I remember the first time I ever DM a role playing game with more than just my wife as the sole player. My first experience was at GEN Con 1989. I made the slight mistake of wanting to become a RPGA judge. The fact that I had very little experience didn't, at that time, matter to me.

I thought how hard could it be. I know the rules of a few games fairly well. I thought that the adventure I would be given would of been well thought out. However, the best laid plans of mice and men came to a real shock when I was selected to DM/judge a Gamma World 3 round event. I really felt as if I had put my foot into my mouth.

Well rather than admit defend I read the Gamma World material I had available. lt wasn't much and I had no real time to try out the game to see what I had gotten myself into. I awaited the scenario which showed up two days before I was scheduled to leave for Milwaukee.

I spent those two days, plus all the time on the plane trying to figure out what I was suppose to do. Regardless of how little time I had to prepare myself I knew I was bombing out after the first round.

After being humbled by this experience I vowed not to try this again until I felt comfortable with more than one person, and I knew which gaming system I was going to dm. It took me over five years in which to put my act together. I've watched other DMs at other conventions and tried to use some of their tricks. I learned how to make NPCs come alive. Learned that the "bad guys" can and will use all their tricks including escaping.

I learned, I watched and now I think I am a better DM for it. I occasionally use figures, or play by candle light and some music. I know now to at least throw some life into the NPCs, be as descriptive as possible, and be able to think on my feet instead of relying on rule books. After all the games are about role playing not rule playing.

By the way, I DM'd a Ravenloft event at Three Rivers Game Fest this year. The scenerio was rather weak and the PCs a bit too powerful for the game. However, I did read the reviews from my players about the DM, and their remarks did suprise me. Every player stated that I was an excellent DM even though the game was rather weak. Boy talk about a morale boost. After all, it only took me six years to rebuild my confidence and to learn.

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