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Post by kentarum on Jan 7, 2017 15:53:47 GMT
So I am a fairly new DM that really enjoys what I do. I have a group of friends that really enjoy the custom campaign we all started on. However, my best friend has been hounding me since shortly after we started if "he could give DM a try and possibly take over for a bit." I really like this guy but when he does things like this...... I never regain control and then everyone loses interest in what he does/plans and the entire thing falls apart. Part of me wants to let him try this so I could "take a break" and just play the game for a bit. I would even be willing to alternate campaigns with him so we can keep things fresh. However, I m not sure he would relinquish control that easily..... Anyone have any suggestions on how to handle this?
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dmtreat
Squire
Posts: 48
Favorite D&D Class: Ranger
Favorite D&D Race: Dwarf
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Post by dmtreat on Jan 7, 2017 19:52:13 GMT
Hmmm, this is a tough one for a few reasons. 1) As a DM I would never want to deter anyone from picking up the art of DMing therefore I would say let him do it, but.... 2)with what you're describing it sounds like he is either an attention hog or a control freak, and on that id say no way, but....
I think the best idea in this situation is what u already said. Talk to him, and your group bout doing a week on week off system. He DMs one session in his world, then you DM the next session in yours. You say that it would be hard on get him back out of the control chair but I think having an open discussion with the entire table about it would force him to be accountable. This way he gets to try out being a DM, maybe after 2 sessions or so he will see how much work it is and not want to do it anymore. Maybe his campaign will be fantastic for everyone including you and he it will actually awaken a tenacity in him to stick with it.
To sum it up, my take on the situation is to let him DM a session or two, talk to the entire group and establish guidelines and rules so that he doesn't end up fillibustering the DM chair.
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Post by kentarum on Jan 8, 2017 0:09:58 GMT
Thats a really good idea =) Thank you for the quick and insightful reply!!!!!
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Post by joatmoniac on Jan 8, 2017 3:53:05 GMT
I agree with dmtreat and would echo that the whole group should be in on this decision. I would hate to be a player then suddenly there is a new DM that I didn't endorse. Some of the language in your post "then everyone loses interest in what he does/plans and the entire thing falls apart" indicates that the current set of players might not want the change to happen. Which is perfectly fine of course, and would then require that they would need to run their own game. If your current group is OK with this person running a game I would have the person agree to a session capped (2 to 4) one shot that they will run for the group. Like dmtreat said it could go a lot of different ways from there, and if people like it a one off one on each week could be a great way to ensure that no one running gets burnt out. I know that's how DM Mitch and DM Chris do their games.
TL;DR take it one step at a time, and the second you don't like what's happening, talk about it.
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Post by Mazzefr on Aug 26, 2017 22:57:44 GMT
I see this thread is a few months old but...
How about every few weeks or once a month have a "one off" fun campaign that stands alone in its own right. That way he whets his DM appetite, you get a break from DM'ing and any critique of his style can be handled without ruining the main campaign.
P.S. Just got back in playing 5E with my kids. Was a DM in AD&D back in the day.
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