This document provides tips for new Dungeon Masters (DMs) on running their first roleplaying game session. It discusses challenges like learning the rules, further studying how other DMs run games, preparing game materials, and using digital tools. It also offers advice on creating adventures, dealing with different player types, establishing house rules, and focusing on enabling fun rather than strict rule adherence. The overall goal is to help new DMs feel prepared to run their first game and overcome common hurdles faced by those just starting out in the role of DM.

1. I’m anew DM, nowwhat?
By Mon Macutay, G&G Con May 29, 2016

2. About Me
Marketing Director
2003 to 2013

7. The Challenges of being a new Game Master (GM)

8. 1. RULES
• Familiarity with the rules
• Character Creation
• Core Mechanic(s)
• Combat
• Make Characters!
• Do Playtest Sessions
• How do you teach the
rules?
• Share the EXPERIENCE,
not the mechanics.

9. 2. FURTHER LEARNING
• Online (Forums, Social Media,
Youtube, Blogs, Game
Supplements)
• D&D Youtube Channel
• Geek and Sundry
• Gnome Stew
• G&G Facebook
• D&D Philippines
• Phil Tabletop FB
• How do OTHER DMs do it?
• Actual Experience is the BEST!

10. 3. GM BLING (Gear)
• Rule books, Supplements
• Dice
• Battle- Mat
• Miniatures (source: board games,
online, HeroClix, Paper Minis, DIY)
• Laptop, Tablet
• Speakers (for BGM)
• Note taking (notebook, binders,
index cards, binder clips)
• Bags, storage

15. 4. DIGITAL TOOLS
1. ROLL20 https://roll20.net/
2. Obsidian Portal
https://winterstwilight.obsidianportal.com/
3. SRD (Systems Reference Document)
Bestiaries, Treasure, Magic Items, Resource
4. Campaign Mapping: MashupForge
(http://mashupforge.com/)
5. Wordpress
(https://thecrimsoncompany.wordpress.co
m/)
6. Facebook Groups – Campaign
communication & Coordination
7. Google – Photos and Images of NPCs,
Locations, Challenges, Villains and Monsters
8. Various iPad and Android Apps – Dice
Generators, NPC names, Randomizers,
Initiative Trackers… enjoy!

18. 4. RUNNING THE GAME
• Making adventures
• Published
• (Next “Level Up”): Make your own
• 5 “Room” Dungeon
(Entrance/Guardian, Puzzle/RP
Challenge, Red Herring, Climax,
Plot Twist)
• Campaigns
• One-Shots
• Mini-Series (3 sessions)
• Full-on Campaign

19. DEALING WITH PLAYERS

20. 5. HOUSE RULES
• Turn off (or silence) all mobile devices (except if you are
using it for a gaming app or your character sheet).
• Inform everyone in advance if you can’t make it (NO “Last-
minute”)
• Pay attention to the game and your DM.
• The Character is NOT the player (don’t take Role-Playing
personally).
• Respect everyone’s time. Don’t be late.
• Chip in for food and drinks.
• DM will make a ruling now to move the game forward and
then research on it later.

21. Different Player Types

22. Different Player Types
1. The Powergamer – min,maxer. Wants his PC to be optimized as much
as possible.
2. The Warrior – His definition of “fun” is always combat!
3. The Mute (or significant other) – Is there just for the heck of it. Will
not be pro-active.
4. The Storyteller – Cares more about his background and story more
than combat or mechanics
5. The Looter – looking forward to the next loot so that his character
can get better
6. The Explorer – Wants to “see the world”. Can’t resist going through
ALL the rooms!
7. The Rules Lawyer – “DM, sorry… you’re WRONG!”

23. Final Tips

24. Tips for Newbie GMs
1. Don’t Overplan or Over-detail – You can’t design everything at once.
Sometimes your plans will not be the players’ plans.
2. Not YOUR Game – You have to be PC’s biggest fan. They are the heroes, not
you or your awesome NPCS!
3. Set Expectations – It is a dungeon crawl? What rules? Role-playing heavy?
One shot? Low magic?
4. Don’t Overemphasize on rules – Rules as guides. Don’t let game be bogged
down by it
5. Learn to Shut Up and Lean Back – Give the PCs ample time to interact and
talk about it too.
6. Don’t try to be TOO Original – You can borrow from movies, books, comics,
the web. Reskin, customize. Players won’t mind!
7. Enable FUN – What’s a game if you’re not having fun?
Source: Dawnforgedcast on youtube

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