Introduction

So this is a lot, a lot of text and a lot of links to even more. A lot of videos and guides and it can be overwhelming. Take a breath. There’s no rush. This is all my general opinion, many DMs will differ on a lot of things and some things will work well at their table with their players and some will not. This is just my advice and you take from it as you will. If all you pick up is one sentence or one link to a tool or resource then for me it's done its job and the time spent working on this was worth it.

I aim to give you the options here to use modules or to homebrew. No idea what those are? Don’t worry we’ll cover that. But if you absorb all of this, frankly, you’ll be better than 99% of DMs (including me because I need to refer back to all of this all the time).

This is all a giant work in progress just like every DM who steps behind the screen. New technology and new tools, new methods and ideas come from everywhere and my intention is to take you through my thoughts and opinions as influenced by my experiences and seeing other systems at play.

Quick tips

• You are not a professional DM, so don't compare yourself to one. You got this.
• You will make mistakes. Nobody can expect you to be perfect, no DM is perfect.
• You are not there to fight the party, just narrate the story you're all building together.
• Learn the rules before you decide to break them.
• Expect your players to do the unexpected and allow them to.
• Actions have consequences, but it should still be fun.
• Listen. That's it. Sit back and let your players talk to each other.
• If you have not told them it exists, it doesn't yet. You can change it.
• Create 5 "emergency" NPCs for when your players want to speak to the cabbage seller, try this.
• Make sure everyone is comfortable with safety tools.
• When you get stuck on story ideas just ask questions?
  • Why is this person/monster doing this? What's the motivation?
• Don’t be a tyrant but don’t be afraid to say that something won’t work.
• As long as your players are having fun. You're doing great.
• Take a breath. There’s no rush. You can do this.