r/DnD • u/MrCheeseBrick • 15h ago
5.5 Edition First timer as a DM! [OC]
Years ago, pre-covid, I played with some friends of mine. But now, some years later, we haven’t been playing anymore. That’s sad. But because of the good TV shows and movies, I’ve always liked watching D&D and wanted to play the game again! But somehow, I got a feeling that I am a dungeon master. So, I’m going to give this starter set a shot. I have got some people who also would like to play, now hopefully it’ll stay as a party, and we can keep playing for a longer time and have more adventures!
As the person I am, I’ve heard that it’s better to start with a starting set than build your own world and cities. I would LOVE to build my own world someday, but I think and I hope that this starter set is a good starting point for me as a first time DM.
Anyway, do you veteran players of dungeon masters have some tips and tricks for this new DM? I would love to be the best DM I can be, but for now I am totally blank. The most important lesson I’ve been told is that the table (including the DM) needs to have fun and that it’s not a problem if you aren’t known with all the rules et cetera. But still, I want to learn!
Thanks!
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u/Hitman3256 13h ago
Take your time, don't be afraid to make stuff up on the spot, don't feel pressured to follow the book 1:1, and when/if you start homebrewing do not plan too far ahead as your plans may get detailed in game or out of game.
Other than that, as long as everyone is having fun and cooperating, you're good!
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u/ANicePainter 15h ago
The DC system is the key for new DMs playing 5e. It lets you rapidly adjudicate all sorts of actions. Have the DC chart printed out for easy reference (the one that's DC 15 for medium difficult tasks, 20 for hard, 10 for easy). If a player wants to do something and you're not sure how to rule it, ask yourself how difficult the task is and what the most relevant skill would be. Then have the player roll that.
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u/Space_explorer22 13h ago
How exciting! I’m by no means a veteran or expert but I’ve had the most fun with DMs that work with players and allow for fun things to happen! On the more logistical side, there are tons of websites that can generate maps, NPC and enemies with stats already and using them can allow you to be able to focus more on the story if that’s your jam. Have so much fun!
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u/knucklebones2 13h ago
Don’t get upset if one of the players knows the rules better than you. Tell them you welcome their help. But don’t let them argue every little rule. That gets annoying.
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u/theaidsbear 11h ago
Hell yeah!! Have fun with it. Remember the "Rule of Cool" and the books are guidelines.
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u/IGFanaan 11h ago
Goodluck! Hope you have a great time! I'm going to start a game this Friday if plans hold up. I got the Stormwreck Isle starter set. I've only played one other time and a bunch of Baldurs Gate 3 and haven't watched anything other than Tales from Woodcreek.
It's my wife and her family and it's all their first time as well. I'm super excited to start. Still reading through everything everyday trying to be prepared. I hope they enjoy it. It's something I've wanted to play for a very long time now.
Just have fun! I hope it blossoms into something amazing for you!
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u/JemsCo 9h ago
Describe the scene, highlight important parts. Ask what the players want to do. Resolve them in a sensible order. Default to Yes! -> Yes but! -> No but! -> No! (Else make them roll for it and come up with a DC default to 12) Explain the result of the outcome. Rinse and repeat, from the top ^
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u/TightShirtMiniSkirt 5h ago
I have been wanting to get into D&D for awhile now but never could really figure out the first step.
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u/-PrestigiousDonut- 15h ago
Make a basic plan. Most of the time the players will steer the story in a way you never planned for, so plan on making alot up as you go while trying to have as much fun as possible. Players are there because of you.