Dungeon Mastering 101

So you want to learn how to run a tabletop role-playing game for your friends, or at the very least get advice on how to better at it. Then come and listen to one who has about twenty years experience in tabletop games. Different games generally use the same logic for the person running the game; you are the narrator and thus it is your job to ensure that everyone has a good time.

The first thing is to make sure everyone is on the same page about what kind of game is being played. Before dice are rolled, before characters are even made be sure to sit down with everyone involved. If possible your entire gaming group should be there together. Doing this online is possible but I recommend doing it on something like Discord where there is a voice chat option, as it generally helps speed things along. You're sitting with them to help establish a tone for your upcoming game and to find out if there is anything that your players are uncomfortable with.

It should be said that some people are okay with pushing their boundries but not everyone is. If you are playing some sort of grimdark game but a player has issues with something because of real life trauma, it's best to keep that sort of topic out of the game. These games are made for fun but you don't want to bring something into the game that might discourage people from playing. Talk with everyone; just like in the workplace communication is the key.

There's a lot to keep track of when you are running a game and asking the players for specific information about their characters can be tedious and repetitive, so what's the solution for this? Index cards. Believe me, experienced Dungeon Masters everywhere are using some kind of tool to help them keep track of specific character details in many games, especially in those that have mechanics that directly impact the game. Insanity in Call of Cthulhu, THAC0 in old-school Dungeons and Dragons, and power rankings in Mutants and Masterminds; these are some examples of mechganics and systems in games that the Dungeon Master needs to know at basically all times. It may not always save time, but it will help save everyone from some frustrations from things such as repetitive questions and constantly asking to look at their character sheets.

So the purpose of tabletop games to have fun, right? Part of that is making sure everyone is comfortable. This next piece of advice applies to whomever is inviting players over to their house, if that is where you are playing, which tends to be the Dungeon Master's place in my experience. Clean up. Your and your place don't have to be perfect but make sure that it is presentable. Places to sit, clean table space, a tidy bathroom; these things all on their own will make your guests feel welcome in your home. These are also things to keep in mind if you all meeting up at a mutual location, such as a local diner or game store.

And perhaps the most important piece of advice for now Dungeon Masters; never be afraid to ask for feedback. No one gets better if they don't listen to criticism. Our peers are there to help us and believe me, once you get started your friends will want to see you get better. As you get better you'll come into your own style though that style will be impacted by those you've played with. Remember no one will start off perfect. Now you may not like running games and that is okay. It's not for everyone and some people prefer to just play. You shouldn't feel pressured by anyone, especially yourself.