Nightlord256 Posted March 26, 2008 Report Share Posted March 26, 2008 It has recently occurred to me that their is no tabulated collection of GMing advice. so I have set out on an epic quest to make just that sort of tabulated.... thing! of course I'm lazy by nature, so I'm asking the good people of hero boards to post all their tips, tricks, and things to avoid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nightlord256 Posted March 26, 2008 Author Report Share Posted March 26, 2008 Re: GMing for Dummies I'll even start it off: rule #1: be prepared for anything and everything (especially the unexpected) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Certified Posted March 26, 2008 Report Share Posted March 26, 2008 Re: GMing for Dummies A handy advice guide of what not to do in web comic format. DM of the Rings Trust us it's important to read the commentaries below. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trebuchet Posted March 27, 2008 Report Share Posted March 27, 2008 Re: GMing for Dummies #2 This isn't a competition; you don't "win" by defeating your players. A win occurs when everyone has had a good time. #3 Don't get so attached to your pet villain that you'll cheat in order to have him get away. Give the players the chance the fruits of their hard fought victory. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cygnia Posted March 27, 2008 Report Share Posted March 27, 2008 Re: GMing for Dummies Do not overshadow the players with your pet NPCs. The players are there to play, not to be bit characters railroaded in an already-written story. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Liaden Posted March 27, 2008 Report Share Posted March 27, 2008 Re: GMing for Dummies It has recently occurred to me that their is no tabulated collection of GMing advice. Well, here's one: http://www.herogames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3304 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gojira Posted March 27, 2008 Report Share Posted March 27, 2008 Re: GMing for Dummies #2 This isn't a competition; you don't "win" by defeating your players. A win occurs when everyone has had a good time. #3 Don't get so attached to your pet villain that you'll cheat in order to have him get away. Give the players the chance the fruits of their hard fought victory. Do not overshadow the players with your pet NPCs. The players are there to play' date=' not to be bit characters railroaded in an already-written story.[/quote'] Cygnia's response should be #3a. Here's #3b: 3. b. Don't invent Mary-Sue characters. Neither the bad guys nor the NPCs should over-shadow the PCs in any way. Don't ever make the PCs second best. The players should always have a fair shot at winning, and it should be through their own efforts, not your NPCs. Rule 4: #4: No plan survives contact with the enemy. For enemy, read players. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alibear Posted March 27, 2008 Report Share Posted March 27, 2008 Re: GMing for Dummies 5a. Don't stop play to look up rules. Shout and roll and check for the rule later. 5b. Tell your players when you do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tech Posted March 27, 2008 Report Share Posted March 27, 2008 Re: GMing for Dummies 6. If you're stuck while making a GM ruling, don't be afraid to ask the players for their opinions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Certified Posted March 27, 2008 Report Share Posted March 27, 2008 Re: GMing for Dummies 6b. If you and your players make a house ruling abide by it. Exception being, information comes to light that clarifies the ruling in the source text. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hfergus Posted March 27, 2008 Report Share Posted March 27, 2008 Re: GMing for Dummies 7 Read. A lot. Nearly everything you can get your hands on esp. sci-fi and fantasy. I got a lot of good ideas that way. 8 Watch movies and tv shows for ideas as above. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyGuardian Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 Re: GMing for Dummies Or you could try and find a copy of this: Robin's Laws Good Game Mastering Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Logan D. Hurricanes Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 Re: GMing for Dummies #2 This isn't a competition; you don't "win" by defeating your players. A win occurs when everyone has had a good time. I believe this should be rule #1. This is the number one rule that, when broken, destroys the gaming experience and drives people away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pariah Posted March 29, 2008 Report Share Posted March 29, 2008 Re: GMing for Dummies 9. There are different types of gamers: Thespians, Combat monsters, Problem-solvers, and so on. Make sure there's something for each of these people to do in the adventure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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