I want to DM so that our current DM can have a chance to play. I have literally played a few sessions but not even a full campaign. I need some tips and basic knowledge if anyone can help.
Will you be playing a published adventure of some kind, or are you looking to develop your own game? How many players do you have? Also, what sort of resources do you have access to in terms of rule books?
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"The mongoose blew out its candle and was asleep in bed before the room went dark." —Llanowar fable
Ask your GM for resources and tips. Every GM has their own style but take ideas from how your own playing experiences went - what did you like or not like. Try to incorporate those things you liked.
Don't stress too much. GMing is hard, especially the first few times.
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"Sooner or later, your Players are going to smash your railroad into a sandbox."
-Vedexent
"real life is a super high CR."
-OboeLauren
"............anybody got any potatoes? We could drop a potato in each hole an' see which ones get viciously mauled by horrible monsters?"
Taking the plunge and becoming a first-time dungeon master is never easy. The game hinges around your preparedness, after all, and that can stress out even the most seasoned DM. It does get easier with time, however, and you'll eventually learn your player's nuances and how you can best tailor your game to their individual preferences. But remember that D&D is about having fun and that includes you. Find enjoyment in challenging yourself and your players; I personally get giddy when my players overcome an encounter, no matter how big or small.
It's awesome that you want to give your DM a chance to play. That's one of the best gifts players can give a DM...a chance to just show up and play a session or two without prep!
If this is your first time and you're just looking at giving your DM a small break, might I recommend running a one shot game? Something that might only take 2-4 hours, maybe one or two sessions. There are a TON of options out there for one shot adventures of all sizes at all levels. Pick something you find fun, have your DM roll a character to join your current party, and DM a sidequest type adventure. It'll be less prep for you as you're already familiar with the characters and the world from playing in it, and something short won't be as daunting for your first time!
If your DM hasn't already run it, I recommend the D&D Starter Set adventure Lost Mine of Phandelver. Either buy the box set (it's not very expensive) or you can buy the adventure here on DDB.
Not only is it a great introductory adventure that can lead right in to Storm King's Thunder or other adventures, but it's great for learning how to DM.
You may also want to check out some of the videos on YouTube by Matt Colville, or some of the DM Tips videos by Matt Mercer or Satine Phoenix.
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"Orcs are savage raiders and pillagers with stooped postures, low foreheads, and piggish faces with prominent lower canines that resemble tusks." MM p245 (original printing) You don't OWN your books on DDB: WotC can change them any time. What do you think will happen when OneD&D comes out?
Welcome aboard. I applaud your willingness to venture into the deep end of the pool as it were. DMing is, or can be, great fun. You just have to find your comfort zone in it. Preparation can make your life easier or it can paralyze you with overload...although this is a plug for yet another pay product "the Way of the Lazy Dungeon Master" is an excellent guide I guess to preparing "only what you need". I cannot recommend this method more. If the campaign is unlikely to travel to the Kingdom of Ugduz in the South, do not waste 4-5 nights crafting minutiae for it.
I also recommend the "Playing the Game" youtube series by Matt Colville. He is a river to his people.
Hawk
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I want to DM so that our current DM can have a chance to play. I have literally played a few sessions but not even a full campaign. I need some tips and basic knowledge if anyone can help.
Will you be playing a published adventure of some kind, or are you looking to develop your own game? How many players do you have? Also, what sort of resources do you have access to in terms of rule books?
Ask your GM for resources and tips. Every GM has their own style but take ideas from how your own playing experiences went - what did you like or not like. Try to incorporate those things you liked.
Don't stress too much. GMing is hard, especially the first few times.
"Sooner or later, your Players are going to smash your railroad into a sandbox."
-Vedexent
"real life is a super high CR."
-OboeLauren
"............anybody got any potatoes? We could drop a potato in each hole an' see which ones get viciously mauled by horrible monsters?"
-Ilyara Thundertale
Taking the plunge and becoming a first-time dungeon master is never easy. The game hinges around your preparedness, after all, and that can stress out even the most seasoned DM. It does get easier with time, however, and you'll eventually learn your player's nuances and how you can best tailor your game to their individual preferences. But remember that D&D is about having fun and that includes you. Find enjoyment in challenging yourself and your players; I personally get giddy when my players overcome an encounter, no matter how big or small.
"The Epic Level Handbook wasn't that bad, guys.
Guys, pls."
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InsiderIt's awesome that you want to give your DM a chance to play. That's one of the best gifts players can give a DM...a chance to just show up and play a session or two without prep!
If this is your first time and you're just looking at giving your DM a small break, might I recommend running a one shot game? Something that might only take 2-4 hours, maybe one or two sessions. There are a TON of options out there for one shot adventures of all sizes at all levels. Pick something you find fun, have your DM roll a character to join your current party, and DM a sidequest type adventure. It'll be less prep for you as you're already familiar with the characters and the world from playing in it, and something short won't be as daunting for your first time!
If this sounds good to you, check out James' Encounters of the Week series (https://www.dndbeyond.com/tag/encounter-of-the-week) to see if there's anything there that you find fun!
Find me on Twitter: @OboeLauren
If your DM hasn't already run it, I recommend the D&D Starter Set adventure Lost Mine of Phandelver. Either buy the box set (it's not very expensive) or you can buy the adventure here on DDB.
Not only is it a great introductory adventure that can lead right in to Storm King's Thunder or other adventures, but it's great for learning how to DM.
You may also want to check out some of the videos on YouTube by Matt Colville, or some of the DM Tips videos by Matt Mercer or Satine Phoenix.
"Orcs are savage raiders and pillagers with stooped postures, low foreheads, and piggish faces with prominent lower canines that resemble tusks." MM p245 (original printing)
You don't OWN your books on DDB: WotC can change them any time. What do you think will happen when OneD&D comes out?
Welcome aboard. I applaud your willingness to venture into the deep end of the pool as it were. DMing is, or can be, great fun. You just have to find your comfort zone in it. Preparation can make your life easier or it can paralyze you with overload...although this is a plug for yet another pay product "the Way of the Lazy Dungeon Master" is an excellent guide I guess to preparing "only what you need". I cannot recommend this method more. If the campaign is unlikely to travel to the Kingdom of Ugduz in the South, do not waste 4-5 nights crafting minutiae for it.
I also recommend the "Playing the Game" youtube series by Matt Colville. He is a river to his people.
Hawk