Help for new DM

[el_skootro]

Hey all, one of my players has decided that it's about time to step on over to the other side of the screen and DM. He's not super experienced (about 4 or 5 years worth of play), but I think he'd be a natural DM. Can anyone recommend good primers to help him cross the divide?

Cheers,
El Skootro

[Guennarr]

el_skootro wrote:

Hey all, one of my players has decided that it's about time to step on over to the other side of the screen and DM. He's not super experienced (about 4 or 5 years worth of play), but I think he'd be a natural DM. Can anyone recommend good primers to help him cross the divide?

Cheers,
El Skootro

Hello Skootro,

apart from the DMG, I don't know any really usable primer to this topic. There is supposed to be a Dummie's Guide to DM'ing, but I don't know about its usability and the level of DM'ing skill it is aimed at.

I think so far every DM progressed by learning by doing or watching other DMs work.

If he likes to read articles aimed at specific topics of DM'ing, I can recommend the following sources:

• Dungeoncraft articles in Dungeon,
  
• WotC web site which sports some usable article series (e.g. "Behind the Screen")
  
• web sites like treasuretables.org, roleplayingtips.com, and giantitp.com which contain information on every imaginable problem a DM might face.
  

Another good choice are D&D related forums like this one. There are always helpful readers who can provide answers to your new DM's questions.

Greetings,
Günther

[Fake Healer]

If he/she runs a Dungeon adventure or other published material instead of making up their own adventure he/she can focus on the action and character nuances instead of concentrating too much on developing an adventure/campaign.
Good choice for a 1st timer.

FH

[Sean Mahoney]

WotC's new adventure series is specifically designed for the new GM in mind. Him being a player and having a knowledge of the rules already puts him one up on most new GMs.

Anyway I believe the adventure is called "Scourge of the Howling Horde"

Here is a description:

Take Your First Steps
On the Road to Adventure

Goblins set upon the quiet town of Barrow’s Edge, and the community cries out for heroes to save them. What has turned the secretive and reclusive goblins into bloodthirsty raiders? Who is the mysterious new leader of the tribe? The truth lies deep within the Howling Caves....

Scourge of the Howling Horde is a stand-alone adventure designed for a group of 1st-level characters. Perfect for new players or seasoned players, it features an easy-to-use encounter format and includes useful DM advice for beginning and experienced Dungeon Masters.

Sean Mahoney