Common Mistakes for Dungeon Masters and How to Avoid Them

Welcome to the world of Dungeons and Dragons (DnD), a game that thrives on creativity, imagination, and player agency. However, many Dungeon Masters (DMs) often make several common mistakes that can disrupt this harmony. Here, we explore some of these pitfalls and discuss how to avoid them for a better gaming experience.

Railroading

One of the most common mistakes made by DMs is railroading. This occurs when the DM forces the party to follow a predetermined path, stripping away the agency of the players. Instead of allowing the players to shape the story, the DM dictates every step, making the game feel like a one-way journey.

Imagine you are the DM of a campaign set in a fantasy world, and you have a perfectly crafted plot that you want to unfold. You meticulously plan every scene, every twist, and every turn. However, when the players do something unexpected, you find yourself in a dilemma: you either have to ignore their choices and steer the story back on track or adapt your campaign on the go, which can be challenging. The key to avoiding this is to ensure that your plot remains flexible. Let your players make choices and see where the story takes them. This not only makes your game more dynamic but also enhances the players' sense of immersion and ownership.

Self-inserts

Another prevalent issue is the inclusion of self-inserts, characters that the DM creates for the party. These characters often overshadow the player characters, making the game feel as if the players are mere spectators rather than active participants. For example, imagine a campaign where an NPC, created by the DM, takes center stage and completes key storylines, leaving the PCs with minor and insignificant roles. This not only disrupts the flow of the game but also diminishes the players' satisfaction and enjoyment.

Avoid this by ensuring that the NPCs, while they can play significant roles, should not take over the spotlight. Allow the players to make impactful decisions and let their characters drive the plot forward. If you do need to introduce an NPC with a crucial role, ensure that their actions are consistent with the character’s established personality and background, and that they do not overshadow the players.

Blatant Favoritism and Dislike

Blatant favoritism and blatant dislike can also significantly hamper the gaming experience. Blatant favoritism occurs when the DM gives certain players disproportionately better rewards or opportunities, while blatant dislike involves disadvantageously affecting a player's character or actions without valid justification. For instance, a DM might give NPC allies 10 times the hit points of the players’ characters, simply because the player character has taken a specific ability. This not only feels unfair but also tears apart the balance of the game.

Ensure fairness and balance by giving all players the same opportunities and rewards. Each player should feel valued and integral to the campaign. If you need to give an NPC a significant advantage, ensure that it aligns with their background and role within the story. Similarly, if you need to disadvantage a player, do so in a way that makes sense within the context of the game, such as challenging environmental hazards or NPC enemies that target the player's specific weaknesses.

The Deck of Many Things

The Deck of Many Things is a notorious artifact known in some DM communities as the "deck of destroying games." This artifact has a combination of powerful effects, including blatant favoritism, blatant dislike, and randomness, which can severely unbalance the campaign. It can easily turn an enjoyable game into an unpredictable and frustrating one.

Consider using powerful artifacts or magical items sparingly and in a way that does not disrupt the game's balance. Perhaps you can use the Deck of Many Things as a plot device, where its appearance and choices have significant story implications, rather than as a random encounter with pre-determined outcomes. This way, the players can make informed choices and the story can evolve organically.

Conclusion

As a DM, it is essential to remember that the true essence of DnD lies in the players' agency and creativity. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can create a more engaging and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Embrace the flexibility and unpredictability of the game, and watch as your campaign becomes a true collaborative work of art.

By understanding and avoiding these mistakes, you can ensure that your game is a memorable and fun experience for all.