Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 GrandFalloon Sep 01, 2015 10:14:02	I've been playing recently with an old buddy of mine, who is DMing for the first time in years.  We're having fun, but things seem pretty unfocused.  We spend most of the evening kinda floundering through the plot (which we only vaguely understand), and generally finish the night by finding something to fight.  The battles seem kinda random, like he's just sort of realizing, "Hm, we haven't had a fight yet, I better throw something at them... So there are still goblins in the hills, the captain asks you to help with that..."  And then we fight 50 goblins (yup, you read that right).  It's fun, but we're all a bit lost, and the Warlock among us is getting obviously frustrated.  He was hoping to be blasting fools left and right, but with only one fight per session, he's getting only two spells off.  Meanwhile, my lowly bard is healing someone almost every turn, Inspiring their attacks, debuffing their leaders, and has the highest AC in the party (I actually feel pretty badass most games).      Now, I've run plenty of games, and while I screw up plenty, I'm familiar with a lot of the troubles GMs have.  Informing the plot without just explaining it is tough, and guiding players is like herding cats.  I don't want him to think he's doing a bad job, but a little push in the right direction might help things roll a lot more smoothly.      If a player were to come to you and offer his assistance, what could he help you with, and how?  Also, does anyone have a suggestion for our warlock freind?  He may have already rerolled, but I imagine that sort of issue comes up often enough.
#2 Ralif_Redhammer Sep 01, 2015 12:18:31	It definitely takes a while to become a good DM, practice makes perfect and all that. I think the 4e Dungeon Masters Guide 2 has some of the best DM advice I’ve seen in a long time. Making a gift of it might help. Hamlet’s Hit Points, by Robin Laws, also has some good food for thought.   Alternately, guide by praise – when you guys really enjoy something in game, be sure to let him know.   As for the Warlock friend, it sounds like there’s a mismatch in play style and DM style, as far as the amount of combat goes. I’d say maybe get some non-combat spells in rotation.
#3 DM_Craig Sep 01, 2015 12:48:03	I would suggest leading your new DM to check out some published adventures, either to run as they are or for inspiration. They generally do a good job of showing how an adventure/encounter/campaign should be run. Also, don't be afraid to speak up as a group and say "hey, this isn't going so well". A good DM needs to be willing to take some criticism from his/her players. After all, without the players, there is no game.   Another option is to offer co-DMing. It doesn't always work, but in this situation it sounds like it might. If you have lots of experience DMing, offer to run a few sessions so that he can see how you do it.   As for as a player offering assistance, I'm not sure. I think NPC creating could always be something players could jump in on, same with filling out details and history of towns and kingdoms, things like that.
#4 iserith Sep 01, 2015 13:25:23	GrandFalloon wrote:
#5 WorBlade Sep 01, 2015 16:06:08	Another option is ask if he would like some prep work help he can use for ideas. It might be that he has had trouble deciphering the DMG enouncter building rules and does not have a feel for 5e yet to wing it. Perhaps you could prepare 20 or so 'properly blanced' smaller fights he can whip out as desired. He might not  like runing combat. Perhaps come of the number tracking and rolling involved could be divided up among the players.