New DMs. It’s easily the most discussed topic in the TTRPG hobby. We’ve talked before about tips and tricks for new DMs looking to run their first games. However, this week, we got the chance to sit down with our return guest Chris and his brand-new to all things fantasy, D&D, and DMing friend, Lenny Szot… who decided to dive into the deep end and run his first game ever! Throughout the episode, we detail 13 tips and tricks to help but, in the end, Lenny’s advice is the most succinct: Just Do It!
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0:53 Guest DM Intros.
1:37 Newbie DM Lenny’s Intro.
3:46 Obstacles to DMing as a complete beginner to TTRPGs.
5:55 The esoteric jargon that we all take for granted.
11:23 Tip #1: DMs helping DMs.
13:28 Tip #2: Getting the players invested and running your first game.
23:19 Tip #3: The ultimate beginner’s trap to avoid.
24:18 Tip #4: Being a “Head Up” DM.
25:49 Tip #5: Run the Starter Set in whatever system you’re playing – DM Dave has been vindicated!
27:40 Tip #6: Using the Pregens.
28:50 Tip #7: Get the players rolling dice.
30:45 The continuing debate of pregens vs creating characters!
34:10 Breaking down the rules – what you need and what you don’t.
35:25 Tip #8: It’s probably in the Dungeon Masters Guide!
36:25 The true BBEG: Schedules!
37:38 Tip #9: You never grow in your comfort zone.
40:00 Tip #10: Lean into developing and presenting your NPCs.
41:20 Tip #11: Published adventures are a guide, not a Bible.
43:08 Tip #12: Be a player!
45:33 Tip #13: Have a sense of the rules but, as DM Lenny said… “Just Do It!”
47:15 Final Thoughts
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