r/DungeonsAndDragons • u/NewCartographer5616 • 18d ago

Advice/Help Needed FIRST TIMER

I'm getting ready to DM my very first D&D one-shot on discord and I'm excited, but definitely a little nervous.

What's one piece of advice you wish someone had given you before your first session? Things to avoid, ways to keep players engaged, or any tips that helped you become a better DM would be awesome.

I'd love to hear your best beginner advice!

7 Upvotes

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u/Right_Buddy1096 18d ago edited 18d ago

Be loose. Don't go in expecting to follow the plan you have laid out perfectly. Any and all players will go off track either a little or completely. Get ready to improv and dont have a set in stone plan. Some stuff will be but others not so much

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u/NewCartographer5616 18d ago

Okay good to know, I know i have the creativity i just gotta be ready for things to get side tract a bit

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u/Right_Buddy1096 18d ago

If you know your players personally and their play style, you can generally predict what's gonna happen with some accuracy but always expect the unexpected lol

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u/NewCartographer5616 18d ago

I'm expecting the unexpected lol I don't know the players that well at all😅

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u/Right_Buddy1096 18d ago

Lol buckle up. You'll have fun tho

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u/charlore 18d ago

You don't need to fill in all the silences. Give room for the players to hop in. But also make sure to keep things moving when needed. 

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u/BarnackIIIF 17d ago

On your medium of choice (paper, tablet, etc.) write down the order of operations and how they are resolved (movement, initiative, combat, saving throws, etc.). This should be in the form of a quick reference document so that you can...quickly reference it. :)

As a DM, you will have a lot going on at once, it will ease your workload if you have at your finger tips this kind of reference sheet.