A Comprehensive Starter Guide for First-Time DMs
This blog post is based on content from episode 3 of the “Hello, Adventurers!” podcast
Whether you're an aspiring Dungeon Master (DM) taking the reins for the first time or an experienced player looking to refine your approach, we've put together a comprehensive guide to help you excel in your role.
The Basic Must-Haves
Before you delve into the adventure of Dungeon Mastering, you need to cover the basics. This includes having a physical copy of the three core books for D&D: the Player's Handbook, the Monster Manual, and the Dungeon Master's Guide.
Next up is to ensure that each player has a character sheet. Maintain a stack of pre-printed blank character sheets ready for everyone at the table. This gives new or forgetful players the opportunity to create or re-create their characters. It also helps in tracking character development for the DM.
Dice sets are fundamental to the game, so ensure you and every player has one. Keep spare sets in case of unforeseen circumstances or if a newbie happens to join your game.
Lastly, don't forget a good supply of pens and pencils for everyone and a big stack of index cards. The cards can be used for jotting down notes, NPC details, or game instructions and can be handed out as needed.
Diving Deeper into Dungeon Master Essentials
If you are planning to take your DM game to the next level, consider investing in pre-published adventures. They present a structured story and a well-laid out universe, freeing up time for the DM to focus on character interactions and improvisation.
To better organize your thoughts and plans, use post-its or colored paper clips on the physical copy of the adventure guide.
Additional supplies that could enhance the gaming experience include a battle mat for outlining terrain, monsters, and players, and token sets for representing characters and monsters visually.
Lastly, it's not uncommon for DMs to have their own dice-rolling tray or box, something as simple as a cardboard box or a specialized dice tower. This ensures the dice stay in a controlled area and clear for all to see
Optimizing your Dungeon Master Practice
Further to refining your capabilities as a DM, consider investing in additional third-party books such as "How to Be a Great DM" by Guy Sclanders, "How to Write Adventure Modules That Don't Suck" by Goodman Games, and the "Lazy DM's Guide" by Sly Flourish. These provide valuable tips and techniques to enhance your storytelling and campaign creation processes.
Moreover, if you're stumped on what to do for your next session, there are plenty of one-shot adventures available for purchase or design templates to make your own.
Final Words
Becoming a skilled Dungeon Master takes practice and a passion for the game. These essentials will aid you in running smooth sessions but what will make you a great DM is your enthusiasm, creativity, and the enjoyment of your players. Remember, at the end of the day, Dungeons & Dragons is about creating memorable stories and having a great time doing so.
