Lair Of Secrets

The Lair’s Guide for New Game Masters (S4E13)

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On this episode of Lair of Secrets, we present the our guide for new Game Masters, packed with advice, tips, and encouragement for those ready to take the GM seat. We explore choosing the right game, gathering players, preparing efficiently, and rolling with mistakes while ensuring a fun and engaging experience.

Chapter List

0:00 – Welcome to the Lair & GMing 101
2:00 – Choosing the Right Game for You & Your Players
5:00 – Prepping Smart: Rules, Research & Quickstart Guides
8:30 – Finding & Pitching to Players
11:45 – One-Shots vs. Campaigns: Starting with Low Commitment
14:20 – Tools of the Trade: GM Kits & Digital vs. In-Person Play
17:30 – Rolling with Mistakes & Improvising on the Fly
20:15 – Setting Expectations & Managing Player Dynamics
23:00 – Encouragement for New GMs & The GMUary Initiative
25:10 – Closing Thoughts & Join the Lair Community!

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Show Notes
  • Identify games you are interested in
    • Game that you’ve been playing?
    • A game you’ve had on your shelf and have been interested in?
    • Watch videos or listen to podcasts about those games.
      • Like say … Scum & Villainy or Cyberpunk RED actual plays here at the Lair  
      • Make the Pitch
        • Read the room and look for:
          • games that fit the players might like
          • Sense of whether they want a one shot or something extended
          • Offer to run one game
            • With the option to run more if you and the others like it
            • Offer to run a self-contained game
              • Fiasco
              • Honey Heist
              • Lasers & Feelings
              • Lady Blackbird
              • D&D Essentials Kit
              • Do a test run
                • Play the game at a convention
                  • Get a feel for how the game is run
                  • Try a solo adventure
                    • See the Dragonbane boxed set and its solo adventure
                    • Do a mini session with people excited for the game to
                      • “kick the tires” of the rules
                      • get used to being the GM
                      • figure out the virtual game table as the GM
                      • What’s your minimal viable game as a new Game Master
                        • Run a one shot
                          • That one shot means there isn’t a long commitment
                          • The one shot can turn into a multi-shot game if everyone is enthusiastic about it
                          • Quickstart rules for games
                          • Pregen characters
                            • This way you know what the character abilities are and how they might be played
                            • What we recommend you reading and setting up
                              • Review the scenario
                              • Take notes about parts that are confusing or not fleshed out.
                              • What we recommend you and your players review before the game:
                                • The basic rules for the game
                                • Rules Cheat Sheet
                                  • Find one or make one
                                  • Review the characters
                                  • Some tools
                                    • Index Cards
                                    • Notebook
                                    • List of names
                                    • Pencils. 
                                    • Extra dice
                                    • Build a tool kit!
                                    • Running – Don’t worry. You’ve got this.
                                      • Talk with your group and set expectations. Ask the rules lawyer to chill (or to help)
                                        • Let the group know that if you can’t find a rule, you’ll make a ruling and move on
                                        • Roll with the fumbles (see also: ken makes awesomely bad mothership maps)
                                        • Don’t worry about being “right”, work on having fun
                                          • Feedback

                                          We love feedback! You post a comment below or connect with us using these channels:

                                          • Email
                                          • Bluesky
                                          • Discord
                                          • DiceCamp (Mastodon)
                                          • YouTube
                                          • Twitch
                                            • Featured Image Meta

                                            Cover art for the D&D Essentials Kit. Credit: Wizards of the Coast.

                                            The post The Lair’s Guide for New Game Masters (S4E13) appeared first on Lair Of Secrets.

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