It’s kinda crazy for me to think about. Story time! Otherwise just ask me anything :)
Around 11 years ago, I sat in the lounge that the Video Game Club occupies once a month on college campus. I looked over and saw a group of gamers go into one of the meeting rooms attached to the lounge - but instead of laptops or gaming consoles, they had books and dice and paper. I scoffed and thought they were too nerdy and cringey - I then went back to munching Doritos, chugging MtDew, and playing Borderlands/Skyrim/Pokemon for the next 12 hours lol.
Thankfully I was saved from my misguided views. A member of the VGC invited me to try out DnD, his group had an open spot. I was hesitant, but I craved more creativity in games that just couldn’t be supplied. So I decided to try it out.
Ended up not having a great time. One player was entirely checked out for 80% of the time and was a scumbag during the 20% he was engaged. The DM either was very new, or just had some very questionable calls. There were of course some fun moments but not a great impression.
I knew the game had potential. And I knew I could run it better.
So 10yrs ago today, my Players Handbook arrived, which is when I really began my journey to learning the rules, how to make characters, and how to run the game.
I’ve since had a few successfully completed long term games, including one that was over 5 years. I’ve ran a game at a convention, I’ve done some paid birthday parties, in person and online long campaigns, even some very successful afterschool programs while I was a teacher for a few years.
At my peak, I was running 4 games weekly. Since then I’ve slowed down a bit more and focus on two good weekly games.
Willing to share tips or stories for any who ask :) otherwise I just wanted to share this milestone.
I’ve been playing for less than a year and so far all DMs I’ve interacted with do keep notes - I never imagined people would just wing a campaign! The more you know.
As a player all the “questionable calls” I’ve come across are related to game mechanics - especially when and why you need saving throws/checks. I know the DM has the final word on these, but sometimes they step into stupid territory. I’m 100% with you in that homebrewing to adapt the rules makes sense though.
As a DM, would you have any recommendations in general for players?
Yeah the questionable calls I experienced when I was new were also mechanics related, which is what soured my first time playing.
My recommendation for players aside from usual things you’ll find (learn your characters abilities, show up, be nice to other players, etc) is to remember that DnD is a collaborative experience. Yes you can plan cool stuff for your character, get all into their backstory and motivations, do big stuff in the moment etc. But remember that it’s not about you just doing the coolest thing, it’s about also setting up your fellow players.
When something traumatic happens, ask other characters about it for their opinions. Pry at those cracks they reveal to show their backstory. Involve them in plans, use their skills. People will call it “know when to let others have the spotlight” but really, I would say it’s learning to sense & see the story you’re creating together.