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Navigating dn d drama: friend wants to dm, but should i?

DM Dilemma | Friend Group in Turmoil Over DnD Session Management

By

Kota Yamamoto

Apr 28, 2025, 11:06 AM

Edited By

David Brown

Snappy read

A person sits at a table with DnD dice and character sheets, looking excited yet nervous about being the Dungeon Master for a new group.
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A group of friends faces a challenging decision as they prepare to dive into Dungeons and Dragons. With 7 out of 9 interested, tensions rise when one member insists on taking control as Dungeon Master, leaving the rest uncertain.

Context Behind the Chaos

The excitement to play DnD has sparked interest among a close-knit group, but it's becoming apparent that not everyone is on the same page. The would-be DM lacks experience and a true understanding of the role.

Core Issues at Play

  1. Group Composition: Recruiting new players has sparked a fear of overcommitment. One concerned member stated, "Iโ€™m already kind of stressed and hoping when we really start a few will drop out."

  2. Experience Disparity: While multiple members claim interest, only one has some experience. This imbalance could impact game dynamics.

  3. Control Concerns: A controlling nature in the potential DM raises questions about group dynamics. "I want to be able to play it's like inviting people to go somewhere then asking them to drive," expressed a member.

"Communications is key. Just talk to them."

Scheduling Struggles

Scheduling has turned into a comedy of errors, with attempts being met with radio silence. One player lamented, "Itโ€™s like I just ask a bunch of monks."

Community Input

The online community is weighing in, providing suggestions for handling this tricky situation:

  • Some advise sending a clear message about commitment expectations.

  • Others propose splitting the group if interests diverge, facilitating separate campaigns to accommodate all.

"Split the group and have two separate games," noted one comment, suggesting an effective alternative.

Key Takeaways

  • โญ๏ธ 7 players is considered too many for effective gameplay.

  • ๐Ÿ—จ๏ธ "Just be honest with yourself" resonates strongly with feedback on group leadership dynamics.

  • ๐Ÿ•’ Experimenting with scheduling options is critical to group cohesion.

Balancing interests and expectations may prove vital in launching a successful campaign, sparking growth for all involved.