players will be invested in. Remember this is a shared storytelling game.
Be flexible
Don’t get hung up on your players not following your story perfectly, allow them to be silly, allow them time to enjoy the moment and roleplay. Adapt to your players’ needs remember they are the stars, make sure to make them shine. There is a good middle ground between railroading your party to the next plot point and being is such a sand box they don’t know what to do.
Atmosphere is everything
When I first started I didn’t think of props, cool maps or ambient music. Prepare this! It can change an ok game of DND into a Dungeons and Dragons experience, that your players talk about for months. I still have an old talking skeleton prop, that my players wouldn’t stop talking about for years. Little things like a black table cloth and candles can make a big difference to a gothic horror game and shows you have put thought and effort into immersing your players.
Listen, really listen
This one may sound a bit silly but listen to your players. What they want to do, their passions and their interests. Try to get on the same wave length as your players. Try to understand their wants and needs, maybe even before they do.
Have Fun
The whole purpose of the game is to have fun, but as a DM you can somethings loose sight of that. Worrying about the next encounter or the voice for an NPC and this can make you stressed. Try to enjoy the moment and chill! That is what I would say to past me.
Conclusion
If I could write a letter to past me these are the things that would be included, for DND anyway. Remember to enjoy the game and show your players some love as they deserve it. Hopefully, this helped some of you out.
What would be your top tip to tell past you about DND?
