what advice do you give someone who is trying to DM but got discouraged because he got told “you’re not Matt Mercer”? My husband is on the verge of handing over his dm position because of such criticism. That’s such an absurd thing to say, and honestly reflects more poorly on them than anyone. Every table and style of GMing is different, with different strengths that ultimately make their stories unique and special. I guarantee he does a number of things better than I!

— Matthew Mercer (@matthewmercer) September 13, 2018

Expectations at the table…expectations in life in general largely sets one up for disappointment, & in an unnecessary way. Be respectful and open, listen & engauge those who are willing to create and play with you, & you’ll find that unique joy with them even I can’t make!

— Matthew Mercer (@matthewmercer) September 13, 2018

What I’m trying to say is, in this case it’s less a fault of the DM and more the fault of the player. By that same standard, could you not retort “You’re no Sam Riegel”? Nope! Nor should you expect a player to be the same as another.

— Matthew Mercer (@matthewmercer) September 13, 2018

Ultimately, those expectations not only prevent you from engaging and being present in the game, they also prevent you from finding and connecting with the special spark that player brings to the table.

— Matthew Mercer (@matthewmercer) September 13, 2018

I like letting players hang themselves. Example:
* Buy spell components from Exalted Order of Arcane Peers at 10% above listed value, but guaranteed quality.
* But spell components at 50% off from Baldorf Half-Heart, but 10% chance they turn to dust, checked each time of casting.

— Mike Mearls, but Spooky (@mikemearls) October 21, 2018

Dusting ruins the casting of the spell, and if required use of a spell slot it is expended without effect.

— Mike Mearls, but Spooky (@mikemearls) October 21, 2018

As a DM, I love this kind of thing because the players know what they are getting into, it offers a meaningful choice, and you know that players will take that 50% off every single time.

— Mike Mearls, but Spooky (@mikemearls) October 21, 2018

Are they aware of the side effect, or is it presented as a “sketchy deal that’s being pushed hard”?Yes, I’d tell them the risk assuming a character was a caster or proficient with Arcana

— Mike Mearls, but Spooky (@mikemearls) October 21, 2018

Question: When I DM I generally don’t have players upkeep expendables (aka spell components, arrows, etc) because to me, it makes the game feel more meh to me in a way. Your opinion? Am I allowing them to keep too much gold? Or any other thing you can think of. (1 year DMing btw) I typically don’t worry about it, unless it’s for expensive stuff worth tracking

— Mike Mearls, but Spooky (@mikemearls) October 21, 2018

Then the player who took the Charlatan background begins selling stuff from Baldorf claiming it’s from the Exalted Order, for 25% more than Baldorf. Begins making profit, tarnishes reputation of the Exalted Order, and then the Order starts being devalued. My kind of player!

— Mike Mearls, but Spooky (@mikemearls) October 21, 2018