I have never being a GM/DM before for any game but it is something I would like to pursue. Unfortunately, I don't have the time to look for a local tabletop game to learn the craft for doing so. With all this in mind:
1. What would the community recommend doing to prepare to GM a game?
2. If I wanted to GM a game, would it be best to let everyone know my inexperience beforehand?
3. Are people, in PbP format, accepting of someone attempting to learn the ropes of being a GM?
Like I said, it is something I'm considering based on any and all information the community might be able to provide me. If it turns out that it's a bad idea to try and get into doing it for the first time on PbP then so be it, but I wanted to evaluate the community's thoughts first.
If I were to go about PbP GM games, I would almost exclusively do PFS scenarios since my time is lacking, as mentioned previously, that would prevent me from having enough time to develop a scenario myself. I have enough time I would be able to manage everything, I believe, but not enough to build something myself.
Any information the community can give me would be great.
1. Make sure you read all the rules.
2. Yes. let players know you're still learning the ropes. My first few times GMing, I had players that were veterans and could give pointers when I got stuck.
3. No idea. I won't play PbP format games. :)
Scenarios are a good idea. Most of them have the rules for you and you're less likely to have to improvise. However, players are unpredictable. So read those scenarios thoroughly and be prepared to improvise.
Most important thing. Make sure you and your players are having fun. Everything else is secondary to that.
This is my opinion so take it with a bit of salt.
Let's take your first paragraph:
Unfortunately, I don't have the time to look for a local tabletop game to learn the craft for doing so
My feeling is if you don't feel you have the time to invest in finding a TTG to see what other GM's do then you don't need to GM. Being a GM is more than sitting behind a screen and rolling dice. It requires reading through the module you intend to run to such an extent that you know it very well. Well enough that you can substitute something on the fly. You also need to know the rules well enough to handle most encounters. I don't mean you have to memorize the rules but know what happens during combat and at least know where to find answers to questions that will inevitably pop up.
Now let's talk about letting your players know about your inexperience. I say yes. That way they know to help you in any confusion over rules.
PFS scenarios are good modules to use to get experience of running but let your players know if they will not be getting the Chronicle sheets.
I have no experience with PbP. So someone else will need to cover that part.
Just my 2 cp.
My feeling is if you don't feel you have the time to invest in finding a TTG to see what other GM's do then you don't need to GM. Being a GM is more than sitting behind a screen and rolling dice. It requires reading through the module you intend to run to such an extent that you know it very well. Well enough that you can substitute something on the fly. You also need to know the rules well enough to handle most encounters. I don't mean you have to memorize the rules but know what happens during combat and at least know where to find answers to questions that will inevitably pop up.
While I agree that GMing takes time, there are some instances where finding a local group would be a HUGE chunk of time. If I didn't already have friends in my area, I wouldn't be looking for Players to GM. Finding players is a lot of hard work, especially if you're new to an area and new to GMing.
One other thing I would add, check online and see if there is a Local Gaming Convention. You should be able to volunteer to GM a game there and since it would be one weekend, it would be a good learning experience. Some people like helping a new GM learn the ropes.
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Hi, Welcome.
I think you should reconsider a tabletop game. Have you looked into PFS? It's custom made for folks who cant commit regularly and a great place to get practice on both sides of the screen.
That said, I would pick up a module first maybe even a PFS one they are cheap. Use it as an outline and guide for running a game. You probably want to let the players know its your first go around so they can help you out. Practice makes perfect good luck and have fun.
Find two or three friends and just jump in! Start with something like the Beginner's Box.
Good lick!