Yes, I was thinking the same exact thing. Every time he explained a New concept, the second my brain went "hmm how would that work", he was already starting to describe multiple scenarios /examples to help explain it and contextualize it. Extremely helpful
I've been DMing for over 30 years. This video encapsulates some of the best easy-to-follow advice any DM could hear for engaging players, encouraging lively table play, and memorable scenes. The Mystic Arts team rolled a crit on this one.
I've been DMing for over 30 years, and this video still teaches me how far I have yet to go in my storytelling. I may not agree with every word, but this is some of the clearest spot-on advice any DM could take...especially those of us who grew up under "so what do you want to do?" as a way to avoid railroading your players.
But players are also responsible for pushing the story forward. They shouldn't be passive objects for the GM to put into motion and ceaslessly push, like a heavy cart up a slope, ready to roll down and stop the moment pushing stops. Their characters should have internal motivations that make them do stuff even when not prompted. Imagine the GM has no scenario whatsoever and starts the session by saying "nothing is happening, what do you do?". If your answer is "I also do nothing" than you should really create another character.
@@robertchmielecki2580 It’s a very real, universal psychological situation that happens in coordinative groups. It’s called ‘paralysis by committee’, and it’s definitely a problem. --- People become too afraid of asserting themselves too heavily out of several factors: Fear of Mistakes: Concern about making a wrong decision that could negatively impact the group. Desire for Consensus: A strong need for group agreement, leading to over-discussion and hesitation. Aversion to Responsibility: Reluctance to take personal accountability for the consequences of a decision. Social Dynamics: Worry about disrupting group harmony or causing interpersonal tension. Overanalysis: Tendency to overthink options and focus on hypothetical outcomes rather than focusing on action in the time it is relevant Lack of Leadership: Absence of a clear leader or decision-maker to guide the group. Safety in Inaction: Preference for doing nothing as it feels less risky than making a potentially flawed choice. Diffusion of Responsibility: Expectation that someone else in the group will take the initiative. --- The way you pointed out (outright setting expectations) is unironically a good way to systematically deal with it from the get go, so long as one isn’t antagonizing them. You want to make the expectations clear and help them make a character that actually has motives and goals, but you can also encourage a culture of ‘considered but imperfect initiative’ One of those is the one in this video. Give good actionable context Beyond that, you have loads of options. You can have them connect the situation to what their character would do And normalize imperfect but rational decisions, You can rationalize them by verbally reinforcing it, but also by framing failures in such as opportunities for growth, story progression, or character development, so players don’t fear taking action. Similarly, you can demonstrate the negative impact of rash, unconsidered decisions in a way that is not very progressive, but still natural and fair. If you find yourself unable to push them to making decisions, then time constraints are great Also, reward initiative on the table too! Give inspiration, give narrative rewards, secret rewards, or other mechanical rewards for making thoughtful initiatives.
@@robertchmielecki2580 Yes, that's exactly what I thought as well. I think it depends on your approach to the game. This here is more like a 'point-and-click adventure in real life' kind of game, very close to a video game. Whereas I prefer the collaborative storytelling style, where everyone can join in filling the gaps of the story and no one really knows how things will turn out (following the Lazy Dungeon Master Guide). Because I would be more overwhelmed by always making up possible options with all their consequences beforehand or on the fly. But yeah, that requires players who actually want to play it that way. Both ways are valid ways to play though. :)
NPC behaviour (the game variety, not irl npcs) D&D requires players to think and behave like protagonists, but too many videogames have trained them to only do things when told specifically to do those things. Unfortunately if you don't have this problem; you are doomed to eventually become a forever DM.
There's lots of very good advice here but I also think it's important to emphasise that this isn't a one-way street, players have the ability (and I think, responsibility) to tee up the GM with questions for details. Like with the library example, a question like "are there any unique or strange looking books?" can take work off of the DMs shoulders to model every single detail, and at the same time signal the kinds of things you as a player are interested in. Players also have a stake in keeping the story going!
I think the same can be said about downtime. If players don’t have goals for their characters, curiosity about NPCs, etc. they’re going to rely on the DM to always give them something to do. Most importantly if they haven’t read the PHB they won’t know what they can do! The advice in the video is fantastic though when it comes to managing what’s actually in your control.
Definitely! I'm sure my players would have a ton of questions after just telling them they're in a library. I get what's in the video about giving options but one has to be careful for this list not to be limiting. The one thing that first hooked me to D&D was that contrary to the "choose your adventure" books, you don't have a choice between 3 actions, you can do whatever you want. I think it's mostly a question of pacing. If you want a detailed investigation of the library that'll take the next hour of game play until they find the important item among the shelves after learning a lot about a lot of stuff by examining many books or items, don't give much information and let the players work for it. If your library is just there for flavour and you just want them to get to the important item and move on, then highlight it right away.
Agree, but I think Dadi is teaching us that players will be more likely to engage if we follow his advice and give them things to engage with and choices to be made
How can I say this without sounding lame? I've been a GM for several years and watched hundreds if not thousands of TH-cam videos on being a GM. But this is the first video that's clicked with me about what I'm doing wrong with my descriptions. Well done! Well played and thank you
So many things I want to say, no particular order 1. I love the lighting, especially the rim and fill lights. 2. I enjoy the editing. Full stop, the editing is great. But here especially where it goes back and forth with playing, and then transitioning into explanation and examples. (Also the comedic bits are spot on) 3. I especially like how you speak. I don't feel like I am being hollered at or talked at in general, but being spoken to. You speak at a perfect speed. 4. Your organization of topics and content is stellar. And the clear way you explain things is great, and the fact you break more complex topics down into structured, digestible bits helps a lot. 5. Your writing is top notch. 6. Lastly, referencing the rendering a scene video, and how that is different, yet ties into the 'game' of exploration and encounters, was super insightful. Thanks for another wonderful video. I'll be watching this one again and again. It's also just in time for my session tonight! I'm going to try this out.
Completely agree. None of this information is necessarily ground breaking, but the pacing, presentation, and viewer engagement is providing a level of digestible and applicable information that I just haven't seen in this space. My new favorite youtube channel, D&D or otherwise.
One extra bit of advice for any GMs out there that read this: sometimes players *do* just need to put in the extra effort to interact. Don't just assume everything is your fault, have frank discussions with your players. A band-aid way around this is to call out specific players and ask what they do -- but it merely masks a greater problem that puts more pressure on you to "entertain" rather than just... play. With everyone. You're a player too, and this shouldn't be entirely on you to engage.
I'm so invested in a guy role-playing people role-playing while teaching people about role-playing. Awesome tips, great video, and keep up the good work!
I've been climbing this mountain for hours, my friend knows this and calls me, wanting to know where I am. I respond "Mystic Arts DM". He sheds a tear, knowing it's peak.
Re-enacting a moment from your sessions and then turning around on the same seat to face the viewer is actually a *_genius_* intro to a video about DnD. How on earth did you guys just start? You're already professionals at this.
This is perhaps the single best bit of advice for how to have a good campaign. DM's get started because they have an idea they want to share. But I've struggled with finding that balance of giving players too much or not enough info. This is such a good take. Players want to make decisions, but the DM is the lens through which they see into the game. If you don't tell them what's there, they can't make choices.
I have a post on this above, but in effect: That's incorrect. That's only the mentality if your players are reading a book written by you. If your campaign only has 2 interactable objects in the room you're not playing a TTRPG. If I tell you you're walking down a New York City street at high noon your mind has an image. Mine says there are people bustling too and fro, there are cars parked on the sides of the streets and cars driving past in both directions. There are stop lights and crosswalks. There are many tall bulidings lining each side of the street i'm walking on. There's probably an entrance to the subway system somewhere around. Likely there are homeless people on the sidewalks and street vendors hawking their wears. If someone starts taking shots at me from somewhere nearby I don't have to be told "you can run into a building or duck behind a car"...I have an image of what that city street looks like...if my character wants to find cover I should be asking the DM "are there any large cars nearby that are parked that I can get into cover under? What's the nearest open door I can duck through and what does it lead into? Did anyone on the street get hit? People are probably screaming and running with the gunshot, can I use the chaos to duck down an ally and get out of view of the main road? Your mind has an image of the thing I told you. If I say you walk into a library, you've probably been in one before, you know the kinds of objects you're going to find. If I say you enter a cathedral at 10:00 am on a Sunday you have an idea of what that is going to look like, sound like, who's going to be there. Players DO make decisions through the lens of the DM, but they SHOULD NOT...at least not alone. The DM's description of a thing should be only part of the setting. This is a SHARED story telling experience...the DM may have the final call as to what is there but the objects and scene as set in YOUR mind is just as important as the objects and scenes as set in the DMs.
Stumbled on this and was blown away quality of the video, how information was easy to follow and to the point. You two deserves a gold star with the like! Looking forward to see more videos!
Yesss! This is exactly how I think about presenting information to players - also kudos to you for highlighting the fact that not all players are just ill-intentioned and terrible 😂 I always think that's a WILD takeaway for what's probably a fringe case!
This is some of the best GMing advice I've heard. Knowing how to set the scene in a way that draws out questions from your players is one of the most fundamental GMing skills. It's so fundamental to the game that it's easily overlooked by both new and experienced GMs even though it's probably one of the most helpful ways to engage players at the table. Great video!
The timing of finding this video couldn't be better. My last session basically turned into a railroad because the player's wouldn't interact with the world. Most of the session was wasted by them having conversations about what to do next. I have felt terrible about the railroad and trying to figure out where it went south. THIS MAKES SO MUCH SENSE!!!! Thank you for the insight. Tonight's session will be a much different story...I mean the same story, just more clickable moments.
The channel Mystic Arts DM is the uncontested #1 Hidden Gem for DM tips and advise. Everything is always quickly to the point, easy to understand, and well thought out.
@@loxus6310 Dude is super new but has some great advice over the past month. Been gaming for 20+ years, DMing for about 5. Very solid advice for game runners.
Bro. I don't even run D&D games in my repertoire, but I can't stop watching your vids. The content is so applicable to any TTRPG system. High production value, well written, poignant information, and an epic GM voice to boot. Keep it up.
I'm a pretty confident GM and also love narrative design and dramaturgy in media. And I know almost everything what you are talking about. But you script structure! And examples! It's just brilliant. It's make my mind clear. And it's also good for taking notes. I totally will recommend your channel to all my english speaking friends. Very good job there! 👏
With the game loop described there is often enough difficulty to justify rolling for success. But in practice, players will always fail an essential role and bring things to an early halt. Similarly with the nested trees of options -- they'd better all be equally good options, because the players will forget all the branches not taken.
Watching your channel take off is not unbelievable. You're thoughtful, interesting and the videos are polished. I subbed after watching one video and was disappointed there are only eight others! I look forward to much more! Thank you!
As someone studying to DM for the first time - that first section set off my social anxiety hardcore haha! Very good video, nice to see a channel like yours being recommended :D
Great episode. Love you doing the comparison pieces. I have DM'd since 1979. You are a great resource. I am learning how to make my campaign better! Thank you.
Wtf. I feel a bit proud that I've stumbled upon this channel and I can witness its beginnings. Everything is thought out. I love the topics and the way of presenting them. Instant sub and I will eagerly await further content. Thanks Mystic Arts DM! Greetings from Poland :)
This is low-key maybe the most helpful dming video I've ever watched. Super clean point with really crisply presented, impactful examples. The little vignettes really hit. Thank you!
Found this video randomly. Started strong, so gave the video a like. MULTIPLE times during this video I felt the need to like the video again. Really well done and informative!
I've been playing D&D and other RPGs for almost 40 years now, and this is some of the best, easiest to digest, practical content around. It's like finding the Book of Exalted Deeds.
It's role-playing and a game at the same time! I love it! I'm also very glad you mentioned that if you pause and the players stay silent it's because you didn't tell them what to do. I think that's something every DM needs to know.
Fantastic video, and my favorite part is that you actually understand what "Exploration" in D&D is. So many videos about "how to fix Exploration" only talk about overland travel and just... no. That's not what the game is about. The fact that your examples are of dungeon rooms and individual clues immediately showed me "oh yeah, this guy gets it"
Indeed, it's a case of semantics. Exploration can mean travel (which is fine) but sometimes it means investigation, and even "all non-combat situations".
I actually had that situation on the latest session, where the PCs were finally coming towards the town. Only that I did assume they'd just walk straight in, so no point in pausing the description. As I proceed to describe the path leading into it, the farms they walk by, the masons and workers rebuilding the ruined wall - they interrupt me to ask the dwarven workers what happened here. And that's what's beautiful about this approach. I was prepared to just describe how they enter the town, pass a couple buildings on their way and end up on the town square from where they can have a good look around and notice the important buildings. And I could do so, if the players didn't know what to do - but I didn't have to, as they immediately started to roleplay once given enough detail.
Some of the best DM advice I had came from Ravenloft's core books (both 2nd and 3rd edition). I can proudly say it was the dividing line in my improvement, to the point where my players (most of whom are veteran DM's like me) said that one particular one-shot I ran for them was the best adventure they ever played. I also say it without vanity because they learned as well and we all DM'd better equally. This is why I appreciate videos like yours: these DMing tips and instructions are invaluable to tables all around.
I've been a DM for 2 years. I've been watching dozens & dozens of tips&tricks videos, campaigns & reading reddit, but this channel is the best one! Very easy to understand & these videos makes me feel more confident.
This is great advice and information. It took me many years to realize that "left or right corridor?" isn't a meaningful choice to players. But when each direction has something different (a smell, strange tracks, different lighting) suddenly you have given the players buy-in for whatever follows because they made a choice based on meaningful information. And this buy-in leads to immersion and roleplay. Win win!
This is 100% what GMs encounter, or at least what I encountered as a GM (and what I've seen several GMs do, as a player). I'm pretty sure I evolved my play style over time and made adjustments to the game I was managing, but I didn't really have a reason or a name for what I was doing, if that make sense - just me flailing in the dark. You've just clearly defined the issue I had and the remedy. Subtly and Succinctly. Well done.
This is exactly what happened in my last session when I described an alchemist's workbench and my player's wanted to brew something, rolling a nat 1 and making everything explode. But they tried interacting!
Me: (reads title of video) HA! JOKES ON YOU, I'M INTO THAT SHIT! I am a lore goblin. Gimme that lore. Set me loose in that library. My group has visited a library or bookstore in every major and medium settlement we've ever set foot in. From my perspective, all D&D campaigns are just long-form mystery/escape rooms, and I don't "win" unless I unravel every conspiracy about the BBEG and understand the downfall of the ancient civilization by the end of the campaign.
I just want to shout out how good your advice is for me. I'm running my first game for 5 players in 20 years. I used to DM a lot in my 20's, and recently got back into DnD, and the younger players I've been working with have been like you depicted. You made me realize that I am probably expecting activity that would be common from pre-digital players, that younger players may just not realize. I am redesigning the encounter I had planned out for our next session and I can already tell this will be a big difference and lead to a lot less frustration on my part and theirs. I've really enjoyed your channels and I hope you keep making videos, it's helping me bridge the age gap. They love playing, but my expectations of them are based on older ideas I need to get past.
Found this channel a week ago, and I love it. I have to pause every so often to write some of these tips out for later. Looking forward to more videos!
Two videos in and you've earned a subscribe. A lot of this advice can be found elsewhere on TH-cam or the internet, but I've rarely come across it so well delivered. Great pacing and tone throughout, and sound advice even as a refresher for more experienced DMs.
I'm glad you started this channel. I've been playing DnD for about 10 years now, and I'm getting back into the saddle as a DM soon. Building my world and everything, your video help me understand the game more than I thought I knew.
I wanted to build an exploration encounter, and did not catch on why my investigation encounters would fail, now I know and understand, thank you. Loved everything about the concept and format of the video !
This is also excellent advice for overall quest design. Having multiple points of interest is always good, multiple paths to take that you have vaguely planned to make it feel like they have a ton of options.
OK, now that was far and a way the best explanation of how to be great GM I have ever seen. So simple, and yet very game changing. You are so good at explaining/teaching how to do...whatever your subject. Keep 'em coming. I'm loving your videos🎉❤
This might be some of the best advice I've hear in a long while. Not only that but advice given in a way that easily draws from previous experiences of the listeners. 10/10, would roll investigation on that bookshelf again.
Immediate subscribe. This is probably the best dnd advice video I've ever seen. Specific, actionable advice that is genuinely helpful to DMs at all experience levels.
I’m trying myself as a DM for the last couple of months and the videos you make are really helpful, and I really appreciate your work here. Always happy to see your video notification pop-up.
I have watched a lot of dming videos and they really start to repeat eachother. Your videos offer a fresh and interesting perspective that are sure to inspire any DM to be better, keep up the great work guys!
I feel this video alone is going to revolutionize my games going forward, the thought of highlighting the "things" as quick descriptions before delving into a thing a bit more about what the thing is and does
The advice for making exploration fun is so appreciated. Feels like the DMG has oodles for character builds and combat but next to nothing for what is supposed to be a major pillar of play. IMMEDIATE sub from me.
I have been looking for a video like this for a long time. I needed more help with exporting a dungeon so that it is interesting for the players and just about every video that covers this topic is only about over land travel. I have one player who loves to examine everything (and that’s her favorite part of the game), but I need it to be more fun than “Roll a perception check.” If you roll good you find something. If not, you find little to nothing. I knew pretty much everything you covered, but not how it all correlated with each other. You did a great job of putting it all together for me and explaining it in way that made sense!
thank you for being ever so creative on your videos. I love that you put yourselves out there! I hope making these videos never become a chore for you. Please continue enjoying the process, your videos really reflect that.
Thank you for making this video. I'm a first time GM and the examples here actually help me understand the advice and envision how to apply it (unlike a lot of other really smart sounding videos). I can't believe I was going to try to DM without understanding the fundamentals discussed in this video.
This guy is a genius and in a few videos highlighted what i have been thinking i needed to change in my dming. Wtf... Please keep uploading, lifesaver content for me
Your anecdote about the mystery and going through all the rooms finding the nesting interactibles and clues gave me a brain blast on how to make my upcoming murder mystery campaign much better. Thank you very much, my fellow ADHDM.
This is awesome advice. I've been DMing for almost two years now, and that feeling at the table when everyone is silent for a few seconds and don't know what to do or say has happened to me soo many times. This video blew my mind... and will probably change how I approach room/scene descriptions for ever.
This is by far one of the best DM advice videos I’ve come across. The acted out and described examples were especially helpful. Thank you for putting this out into the world!
The examples and counterexamples really elevates this. I saw scenes from next session play out in my mind, and learned how to improve them! I disagree about the measure of a good game being when players start analyzing risk and reward, but maybe I didn't understand the claim?
This is a great video and I'm definitely saving it for reference when I actually start working on preparing that one shot I've been meaning to run as a pretty much first time DM
Seriously, one of the beast breakdowns of this I have seen in years. on point advise. Still, it highlights that exploration is said to be a pillar of the game but the rules do not reflect that. Your part towards the end "Your encounters should have games in them" is gold and deserving of a second, deeper analysis not only for exploration but roleplaying games in general. The whole "Role Playing Game " side discussion deserves its own video.
Oh man thanks so much, this channel just popped up from nowhere and it's just the best DnD content and advice I ever heard on the internet. I'm a pretty new dm and I have to say - most of your videos hit the problems I'm having spot on. Your voice is also really pleasant to listen to... Thanks again, you are a godsend man, love those videos, keep at it.
Wow, I came because the title seemed engaging to me, as a writer and DnDer, but I was wholly unprepared for how soothing and easy to listen to this man is. No annoying gimmicks, just a pleasant voice. Wonderful vocal cadence, well-woven words and fascinating content… Subscribe!
Absolutely slaying it. Appeared almost outta nowhere and giving great advice. And crucially not just the oft-repeated advice we’ve all heard, you’ve brought in some fresh takes too. (Not to mention solid production and presentation!)
I loved this video! Gave me a couple of ideas to improve upon myself, so I can only say you've gained a new subscriber and cheers from Mexico! Keep it awesome!
I am really enjoying that you use your same worldbuilding scenario through different videos (the screaming mass? mask?)-- it's helping to scaffold the advice you give. Thank you, I've been DMing for 5 years and you're revolutionising it for me!
This a great summary of the topic. I have felt these challenges in my games and came to similar situations. Now I have a better understanding as to why that works which is a huge help.
Oh wow well spotted! Yes, this is indeed the Mariana Trench set :) I backed the Dispel Dice kickstarter back in 2019, and the wait for them was agonizing. Now it's one of my favorite sets and I use it in the solo campaign Daði runs for me. - AB
haha I remember having to wait one year for mine to arrive. It was the first Kickstarter I ever backed so i got pretty anxious as well. Dispel just has that certain something, I hope I can get another set of them some time soon.
This is excellent content. Thanks for putting it out. Your stuff is very worth rewatching - this is, in fact, my second time watching it. I think I will rematch it again before my next session prep, along with your last video about "rendering." Watching them in tandem really feels like an excersize in effective GM descriptions
Having consumed many many videos/articles on similar topics (namely in defense of the Ranger class), this is probably one of if not the most effective and succinct explanation I've ever seen for how to properly utilize the "exploration pillar" as the GM to improve everyone's game, including your own. I'm the type of GM that's absolutely itching to drop exposition and descriptions about lore, locations, characters and items. But it cannot be understated that, as a player, there has to be something to DO accompanying those lore-drops/descriptions for one to care about it at all. The game has to be a game, not just talking at the players; it's easier said than done, and less obvious than it may appear. Fantastic advice, and excellently presented.
I love the quantity and quality of actual examples. This is more helpful than an hour talking on the subject.
Seconding this.
Yes, I was thinking the same exact thing. Every time he explained a New concept, the second my brain went "hmm how would that work", he was already starting to describe multiple scenarios /examples to help explain it and contextualize it. Extremely helpful
@@EyeMCreative agreed, good examples, very helpful
I've been DMing for over 30 years. This video encapsulates some of the best easy-to-follow advice any DM could hear for engaging players, encouraging lively table play, and memorable scenes. The Mystic Arts team rolled a crit on this one.
I've been DMing for over 30 years, and this video still teaches me how far I have yet to go in my storytelling. I may not agree with every word, but this is some of the clearest spot-on advice any DM could take...especially those of us who grew up under "so what do you want to do?" as a way to avoid railroading your players.
Those situations at the start of the video are too real 😭
We've all been there, it's so rough!
But players are also responsible for pushing the story forward. They shouldn't be passive objects for the GM to put into motion and ceaslessly push, like a heavy cart up a slope, ready to roll down and stop the moment pushing stops. Their characters should have internal motivations that make them do stuff even when not prompted.
Imagine the GM has no scenario whatsoever and starts the session by saying "nothing is happening, what do you do?". If your answer is "I also do nothing" than you should really create another character.
@@robertchmielecki2580
It’s a very real, universal psychological situation that happens in coordinative groups.
It’s called ‘paralysis by committee’, and it’s definitely a problem.
---
People become too afraid of asserting themselves too heavily out of several factors:
Fear of Mistakes: Concern about making a wrong decision that could negatively impact the group.
Desire for Consensus: A strong need for group agreement, leading to over-discussion and hesitation.
Aversion to Responsibility: Reluctance to take personal accountability for the consequences of a decision.
Social Dynamics: Worry about disrupting group harmony or causing interpersonal tension.
Overanalysis: Tendency to overthink options and focus on hypothetical outcomes rather than focusing on action in the time it is relevant
Lack of Leadership: Absence of a clear leader or decision-maker to guide the group.
Safety in Inaction: Preference for doing nothing as it feels less risky than making a potentially flawed choice.
Diffusion of Responsibility: Expectation that someone else in the group will take the initiative.
---
The way you pointed out (outright setting expectations) is unironically a good way to systematically deal with it from the get go, so long as one isn’t antagonizing them.
You want to make the expectations clear and help them make a character that actually has motives and goals, but you can also encourage a culture of ‘considered but imperfect initiative’
One of those is the one in this video. Give good actionable context
Beyond that, you have loads of options.
You can have them connect the situation to what their character would do
And normalize imperfect but rational decisions,
You can rationalize them by verbally reinforcing it, but also by framing failures in such as opportunities for growth, story progression, or character development, so players don’t fear taking action.
Similarly, you can demonstrate the negative impact of rash, unconsidered decisions in a way that is not very progressive, but still natural and fair.
If you find yourself unable to push them to making decisions, then time constraints are great
Also, reward initiative on the table too! Give inspiration, give narrative rewards, secret rewards, or other mechanical rewards for making thoughtful initiatives.
@@robertchmielecki2580 Yes, that's exactly what I thought as well. I think it depends on your approach to the game. This here is more like a 'point-and-click adventure in real life' kind of game, very close to a video game. Whereas I prefer the collaborative storytelling style, where everyone can join in filling the gaps of the story and no one really knows how things will turn out (following the Lazy Dungeon Master Guide). Because I would be more overwhelmed by always making up possible options with all their consequences beforehand or on the fly. But yeah, that requires players who actually want to play it that way. Both ways are valid ways to play though. :)
NPC behaviour (the game variety, not irl npcs)
D&D requires players to think and behave like protagonists, but too many videogames have trained them to only do things when told specifically to do those things.
Unfortunately if you don't have this problem; you are doomed to eventually become a forever DM.
I open youtube and and rolled natural 20, this video pops out of nowhere
hahaha
I'm half way through the video before I realized it was only uploaded 2 hours ago 😂
Literally used the “watch later” feature for the first time in I don’t know how long just so I can refer back to this again.
Critical success!
@@blackcasem4288 same!!
There's lots of very good advice here but I also think it's important to emphasise that this isn't a one-way street, players have the ability (and I think, responsibility) to tee up the GM with questions for details. Like with the library example, a question like "are there any unique or strange looking books?" can take work off of the DMs shoulders to model every single detail, and at the same time signal the kinds of things you as a player are interested in. Players also have a stake in keeping the story going!
I was thinking this too😎👍
I think the same can be said about downtime. If players don’t have goals for their characters, curiosity about NPCs, etc. they’re going to rely on the DM to always give them something to do. Most importantly if they haven’t read the PHB they won’t know what they can do! The advice in the video is fantastic though when it comes to managing what’s actually in your control.
Definitely! I'm sure my players would have a ton of questions after just telling them they're in a library. I get what's in the video about giving options but one has to be careful for this list not to be limiting. The one thing that first hooked me to D&D was that contrary to the "choose your adventure" books, you don't have a choice between 3 actions, you can do whatever you want. I think it's mostly a question of pacing. If you want a detailed investigation of the library that'll take the next hour of game play until they find the important item among the shelves after learning a lot about a lot of stuff by examining many books or items, don't give much information and let the players work for it. If your library is just there for flavour and you just want them to get to the important item and move on, then highlight it right away.
Agree, but I think Dadi is teaching us that players will be more likely to engage if we follow his advice and give them things to engage with and choices to be made
This. I am tired of hand holding my players. I expect them to do work. Ask me questions. But, they don't.
How can I say this without sounding lame? I've been a GM for several years and watched hundreds if not thousands of TH-cam videos on being a GM. But this is the first video that's clicked with me about what I'm doing wrong with my descriptions. Well done! Well played and thank you
Nothing lame about learning! Well, except maybe that phrase... - Daði
So many things I want to say, no particular order 1. I love the lighting, especially the rim and fill lights. 2. I enjoy the editing. Full stop, the editing is great. But here especially where it goes back and forth with playing, and then transitioning into explanation and examples. (Also the comedic bits are spot on) 3. I especially like how you speak. I don't feel like I am being hollered at or talked at in general, but being spoken to. You speak at a perfect speed. 4. Your organization of topics and content is stellar. And the clear way you explain things is great, and the fact you break more complex topics down into structured, digestible bits helps a lot. 5. Your writing is top notch. 6. Lastly, referencing the rendering a scene video, and how that is different, yet ties into the 'game' of exploration and encounters, was super insightful.
Thanks for another wonderful video. I'll be watching this one again and again. It's also just in time for my session tonight! I'm going to try this out.
100% what @processedsoy said. All of this.
🥹 Thanks!
Completely agree. None of this information is necessarily ground breaking, but the pacing, presentation, and viewer engagement is providing a level of digestible and applicable information that I just haven't seen in this space.
My new favorite youtube channel, D&D or otherwise.
I was legit unnerved by how too notch the channel was because I felt it was going to sell me things, but it’s legit just a great channel!
One extra bit of advice for any GMs out there that read this: sometimes players *do* just need to put in the extra effort to interact. Don't just assume everything is your fault, have frank discussions with your players. A band-aid way around this is to call out specific players and ask what they do -- but it merely masks a greater problem that puts more pressure on you to "entertain" rather than just... play. With everyone. You're a player too, and this shouldn't be entirely on you to engage.
I'm so invested in a guy role-playing people role-playing while teaching people about role-playing. Awesome tips, great video, and keep up the good work!
I've been climbing this mountain for hours, my friend knows this and calls me, wanting to know where I am. I respond "Mystic Arts DM". He sheds a tear, knowing it's peak.
Re-enacting a moment from your sessions and then turning around on the same seat to face the viewer is actually a *_genius_* intro to a video about DnD.
How on earth did you guys just start? You're already professionals at this.
Easily a new favorite DND channel. No memes, well spoken, paced, and edited. Solid gold.
This is perhaps the single best bit of advice for how to have a good campaign. DM's get started because they have an idea they want to share. But I've struggled with finding that balance of giving players too much or not enough info. This is such a good take. Players want to make decisions, but the DM is the lens through which they see into the game. If you don't tell them what's there, they can't make choices.
I have a post on this above, but in effect: That's incorrect. That's only the mentality if your players are reading a book written by you. If your campaign only has 2 interactable objects in the room you're not playing a TTRPG.
If I tell you you're walking down a New York City street at high noon your mind has an image. Mine says there are people bustling too and fro, there are cars parked on the sides of the streets and cars driving past in both directions. There are stop lights and crosswalks. There are many tall bulidings lining each side of the street i'm walking on. There's probably an entrance to the subway system somewhere around. Likely there are homeless people on the sidewalks and street vendors hawking their wears.
If someone starts taking shots at me from somewhere nearby I don't have to be told "you can run into a building or duck behind a car"...I have an image of what that city street looks like...if my character wants to find cover I should be asking the DM "are there any large cars nearby that are parked that I can get into cover under? What's the nearest open door I can duck through and what does it lead into? Did anyone on the street get hit? People are probably screaming and running with the gunshot, can I use the chaos to duck down an ally and get out of view of the main road?
Your mind has an image of the thing I told you. If I say you walk into a library, you've probably been in one before, you know the kinds of objects you're going to find. If I say you enter a cathedral at 10:00 am on a Sunday you have an idea of what that is going to look like, sound like, who's going to be there.
Players DO make decisions through the lens of the DM, but they SHOULD NOT...at least not alone. The DM's description of a thing should be only part of the setting. This is a SHARED story telling experience...the DM may have the final call as to what is there but the objects and scene as set in YOUR mind is just as important as the objects and scenes as set in the DMs.
Holy hell that awkward silence was the bane of my existence when I was starting out thank you for this video
Best channel since MCDM. Easily in par with each other in content and production. Love it
There's a big Matt Colville-shaped hole in our hearts. This is high praise. - AB
@@Mystic-Arts-DM Geez, the way you worded this made me think something had happened to Matt Colville!
No, we just miss his more frequent upload schedule, though he did JUST upload! It's a great video about the history of the game in the 70s! - Daði
I haven't played a lot of DnD, and only once as a DM. These videos seriously make me consider giving it another shot!
You can do it, it's not that hard! And it's fun!
Stumbled on this and was blown away quality of the video, how information was easy to follow and to the point.
You two deserves a gold star with the like! Looking forward to see more videos!
It’s amazing how quickly this became my favorite gaming channel.
Yesss! This is exactly how I think about presenting information to players - also kudos to you for highlighting the fact that not all players are just ill-intentioned and terrible 😂 I always think that's a WILD takeaway for what's probably a fringe case!
Hanlon's razor all the way! Ignorance is so often the root cause of miscommunication. - AB
This is some of the best GMing advice I've heard. Knowing how to set the scene in a way that draws out questions from your players is one of the most fundamental GMing skills. It's so fundamental to the game that it's easily overlooked by both new and experienced GMs even though it's probably one of the most helpful ways to engage players at the table. Great video!
The timing of finding this video couldn't be better. My last session basically turned into a railroad because the player's wouldn't interact with the world. Most of the session was wasted by them having conversations about what to do next. I have felt terrible about the railroad and trying to figure out where it went south. THIS MAKES SO MUCH SENSE!!!! Thank you for the insight. Tonight's session will be a much different story...I mean the same story, just more clickable moments.
Y'all are going hard on these videos. They are so well written and produced. Inevitably, this channel will blow up
The channel Mystic Arts DM is the uncontested #1 Hidden Gem for DM tips and advise. Everything is always quickly to the point, easy to understand, and well thought out.
@@loxus6310 Dude is super new but has some great advice over the past month. Been gaming for 20+ years, DMing for about 5. Very solid advice for game runners.
Bro. I don't even run D&D games in my repertoire, but I can't stop watching your vids. The content is so applicable to any TTRPG system. High production value, well written, poignant information, and an epic GM voice to boot. Keep it up.
I've been a DM for 6 years now. You're still teaching me something new today. Subscribed!
Honestly criminal this channel doesn’t have more subs. This is the quality content I’d expect from the biggest names of D&D TH-cam.
@@tylerdruskoff9689 this Channel has 9 videos and 10k subscribers - that is pretty damn impressive :)
I'm a pretty confident GM and also love narrative design and dramaturgy in media. And I know almost everything what you are talking about. But you script structure! And examples! It's just brilliant. It's make my mind clear. And it's also good for taking notes. I totally will recommend your channel to all my english speaking friends. Very good job there! 👏
With the game loop described there is often enough difficulty to justify rolling for success. But in practice, players will always fail an essential role and bring things to an early halt.
Similarly with the nested trees of options -- they'd better all be equally good options, because the players will forget all the branches not taken.
Watching your channel take off is not unbelievable.
You're thoughtful, interesting and the videos are polished.
I subbed after watching one video and was disappointed there are only eight others!
I look forward to much more! Thank you!
Wow, thank you! We'll keep makin' them!
@@Mystic-Arts-DM I have a question for you, can I email you?
Yep, we've got our email in the channel's About Me page.
@@Mystic-Arts-DM Thank you, I sent an email (that may have gone to your spam folder). My email address has the word "pitchfork" in it.
It's rare that I find a video like this to be genuinely helpful - kudos!
It’s rare to approach description in such a granular way. Superb advice!
As someone studying to DM for the first time - that first section set off my social anxiety hardcore haha! Very good video, nice to see a channel like yours being recommended :D
Great episode. Love you doing the comparison pieces. I have DM'd since 1979. You are a great resource. I am learning how to make my campaign better! Thank you.
Wtf. I feel a bit proud that I've stumbled upon this channel and I can witness its beginnings. Everything is thought out. I love the topics and the way of presenting them. Instant sub and I will eagerly await further content. Thanks Mystic Arts DM! Greetings from Poland :)
The awkward silence is so well captured. These are some excellent tips to brighten up my Monday!
This is low-key maybe the most helpful dming video I've ever watched. Super clean point with really crisply presented, impactful examples. The little vignettes really hit. Thank you!
Found this video randomly. Started strong, so gave the video a like. MULTIPLE times during this video I felt the need to like the video again. Really well done and informative!
Good advice. I would also add that time spent exploring often gets overlooked. I would urge folks to learn about dungeon turns.
I've been playing D&D and other RPGs for almost 40 years now, and this is some of the best, easiest to digest, practical content around. It's like finding the Book of Exalted Deeds.
The focus on focusing on making exploration and social encounter into a "game" was cool, thanks !
I am currently at 0:18s of video and I can already tell this is gonna be great. I'm a simple guy, I hear an amazing GM voice, I like it.
It's role-playing and a game at the same time! I love it!
I'm also very glad you mentioned that if you pause and the players stay silent it's because you didn't tell them what to do. I think that's something every DM needs to know.
it's insane. i literally never heard more vital, comprehensive gm advice
Fantastic video, and my favorite part is that you actually understand what "Exploration" in D&D is. So many videos about "how to fix Exploration" only talk about overland travel and just... no. That's not what the game is about. The fact that your examples are of dungeon rooms and individual clues immediately showed me "oh yeah, this guy gets it"
Indeed, it's a case of semantics. Exploration can mean travel (which is fine) but sometimes it means investigation, and even "all non-combat situations".
I actually had that situation on the latest session, where the PCs were finally coming towards the town. Only that I did assume they'd just walk straight in, so no point in pausing the description.
As I proceed to describe the path leading into it, the farms they walk by, the masons and workers rebuilding the ruined wall - they interrupt me to ask the dwarven workers what happened here.
And that's what's beautiful about this approach. I was prepared to just describe how they enter the town, pass a couple buildings on their way and end up on the town square from where they can have a good look around and notice the important buildings. And I could do so, if the players didn't know what to do - but I didn't have to, as they immediately started to roleplay once given enough detail.
Some of the best DM advice I had came from Ravenloft's core books (both 2nd and 3rd edition). I can proudly say it was the dividing line in my improvement, to the point where my players (most of whom are veteran DM's like me) said that one particular one-shot I ran for them was the best adventure they ever played. I also say it without vanity because they learned as well and we all DM'd better equally. This is why I appreciate videos like yours: these DMing tips and instructions are invaluable to tables all around.
I've been a DM for 2 years. I've been watching dozens & dozens of tips&tricks videos, campaigns & reading reddit, but this channel is the best one! Very easy to understand & these videos makes me feel more confident.
This is great advice and information. It took me many years to realize that "left or right corridor?" isn't a meaningful choice to players. But when each direction has something different (a smell, strange tracks, different lighting) suddenly you have given the players buy-in for whatever follows because they made a choice based on meaningful information.
And this buy-in leads to immersion and roleplay. Win win!
This is 100% what GMs encounter, or at least what I encountered as a GM (and what I've seen several GMs do, as a player). I'm pretty sure I evolved my play style over time and made adjustments to the game I was managing, but I didn't really have a reason or a name for what I was doing, if that make sense - just me flailing in the dark. You've just clearly defined the issue I had and the remedy. Subtly and Succinctly. Well done.
This is exactly what happened in my last session when I described an alchemist's workbench and my player's wanted to brew something, rolling a nat 1 and making everything explode. But they tried interacting!
Me: (reads title of video) HA! JOKES ON YOU, I'M INTO THAT SHIT!
I am a lore goblin. Gimme that lore. Set me loose in that library. My group has visited a library or bookstore in every major and medium settlement we've ever set foot in. From my perspective, all D&D campaigns are just long-form mystery/escape rooms, and I don't "win" unless I unravel every conspiracy about the BBEG and understand the downfall of the ancient civilization by the end of the campaign.
I just want to shout out how good your advice is for me. I'm running my first game for 5 players in 20 years. I used to DM a lot in my 20's, and recently got back into DnD, and the younger players I've been working with have been like you depicted.
You made me realize that I am probably expecting activity that would be common from pre-digital players, that younger players may just not realize.
I am redesigning the encounter I had planned out for our next session and I can already tell this will be a big difference and lead to a lot less frustration on my part and theirs.
I've really enjoyed your channels and I hope you keep making videos, it's helping me bridge the age gap. They love playing, but my expectations of them are based on older ideas I need to get past.
Found this channel a week ago, and I love it. I have to pause every so often to write some of these tips out for later. Looking forward to more videos!
Agreed, I subbed so fast when I found this channel and have saved several videos so I can go back and take notes for later.
Two videos in and you've earned a subscribe. A lot of this advice can be found elsewhere on TH-cam or the internet, but I've rarely come across it so well delivered. Great pacing and tone throughout, and sound advice even as a refresher for more experienced DMs.
as a DM of a table of players who always just wait for me to tell them exactly what to do, this is really good advice. thank you
I'm glad you started this channel. I've been playing DnD for about 10 years now, and I'm getting back into the saddle as a DM soon. Building my world and everything, your video help me understand the game more than I thought I knew.
I wanted to build an exploration encounter, and did not catch on why my investigation encounters would fail, now I know and understand, thank you. Loved everything about the concept and format of the video !
I've been dming for nearly 3 years now, and this explanation is one I've never heard in such a concise way. It's appreciated man.
This is also excellent advice for overall quest design. Having multiple points of interest is always good, multiple paths to take that you have vaguely planned to make it feel like they have a ton of options.
OK, now that was far and a way the best explanation of how to be great GM I have ever seen. So simple, and yet very game changing. You are so good at explaining/teaching how to do...whatever your subject.
Keep 'em coming. I'm loving your videos🎉❤
This might be some of the best advice I've hear in a long while. Not only that but advice given in a way that easily draws from previous experiences of the listeners. 10/10, would roll investigation on that bookshelf again.
Immediate subscribe. This is probably the best dnd advice video I've ever seen. Specific, actionable advice that is genuinely helpful to DMs at all experience levels.
I’m trying myself as a DM for the last couple of months and the videos you make are really helpful, and I really appreciate your work here. Always happy to see your video notification pop-up.
I have watched a lot of dming videos and they really start to repeat eachother. Your videos offer a fresh and interesting perspective that are sure to inspire any DM to be better, keep up the great work guys!
I feel this video alone is going to revolutionize my games going forward, the thought of highlighting the "things" as quick descriptions before delving into a thing a bit more about what the thing is and does
The advice for making exploration fun is so appreciated. Feels like the DMG has oodles for character builds and combat but next to nothing for what is supposed to be a major pillar of play. IMMEDIATE sub from me.
Quality advice that not only makes sense but is actually actionable at the table.
This is the best DM advice I've ever gotten, laid out in the most helpful way I've ever seen. Amazing work!
I like the side cuts to your collection. It's a bit of, "I have that! I have that! Oooo, what's that?"
I have been looking for a video like this for a long time. I needed more help with exporting a dungeon so that it is interesting for the players and just about every video that covers this topic is only about over land travel. I have one player who loves to examine everything (and that’s her favorite part of the game), but I need it to be more fun than “Roll a perception check.” If you roll good you find something. If not, you find little to nothing.
I knew pretty much everything you covered, but not how it all correlated with each other. You did a great job of putting it all together for me and explaining it in way that made sense!
I can't wait to brag in about a year that I was here since the begining!
We can't wait for you to make that brag either!
thank you for being ever so creative on your videos. I love that you put yourselves out there! I hope making these videos never become a chore for you. Please continue enjoying the process, your videos really reflect that.
Thank you so much!!
Thank you for making this video. I'm a first time GM and the examples here actually help me understand the advice and envision how to apply it (unlike a lot of other really smart sounding videos). I can't believe I was going to try to DM without understanding the fundamentals discussed in this video.
Brand new GM here, and your channel is exactly the guidance and inspiration I need!
these are some of the best tips! I learned these over years of years of practice. New DMs who stumble upon this videos can call themselves lucky!
This guy is a genius and in a few videos highlighted what i have been thinking i needed to change in my dming. Wtf... Please keep uploading, lifesaver content for me
Loving the addition of the short sections of gameplay!
I'm a little wary of being on camera but Daði edited those parts really well, and it seems like you guys find it helpful too :) - AB
Your anecdote about the mystery and going through all the rooms finding the nesting interactibles and clues gave me a brain blast on how to make my upcoming murder mystery campaign much better. Thank you very much, my fellow ADHDM.
This is awesome advice. I've been DMing for almost two years now, and that feeling at the table when everyone is silent for a few seconds and don't know what to do or say has happened to me soo many times. This video blew my mind... and will probably change how I approach room/scene descriptions for ever.
This is by far one of the best DM advice videos I’ve come across. The acted out and described examples were especially helpful. Thank you for putting this out into the world!
This was really helpful for me. I'll have to keep this in mind for downtime in particular
The examples and counterexamples really elevates this. I saw scenes from next session play out in my mind, and learned how to improve them!
I disagree about the measure of a good game being when players start analyzing risk and reward, but maybe I didn't understand the claim?
This is a great video and I'm definitely saving it for reference when I actually start working on preparing that one shot I've been meaning to run as a pretty much first time DM
Get started on that sucker, best way to get better is to start!
This is such vital content, thanks for this kind of guidance - your mix of skills director, writer and GM is what makes this 'take' so hot!
Fantastic video! I love finding new, up-and-coming channels like this with fresh takes!
The best advices ever about exploring. You've just nailed it in so practical way. Thank you.
Seriously, one of the beast breakdowns of this I have seen in years. on point advise. Still, it highlights that exploration is said to be a pillar of the game but the rules do not reflect that. Your part towards the end "Your encounters should have games in them" is gold and deserving of a second, deeper analysis not only for exploration but roleplaying games in general. The whole "Role Playing Game " side discussion deserves its own video.
Great video with actually useful, straightforward advices. Can't wait for the next one.
Oh man thanks so much, this channel just popped up from nowhere and it's just the best DnD content and advice I ever heard on the internet.
I'm a pretty new dm and I have to say - most of your videos hit the problems I'm having spot on. Your voice is also really pleasant to listen to...
Thanks again, you are a godsend man, love those videos, keep at it.
Wow, I came because the title seemed engaging to me, as a writer and DnDer, but I was wholly unprepared for how soothing and easy to listen to this man is. No annoying gimmicks, just a pleasant voice. Wonderful vocal cadence, well-woven words and fascinating content… Subscribe!
Welcome aboard!
Absolutely slaying it. Appeared almost outta nowhere and giving great advice. And crucially not just the oft-repeated advice we’ve all heard, you’ve brought in some fresh takes too. (Not to mention solid production and presentation!)
I loved this video! Gave me a couple of ideas to improve upon myself, so I can only say you've gained a new subscriber and cheers from Mexico! Keep it awesome!
Your videos are pieces of art! Don’t be so surprised that your channel is doing so well!!
I am really enjoying that you use your same worldbuilding scenario through different videos (the screaming mass? mask?)-- it's helping to scaffold the advice you give. Thank you, I've been DMing for 5 years and you're revolutionising it for me!
This a great summary of the topic. I have felt these challenges in my games and came to similar situations. Now I have a better understanding as to why that works which is a huge help.
4:31 hey is that the Mariannas Trench dice Set from DispelDice? I have that one too! Very good taste 👀
Oh wow well spotted! Yes, this is indeed the Mariana Trench set :) I backed the Dispel Dice kickstarter back in 2019, and the wait for them was agonizing. Now it's one of my favorite sets and I use it in the solo campaign Daði runs for me. - AB
haha I remember having to wait one year for mine to arrive. It was the first Kickstarter I ever backed so i got pretty anxious as well. Dispel just has that certain something, I hope I can get another set of them some time soon.
This is excellent content. Thanks for putting it out. Your stuff is very worth rewatching - this is, in fact, my second time watching it. I think I will rematch it again before my next session prep, along with your last video about "rendering." Watching them in tandem really feels like an excersize in effective GM descriptions
This is a treasure trove of outstanding advice and methods to great game mastering. Many thanks!
This is a good one. Some good examples, and some good tactics to drive engagement. Nice!
Having consumed many many videos/articles on similar topics (namely in defense of the Ranger class), this is probably one of if not the most effective and succinct explanation I've ever seen for how to properly utilize the "exploration pillar" as the GM to improve everyone's game, including your own. I'm the type of GM that's absolutely itching to drop exposition and descriptions about lore, locations, characters and items. But it cannot be understated that, as a player, there has to be something to DO accompanying those lore-drops/descriptions for one to care about it at all. The game has to be a game, not just talking at the players; it's easier said than done, and less obvious than it may appear. Fantastic advice, and excellently presented.