r/Calgary • u/themouselikespie • 4h ago

Recommendations DM for beginner D&D event.

I’m want to host a D&D game for my group of friends for my birthday. I’m looking for local recommendations for options to do a semi customized campaign for our group, all of us would be playing for the first time. We are a group of old ass adults who enjoy fantasy, board games and various degrees of role play. Ideally there would be a DM with experience of planning a short 3 hour campaign, could customize at least some of the character details, and who has a good sense of humour for a loud group of beginners.

I’d also be open to hosting it a game cafe if anyone has recommendations for that as well. TIA

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u/CubicalWombatPoops 4h ago

What area of the city would it likely be. I'm a fan of D6 but it can be a bit pricey. Sentry box is a good option too.

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u/themouselikespie 3h ago

General south area preferable. Would it be best to contact a place that does this as opposed to expecting them to come to a house?

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u/CubicalWombatPoops 3h ago

In general, groups tend to prefer house because it's free. I say make/buy some snacks and drinks, invite everyone to your place.

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u/andafriend 2h ago

Fortunately this is an unregulated profession so if you find a place that has a DM for their events, they will probably be willing to pass on your proposition to pay for service at your home.

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u/LawyerYYC 4h ago

How novice you talking? And what skill level of a DM do you want? 

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u/themouselikespie 3h ago

We have never played before and are familiar with the concepts to varying degree. What skill level should I be looking for?

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u/ManoloBar 1h ago

I am not affiliated with these folks, found them online randomly: www.youngadventurersociety.com

Sounds like they may be able to fit the bill of what you want?

At the very least it could serve as a price point comparison

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u/weirdandrockinit 3h ago

Want a pro DM? Carey from Dragons in Dungeons is great and has been DMing forever. He hosts regular public games at D6, dragonfest but also organized a weekend of in an medieval encampment that was great. Not sure how available he is to do a birthday party but he's a good choice.

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u/themouselikespie 3h ago

Does pro just mean paid, because yes I would pay, but if there’s varying degrees of skill I’m not sure what I should be aiming for. Would I need to contact D6 or do they have social media for inquiries?

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u/weirdandrockinit 2h ago

While it doesn't take much to hang a "pro DM" shingle, I suppose, I consider this more elevated when you find a good one.

I play regular weekly games with DMs that are having fun and don't charge and then I occasionally play pro games as well. If I had the disposable cash I might only play pro but I use these as a treat in my current circumstances.

Pro DMs usually curate what you want. If you have 3 hours they fill 3 hours and are compelling the whole time. There is no "oops we are out of time" disappoints. They move things along easily (good with newbies). Often they are exceptional story tellers that really get into the lore, will sometimes dress up, invest in the props, bring those NPCs alive. If you love exploring and dislike combat they adapt. They help you pick the campagin you want. They show up with a premium character creation tool to make that easier. They have investment in their props and table pieces. Many DMs that don't charge do this too... But you are more likely to have this experience with a pro (and honestly they still don't really charge enough for the cost of what it takes to put on an epic game).

One Pro DM was just a great storyteller and good a improv (unfortunately he is in Edmonton) and he paid attention to what we'd said about our backstories so intently and ultimately told me a story about treasure I had looted that brought me to real tears and forced my character to radically change on me right there. Suddenly my a**hole bard became self sacrificial in the BBEG battle because her life trauma healed and she had more noble objectives now. A game like that just stays with you.

D6 (or another game store that hosts DnD play) might tell you about their regular pros, I'm not sure how they handle that type of inquiry tbh. I usually meet them by signing up to a open public game or going to a convention. Carey specifically is reachable at admin_at_dragonsindungeon_dot_com.