How to Be a Dungeon Master

The term Dungeon Master (DM for short) was coined by Dungeons & Dragons© in the early 70s, but has now become a catch-all term for anyone who runs a role-playing game (RPG). Technically, the title DM applies to Dungeons and Dragons, whereas GM (Game Master) refers to the "DM" of an RPG other than Dungeons and Dragons. Being a Dungeon Master sounds easy; you control everything and just tell people what they can and can't do, right? Actually, that couldn't be further from the truth. You are charged with both creating the details and challenges of the adventure while maintaining a realistic continuity of events in your scenario. You must also have a good knowledge and understanding of the rules of the game. While a fair DM can make an enjoyable experience for everyone, a poor one can ruin any game. The following information is biased toward D&D, though it is more or less general enough to be applied to any RPG.