DM first timer

[KurstDisciple]

Okay so here's the deal, I might try my hand at DMing. Now I've never done this before so I'd like to ask a couple things, and if I do run a game have patience with it.

First off what do you all want in a game of DnD, like ECL, Source Books, etc etc.

Secondly, what made your favorite DMs your favorites?

Third what type of gameplay do you like, basic dungeon spelunking, a long story with lots of twists, etc etc.

And lastly, what tone do you like for games? Humorous, Serious etc etc.

Thanks in advance for helping me out.

[razak]

Speaking DM to newbie DM kurst I believe its all in the group of players you have.

I personally like long adventures with twists, betrayels, red herrings, Evil villains- basically a chance to role-play.

I hate when it goes like this:
DM: You enter the room and see a large floating orb, with many eyes and-

Fighter:Oh shit, a beholder

Wizard: Let me get out my monster manuel to check its stats

It should be more like this:

DM: You enter a long room that seems to be the ancient resting place of the ancient Dwarven Kings. Crypts cover the walls and magical fire burns in encosned braziers on the walls. As you enter the door behind you slams shut and a booming voice echoes "FOOLS, you dare enter here- to my domain, your lives are forfeit!" Out of the Shadows a large many eyed orb comes into view and attacks!

Fighter:What new devilry is this?

Wizard: (Knowledge Dugeoneering Success) By Mystra its a Beholder!

This is just an example, DM's need a room to sound interesting, a player can only know what your chracter can know, and you certaintly shouldn't be able to pull out sourcebooks mid combat!

I like an adventure with many facets of adventuring (Example:Go to dungeon to pick up book, comes back and it turns out employer is evil cultist bent on destroying the world.)

I prefer serious games, though most games truly need a small bit of comic relief to lighten the situation, but only when appropriate (Goblins are always funny)

I'm my favorite DM... Well actually my Dad and this RPGA DM are tied for the honor.

[acclue lockheart]

1. that stuff is usually decided by the DM for whatever kind of game they want to run. It's your game, so you can run whatever

2. details, details, details. Also try not to railroad... like Razak

3. personally, I prefer long stories that involve dungeons at some point in them

4. people mostly like serious games, but I definitely wouldn't mind having a funny game :3

I think I remember that game with the evil cultist dude...

[KurstDisciple]

I know its up to me on books to allow and ECL and such, but for this one I'd like to have the players have input on that.

[rushfire]

well i want to use my lvl 12 but you know that already