I have a 1-shot that I’m hosting. I have only had one other session so basically new GM. I have a one of my players expects me to know everything. Said player was a former GM of mine. What should I do so that my “ignorance” does not pause the game Welcome to the DM fold!
As to your question, I would respectfully remind the experienced player that every DM starts somewhere, and to not hold you to any standard and instead just have fun. This is your game, and what happens goes. 😉
— Matthew Mercer (@matthewmercer) December 12, 2018
Then keep in mind that the rules don’t drive the game, they just provide occasional structure. Your story is what makes the game. The collaboration between DM and players telling a tale. You make the calls, and that player needs to respect those calls.
— Matthew Mercer (@matthewmercer) December 12, 2018
If you feel any nervousness about making a call or decision based on a moment, challenge, or outcome, just go with your gut! The DM’s position is making judgment calls based on the logic of the moment + the dice rolls + the players’ ingenuity. Always try to err on the side of fun
— Matthew Mercer (@matthewmercer) December 12, 2018
And if you’re reading this, please don’t take this the wrong way like everyone else does. It’s DM for Dungeon Master in Dungeons & Dragons games. GM is used in Pathfinder and other tabletop roleplaying games. Some games use the term Storyteller, Narrator, and other such titles, but D&D’s specific term is Dungeon Master.