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3 months ago ::
Feb 27, 2013 - 6:22PM
#1
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Date Joined:
Aug 20, 2011
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Hi, im new to these forums. I've been wanting to start a dnd group with some of my friends for a while. My dilema here though, is that honestly none of my friends would be great dm's and I really want to play a character. Would it be a really bad idea to try to do both? I really just dont know what to do.
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3 months ago ::
Feb 27, 2013 - 6:57PM
#2
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Hi, im new to these forums. I've been wanting to start a dnd group with some of my friends for a while. My dilema here though, is that honestly none of my friends would be great dm's and I really want to play a character. Would it be a really bad idea to try to do both? I really just dont know what to do.
While it may not seem like an issue, it goes wrong very quickly...especially when/if you're new to it. Resist the urge. Your game will be better for it.
I'm on a journey of enlightenment, learning and self-improvement. A journey towards mastery. A journey that will never end.
If you challenge me, prepare to be challenged. If you have something to offer as a fellow student, I will accept it. If you call yourself a master, prepare to be humbled. If you seek me, look to the path. I will be traveling it. #SuperDungeonMasterIITurbo
My blog and stuff http://dmingtowin.blogspot.com/
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3 months ago ::
Feb 27, 2013 - 8:36PM
#3
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same situation as me, build characters for the fun of having them, but DM- eventually one of your friends might become interested in trying DMing and you'll get a chance
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3 months ago ::
Feb 27, 2013 - 8:39PM
#4
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Date Joined:
Jul 21, 2004
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It's better not to both DM and play. If you want to play, come to an agreement with the others to switch out from time to time.
[N]o difference is less easily overcome than the difference of opinion about semi-abstract questions. - L. Tolstoy
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3 months ago ::
Feb 27, 2013 - 8:46PM
#5
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Date Joined:
Dec 10, 2008
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Some folks will say that DMing while also running a character will lead to your character becoming a super-PC and being the focus of attention and stealing all the spotlight from the other players. This may be true for some and not for others but regardless, playing a PC while DMing will definitely split your attention, give you another task to deal with and keep you from focusing on your main task which is being the best DM you can.
Also, if in the beginning you find that you are overwhelmed by the number of THINGS you have to do while DMing, try to offload some of the tasks on to the other players if they'd like. Have one player keep track of initiative, another mark down how much damage each monster has taken, someone else can use markers or chips or rings or whatever to track status effects, etc. Having someone else do these tasks can free you up to focus on DMing.
In this way you can also give them a little insight into the DM's job and maybe some of them will be more likely to want to step up and give it a try.
OD&D, 1E and 2E challenged the player.
3E challenged the character, not the player.
Now 4E takes it a step further by challenging a GROUP OF PLAYERS to work together as a TEAM.
That's why I love 4E.
"Your ability to summon a horde of celestial superbeings at will is making my ... BMX skills look a bit redundant."
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3 months ago ::
Feb 28, 2013 - 5:12PM
#6
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Date Joined:
Aug 19, 2007
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One of the main things about trying to DM and also run a character is that, in order to DM well, you end up having to divert time and energy away from playing your character to playing the rest of the world. Unless you're willing to play a character who mostly fades into the background and/or is mainly dedicated to a support role (i.e., buffing or enabling the rest of the party), you're eventually going to find yourself unsatisfied with the limited amount of time you get to dedicate to roleplaying your character while running the game.
It also takes a fair amount of mental gymnastics to keep your character's knowledge separate from your knowledge as a DM - even if you're not using that knowledge to your advantage, it's hard to enjoy the game as much when you're not really being surprised by anything that happens...
Spoiler:
Show
I am the Magic Man.
(Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.)
I am the Lawnmower Man.
(I AM GOD HERE!)
I am the Skull God.
(Koo Koo Ka Choo)
There are reasons they call me Mad...
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3 months ago ::
Feb 28, 2013 - 6:03PM
#7
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Date Joined:
Feb 14, 2013
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Obviously it's possible. But.... Does it make sense to do for you personally?.... Only one way to find out! Do it! Then, if you suck at it, don't try both again.  Personally - If you don't want to DM, then keep looking and find someone who wants to DM.... Again, personally, I've found this works out the best in the long run.
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3 months ago ::
Mar 05, 2013 - 6:20AM
#8
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Date Joined:
Jan 13, 2013
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Yeah when I started out I tried playing a DM and player. It was fun, but because i didn't have a very strong pressence as a DM our session became all roleplay and no action other than a couple Player versus player scuffles. So if you want a long term game, play the DM. If you have a certain character you would like to see come to life, make a recurring NPC who can play that role.
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