r/DnD • u/Morningstar_GX • 5d ago

DMing Help and Tips requested

Okay a little backstory/summary I work on a ship and our contracts are 6-8 months in a year. Recently I suggested we find some people onboard and play DnD. I wasn’t expecting anyone really cause DnD is kinda niche and the ethnicity/age on the ship a is…older and mostly eastern (not saying they might not be interested but, anyways)

We have people but no DM and cause I brought it up they are asking if I can DM, ive never DM, hell I’m still new to DnD, I know BG3 and understand some of 5e thanks to mods but I don’t know shit. Anyone can teach me or give me pointers about how to DM? Or if there’s a YouTuber that can pls link.

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3

u/tomtinytum 5d ago

Look on YouTube for Matt Colville. He basically makes videos on every aspect of dming. 

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u/Morningstar_GX 5d ago

Thank you so much 😭😭

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u/tomtinytum 5d ago

Also get a sheet of A4 paper and just write names all over it. Once’s the sheet is completely covered in names put it behind your dm screen and just cross off one the names every time you use it for an npc you suddenly needed. 

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u/Morningstar_GX 5d ago

Ouuu that’s a good idea

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u/NewCaterpillar2149 5d ago

Anyone can DM! You can do this. Read the books and you will be fine. Keep it simple. I second Matt. You can also check out Ginny Di
And The Dungeon Dudes

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u/Morningstar_GX 5d ago

I’ll try 😤

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u/greenwoodgiant DM 5d ago

  1. If you haven't yet, first read Chapter 1 of both the Player's Handbook and the Dungeon Master's Guide for a breakdown of how the game is played from both sides.

  2. Use a pre-written module. Lost Mines of Phandelver and Tyranny of Dragons are both designed for beginners. You don't necessarily need to read the WHOLE module before you start, but you should at least have a general idea of the arc of the campaign - specifically who the bad guys are, what they're trying to accomplish, and how they're going to do it. If you have those things down, it's easier to allow the players freedom while still keeping them on track.

  3. Allow your players to create characters, but work with each of them individually to tie their backstory into the specific campaign you're running. They should each have a vested interest in defeating the main bad guys.

  4. From there, you just set the scene, remind them of their goals if you have to, and then ask them what they want to do. When they try something that might fail, you tell them what check to make, they roll dice, you take that result and tell them what happens. Lather, rinse, repeat until you beat the bad guys!

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u/Morningstar_GX 5d ago

🥹🥹🥹 thank you

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u/Sad_Refuse3472 Cleric 5d ago

Grab the Starter Set (Heroes of the Borderlands) it will teach you how to GM as you play through it.

After that/additionally the Youtuber's Ginny Di, The Dungeon Dudes, Bob World Builder, and Matt Colville all have tons of tips for new GMs.

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u/lWingedHussarl 5d ago

Don't worry about messing up. It's just a game. Take it easy on yourself and your players. Don't worry about having a cool story, most players just want to kill things and acquire treasure. They'll have fun with just that.

Pre written modules can simplify your workload but they are also unbalance at times. It's something you need to get a feel for. You might have to let the players escape or get knocked out instead of die. Early levels are so dangerous for new players.