A term, created for the Dungeons & Dragons
game, that describes the
player who fulfills two important functions during a roleplaying
game: referee and storyteller.
As the rules for Dungeons & Dragons are vast and complex, it's the
job of the Dungeon Master to facilitate gameplay and to determine the outcome of contested events by deciding how to interpret a given rule or dice roll.
It's also the
job of a Dungeon Master to provide the setting for the players' fictional characters, create goals for the characters to accomplish, and to fill any supporting roles needed for the adventure (kings, princes, dragons, innkeepers, barmaids, villains, etc.).
The ultimate goal of a Dungeon Master is provide a
fun and satisfying challenge for the players to overcome, through acting, exploration, puzzle-solving, and scenario-
based decision-making.
Girl "I'm shooting!
Bang!
Bang! I got you!"
Boy "No you didn't! What's the
DM say?"
Dungeon Master "The first shot went wide, but the second shot grazed your shoulder, causing a stinging wound."
Boy "I'm returning fire!
Bang!
Bang!"
Dungeon Master "With your wounded shoulder, you're having a difficult time focusing on your target, and each round fired causes pain to shoot through your arm. Both shots miss."
Girl "I'm taking cover behind this barrel and shooting again!
Bang!
Bang!"
Dungeon Master "The barrel provides excellent cover, and your aim is true. Both shots strike the leg. He's not going to be able to move particularly fast."
Girl "Yay!"
Boy "Darn! Wait! I notice that the barrel she's hiding behind says 'flammable!' "
Girl "Flammable? What's that mean?"
Dungeon Master "Indeed, the barrel is labeled as flammable. What do you do?"
Boy "I use the last of my energy to shoot the barrel she's hiding behind!"
Dungeon Master "Oh, my. Are you sure?"
Boy "Yes!
Bang!
Bang!"
Dungeon Master "Well, then..."
