Confessions of an Average DM 2 (starting out)

I feel mildly stupid for forgetting to add one of the main focuses on the DMing aspect of my blogs (well GMing as i wont be talking about D&D in particular) is that it will mainly be tips on DMing and how to start out which is what today's subject is about.

Firstly and probably the most sensible thing need is to actually want to DM. an odd statement sure but some people are asked to DM by their group or just end up it as they put up the least fuss if that's the case well the campaign most likely wont last long I've seen campaigns die after 1 session even if they have promise.

Second have at least a basic grasp of the actual rules maybe you've been in a heavily house ruled campaign and never questioned the DM you suddenly start a game with a completely new group some people are new others have the same amount of experience playing as you. it can be rather embarrassing if a player who has been playing far less than you have know the game better (I have seen this happen between 2 players and it is rather "interesting" to say the least) .

You will also need patience the life of a DM is not a happy one 9 times out of 10 (I may be exaggerating a bit) but if the party demolish everything you throw at them or don't follow the large number of plot hooks you throw at them (some even come with a glowing neon sign attached saying follow me for fuck sake this is getting really boring you arseholes) you have to persevere and not decide to attempt to stab one of your players with a d20 (a reason for this is they are less than a sub optimal weapon the best stabbing implement I suggest a pen (or a knife) as a more effective alternative...wait I think I had a different point there) the best way to avoid this in the first place is to know your group and what they expect from it is the group a bunch of role players and you keep throwing them monsters to kill with out plot that may be a big reason for them rebelling or just not caring about your efforts. It may also be a good idea to know if you actually like the people you are playing with before starting a game, common sense again but sometimes you don't have the time to judge (like if you are running an online game for instance) I'd say have character building session or atleast one to see if people can actually get along.

Finally well you need to be reliable this goes the same for each player in the group the difference is if one player can't make it or can't make it you can work your way round their absence if you aren't there there isn't a game at all. oh and try not to fall for one of your players I've seen that happen too... well that was the basics I think I most likely have forgotten  several things which will get added if they are important enough. but for now this is Owler signing off for now.