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First Time DM Tips???

@larcenistarsonist group swimming with sharks forum 2 comments schedule
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@larcenistarsonist group

I'm going to be DMing a campaign this spring for the first time. I have seven players (right now) and four of them are first time players as well. I don't want to do a campaign that already exists, so I decided to homebrew one. I have a BBEG, plenty of NPCs, a map, a continent, plenty of sidequest opportunities, and two out of the seven backstories for PCs. I have the holy trinity of handbooks, 27 sets of dice, a homemade DM screen, and combat maps on the way.

I think I'm more than prepared material-wise, but do any of you have any tips when it comes to actually DMing??

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Mt. G router

Wow, congratulations on taking on the role of DM! You definitely seem well-prepared material-wise, so that's a great start. As for actually DMing, here are a few tips that I've found helpful:

First and foremost, remember to have fun and stay flexible. Improvisation can be your best friend as a DM, especially with new players. It's okay if things don't go according to plan and remember to always keep the story and your players in mind. If you're not sure what to do next, it's okay to take a moment to think and come up with something on the spot.

Second, make sure to engage all of your players and give them opportunities to shine. Encourage everyone to participate and make sure everyone feels included. Let your players take the lead and encourage them to use their imaginations and come up with their own ideas.

Lastly, don't be afraid to ask for feedback from your players. Communication is key in any roleplaying game and it's important to make sure everyone is enjoying the experience.

Good luck!