Being a DM – Advice from behind the screen

Full Disclaimer: I never will assume I know all there is about D&D or DMing, and you shouldn’t either. It’s the job of the DM to be open, honest, and when possible, grow and learn with their group. That being said, in the coming days, weeks, months, years, and centuries, I’ll being jotting down some DM-isms that I’ve picked up along the way that make DMing enjoyable. Like a DM, this list may change or adapt so keep checking back. As time goes on I’ll dive deeper into this rules with their own posts. In no way should you take these rules as gospel, but feel free to use them or tweak them how you see fit.

• Don’t let rules get in the way of fun.
• It’s ok to not know everything.
• Don’t over prepare.
• But also, mise en place (set up, prepare).
• Try new things.
• Communication and setting expectations AKA Session Zero.
• Reach for the stars but don’t overextend yourself.
• Homebrew and you: Embracing creativity.
• Improvising – where everything is made up and the points don’t matter.
• Handling criticism and player disappointment.