The Mindset of the Dungeon Master (DM's Journey #2)

[@Dethkalf]

To me, DMing is a lot like DJing. You want the room to have a good time, and you want em to sweat a little. Try to surprise them , but dont be afraid to throw in some classics. Learn how to read the room and improvise to keep the story or combat flowing at a good pace

[@eclectic_nerd]

I really like that, hope you don't mind if I quote you

[@Chefrabbitfoot]

This is a great analogy!

[@pierluigidipietro8097]

I agree with your points. I want just clarify (I have done DM by 20 years or so till now) that the huge reward of being a DM is to feel that the players are really enjoying and living the story you created and are managing for them... their true involvement and fun is the real prize for you to win

[@WASD20]

I totally agree. That’s a huge part of the fun. Like cooking a meal and watching them love it.

[@brabra2725]

dungeon masters don't create the story. They create a framework in which players make choices and create the story as a result. If you are creating the story yourself, i.e. if the meat of the story is scripted, you're not a good dungeon master, you may be a good entertainer though

[@WASD20]

Zaza Zu I always describe the dungeon master as the LEAD storyteller. Ideally everyone is absolutely contributing to the story. And if dungeon master doesn’t allow for player choice to have a meaningful impact, that’s not a game I’m terribly interested in. However, I still think a dungeon master takes the lead. If one or two of the players aren’t contributing much to the story, it can still be a pretty good game. If the dungeon master is not a very good storyteller, that’s a much bigger problem.

[@brabra2725]

ok, but that is very different from what Pierluigi Di Pietro said, i.e. the dungeon master creates the story and the players live the story.

[@pierluigidipietro8097]

I would suggest that the DM is creating the "environment" that the palyers live: usually a DM try to create a good canvas over which apply several possible plots. I've said that the DM "manages" the story: this is a broader concept than simply tell a story to others ;) Sometimes (most of the time) the plot is driven by the DM, sometimes (in less frequent cases) is put in jeopardy by a player's choice and the DM have to quickly adapt and evaluate the cascading consequences (this is also, usually, part of the fun being a DM). The sensible point is that the DM should allow the plot be turned by "legitimate" or "plausible" player choices. The key point is that all together (players and the DM) have to estabilish (beforehand or on the fly) when these choices are legitimate in the environment and true to the characters, with the ultimate decision given to the master, if the agreement is difficoult to find. When this agreement is complied and shared between all paricipants, great stories and awesome fun follows :)

[@SanDiegoBass]

“Lead your Players into being Better People”. I love this, Nate!

[@twilightgardenspresentatio6384]

Yes

[@juliusnebulus7303]

Every rougue out there: "So i'm not supposed to rob/ stab people for fun?"

[@fhuber7507]

The DM's job is to challenge the players. Not to win... but not to just let the players win either. Good decisions by the players should give positive results. Bad decisions should result in negative consequences. Present puzzles but allow answers you didn't think of to have a chance of success.

[@terriffingtea]

Personally I LOVE being the DM, telling an epic tale while still having the players decied the what route the story goes in is AWESOME to me, it surprises me what my friends decide and coming up with new battles and bosses is a fun challenge. Putting on different voices for different creatures is super fun and seeing the reactions of the players is just as good. I'm always the DM and that's fine, I'm very happy with how things are going. Even without the part of playing the game, planning general stuff and wondering what they'd do is exciting and it's very good incentive for me to draw every day, even for the whole day! Overall d&d s incredibly fun and I started from a joke I made with a friend!

[@toxictaco2540]

I’m about to run my first session in a few days. Your videos have been really helpful for me. I really appreciate all of the videos you make.

[@jclefbouncyrock]

Great info here - good philosophy of being a DM. I like the idea of playing as the "world". You are a conduit. Unfeeling and unbiased in the telling, but ultimately, you are their biggest fan, because they are the heroes of your story!

[@ChristopherVanDerWesthuizen]

I love the mindset of being fully supportive of the players, enabling them to be successful, and sharing in that success. In many ways being a DM is just like being a good manager and supporting your team.

[@HLLTAF]

Dude your advice about photocopying the monster stats blew my mind! I never thought of that! So I’m watching your series ready for my 2nd dm sesh

[@ThatAnimatedKelly]

I'm new to D&D and just ran my first one-shot! When you mentioned fading into the background and letting the players shine, things kinda clicked into place for me. Also, asking the players to not think of me (the DM) as a "player" but rather the world they're interacting with, I think really put them at ease knowing that I actually want them to succeed. Your channel is super insightful. Thanks for all the awesome advice and suggestions!

[@karaleigh_eva]

The Be a Friend bit is such a beautiful piece of advice! As someone with social anxiety, making friends is really hard. Through joining dnd campaigns, I was able to kind of overcome that, expand my social circle and because of it I look forward to every session. It goes a really long way and makes the game more fun when everyone feels warm and welcome

[@MiltonRosso]

One thing is that if someone can only have fun being a DM if they like killing or thinking of the players as there enemy, should not DM at all.

[@cujoenyo]

this is awesome. as someone who is looking to DM i've been focusing a lot about my performance when i should be thinking about how best to let my players perform

[@YourLastSandman]

Did you ever jump into being a DM? How'd it go? I'll be DMing my first game if DnD... As in, I've never played before, and going to be the DM... Looking for advice and help. The friends I'm playing with are also inexperienced but were too afraid to find a group to play with. I finally said I'd DM the first game and see where it goes.

[@skydude426]

I love it when the players solve or triumph in a situation. Particularly when they do it in a way I never thought of or didn’t see coming. It keeps things interesting and fun.

[@SMXanathar]

Happy 50k WASD! Happy to hear that you hit that milestone! Thanks again for all the help!

[@timbuktu8069]

There are times when I've had a bad week and want to take it out on somebody. To relieve tension, before the game I ask the players to hold up an invisible character sheet. I then proceed to imitate a machine gun while laughing maniacally: "BWAHAHAHA! DIE DIE ALL DIE!" I can then proceed with the game in a calm and reasonable fashion.

[@WASD20]

Haha! Love this.

[@imaflyinturkey9775]

This just sounds fun

[@ahmadasfour6715]

"Say hello to my little friend"

[@penneyvids]

I am getting back in to d&d after 20 years of being out and I can't tell you how much I appreciate all that you do. Your videos have given me the confidence not only to get back into the game but bring some friends and family along. Thanks for all you do! And keep up the good work!

[@WASD20]

Thanks so much! So cool to hear this. Happy gaming to you and yours!

[@CMBDIA]

Thank you for your many many videos on the introduction into D&D. I just picked it up and have learned a lot from you since.

[@aaronwilson5241]

Great advice on the "chatty" player. Never thought of in game fix. Thanks

[@mrcopycat2355]

I've never heard that NPC advice in any other DM-helping video yet, it's awesome. My table takes turns for DMing, helps avoiding burnout and exploring different themes and DM-styles. One in particular had a DMPC and, well, even if he didn't take the spotlight 24/7, he DID move the plot forward, or had better moments to shine as a character. I discussed this with my friend who DM'd at that time, and he took the advice pretty well. Pretty excited to see how his next adventure plays out.

[@WILSONsHobbies]

coffee....check.....sitting back....check....learning from Wasd20....priceless!

[@robertnett9793]

About that point 'being a giver'. Yes in the end it's you as a DM providing the players with an epic adventure. Giving them the feeling of having overcome the most fearful threats at, scraping the victory at the last moment, using all their wits and skill. That... and sometime hitting them from the left field with a forshaded but unnoticed twist, having them totally baffled with gaping mouths... Aaaah that's the stuff :D You are the world, you are every npc, every monster, tree, magic pond cave, dark forest and warm glowing town amidst the snowstorm for them. You are the neverending book they are reading and writing with you. And having players say to you after a session that they really enjoyed it and thank you, that's all the reward you need. For me it's really challenging the players, having them sweat, think, ponder, plan and really pushing their teeth at my adventure. It's like seing someone unwrap a present and see the fascination in their eyes - only much longer as that fleeting moment.

[@MarshmallowMadnesss]

New DM with a stable, but still newer group. Good advice about befriending players. Promoting player-character immersion, Celebrating character success, and dropping some humor around goes a long way to break that ice.

[@davemckinney6555]

I appreciate your video. Great advice. My group and I rock a very fast and loose version of 2nd edition. Everybody gets the rough gist of the rules and can usually agree on any gray areas. Too much fun. Thank you for your content.

[@lancegarrison1919]

i will say that i'm a bit of a vetern gamer and have been playing and DMing D&D for a good log time and i have to tell you its great when you have a good group of players

[@DungeonDad]

This is super important, especially for those just starting out. Great video man!

[@WASD20]

Thanks!

[@KevinScott76]

Thanks! About to DM my first group and I took 5 pages of notes from you video!

[@chuckchuckerson5364]

Really like your videos! The first video I watched of yours was on Inkarnate, and man, what an AMAZING program. I don't think I would have even used Inkarnate if it wasn't for your basic tutorial video, so thank you so much, you have helped bring my world to life! This is a great video, and I wish more DM's would watch stuff like this to better understand, it isn't YOU against the players, you (the DM) are an impartial narrator who sets the scene. I actually became a DM because my DM for over 20 years used to play against us, rather than with us, and many of us just got sick of it (can't believe it took 20 years lol). Anyhow, I have been DMing for a few years now, and it's gone amazingly, currently have 3 different groups going. Even though I feel I am a veteran player, and a very proficient DM, I still spend a ton of time watching videos like this just to hear different perspectives. Thank you for your continued awesomeness, keep up the good work!

[@WASD20]

Thanks so much, Chuck! Good for you for stepping up to DM and giving your groups a great experience. Happy gaming!

[@Clockwork_Lazy]

Great advice! For a future video in this series, can you talk about how to work on worldbuilding?

[@WASD20]

Great suggestion. Thanks.

[@lapislazuli6596]

ey, ur advice really really helps out, I'm really new to D&D and u say things that newbies understand XD, Keep up the great work!

[@PopLadd]

I always hated taking notes but good golly I'm writing down every word you're saying here.

[@matejoga]

Hello from Brazil, your videos are awesome!

[@twilightgardenspresentatio6384]

Fading back is hard. Thanks for the reminder.

[@WASD20]

You bet! Thanks for watching

[@MINDWARDEN]

These are great, very helpful. Thank you for making this channel. Much love.

[@lancegarrison1919]

if you are insinc with your players that is were you and your group shine,the players are happy and want to play further and the DM is plying his best on story

[@MrBrad9]

Grats on the 50k!!! All the best for you and your channel.

[@lorddornel2416]

Hey, congrats on the 50k from a recent subscriber!! Love your content; it was actually your Drawing a Fantasy Map series that started me really drawing my own maps, and I'm very grateful for that. I was wondering (if you see this) when the next Mappening (18, I think) would be?

[@WASD20]

I think it might be next Sunday! Not totally sure, but stay tuned.

[@lorddornel2416]

Thanks!!

[@TonyPizzaPie]

My heartiest congratulations, Nate!

[@davemckinney6555]

Be flexible in everything is key to running good games.

[@ErinsAaron]

Good advice, thank you.

[@Gonzah]

Congrats on the 50k! Great video. Another suggestion for these series: How to bring a city to life? I have no problem with little towns, but my players will soon head to a city and I'm a little scared about that... I think I'll make a couple taverns and blacksmiths, and other places of interest I can improvise on the fly :D

[@WASD20]

Great suggestion! I'm with you - Taverns and shops are a must. :) Maybe a temple? Especially if you have a devout PC. And thinking about government or politics. Also, I always identify 'what the city is known for'. A major industry or something like that.

[@Gonzah]

WASD20 Yeah I agree, last session in Bryn Shander I was overdescribing some shops curtains and suddenly this town is world-wide known for their curtains quality, the better your curtains the more respected you're here! My players even bought some curtains to sell in other towns, we had a blast and is becoming a recurring joke I think!

[@rowenadevries5395]

Im literally so nervous. Im dm for our next campaign. This really helps alot.

[@tenntanovo]

Excelent advice. Simply put.

[@old_geeky_Michael]

Good stuff, I'd definitely agree with all those! Thanks Nate!

[@sepetopepeto]

"All ... are stepping stones to their greatness, never your own." 6:35

[@LastLinkTitan]

Just found this and as I’m just starting to DM, this helped a lot!

[@Cragun.]

Great videos dude. Also, I like the shirt!

[@karynguilliams9723]

Unfortunately my husband and I had to stop playing due to some of the players in our group. One girl was dating the DM and when conflict started between the girl and my husband the DM didn't want to address. So it didn't feel like a safe space. But the final straw was when my husband called her out and was reprimanded by the DM, then after that we sat there for an hour before my husband or I got a turn. So it kinda felt like a punishment.

[@aandshutchinson4541]

I am nervous about my first game as a DM because I don't know how to know what dice to roll my skill checks. So maybe you could do one day.

[@shd_samurai9676]

Never lose sight of the following; DM a session YOU would want to be part of as a player. Never miss that way.

[@1AmGroot]

May the 4th be with you! Am I seriously the only one that noticed the date?

[@benjaminfrost2780]

Great videos I am happy I found your channel, sad that I didn't find it sooner.

[@WASD20]

Thanks so much. :)

[@kelly_seastar]

What I'm getting from this is the dungeon master is like the narrator? They're there to relay important information and immerse the players in the world, but they have no effect on the world themselves.

[@WASD20]

They actually have a lot of impact in the world, but it should all be to serve the players fun, and drive a cool story forward.

[@dark_natas_666]

Great vid on leadership period

[@pop9022]

Great Video, thank you.

[@A.E.Lanman777]

One issue that I'm having as a DM is I cannot seem to get my players to understand the "role play" part, example "Don Jon Raskin is infected with the wererat curse, writhing in pain he looks at you begging for help, what do you do?" Player "............. Umm nothing I go around him/run away" even though they fought with Don Jon by their side on their last mission.

[@garretthaynes4030]

Hey do you have any tips for a modern campaign setting/ttrpg

[@paxulhd37]

Lead your players to be better people, yes, but do it subtily and in line with the flow of the game. And remember you are storyteller not a priest.

[@Konpekikaminari]

I'm binging this in preparation to my 1st campaign as a DM (been playing as player only for over a decade) I cannot stress point 5 enough, I've had a campaign axed because it became an unfun chore for him to run the game

[@satisfaction3078]

I would love a video about tips and inspirations about creating the first self made Adventure

[@WASD20]

Sounds like a great video! Thanks for the suggestion.

[@satisfaction3078]

WASD20 thank you for respecting my suggestion :)

[@sushikeeper4125]

On reddit I learned about a “season 0” to talk about what everyone expectes

[@MoxkyBashwell]

do you have to crouch every where in your apartment? are you like eight feet tall? @1:04

[@AvaFayIliza]

lol, I was thinking the same thing as I saw that. However, the door looks like it is actually shorter than normal, which means the ceiling is also likely lower. I'm guessing a basement that wasn't originally meant to be a livable room, but was converted at some point. He also seems to be on the tall side too.

[@vukodsrbije]

Yeeeeeeeey Mind Set

[@ZebbieDark]

Loved this vidio. What was the name of the book you were reading the quote from?

[@WASD20]

Index Card RPG: goo.gl/6NNmEe

[@thatusernamehasnotbe]

I hope you go as Jack Skellington for Halloween.

[@wardienwicks2211]

Do you have ideas about DMing remotely with the virus being so bad lately? Im wracking my brain trying to make the game as smooth as possibe

[@hypatiaatheiria9647]

as DM your fun has to come from watching the players solve the puzzles ad situations you present them - to be a good dm you need to step back from ego and let the nPC's die if the world and dice dictate it - in many ways its akin to teaching a small class of students - you know the answers and you are there to assist their understanding

[@random_toaster]

I had created an axe for one of my players dwarf characters. It was a magical axe with a near impossible magical effect.. Upon rolling a 20 he would get the chance to roll another d20. If he managed to roll another 20 he would then have a 3% chance on d100 (yes I used that God forsaken thing 😁) at a chance it an instant death. I won't get into deep details, but they were fighting a dragon they were NOT expected to kill.. Player rolled a 20. He gets excited. He rolls another 20.. He's nervous and visibly shaking as he picks up the d100. I tell him roll between 30-33%.. He rolls. Anyone who has rolled a d100 knows that it sometimes seems like it rolls forever.. It was. He's like, "BACK THE FUCK AWAY FROM THE TABLE!!" We do as the die comes to a stop on 32%..... Insta killed the dragon very early on in the encounter... Ruined my plans but I couldn't have been happier. The table erupted in cheers and laughs. That was about 15 years ago and it's still talked about to this day.

[@Apexx27]

as a DM, who prefers DMing over PCing, i always here DMs talk about how they can just kill off all the players or any player whenever they want. the thing is that if you do that, especially without a very good reason, players will probably just call bullshit and tell the DM to screw off haha. as a DM, unless you are DMing for children, you have zero room to be "feared".

[@ceranko]

What was that book you were reading?

[@WASD20]

See link in video description

[@zeugenberg]

Then: Wow, 50K subs in 4 years 3 years later: 221K Also: then: can't wait to do this for years Now: well... You know... Burnout

[@WASD20]

lol. still goin!

[@zeugenberg]

@@WASD20 good!

[@georgehaskell8351]

Should a DM have a NPC with the party ? Like go to the next town for a short time .

[@WASD20]

I generally try to avoid an NPC travelling with the party all that much, for reasons I mentioned in the video.

[@WASD20]

Here and there I think it's okay.

[@The_Niabee]

This feels like Projared's D&D videos, but Jared is bald

[@toprak3479]

This feels like a Projared video except he doesn't cheat on his wife

[@adampender8813]

You said what i said better than i said it.

[@WASD20]

Haha! Sorry to misquote you. It was inspirational!! :D

[@adampender8813]

WASD20 lol no you said it perfect im really enjoying your videos. You have a talent for this lifestyle known as being a serious rpg gamer. I wish when i was beginning at the age of 10 in 1982 i had someone to teach me. I had to learn through trial and error. The closest gaming store for me was 5 hours away. I just visited my 3rd one today and could have gone to a fourth.

[@WASD20]

Haha. Well thanks. Yeah, I started at the age of 32, but I was so close to this hobby since I was in 6th grade. Just never quite made it in. Now that I'm here, I know I was made for it! :)

[@TransilvanianHunger1334]

Wow... how tall are you?

[@retonetzer8065]

It's a cellar room with a low ceiling...

[@WASD20]

Haha. I am tall, but it’s a pretty low ceiling in half of my office. :)

[@WASD20]

6’5” ish

[@faerae666]

Haha Nature Cat! "Why'd it have to water?"

[@nevergonagovieyouup4383]

the problem I have is finding people to play with me

[@Wolftroutoutdoors]

My friend won’t play anymore because I told him his dog might die and he is always trying to veer my attention away from D&D

[@WASD20]

You will have to lure him with the prospect of a cave full of captive dogs, forced to slave in mines, deep below the earth. Only a true hero can free the dogs, leading them out as a dog army ready to tear apart their former captors!

[@KRAK3N_TTV]

Dude how tall are you omg 👀

[@michealeaton5704]

Bro, you’re tall as hell or your ceilings are very short.

[@ryanflorian2047]

I think you're missing the point when a GM starts the game saying "I'm the DM and it's my job to murder all of you" it sets a tone for the game no GM starts 10 mins in saying "rocks fall everyone dies" sorry but it will not only get boring for player but also your GM IT NEVER HAPPENS, EVER so when you get a killer DM (he is setting a tone for the game) in nearly all situations players die out of stupidity rather than GM intervention