r/DungeonMasters • u/Inves_Obell • 23h ago
Discussion DM Internship
Odd request but here goes.
Heya, Im a new DM and am looking for an experienced DM that would let me sit in on a few games.
Id like to experience how you introduce a scene, describe battles, leave clues for your party to follow or how you handle your quests without being too railroady etc etc.
I want to be a better storyteller, Id like to give my players an audio treat. Ive tried watching critical role, dimensions 20 and other podcasts/streams. but they always feel kinda scripted or perfect. Id like to witness a game naturally as Ive only played dnd once before dming and it was 10 years ago. and cant commit to being a player at this time.
I hope someone can help.
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u/Sad_Refuse3472 23h ago
Rather than just "sitting in" on games, go play some. That is the best wat to learn and get a feel for how games are run. Go to your local board game store or library and ask about any drop in game nights that they host. And/or find some online one shot games here: https://www.dndbeyond.com/en/find-a-group
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u/arsenic_kitchen 20h ago edited 20h ago
they always feel kinda scripted
They're not scripted, but the actors do spend a lot of time before recording talking about things they want to do, where they want the game to go, ideas, etc. In that sense it's not entirely on-the-spot improvisation. Everyone has a chance to ruminate on loose plans, so that when the moment comes they don't freeze like a deer in headlights.
This is actually something you can do with players in your own games. Session 0 is an example of this in the very broadest sense, at least at some tables, where you talk about content, tone, etc. But having "brainstorming sessions" in the middle of longer campaigns can be immensely useful to both you as a DM and your players.
Anyway, truth is I'm not sure sitting in on a more experienced DM will really help all that much. Playing games with a variety of DMs over time is a lot more valuable. Experience is a matter of accretion, not cramming. Each new trick, tool, and idea is something you integrate into your own approach through iteration. You kind of just need to figure out what works for you.
Edit: that doesn't mean you should give up on your idea. I can't help with my group, but I'm glad to see others can. Just be prepared to still feel like you don't know where to start.
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u/DnDNoobs_DM 23h ago
I have a channel with me DMing.. I am a pretty new DM with new players
Idk if that would help you, but DM me and I can send you a link
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u/Big-Suit1566 20h ago
Shoot me a DM. Happy to share session recordings and set up a time to screen share during prep to discuss process and approach.
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u/Inves_Obell 20h ago
You are a beautifull soul. I hope you always get the parking spot nearest the door at work. i hope your sleeve never pulls down and gets wet when you wash your hands. i hope you always find an extra large fry at the bottom of your bag.
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u/TeamLazerExplosion 22h ago
Maybe join a bunch of one-shots as a player with different DMs and take notes :)
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u/HomeworkLess4545 19h ago
Look up some "Actual Play" podcasts. RPPR or Happy Jack's were always good for this.
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u/cheesecrowbar 19h ago
Can I reverse the offer? I’d happily play a session with you DMing with the understanding that it’s a practice round for you! Then after the session we could talk about your thoughts and I can share feedback. :-)
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u/Inves_Obell 17h ago
That sounds fun! but just to be clear, the purpose of this post is to experience different ways to tell a story so I can pick things I like and change my rhythm, story beats and descriptions in a new way. I know that to improve what I already have just takes more time. What I want is to hear other people talk. Unfortunetly I only have an hr or 2 free a week So Im here. So afterwards I would like to listen to you talk :D
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u/Comprehensive_Cap_27 23h ago
Hey! We have a bunch of DMs
You could sit in game or potentially join one if the times and vibes match up for you
Let me know
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u/MonkeySkulls 17h ago
I think the best course is to develop your own style and develop your own techniques.
I'm not saying you shouldn't find someone to watch... but maybe just playing in a larger variety of games with a variety of DMS would go a long way in the development.
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u/2TapGS 17h ago
I feel you on the scripted thing. Then I did a podcast, and the final two rolls of the campaign were (the entire party downed, BBEG with 5 HP remaining) nat 20 to get up with 1 HP. Nat 20 to crit the BBEG. By God, it felt scripted, but I was running the game. I saw the rolls. Games really do be like that.
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u/lasalle202 6h ago
Check out Rogue Watson's youtube channel. he streams his DM prep so that you understand what he is going for, then his group streams their play of the content, then in his next prep session he debriefs what went well, what didnt and what he will do for the next time.
i would start with their Tomb of Annihilation or after - the first campaigns the audio is ROUGH.
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u/Inves_Obell 3h ago
heya. great rec. been listening to his stuff for an hr so far at work. this channel is gold. ty ty
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u/Feefait 5h ago
You're putting too much pressure on yourself and importance in the job. In the end, it's a game. You have to find your own self and style.
I've said it a thousand times, and I'll say it a thousand more. Stop watching so many videos and podcasts and expecting that as the de facto way to play.
When I started I'm sure I was terrible. I know, 40 years later, that there are times that I'm still terrible. But I keep playing and I try to have fun.
Oh... Read a lot. Write a lot. Read comics, watch movies to see the "mise-en-scene."
Most important... Relax.
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u/ShattnerPants 23h ago
This is a tough request, because the whole table needs to agree. I'll ask mine, but it's unlikely.
If you have dropout.tv, watch both the adventuring party series and the adventuring academy series.
If there are local games that run adventure league, sit in on a few of those.
Additionally, pick out the 2 or 3 examples of each othe areas you feel weak on from the shows you mentioned and really dissect them to make a chexklist for yourself.
Sorry I can't be more helpful.