If you haven’t had a chance to check out D&D Live 2019: The Decent, take a moment to look into the future of tabletop gaming. Noted as one of the best conventions of the year, Dungeons & Dragons Live features world-class Dungeon Masters (DMs) and players. This years impressive line-up includes numerous members of Critical Role, as well as notable cosplayers, comedians, and celebrities, such Deborah Ann Woll (True Blood) and Taran Killam (Saturday Night Live). Fans can check out live and streaming games, each with their own story lines, while also enjoying podcasts, talk shows, interviews, demonstrations, and more.
The convention started on Saturday, May 18th, the schedule was jam-packed with adventures live or streaming on different channels and stages. Tres Dean, a writer for Geek.com, had the opportunity to interview some of the top Dungeon Masters at the convention to ask a quintessential question:
What Makes a Good Dungeon Master?
Dungeon Masters is the creator, organizer, and master of the game. DMs are responsible for building the environment, bringing stories to life with words alone. With the toss of their dice, they control everything from the weather to NPCs (non-player characters) providing both structure and organization to every game. Each Dungeon Master has their own style, developing their approach to the game over time. Being a successful Dungeon Master is about creating a world for your players while keeping up with D&D basic rules, quick math, player initiative, subplots, NPCs, and more.
For newer players and beginner DMs, running a story can seem a little overwhelming. When I began, I was amazed at the speed DMs drew maps, adjusting their plans around their players and managing large quantities of NPC damages, initiative, etc. After shadowing an experienced DM for a couple Adventure League games, I felt comfortable enough trying to run my first game. I found that I love DMing, questionably more than playing, and now I’m working on just being better. Watching Critical Role, D&D Live, and Geek & Sundry inspires me every day. Here’s what the professionals have to say:
1. Learn to Read the Table
Although this is a difficult skill to describe, the most talented DMs seem to know exactly what to say at the exact right time. They seem to feed off the natural energy of the table. This connection comes from being comfortable with basic game mechanics, your role-playing skills, and (most importantly) your players. According to numerous D&S Live DMs, learning to read the table is the most important quality a Dungeon Master can have.
“My favorite DMs hone in on what players find important in the game for their characters and are unafraid to explore heartfelt, dramatic or intense moments by bringing those ideas closer to the surface. ~Surena Marie (Podcaster – Dungeon Rats, Rivals of Waterdeep
2. Listen to Your Players
It can be easy to focus on the story or the details of each room but some of the most organic moments come from the players. Although good DMs know how to keep their table active and moving, games are also an opportunity for players to connect and learn from one another. Learning to read the table is also about listening for moments when your players need the table to express themselves.
“Everybody has the stories that they want to tell through their characters and just paying attention and watching your players and listening and taking their ideas, trying to intuit where they might want to go and bring it all in to your adventures” ~ Dylan Wilks (Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms)
3. Be Flexible, Emotional, and Creative
The rules of D&D are important part of the game’s structure but it’s important to remember that nothing is set in stone. Players are constantly coming up with creative conundrums, challenging you ass often as you challenge them. Try to focus less on enforcing every rule or focusing on every detail. Focus more on providing a challenging, surprising experience for your players. Players frequently struggle with role-playing, emphasizing too many rules has a tendency to bring them out of the moment.
“A good DM plays the players and not the rules. Let the rules guide you and keep you honest, but don’t be burdened by them” ~Todd Stashwick (Kim Possible, Supernatural)
4. Let Critical Hits/ Misses Become Critical Moments
Improvisation is a valuable DM skill to have. The best DMs not only think on their feet, they invest their own personalities into how to run stories. You’re an entertainer as well as a game master. Creating memorable moments becomes a natural skill over time but critical hits and misses are the best. Give your players the opportunity to join the story; I commonly use phrases like, “how do you do it?” or “describe what that would look like”.
“Always challenge them. You can’t just give them everything they want. You have to surprise them and you have to entertain them. And part of entertaining them is making them work for it.” ~ Jim Zub (Dungeons & Dragons Comic Writer)
If you want to see more from these amazing interviews, check out the sourced article at Geek.com. If I learned one thing, being a good DM is just about loving your game. The best Dungeon Masters are passionate, connected, and committed; they know howto encourage fun, laughter, and stress. When I started, I was worried about being the most organized or knowledgeable but I’m learning to role-play more each day. To learn more about our journey, check our section on D&D in Nerd News or learn to make your own Dungeon Masters Kit.
What do you think is the most important quality in a Dungeon Master? Share your thoughts in the comments below or on social media @TwoMixers
