How to be a great DM

So, I want to start this off right: Most everything I will talk about on this blog will be focused on how to DM. Later, I will also give stories on campaign tricks that have gone well and tips on delivering the best party experience.

But first, let’s make like Bob Ross and paint some broad strokes.

First thing to know about DMing—it is hard.

I cannot think of another job that requires such a broad scope of skills to pull off effectively. In fact, I call it a job because I view it exactly as that. A job with a lot of challenging work. In the first campaign I ever ran, the typical Friday game night lasted from 6 to midnight. By the end of that I was completely drained. DMing is a job I love, but it takes all I have to give.

If that hard work lecture didn’t scare you off, perhaps, like me, you got bit by the DM bug and just have to run a game.

Congratulations!

Also, I am so sorry. There’s a lot of work ahead of you. The least I can do is show you how to make it the work a little easier. So let’s start with a list.

To be a great DM you need to be able to do the following:

• Know how to play the game - DMs can break the rules, but that would require knowing the rules, first

• Have a knack for storytelling - Are your friends riveted on your latest tall tale? Do you fascinate small children with the sultry sound of your voice? Hey, you might have a knack for storytelling!

• Leadership - People listen to you

• Know when to say No - You might experience parenthood suddenly

• Know how to say No - Sometimes an outright no might depress your players

• Be comfortable with improv - flexibility is key

• Multitasking - Do all the things!

• Have a lot of energy - You set the tone for the evening. You are the life of the party for 4-6 hours at least.

• And for the cherry on top… voice acting - The best storytellers know intuitively when to speak louder or softer or faster or slower…or imitate the roar of a Tarrasque

Each of these skills are the building blocks that make up a DM. It’s a complex job. It demands a lot of you. Does that list make you nervous? It should! But also, you can do this. If you want to be a great DM, all of these things can be learned.

And there is no better place to learn than at the game table with friends.

In my next post I will start breaking down each of those skills and elaborating on how you can apply them to your next campaign.

Remember, all the organization in the world is helpful. But with a DnD campaign, chaos is likely.

#NumberOneJosiah

Jo is our co-founder, resident DM for Hire and a philosopher of tabletop gaming.

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