DM Goals...

So, what is a Dungeon Master/Story-Teller/Game Master? Well, it is something different for everyone. There are, however, some basic goals of the DM/ST/GM that seem to be universal. These goals are to referee the game at hand, to create an interesting plot, and to run an enjoyable game.

Firstly, as a referee, the DM should be able to be fair and consistent. One thing to always remember is that the game is supposed to be fun for everyone at the table including the you, the DM. Some DM's forget this and make the game a "them versus me" activity. Usually this ends with no one having fun and the DM not being fair in his rulings. Always be fair with how you arbitrate the rules. When doing so, make sure that, if it is a ruling that you made before, you make it the same this time. Nothing is more frustrating as a player than when someone else around the table has a different rule decision than you about the same rule.

Secondly, the DM needs to create an interesting plot. I use the word plot because the DM SHOULD NOT write a story. The story is a by-product of the players playing the plot. The story is what comes out of the game this being played. Therefore, everyone around the table has a say in what story they want told. Also, it doesn't feel like the DM has an agenda and if you don't meet that agenda as a player, you are going to ruin the game. I see this all the time (and have done once or twice) where the DM has spent hours writing a story and then the players think of something that he didn't and everything falls to pieces. If you write a plot, a general outline of events and/or places that you want the players to enjoy, the story will be created as the people around the table play the game. It is a pretty amazing thing because it also lets you enjoy that game as well as the DM. Also, this makes you very flexible and makes you seem witty and prepared. It can be hard at first to let go of that much control, but in actuality you have more control over what happens.

Thirdly, the DM needs to run an enjoyable game. I touched on this earlier, but, this is very important. This game is not about you, it is about the players. If they are not having fun, there isn't a point to this game. They will become frustrated and not want to play. I would say that this is the most important thing you can do. Above all else, make the game fun to play to the point that no rule shall ever get in the way.

With these universal goals in mind, you will be well on your way to being a great DM. There are other skills that go along with these, but you will pick them up as you go and will be able to tailor them to the game's needs. Have fun and listen to your players.

Beginnings...

This blog has been setup to help others become better Dungeon Masters (DMs). I use DM only because it seems to be the most common term for the role. Other games use Game Master, Story-teller, and so on.

Let the tips begin.