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First Time Narrating
One of my players and best friends has wanted to run a game of d20 Mafia for sometime. After I picked up a copy of it at PhilCon I provided my friend with access to it, so he could learn the system in preparation. This has inspired me to write an article with some advice for him and other first time Narrators.
Don’t Worry. We know it’s your first time, and we’re going to be patient. More over, we know about the game you’re running, and we’re already interested. You’ve already won us over.
Don’t Skip A Beat. When I studied musical instruments, my instructors always told me to continue playing without pausing, hesitating, or reversing if I made a mistake. It might be glaringly obvious to me, but most likely, no one else. And no matter who noticed it, more people will notice it if anything is done to draw attention to it.
Ask For Help. There’s a good likelihood that your players have learned the rules to at least some degree, either from playing previously or simply studying them prior to the game. This is an excellent resource for you to take advantage of: Not only can you use them as a direct resource, but you can use their knowledge of the reference materials to find information quickly.
Don’t Over Reach. It’s your first game, and it’s the first time anyone else is playing your game. Keep it simple - your main goal should be to introduce yourself to the game and to running it, and your players into playing your game.
Take Feedback. At the end of the session, or even during, ask for some feedback. If you ask for some during the game, try to keep it quick so as not to disrupt the flow too much, unless a break is already being taken.
Accept the Feedback. There can be a tendency to second guess the feedback of players, and think that they may be praising the game simply so you won’t feel bad. While certainly people will be more patient with you the first time, they know it is in their interest to be honest. Accept the feedback.
Pat Yourself on the Back. Narrating for the first time is not only difficult, it’s scary. Regardless of any other level of success, simply getting through it is an accomplishment.
Any advice you’d like to share with anyone who’s running a game for the first time?
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I already wrote a bit something on Chatty DM’s blog, and am a bit too lazy to rewrite it. The gist is: Build a robust situation that won’t break whatever the dice or the players do.
Tommi Brander’s last blog post..The way I GM