Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post

Baraka_Guru · 07-01-2008, 04:12 PM

I've recently decided (well, was convinced) to make my second foray into Dungeon Mastering (DMing) AD&D sessions (of which, it is hoped, aberkok will be a part).

My first time at the helm went for a few sessions before fizzling out. A postmortem may have revealed the following issues:

The campaign was missing too many details.
I was unorganized.
I didn't have a firm enough grasp of the rules/system.
Players became distracted--they joked around, and easily became unfocussed.
Unsure of what to do regarding players who couldn't make it to a session, which, as adults, happens often enough.
Overall, the players may not have been invested enough in the campaign.

I know there are a few players on TFP. I would like to get your feedback and tips on what the "best practices" are regarding running a focussed, efficient, yet enjoyable campaign. I know the Dungeon Masters Guide touches on this, but it would help to have feedback from players and current or former DMs.

I will likely be starting a campaign from scratch. Most of what entices me about DMing is the creative aspect. So I would like to hear about everything: the world, running game mechanics, quick tips on session logistics, being a good host, etc.

What are your best experiences? How were they pulled off?

NOTE: I will be running version 3.5 indefinitely.

07-01-2008, 04:12 PM	#1 (permalink)
Baraka_Guru warrior bodhisattva Super Moderator Location: East-central Canada	AD&D: What makes a good Dungeon Master? I've recently decided (well, was convinced) to make my second foray into Dungeon Mastering (DMing) AD&D sessions (of which, it is hoped, aberkok will be a part). My first time at the helm went for a few sessions before fizzling out. A postmortem may have revealed the following issues: The campaign was missing too many details. I was unorganized. I didn't have a firm enough grasp of the rules/system. Players became distracted--they joked around, and easily became unfocussed. Unsure of what to do regarding players who couldn't make it to a session, which, as adults, happens often enough. Overall, the players may not have been invested enough in the campaign. I know there are a few players on TFP. I would like to get your feedback and tips on what the "best practices" are regarding running a focussed, efficient, yet enjoyable campaign. I know the Dungeon Masters Guide touches on this, but it would help to have feedback from players and current or former DMs. I will likely be starting a campaign from scratch. Most of what entices me about DMing is the creative aspect. So I would like to hear about everything: the world, running game mechanics, quick tips on session logistics, being a good host, etc. What are your best experiences? How were they pulled off? NOTE: I will be running version 3.5 indefinitely. __________________ Knowing that death is certain and that the time of death is uncertain, what's the most important thing? —Bhikkhuni Pema Chödrön Humankind cannot bear very much reality. —From "Burnt Norton," Four Quartets (1936), T. S. Eliot Last edited by Baraka_Guru; 07-01-2008 at 04:27 PM..