DM Mon Macutay's insights, tips and tricks for the new D&D Dungeon Master

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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