first time DM problems. [Archive] - Wizards Community

first time DM problems. [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
shadzar
07-07-07, 01:24 AM let me start by saying this is my first 3.5 edition game i have played in, and the first time this person has ever DM'ed. and is Dming to a vastly experienced role-playing group so seems to fel as though he is inadequate/inferior at times.

the DM tries seemingly to give the players what they want to an extent it is chaos. While i know how to discuss control elements of DMing to him, the problem is one other player seems to want to drive the course of events over the party deciding. whether this is something enternal (not favoritism) between them or just general discomfort the DM has for telling the other player "NO" i am unsure. it has caused some tension in the group and caused several players to quit.

when the party turned on itself during a crucial moment in the story and events the DM felt it was his fault and wanted to end the campaign.

the campaign has a good story, not much role-paying (against my liking), and lots of fighting (against my liking to somewhat of excess fighting).

how does one tell a new DM how to better improve play for all persons without discouraging him?

i am a pretty blunt person and get to the point quickly when i have something to say and sometimes can be a bit sharp. (as many could probably tell on the WotC forums or elsewhere they have ran across me) but try to do so in a polite manner. i have tried explaining control elements like taking turns with each player rather than letting one player decide for all, and it kind of worked out. the DM and player both have changed slightly in play aspects but still inger the old bad habits at times.

for other things such as when players do something totally unexpected how can one really put it other that straight forward. "The DM doesn't always get what he wants." or as i have said that players are fickle and can ruin some of the best laid plans of DMs.

what would be a good way to explain some of these intricacies of DMing to him without ruffling his feathers and helping him grow as a DM?

:confused:
buzzsawl
07-07-07, 01:58 AM As for the player/GM interaction, seems like the GM is new and eager to please. That's kinda a personality/GM experience thing. And other than reminding him from time to time that there are other players, not too sure what else you could do (well, other than getting the party to vote out Mr. Bossy as leader).

As to the 'things don't always go the way you want when you GM' lesson...I'd probably offer to Co-DM a session or two. Not completely Co-DM, but serve as a kind of sounding board for the next adventure. Give him some possible alternatives as to what the party might do as opposed to what he expects.
Kouk
07-07-07, 08:11 AM Your post seemed pretty tactful, you could just tell him that.

If it is a problem with another player, have you tried discussing it with that player? Something like "He's new, try to just go with it Steve".

You could buy him a book, like the DMG2 or some of the DMing for Dummies type books. They give good information.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
shadzar 07-07-07, 01:24 AM	let me start by saying this is my first 3.5 edition game i have played in, and the first time this person has ever DM'ed. and is Dming to a vastly experienced role-playing group so seems to fel as though he is inadequate/inferior at times. the DM tries seemingly to give the players what they want to an extent it is chaos. While i know how to discuss control elements of DMing to him, the problem is one other player seems to want to drive the course of events over the party deciding. whether this is something enternal (not favoritism) between them or just general discomfort the DM has for telling the other player "NO" i am unsure. it has caused some tension in the group and caused several players to quit. when the party turned on itself during a crucial moment in the story and events the DM felt it was his fault and wanted to end the campaign. the campaign has a good story, not much role-paying (against my liking), and lots of fighting (against my liking to somewhat of excess fighting). how does one tell a new DM how to better improve play for all persons without discouraging him? i am a pretty blunt person and get to the point quickly when i have something to say and sometimes can be a bit sharp. (as many could probably tell on the WotC forums or elsewhere they have ran across me) but try to do so in a polite manner. i have tried explaining control elements like taking turns with each player rather than letting one player decide for all, and it kind of worked out. the DM and player both have changed slightly in play aspects but still inger the old bad habits at times. for other things such as when players do something totally unexpected how can one really put it other that straight forward. "The DM doesn't always get what he wants." or as i have said that players are fickle and can ruin some of the best laid plans of DMs. what would be a good way to explain some of these intricacies of DMing to him without ruffling his feathers and helping him grow as a DM? :confused:
buzzsawl 07-07-07, 01:58 AM	As for the player/GM interaction, seems like the GM is new and eager to please. That's kinda a personality/GM experience thing. And other than reminding him from time to time that there are other players, not too sure what else you could do (well, other than getting the party to vote out Mr. Bossy as leader). As to the 'things don't always go the way you want when you GM' lesson...I'd probably offer to Co-DM a session or two. Not completely Co-DM, but serve as a kind of sounding board for the next adventure. Give him some possible alternatives as to what the party might do as opposed to what he expects.
Kouk 07-07-07, 08:11 AM	Your post seemed pretty tactful, you could just tell him that. If it is a problem with another player, have you tried discussing it with that player? Something like "He's new, try to just go with it Steve". You could buy him a book, like the DMG2 or some of the DMing for Dummies type books. They give good information.