Hello! So my friends and I really want to get into D&D, but we have no idea where to start, especially when it comes to general rules and tips for our dungeon master. Any chance you can give us some pointers, tips, anything? Just wanted to hear from someone who’s been playing for a while. Thanks!
Sure, I’d be happy to help as best I can!
Most of my group started playing together as absolute newbies - I’d never DMed and they had never played - and what I can say is that it’s okay to learn together. You don’t have to get all the rules and play-styles right all at once. So long as everyone is there with the aim of having fun and building a story together, you can learn the nitty-gritty parts of the systems and structures as you go. Remember, the rules are there to help you, and most systems are well made and thoughtful, but it’s your experience that matters most.
The biggest recommendation I can give is to listen to or watch an actual play podcast or show. Even if you aren’t actively playing, getting to experience someone else’s game can help show you how the rules work, how to keep the story moving, and just how fun this game can be. You don’t have to play like one of these shows - don’t expect your campaign to be Critical Role or Friends at the Table or any of the others - but they can be wonderful teaching tools and guides.
Past that - honestly, I just recommend playing. There are lots of quick, fun oneshots available online, or you can put together your own just to test the waters. Or, do the stupid thing we did and just dive right into a big campaign and see where the roads take you. You don’t have to start with a story - you can find it along the way. I can’t speak to playing with pre-made modules - I’ve never actually played a game with one - but I’m sure those can be useful as well!
And DM tips? Every DM is different, and I think what’s important first and foremost is to understand your group and what it is they want from the game. I personally like building systems - political systems, economic systems, interpersonal systems, even puzzle systems - and then let my players free on those systems. I know my cities, towns, and major NPCs pretty far ahead of time, but I don’t know what will happen session to session. I don’t give my players all that many rails, and that can be both a good and bad thing.
I hope that helps! I really hope you and your friends enjoy playing - this game has been a wonderful addition to my life, and I love to hear from others that enjoy it as well!
